This is how amino acids work
Amino acids are organic compounds and the smallest building blocks of proteins. They connect to one another to form chains, which defines what functions the proteins have in the body. They are very popular in fitness because certain compounds can stimulate both muscle building and fat burning. The so-called essential amino acids, which are helpful for this, must be supplied to the body through diet, as it cannot produce them itself. Relevant in this regard include: so-called BCAA (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-Vallin), L-arginine (improves blood circulation) and L-carnitine (to a certain extent increases fat burning and promotes the ability to regenerate). Certain foods contain a higher proportion of these amino acids and are therefore well suited for the daily menu. These include, for example, lentils, peanuts or chicken. The non-essential amino acid L-glutamine also plays an important role, especially in weight training. It occurs in high concentrations in the muscle cells and promotes protein formation. In connection with weight training, it causes the cells to enlarge and thus leads to increased and accelerated muscle growth.
In interaction with the muscles
It is well known that proteins act like fuel for the muscles. Since the amino acids are their constituents, they are of course indispensable for building muscle. You also support the work of our digestive enzymes. That means: Only then can the food and the nutrients it contain be properly utilized and the protein absorbed by the muscle mass. They only work if you do enough sport and are only to be used as a supplement in any case. The increased intake of amino acids alone does not lead to muscle building. Therefore, you shouldn't expect miracles from taking supplements and never use them as a substitute for a high-protein diet. As part of a balanced mixed diet, however, certain amino acids are ideal. If you want to support the strengthening of your muscles through these, you can expect an acceleration in muscle building, but you still have to be patient. Long-term success can be expected for this. The existing muscle fibers are thickened and new ones formed. During the training, the breakdown of muscles is contained and afterwards muscle building is promoted.
The best time to take
At certain times of the day, the body or the muscle is particularly receptive to amino acids. This includes, for example, the regeneration phase after training, in which approximately three times the usual amount can be absorbed. Taking it before training can also have a performance-enhancing effect and thus ultimately strengthen muscle building.
Check quality and dose correctly
As with all dietary supplements, it is important to check the quality of preparations with amino acids. They are available in powder, capsule or liquid form. Regardless of the dosage form, the increased fluid requirement must be observed, which must be covered over the day. The body can only utilize large amounts of protein to a limited extent and excretes them through the kidneys. Therefore, they have to be supplied with plenty of fluids to function properly. Attention: In addition to the undersupply, an overdose is also harmful. Excessive intake can impair the organ functions of the kidneys and liver. Above all, make the intake dependent on the extent to which you do weight training and what goals you are striving for in terms of muscle building. For the intake of products containing amino acids, both quality and quantity apply. Make sure that you get amino acids primarily through high quality foods.
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