Your Natural Alternatives -

AMINO ACIDS

Known as the building blocks of protein, Amino Acids are vital to our health. Proteins are essential to all living cells and make up the muscles, tendons, organs, ligaments, glands, hair, nails, body fluids, enzymes, hormones and bones of the human body. However, dietary protein is broken down into amino acids, which the body then utilizes to replenish its protein stores to build tissue.
There are Twenty-eight (28) known amino acids, some of which are "essential" because they cannot be produced or manufactured by the body. Non-essential Amino Acids are necessary for good health, however the body can normally manufacture them as needed. Here is the list of Amino Acids, broken down into Essential Amino Acids and Non-Essential Amino Acids:
ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS
Histidine - essential in the growth and repair of tissues; found in hemoglobin; used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers and anemia.
Isoleucine -promotes energy; needed for hemoglobin formation; regulates and stabilizes blood sugar. One of three branched chain amino acids. Energy enhancing, endurance fortifying and aids in healing - used by athletes.
Leucine - One of three branched chain amino acids. Works together with Isoleucine and Valine to protect muscle, promote healing of bone, skins and muscle tissue. Wonderful post-surgery supplement. Lowers elevated blood sugar levels.
Lysine - Necessary for proper growth; helps form collagen which comprises bone cartilage and connective tissues; aids in the production of hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Because it helps repair tissue, it is a good supplement for anyone recovering from surgery and injuries. Helpful in lowering triglycerides. Anti-aging factor.
Methionine - prevents fat build-up by assisting in the breakdown of fats; detoxifies the digestive system; powerful antioxidant; reduces histamine levels; helps women excrete estrogen; helps to detoxify the liver.
Phenylalanine - promotes alertness; reduces hunger pangs; improves memory; antidepressant; helps in controlling pain, particularly arthritis; used to help treat Parkinson's disease; alleviates PMS symptoms. Should not be taken by diabetics, anyone suffering from anxiety attacks, high blood pressure, PKU or melanoma.
Threonine - Anti-aging; helps form Elastin and Collagen; supports the immune system; produces antibodies; helps digestive and intestinal tract function; boosts metabolism.
Tryptophan - Used by the brain to produce Serotonin; a natural relaxer, helps alleviate insomnia; reduces anxiety and depression; helps treat migraine headaches
Valine - Anti-aging; has a stimulant effect; promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and calms emotions. Valine is one of the branched chain amino acids.

NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

Alanine - Supports the immune system and strengthens it by producing antibodies; aids in the metabolism of glucose; important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system; useful in weight control.
Arginine - A regenerative, it promotes growth hormone production; slows down the growth of tumors and cancer by supporting and enhancing the immune system; promotes improved immune system responses to bacteria, viruses and tumor cells; supports healing; used in the treatment of AIDS and immune system diseases. Has been found to be useful in treating sterility in men.
Asparagine - Maintains central nervous system balance.
Aspartic Acid - Improves fatigue, increases stamina and cellular energy. Used by athletes because it increases endurance. Aids in the excretion of harmful ammonia by absorbing them and removing them to the bloodstream.
Citrulline - promotes energy and stimulates the immune system.
Carnitine - Has a chemical structure similar to the Amino Acids, however, it is not truly an amino acid. It helps the body metabolize fatty acids to provide energy; promotes a healthy heart and lessens the risk of heart disease. Aids in weight loss, improves muscle strength and lowers blood triglyceride levels.
Cysteine - Anti-aging; anti-oxidant; powerful aid in protecting the body from radiation; deactivates free radicals; vital for the formation of skin and cell recovery particularly after surgery or cellular damage from burns. Hair and skin contain Cysteine.
Cystine - The N-Acetyl form of Cysteine; helps prevent chemotherapy side effects and radiation therapy side effects; increases glutathione levels in the lungs, kidneys, liver and bone marrow and has an anti-agining effect on the body. Reduces the accumulation of age spots.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - (GABA) Essential for brain metabolism - truly a "brain food." Assists Niacinamide and Inositol in preventing anxiety; works in the body much like a natural tranquilizer. Used to treat epilepsy, hypertension, Attention Deficit Disorder; and impotence.
Glutamic Acid - Essential to the metabolism of fats and sugars. Another "brain food" amino acid that helps in the treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, ulcers, hypoglycemia, diabetes and personality disorders.
Glutamine - Another "brain food", it helps build and maintain muscle; useful in weight loss and bodybuilding; used to treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, intestinal disorders, ulcers, connective tissues disease and tissue damage from radiation treatments, fatigue, impotence, schizophrenia and senility.
Glutathione - Similar to Carnitine in that it is not techinically an amino acid; however the body produces it from amino acids and works closely with cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Powerful antioxidant; necessary for carbohydrate metabolism; Anti-aging properties; breaks down oxidized fats.
Glycine - Necessary for the synthesis of bile acids, nucleic acids and other amino acids. Aids in the skin and tissue repair; important to central nervous system function; used to treat bi-polar disorders and hyperactivity.
Ornithine - Anti-aging properties; prompts the release of growth hormone; promotes metabolism of excess body fat; Excellent weight loss constituent along with arginine and carnitine.
Proline - Aids in the production of collagen and helps reduce the loss of collagen due to the aging process. Anti-aging properties; heals cartilage, strengthens joints and tendons; improves elasticity of and strengthens the heart muscle.
Serine - A natural moisturizer, it promotes healthy skin; helps the body metabolize fats and fatty acids; promotes muscle growth and supports the immune system.
Taurine - Useful to people who suffer from atherosclerosis, heart disorders, edema, hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Important to the heart muscle, white blood cells, musculo-skeletal system, and central nervous system. Has been used in the treatment of breast cancer, anxiety, poor brain function, epilepsy, and Down syndrome children.
Tyrosine - Acts as a mood elevator; appetite suppressant; produces melanin in the body so it enhances natural hair color; used as an anti-depressant and anxiety reliever.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescription medications. The information and statements contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any dis-ease.

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