What Are Essential Amino Acids?
Of the twenty amino acids, eleven can be produced by the human body. The other nine must be gained from nutritional sources (food or supplements), and are known as "Essential Amino Acids". Essential amino acids are necessary for the proper functioning of immune and endocrine systems, as well as digestion and proper processing of vitamins and minerals by the liver. Essential amino acids include:
1.) Histidine: Protects the body from radiation damage, lowers blood pressure, assists in tissue growth and repair, and is necessary for the production of red and white blood cells. Helps to maintain myelin sheaths, which protect nerve cells. Has been used in the natural treatment of allergies, arthritis, and ulcers.
2.) Isoleucine: Helps to repair muscle, bone, and skin tissue. Stabilizes blood sugar levels, which has a direct impact on energy. Required to produce hemoglobin.
3.) Leucine: Helps to repair muscle, bone, and skin tissue. Lowers blood sugar levels. Increases the production of growth hormone.
4.) Lysine: Helps to strengthen cartilage by assisting in collagen production. Fights herpes/cold sores by producing antibodies. Promotes the absorbtion of calcium to strengthen bones. Promotes adequate nitrogen balance.
5.) Methionine: An antioxidant known for its ability to eliminate the toxicity of heavy metals. Strengthens skin, hair, and nails. Helps to break down fats, thus improving blood flow to critical organs (heart, brain, kidneys). Reduces histamine levels. Has been used in the natural treatment of schizophrenia.
6.) Phenylalanine: Helps to transmit signals between nerves cells in the brain (by producing norepinephrine). Promotes awareness, heightened mood, memory, alertness, and the ability to absorb information. Has been used in the natural treatment of depression, chronic migraines, schizophrenia, Parkinson's Disease, arthritis, and ADD/ADHD.
7.) Threonine: Critical for the maintenance of proper protein balance and the formation of elastin - a protein that allows tissues in the body to return to original shape after stretching or contracting (important for proper function of the lungs, aorta, and bladder). Prevents fat from building up in the liver and supports healthy metabolism.
8.) Tryptophan: Helps to reduce anxiety and depression by promoting a relaxed mood. Helps to reduce appetite and release higher levels of growth hormone. Assists in proper immune system function. Has been used in the natural treatment of insomnia, ADD/ADHD, and chronic migraines.
9.) Valine: Required for tissue and muscle repair. Used for energy by muscle tissue. Can have a calming effect. Has been used in the natural treatment of gallbladder disease, liver disease, and anxiety.
What Are Non-Essential Amino Acids?
1.) Alanine: Provides energy by assisting in glucose metabolism. Helps to produce antibodies, thereby boosting the immune system. Protects muscle tissue from toxic compunds that can be released when muscle protein is unexpectedly called upon to provide reserve energy during times of muscular stress.
2.) Arginine: Boosts the immune system by increasing the productivity of T-cells in the thymus gland - which may inhibit the growth of tumors. Helps to reduce body fat while increasing muscle mass by releasing growth hormones that are required for the repair and growth of muscle tissue.
3.) Aspartic Acid: Helps fight aging and promote a youthful appearance by promoting cell repair and formation. Can increase endurance. Absorbs toxins from the bloodstream. Has been used in the natural treatment of depression and chronic fatigue.
4.) Cysteine: An antioxidant known for its ability to eliminate the toxicity of heavy metals and slow down the aging process. Protects the liver and brain from toxins. Helps to break down fats, thus improving blood flow to critical organs (heart, brain, kidneys). Has been used in the natural treatment of arthritis.
5.) Glutamic Acid: The most common stimulating neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Critical for fat and sugar metabolism. Has been shown to increase exercise tolerance and heart function. Has been used in the natural treatment of epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, personality disorders, and other mental disorders.
6.) Glutamine: The most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream. Critical for the removal of excess ammonia in the body. Vital for proper immune system function. Assists the healing process. Has been used in the natural treatment of senility, HIV, obesity, cancer, and schizophrenia.
7.) Glycine: Slows the degeneration of muscle tissue. Helps promote natural energy by improving glycogen storage, thereby releasing glucose. Boosts the immune system and decreases muscle spasms. Has been used in the natural treatment of anxiety, ulcers, schizophrenia, gout, insomnia, and hypoglycemia.
8.) Ornithine: Helps to build muscle by releasing growth hormones. Reduces body fat by assisting in the metabolism of fat in the bloodstream. Is more effective when combined with arginine and carnitine. Promotes a healthy immune system and liver.
9.) Proline: Great for skin because it helps to buid and maintain collagen. Strengthens connective tissues, tendons, and joints.
10.) Serine: Helps to build and maintain cells by assisting in RNA/DNA function. Vital in muscle growth and the metabolism of fats. Helps to maintain myelin sheaths, which protect nerve cells. Promotes a healthy immune system.
11.) Taurine: Critical for the digestion of fats. Helps the body take full advantage of many vital nutrients, including: calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Has been used in the natural treatment of epilepsy & seizures, anxiety, and hyperactivity.
12.) Tyrosine: Required for proper metabolic function. Helps to stimulate mood and heighten the awareness of the nervous system. Reduces body fat by promoting satiety. Has been used in the natural treatment of depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, headaches & migraines, and narcolepsy.
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