Curb Cravings with Glutamine

Second post of the day ...

Glutamine, one of the 20 amino acids our bodies use to make proteins, has been shown to be remarkably effective in suppressing both alcohol and sugar cravings (one and the same, many would agree). This is because when one's blood sugar dips, which causes the desire for more sugar/alcohol, Glutamine halts its further decline by suppressing insulin and, at the same time, stimulates the release of stored glucose (glycogen) to increase blood sugar levels.

Suggested intake varies, ranging from 2,000-15,000 mg a day, but it is always in divided doses. Apparently it's difficult to take too much, since glutamine is one of the body's most abundant amino acids. It's also recommended that glutamine be taken between meals to increase absorbtion.

Other benefits in connection with alcohol use include improved sleep and less anxiety.

Beyond this, glutamine has a host of other benefits, including improved mental function and a healthier gut. It can also help with weight loss, some claim, as it increases the rate at which fat turns to muscle when exercising. (Hence its longtime popularity with bodybuilders.)

Speaking of the gut, though, anecdotal evidence suggests that glutamine can also bring things to a screeching halt for those whose GI systems are already sluggish. To counter this, try supplemental magnesium. That, too, has a host of benefits.