- Amino acids are protein building blocks and are utilized by all of the body’s cells to perform most important functions. Protein is actually a linear chain of amino acids connected together. The body breaks down the protein that is ingested into amino acids, which it then uses to build the specific proteins the body needs
- A shortage of amino acids can result in a laundry list of health related problems such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Candida, Thyroid disease and much more. Amino acid shortage has also been linked to depression and bi-polar disorder
- With the advent of supplements and vitamins there are now several ways to avoid amino acids deficiency
Shortage in amino acids in your system can be a cause for several health related issues. Since amino acids are necessary for every cell in your body to properly function not having enough can result in a wide scope of medical issues. Research has linked amino acid shortage to skin disorders such as rosacea and acne. Lack of mental focus, ADD, ADHD have also been linked to amino acid shortage. Reproductive problems, short stature and even baldness have been linked.
The role amino acids play in bodily health includes repairing muscles, organs, skin, nails, ligaments and glands and much more. Amino acids contribute to virtually every mental and physical operation within the human body. For example, Valine an essential amino acid transmits nerve impulses to the brain, helps with depression, elevates mood, memory, mental alertness, thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands, it also is responsible for skin pigment and hair color.
Methionine and phenylalanine help to prevent disorders of the hair, skin and nails, promotes lower levels of cholesterol, reduces bladder infections, helps suppress appetite, reduces hunger pains and keep you awake and alert.
There are twenty standard amino acids. Eight are know as essential amino acids and must be obtained from food sources. The liver produces the non-essential amino acids.
One easy way to make sure you’re getting all of the amino acids your body needs is to take an amino acid supplement. They come in form of pills, capsules, powders and drinks. Amino acid supplements are inexpensive and can be purchased in large quantities for fewer than ten dollars. With people’s busy schedules and strict dietary guidelines it is easy to be deficient in amino acids. Strict vegetarians and dieters often fall prey the easiest and would benefit from supplementation. Keeping a bottle of amino acid pills or capsules and taking them with meals is a sure fire way to avoid a shortage.
Consuming high quality protein supplements is also a way to avoid a shortage of amino acids and is beneficial for building lean muscle mass and weight loss. Whey protein is the richest known source of naturally occurring branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine). A quality whey protein supplement will have all of the essential amino acids in it. A quality tub of whey protein rich in amino acids can be purchased for as little as five dollars. With the advancement of science and the availability of amino acid and whey protein supplements everyone can make sure they get all the amino acids they need.
Tags: amino acids deficiency, protein building, shortage of amino acids