AMINO ACIDS
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Meaning, a singular protein molecule is composed of a chain of amino acids. Amino acids are vital for the body to function properly. There are 20 different types of amino acids. Out of these 20, 9 are essential, and 11 are nonessential. Essential amino acids are not synthesized by the body, therefore we must consume essential amino acids through our diet in foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. We can also get nonessential amino acids via our diet, however, these amino acids are naturally synthesized by the body.
What do amino acids do in the body?
Amino acids are important for many physiological functions such as:
Growing and repairing different types of tissue in the body
Important for healthy skin, hair, and nails
Building muscle - muscle tissue is composed primarily of the proteins actin and myosin
Making hormones
Making brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters
Boost your immune system
Can provide the body with a source of energy when needed (body primarily relies on carbs and fats for fuel, but in a time of need or when calories have been restricted, amino acids can step in as an energy substrate)
Why should I supplement with amino acids?
Supplementing with amino acids on top of what we get through food is beneficial for many reasons. To start, amino acids (especially leucine) have been shown to increase muscle protein synthesis post exercise. When you lift weights you are damaging your muscle fibers and eliciting a hormonal response. This is priming your muscle cells for the uptake of amino acids, therefore, supplementation can aid in the efficiency of protein synthesis. Another huge benefit of amino acid supplementation is that it improves recovery and reduces muscle soreness. Going back to our point of weight training causing damage to the muscle tissue, having amino acids readily available for uptake by the muscle cells post exercise will allow the muscles to recover faster. A faster recovery will also lead to reduced soreness that typically occurs a day or two after a strenuous training session!
Here at WhittleStrength, we offer only the best for our clients. We recommend only top quality supplements, and our go to amino acids are from Infinity Fitness:
Naturally Flavored with Stevia
100% MR naturally flavored is a Proprietary blend of high dose branched chain amino acids, L-Glutamine, L-Taurine, B Complex Vitamins and proprietary muscle-building accessory nutrients. Optimize your rate of neurological and muscle recovery to eliminate soreness while improving athletic performance. Scientifically accelerate body composition improvement in pursuit of your dream body goals.
Naturally Flavored with Stevia
Scientifically engineered Free Form Acid Proprietary Formula designed to saturate working muscles with their preferred fuel sources. Muscle Synthesis forces the body to use more stored fat as fuel during exercise as well as between meals.
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