L-Glutamine

[adamuk]

Hi All,

Im a new member and hope you can help.

L-Glutamine

Im confused. Dr.A says in the book to take 500mg-1000mg before every meal. I have L-G powder, where one teaspoon is a serving of 5grams. I have spoken to a nutritionist whom says that you can have upto 40grams or more L-G a day as lots of athletes/sports people do. If I took 5grams powder in water before every meal (which I havent been doing out of fear of over-doing-it) then I would probably reach 25-30grams daily. Dr.A suggests tablets of very small doseage (500mg-1000mg per tablets) indeed (which I have found from the solgar vitamin company) so which do I take? The nutritionist said stick with the powder as you're getting more for your 'buck'/'pound, but her knowledge of the atkins diet wasnt good.

Also I have read either in the book or via this forum that whenever you feel a binge or craving (as I think i did this night in question) that you should take L-G, again what would you suggest depending on the above? and how then should I take it (depending again on what you answer for the above).

Finally, L-G i was told to take on an empty stomach, ideally 30mins before food, as it is an amino-acid that would be absorbed better alone rather than competing with other amino-acids if taken with food, so how are you all taking yours and thus how should I for it to help me with this diet please, depending on whether its the powder or the tablets/capsules.

Thank you

Adam-UK

[carbless_in_seattle]

Re: L-Glutamine

this was already posted

[Kellen]

Re: L-Glutamine

I'm guessing CarblessinSeattle is hinting that using the 'search' feature will get you the answer. Guess I should use it too, because I was looking forward to seeing what some of the answers might be. I didn't try it on my last leg of the plan, and am re-doing induction after to much holiday cheer. This time the cravings are kicking me arse, and I could use some suppression Your question makes me wonder if there's any harm (or benefit) in taking a higher dose, and also makes me wonder if there's any additives in the powder (perhaps concealing hidden carbs) Sorry I'm not more help! Good Luck!


OHHHH... I see what C-i-S meant... you DID post a number of repeated questions.... and now I'm reading Sherri's response in the other post.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: L-Glutamine

When in doubt, go to the next best source of information. That would be Jonny Bowden, M.A., CNS. He has the credentials and is an expert on low carb.

Here's what he says: Glutamine is your secret weapon against carb cravings. I use it all the time with my clients--I have them combine a couple of grams of the powder with a little heavy cream and xylitol (a healthy sugar alcohol) for sweetener. This has the remarkable ability to curb the urge for something sweet.

Glutamine's usefulness as a craving buster was first discovered when it was shown that about 12 grams of glutamine curbed alcohol cravings. Its effect on sugar cravings was acknowledged by a research director at the National Institute of Health as far back as 1986.

He then goes on to explain how Atkins routinely used it to combat the compulsion to eat sugar. ...

He then says: Glutamine, also known as L - glutamine, comes in capsules or powders, but I prefer the powder for its versatility and fast acting ability.

1,000 mg equals 1 gram. L-glutamine can become toxic if you take too much over a long period. How much is too much? It doesn't appear that 12 grams is toxic, or they wouldn't have published the trial as a success. You will have to decide after doing research. Bowden tells his clients to use a "couple of grams" of the powder, so I wouldn't think 5 grams would be toxic. You could consider taking a half teaspoon to be safe.

If you have liver or kidney problems, you should not take it at all.

Sunny!

[chauber]

Re: L-Glutamine

Where have you found it in powder form. I bought some tablets the other day but my vitamins stash is getting to be quite expensive. Also, does anyone have a suggestion for a low carb protein shake for my husband?

[Lollypop]

Re: L-Glutamine

I'm guessing CarblessinSeattle is hinting that using the 'search' feature will get you the answer. Guess I should use it too, because I was looking forward to seeing what some of the answers might be.

Hmm. I didn't even know I might be interestedin searching the topic. I think it's okay to repeat topics - there are always new people, and old people who tried something new and have something new to contribute.

[Mrs_S]

Re: L-Glutamine

not totally related..but i love jonny bowden..i recommend his book to anyone interested in a low carb lifestyle!!

[SunnySmile501]

Re: L-Glutamine

Hmm. I didn't even know I might be interestedin searching the topic. I think it's okay to repeat topics - there are always new people, and old people who tried something new and have something new to contribute.

She wasn't referring to the "search" feature. This same person had posted this question in another thread and some people were answering him there and some here. It gets confusing that way.

[7Miriam]

Re: L-Glutamine

I do not have any personal knowledge about vitamins and supplements. However, I had gone to two doctors before starting Atkins. The first specialized in the type of blood sugar overweight and related problems I had. He recommended Atkins and taking glutamine to reduce blood sugar problems. He said to take 1 teaspoon of gluatamine powder twice a day, one in the morning and once in the afternoon or before going to sleep, and that I should not eat for two-three hours before or after taking it because stomach acid will destroy it. I then asked my internist if he thought it was safe to take, and he said yes (though he had not heard of taking it for the reason it was recommended to me). Both of these doctors independently recommneded the same product to me. It is Glut-aloe-mine made by XYMOGEN. Both doctors also said the particular product you use can make a big difference because some are much more pure/work better than others.

When I first started Atkins I took the GLut-aloe-mine most days, and it really helped a lot. I took it most every day in the beginning. After a while on Atkins my hypoglycemia and other blood sugar problems have diminsihed and now are mostly gone. So I don't take it very often now. I kind of gradually went off it as the headaches were going away. But I still take it once and awhile if necessary. I guess I use it more to manage hypoglycemia headaches than sugar cravings. BUt maybe it's really the same thing as the bad hypoglycemia headahces used to lead to overeating foods with carbs.