AMINO ACIDS & WEIGHT LOSS

WHAT ARE AMINO ACIDS?

Amino acids are compounds that make up proteins in our bodies. There are 20 amino acids required for a healthy body to live, grow and thrive. They are required for all biological functions. In addition, they aid in healing and tissue repair. 11 of those amino acids we produce in our body on our own. These are called non-essential amino acids. They are non-essential because we make them in our body. The other nine amino acids we do not make in our body and must get them from our diet. They are called the essential amino acids. Some of the non-essential amino acids can be conditionally essential during high times of stress on the body. These include glycine and arginine. You have have higher requirements for these amino acids during pregnancy, serious injury and cancer; and although, your body makes them it may not produce enough so supplementation may be required.

WHAT ARE THE NINE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS AND THEIR FUNCTION?

1. histidine– aids in production of histamine (a neurotransmitter needed for the immune response), digestion, sexual function, circadian rhythms, also helps maintain the protective barrier around nerve cells.

2. isoleucine- muscle metabolism, immune function, hemoglobin production, regulate energy, highly concentrated in muscle tissue

3. leucine- growth hormone, muscle and tissue repair, bone repair, helps regulate blood sugar

4. lysine– production of hormones and energy, calcium absorption, enzyme production, aids in production of collagen and elastin

5. methionine– tissue growth, metabolism & detoxification, health & flexibility of skin, hair and nails, absorption of zinc & selenium (vital minerals for health)

6. phenylaline– converts to neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. aids in production of the other amino acids

7. threonine– helps with fat metabolism, immune function, skin & teeth (collagen & enamel production)

8. tryptophan– maintains nitrogen balance in body, helps make serotonin which is responsible for satiety signals, appetite, sleep and mood. Often associated with drowsiness (present in turkey)

9. valine– muscle growth, tissue regeneration, making energy (deficiency causes insomnia and decreased mental function)

WHERE DO I GET ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS?

All the essential amino acids are found in complete proteins. Complete proteins are foods that contain all the nine essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins contain some amino acids but not all of them in one source. They include whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts and vegetables. The best source of essential amino acids are animal proteins such as eggs, beef, poultry, fish, dairy products. Vegan and vegetarians can also get essential amino acids in complete proteins such soy products, tofu, and quinoa.

CAN AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION AID IN WEIGHT LOSS?

YES! The amino acid supplementation most commonly associated with weight loss are called branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). They are the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. They increase muscle growth, increase endurance and decrease post work out fatigue. This three effects of BCAAs lead to an increased metabolism, and increase calorie burn. Bigger muscles use more calories! This causes a calorie deficit which equals weight reduction. Another essential amino acid supplement responsible for weight loss is tryptophan which produces serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that sends the signal to the brain to let it know we are full and need to stop eating. This increases your feeling of satiety and decreases your appetite and leads to weight loss. The final essential amino acid supplement for weight reduction is histidine. Histidine regulates blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity which causes decreased blood sugar levels and weight reduction. In addition, it decreases inflammation which has been linked to weight gain. There is one non essential amino acid that can aid in weight reduction and it is glutamine. Glutamine actually helps the gut microorganisms. It decreases the bacteria in the gut responsible for weight gain. It also decreases insulin resistance making insulin work better and keep blood sugar levels down. This helps with weight reduction.

HOW CAN I TAKE AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION?

You can increase complete proteins in your diet such as animal proteins, soy, tofu, etc. Pure Health and Body offers a combination amino acid and vitamin self injection. In addition, we offer a oral suspension and capsule of BCAAs, vitamins and minerals. These supplements in combination with weight loss medications help not only aid in weight loss but also maximize your vitamin, mineral and amino acid intake. We want to lose weight in a healthy way and maintain optimal nutrition!