stock here: It’s complex but not really. One of my New Years resolution was to focus on getting 3 pro-biotics foods daily. So the title of this video is “juiced” and in the video, they do not emphasize or even mention that pro-biotics continues to be important. If you got the injections, though, be cautious, as Glutamine can fuel fast dividing cells, aka Cancer. See AI unpack below the video. They also talk about GABA deficiency, there is a GABA receptor, and I added an AI unpack at the far bottom.
Glutamine for Gut Health
Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a key role in maintaining and repairing the gut lining. It’s particularly beneficial for:
Healing the gut lining: Helps repair the intestinal epithelium and tight junctions, which is essential in conditions like leaky gut.
Fuel for enterocytes: Intestinal cells use glutamine as a primary energy source.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Modulates inflammation in the gut, which is useful for conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Safe Intake of Glutamine
For most people, dietary intake of glutamine from protein-rich foods (e.g., meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and some plant proteins) is sufficient for general gut health. Supplements are commonly used in higher doses for therapeutic purposes.
Recommended Doses
Dietary intake: Typically 3–6 grams per day from food sources.
Supplementation:
For gut health, doses of 5–10 grams per day are often used, sometimes split into multiple doses.
Short-term studies have safely used doses up to 20–30 grams per day in certain medical settings, such as critical illness or severe gastrointestinal issues.Potential Risks of Excessive Glutamine Intake
While glutamine is generally considered safe, excessive intake might have some downsides:
Metabolic imbalances: Extremely high doses may overwhelm metabolic pathways, leading to the production of byproducts like ammonia, which could be harmful.
Exacerbation of certain conditions:
People with liver or kidney disease may have trouble metabolizing excess glutamine, leading to toxicity.
In those with cancer, glutamine may theoretically fuel tumor growth because rapidly dividing cells (like cancer cells) often use glutamine as a fuel source.
Unknown long-term effects: Long-term, high-dose glutamine supplementation hasn't been studied extensively, so there is uncertainty about its safety over years of use.Signs of Excessive Intake
Gastrointestinal distress (bloating, diarrhea, or cramping)
Fatigue or brain fog (from ammonia buildup)
Risk of imbalanced amino acids, reducing the availability of other essential amino acids.General Recommendations
Stick to therapeutic doses: 5–10 grams per day is typically sufficient for gut health.
Consult a healthcare provider: If you have underlying conditions or are considering high-dose supplementation, seek medical advice.
Balance intake: Ensure you're getting glutamine naturally through a balanced diet and only supplement as necessary.Let me know if you’d like more information on specific conditions or how to incorporate glutamine effectively!
The Relationship Between Glutamine, Glutamate, and the GABA System
Glutamine, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are closely linked in the brain and body. They play critical roles in neurotransmission, energy metabolism, and maintaining the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Glutamine: The Precursor What is it?
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid found abundantly in the body.
It acts as a precursor to glutamate and, indirectly, to GABA.
Functions in the Brain:
Glutamine is transported into the brain across the blood-brain barrier.
Within neurons, glutamine is converted to glutamate via the enzyme glutaminase.
Role in the Gut-Brain Axis:
Glutamine supports gut health and may indirectly affect brain function through its impact on gut barrier integrity and inflammation. - Glutamate: The Main Excitatory Neurotransmitter What is it?
Glutamate is a critical neurotransmitter in the CNS, responsible for excitatory signaling.
It is synthesized from glutamine and can also be obtained from dietary proteins. Key Functions:
Excitatory Signaling: Glutamate activates NMDA, AMPA, and kainate receptors, which are involved in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.
Neurotransmitter Cycling: After glutamate is released into the synaptic cleft, it is taken up by astrocytes (glial cells) and converted back to glutamine in the glutamate-glutamine cycle. Risks of Dysregulation:
Excess Glutamate: Leads to excitotoxicity, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS.
Insufficient Glutamate: Impairs normal brain functions like cognition and sensory processing. - GABA: The Main Inhibitory Neurotransmitter What is it?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is derived from glutamate through the action of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD).
It balances excitatory signals by providing inhibitory control. Key Functions:
Inhibition: GABA reduces neuronal excitability, preventing overstimulation and maintaining CNS balance.
Receptor Types: GABA acts on two main types of receptors:
GABA-A receptors: Ion channels that mediate fast inhibitory signals.
GABA-B receptors: G-protein-coupled receptors that mediate slower inhibitory effects. Effects on Behavior:
GABA is crucial for regulating anxiety, mood, and sleep. Imbalances are linked to conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, and epilepsy.