Amino Acids - Why They Matter

If there's anything you recall from high school biology class, it's that amino acids are building blocks of life. They create the very proteins that, after water, make up most of our body weight. They're used to build proteins for enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and antibodies.

Our body has the ability to manufacture 11 of the 20 amino acids we need to function right. It's our responsibility to provide the remaining 9 essential amino acids the body cannot manufacture. 

Proper nutrition is about getting the right amount and the right balance of amino acids every day. The moment we fail to provide our body with one of the nine essential amino acids, our bodies tap into other sources - especially muscle tissue - to steal needed amino acids. Know your amino acids.

Unfortunately, most diets leave much to be desired. One disappointing aspect of the SAD (standard American diet) is how few foods are eaten. Now, that doesn't refer to the quantity of food. It's safe to say the SAD diet is far from lacking in calories. It is lacking in variety, though. Americans tend to eat too much of the same, few foods. This limits the variety and balance of amino acids included in diets.

Each food has a unique amino acid makeup. The less variety of foods, the less variety of amino acids. That sets one up for being prone to gaps in personal amino acid levels. 

How do we correct this issue? Our diets need to be adequate, balanced, and widely varied. A balanced amino acid supplement with a correct blend can help fill in the gaps. No supplement, however, will outwit a bad, narrow, unbalanced diet. Cold-processed whey protein shakes also provide a complete source of amino acids. 

Keeping the Wheels of Metabolism Spinning

Meeting our amino acid needs is not only about preventing deficiencies but also about achieving optimal levels for metabolic function and balance. What do amino acids have to do with metabolism, you ask?

Take leucine, for example. Leucine has two very important metabolic roles. It can enhance glycemic control since it's involved in insulin signaling. Leucine also plays an important role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. This is especially important during catabolic (protein breakdown) phases such as during an overnight fast while sleeping, intense exercise, or calorie restriction for weight loss. 

What do Amino Acids have to do With Weight Loss?

A lot. Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in your blood, fights high blood sugar, promotes muscle growth and athletic performance, and helps digestion. I'd say those are all pretty important to supporting weight loss. Carnitine, made from lysine and methionine helps oxidize, or burn, fat instead of storing it.

Remember, amino acids make up the proteins of neurotransmitters and hormones, such as appetite-suppressing hormones - that can control cravings and tell our brains we are full.

Often when people reduce calories to lose weight, they also lose their lean muscle mass. That's counterproductive considering lean body mass helps burn calories. Amino acids, especially leucine, can help spare your lean body mass during weight loss. This helps those losing weight to correct their body composition by reducing body fat and increasing lean tissue.

Lifestyle improvement coupled with gentle supplementation of free amino acids can help shed away those pesky pounds. The secret is to equip the body with all the tools it needs. This includes amino acids.