Amino acids play an essential role in almost every system in the body. Composed of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, your body needs 20 amino acids to properly function however, only 9 are considered essential. The “essential” amino acids are not produced naturally, so they must be obtained either through diet or supplements. The essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
Often referred to as the building blocks of protein, amino acids have a critical role in our daily function. You’re probably familiar with amino acids because they are in sports drinks and nutrition powders. Commonly known for their ability to repair and develop muscles, amino acids play a much larger role in the way our bodies perform on a daily basis, not just when we’re active or exercising.
During the month of April, Edge Weight Loss and Fatigue in Spring, TX is offering their 5 Aminos injection for free to current patients. This injection is a combination of 5 essential amino acids: histidine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, and methionine. These essential amino acids perform several vital roles in your body such as energy production, tissue growth, immune function, and nutrient absorption, as well as muscle development and repair.
Histidine – produces histamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for our immune response, sleep-wake cycles, digestion, sexual function, and provides a protective barrier around nerve cells. Histidine aids in memory and cognitive function.
Leucine – promotes protein biosynthesis and muscle repair. It also produces growth hormones, stimulates wound healing, and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Lysine – promotes protein synthesis, hormone and enzyme production, and calcium absorption. Lysine is also vital for collagen and elastin production, which promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails. Lysine has many benefits from preventing cold sores and promoting wound healing to reducing anxiety.
Phenylalanine – plays a vital role in the function and structure of proteins, enzymes, and the production of other amino acids. Phenylalanine is the forerunner for neurotransmitters tyrosine (for attention & focus), dopamine (for memory, motivation, and mood), epinephrine (for heart rate, muscle strength, respirations, & blood pressure), and norepinephrine (for heart rate & blood pressure). All of these are produced naturally in your body. Phenylalanine supports the ability to send signals between nerve cells (neurotransmitters).
Methionine – promotes proper metabolism and detoxification and is necessary for tissue growth. Methionine also supports the body’s ability to absorb zinc and selenium, two minerals that are essential to overall health.
Obviously, amino acids are essential to maintaining a healthy body and are vital to many processes and functions beyond muscle development and repair. Essential amino acids can improve sleep, alleviate fatigue, improve athletic performance, increase strength, and stimulate muscle recovery after exercise. Studies performed in older adults showed a reduced amount of muscle loss – especially after prolonged illness or bed rest. A deficiency in the essential amino acids can have a negative impact on the entire body including the nervous, immune, reproductive, and digestive systems.
Amino acids can be supplemented with a proper diet, and many foods are rich in these essential nutrients. Foods considered a complete source of protein are meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. A few plant-based foods high in essential amino acids are soy, quinoa, and buckwheat. Although many foods are high in amino acids and can supplement your diet sufficiently, for immediate absorption into the bloodstream, injections are the preferred delivery option.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our professionals about the benefits of amino acids or any other supplements we offer, feel free to give us a call at 832-789-4989 and schedule your consultation today!
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8064517/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/essential-amino-acids#benefits-of-supplements