If you’ve been following me for awhile, worked with me, read my book The Antianxiety Food Solution, or listened in on The Anxiety Summit, you’ll be aware that I use glutamine with clients to help with blood sugar control while we’re figuring out diet/breakfast/adrenal health and the carbohydrate/sugar cravings associated with low blood sugar. Opened on to the tongue or taken in powder form glutamine is super-effective for stopping that intense desire for something sweet if it’s related to low blood sugar.
Integrative psychiatrist Dr. Hyla Cass and Julia Ross, MA both recommend glutamine for addiction and carb cravings, as well as for blood sugar control. During a past Anxiety Summit, Dr. Cass shared how to break free of addictions. And Julia Ross, a pioneer in the use of individual amino acids talked about glutamine and other amino acids for eliminating anxiety.
My clients also find benefits as far as healing the leaky gut and glutamine is recommended by many respected integrative practitioners for this purpose: Dr. Josh Axe, Dr. Amy Myers, author of The Autoimmune Solution , and Dr. David Perlmutter, author Grain Brain during his interview with Dr Tom O’ Bryan on The Gluten Summit. Steven Wright also writes about leaky gut and glutamine on the SCD lifestyle blog, as does fermentationist Summer Bock.
With all these benefits, my clients love this amino acid!
Here is very encouraging feedback from one of the participants in the Amazing Aminos for Anxiety group program:
I started the glutamine trial low and slow. I have been taking 500mg three times a day AM AFT & BED for the past 4 days. I am celiac and have irritable bowel as well. The 2-3x a day diarrhea I have been experiencing has completely stopped! Blood sugar feels stable – not hungry and not craving. Psychologically, I’m feeling more resilient i.e., calmer and more positive on a daily basis. I am surprised that glutamine has helped so much 🙂 My gut is healing and my mental health has improved markedly through this trial.
She confirmed that adding the glutamine was the only change she made. She is already gluten-free and her diet doesn’t include any grains, legumes or lactose etc. She also avoids other foods to which she has had reactions.
I was so thrilled with these fabulous results and this was my feedback:
These are fabulous results – so happy for you! If you feel you could get added benefits i.e. if these symptoms (low blood sugar, hunger, craving, resilience) are not all 0s (with 10 being the worst on a scale of 1 to 10) then I’d consider bumping up the glutamine to 1000mg 3 x day to see if you get added benefits. If you don’t see added benefits then you can go back down.
It’s very common to get good results like this so I’d like to share another example. I met Nicole at the NTA conference and she shared how she suffers from low blood sugar issues:
I get irritable, I get shaky and I get to the point that if I don’t get food NOW I think I’m going to hurt something!
She did a trial of 500mg glutamine and in under 5 minutes she went from that frantic feeling to a very calm feeling:
I’m ok. I feel happy, I feel calm, I feel I can make it longer without needing food right away. I’m impressed at how well that worked for me.
You can read more about low blood sugar and watch Nicole’s video feedback here.
Of course there is research supporting the many benefits that glutamine has for gut health. Here are some excerpts from the abstract of a 2015 paper titled: Glutamine and intestinal barrier function.
glutamine has been reported to enhance intestinal and whole-body growth, to promote enterocyte proliferation and survival, and to regulate intestinal barrier function in injury, infection, weaning stress, and other catabolic conditions
glutamine stimulates growth of the small intestinal mucosa in young animals and also enhances ion transport by the gut in neonates and adults
as a functional amino acid with multiple key physiological roles, glutamine holds great promise in protecting the gut from atrophy and injury under various stress conditions in mammals and other animals.
And this 2015 paper titled: Oral supplementation with L-glutamine alters gut microbiota of obese and overweight adults found that adults supplemented with 30g of glutamine a day for just 14 days had a change in gut bacteria:
Oral supplementation with [glutamine], for a short time, altered the composition of the gut microbiota in overweight and obese humans reducing the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, which resembled weight loss programs already seen in the literature.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that was conducted in children aged two months to nine years from the urban shanty compound community of Fortaleza, Brazil, it was found that:
Glutamine and all combined nutrients (glutamine, vitamin A, and zinc) improved the intestinal barrier function in these children
When it comes to cravings, addiction and appetite we have this research supporting the use of glutamine:
- Glutamine and glutamatergic metabolism is a factor in cravings and alcohol dependence
- A combination of tyrosine, lecithin, glutamine and 5-HTP helped withdrawal syndromes and mental symptoms in detoxified heroin addicts
- Glutamine has been shown to decrease secretion of ghrelin, the hormone that impacts appetite regulation. High levels of ghrelin appear to make high-calorie foods look more appealing.
I do want to end by saying there are some possible concerns with cancer supplementation and be sure to check with your oncologist if you are currently undergoing treatment. I write about these concerns here – Glutamine supplementation: cancer concerns and benefits.
Have you successfully used glutamine for helping with low blood sugar control, reducing carb or other cravings/addictions, and healing your leaky gut?
As a newly diagnosed Type 1 (LADA), with GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) antibodies higher than the lab could measure, the use of glutamine would be unwise. Since so many type 2’s are likely mixed, encouraging the use of glutamine would also seem ignorant, at best. GAD is what converts glutamate to GABA and with antibodies destroying GAD, glutamate toxicity is already commonplace, without supplemental glutamine.
Hi Donna
Thanks for contributing to the discussion. For folks who may not know I’m just going to explain LADA: latent autoimmune diabetes of adults.
Many people do very well with glutamine and for those that need it and benefit from it, it’s truly a wonderful amino acid.
We are all biochemically unique and I recognize that some individuals do not need it and some so not do well on it. In this instance I would not encourage or recommend it’s use. If someone used it and had a bad reaction they would simply stop using it.
I’m curious if you have tried glutamine in the past and had a bad reaction to it? and what your reaction was?
I assume when you say type 2s you are referring to Type 2 Diabetes? There are actually a number of studies showing glutamine supplementation to be beneficial. Here is one” “We conclude that oral L-glutamine and whole protein are similarly effective in restoring first-phase insulin response in T2D [type 2 diabetes] patients.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25811109
Would l-glutamine be useful in lowering fasting blood glucose in Type 2 Diabetes? If so, how much and how often should it be taken?
Valerie
There are a number of studies showing glutamine supplementation to be beneficial in Type 2 diabetes. Here is one: “We conclude that oral L-glutamine and whole protein are similarly effective in restoring first-phase insulin response in T2D [type 2 diabetes] patients.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25811109. Together with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate and arginine, glutamine has been shown to help with wound healing in diabetic patients http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23311725
I have my clients do the amino acid questionnaire (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/) and do a trial. The starting dose is typically 500mg 3 x day in-between meals.
I also have them review the precautions https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acid-precautions/ and discuss amino acid use with their doctor if they are taking any medications.
Dear Trudy, I was fascinated by all of the great benefits of taking L-Glutamine. So of course I just had to purchase these & other supplements. Today I took 1 tablet of 500mg between meals & had no problem. However, in the late afternoon to keep my sugar up I took another tablet. Almost immediately I had an intense blood sugar attack (I was at work & it was not pleasant) and I had to quickly eat to bring my glucose up. Do you think that the L-Glutamine caused this reaction. I did read that one should not use glutamine if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or any other chronic disease without first consulting your health practitioner. Now I wonder if I’m doing myself more harm than good or if this was simply a coincidence. Of course I’d love to hear your ideas about this. I’ve bought 2 huge bottles of this supplement & hope I didn’t throw my money out the window. Thanks for all that you do and for your reply in advance. Mary
Mary
I’m not sure what you mean by “an intense blood sugar attack”? low blood sugar? Glutamine helps with low blood sugar so I’m not sure, unless it was for another reason. Are you prone to this?
How do you score on the low blood sugar questionnaire https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/, have you reviewed the precautions https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acid-precautions/ and what brand did you use? Remember that vitamin C 1000mg negates the effects of any amino acid
p.s. I forgot to mention that I am hypoglycemic
Mary
Hi Trudy,
To answer your questions. The majority of my symptoms on the questionnaire were high under GABA & Low Blood sugar. I am only prone to low blood sugar if I don’t eat regularly, eat too little or drink coffee. What I meant by an “intense blood sugar attack” is that almost immediately after taking the glutamine (I just started it) I had the typical LBSugar symptoms of the shakes, total loss of energy, sweats , all of which are only subdued by eating immediately.
I did not take any vitamin C and these are the ingredients in the Glutamine with is produced by “Fat2Fit Nutrition”
L – glutamine , microcrystalline cellulose E460 ( filler )
Caking agent: stearic acid E570 , E551 silica , magnesium stearate E572
I would appreciate if you could give me some insight into this because I surely don’t want to make my health problems worse only improve them. Thanking you in advance Trudy for your advice.
Mary
Mary
I’m not familiar with this company/product and this response is very unusual for 500mg glutamine. But anything is possible. It could be the product quality, something in the product (gluten etc), too much, the fact that it’s not needed or a true adverse reaction to glutamine. With a true adverse reaction I’d expect a MSG type reaction which is not what you describe
Hi Trudy, Thanks for your reply once more. Well I doubt that it’s from gluten (which isn’t in the product) because I eat bread, pasta, etc. and I don’t get any negative reaction from gluten. I recently had a blood work up done & it showed that I did not have any of those antibodies that show up in the lab when there is a gluten sensitivity, which I was thrilled about!
But what I will do is wait for a few weeks & will then be my own human guinea pig & try it out again & see if I get the same reaction again. I’ll keep you posted.
I enjoy reading your newsletters & words of wisdom.
Thank you.
Mary
Great article Trudy!Thanks for reminding us.
I can certify glutamine has helped me great deal in the past with blood sugar and also with repairing the gut. In fact it was several times i benefited from it.
In the same time I have to share my experience with it after antibiotics. I developed severe gut dysbiosis both SIBO and candida, and leaky gut. At that point glutamine has been like gas on fire for me. So my suggestion for some people with dysbiosis is use it with care.
But definitively a good supplement to use if some have leaky gut with microbes not feeding on glutamine.
Thanks again for your work, Trudy!
Dave
Thanks for sharing and glad to hear it’s helped with gut repair. I’m sorry to hear you had a problem after antibiotics. May I ask what you mean by “glutamine has been like gas on fire for me”?
Well, after antibiotics I tried to take glut-amine as before. But each time I took it (like 1/2 teaspoon) felt like fermenting lower right and left side then like a burning sensation lower abdomen and a feeling like having the flu + foggy brain. And that lasted for 2-3 hours dissepair step by step by drinking water and move. also got constipated after took it and felt inflammed/bigger prostate (or bladder).
what i have found till now is overgrowth candida, strep, clostridium. thanks
Thanks for sharing Dave – that is a lot of bad symptoms! I just saw a study that shared how one course of antibiotics can affect the gut for a full year.
Hey Trudy
I first heard you on Sean Croxton’s podcast, and loved hearing what you had to say!
I couldn’t wait to buy Tryptophan, which I did. I also bought Glutamine, as a last thought. (I didn’t own your book then, but from a little research decided it might help my Bad sugar cravings)… Anyway, I had a couple of sips of my husbands beer (i shouldn’t have, as I can’t have gluten and been avoiding it for 4 years – it was a hot day..) and even though I had it, I knew I’d pay for it later! But oddly enough, I realised the next day, that I never woke up with the dreadful pain that I have when I’ve eaten gluten. Yay!! But I couldn’t think why, then realised that maybe the glutamine has actually been helping my gut… And I’d only been on it for about 3 weeks! I used a New Zealand made brand called ‘Vitafit’ and I took 500mg once, sometimes twice a day.
At this point I’d really like to rave on about how much I enjoy your book and how much it has helped me and my family! I really enjoy hearing you talk, on any of the summits! And love reading your blog posts. You have such a nice way of speaking and talking with people. 🙂 so very glad I found you! 🙂 but I’ll stop now, sorry this is turning into a ‘novel’…
Deb
Thanks for your kind words 🙂 so glad you’re enjoying all this!
Good to hear about your glutamine gut healing success (it can heal pretty quickly). I’d encourage you to find gluten-free beer if you think you’ll be tempted in the future. Even though it didn’t cause you dreadful pain if you have gluten issues it’s likely still causing inflammation. I’m just saying don’t let this give you a false sense of security
That is SUCH a good point you make!! Because after that, I found myself thinking that I could have a few ‘sneaky’ gluten loaded nibbles… Such a stupid thought! And I had to really stop it and remember that even though my gut was starting to feel better, I still shouldn’t do it!! And so I’m back on the ‘straight and narrow’ and still seeing benefits and improvements. I still am amazed that improving what we eat and improved gut health, improves our sleep!?!?! The human body is such an amazing and complex thing….
Thank you again! Always look forward to reading or hearing anything from you.
Deb.
Hi Trudy,
I have some symptoms of leaky gut and hypoglycemia, and I’m wondering what would be a good starting dosage and when to take it. Are there particular brands you recommend (or would avoid)?
Also, is there a connection between glutamine and MSG? I’m on the sensitive side…
Thanks!
ok I am getting confused.today glutamine is good for stabilizing blood sugars and cravings.Dr Russell Blaylock says glutamine feeds cancer?
Chris
I address this very topic in a separate blog post https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/glutamine-supplementation-cancer-concerns-benefits/
I decided to try L glutamine for leaky gut. Within a couple weeks I noticed my face had stopped breaking out! I’ve had acne and acne roseaca most of my adult life. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but love it! Then after a month or so of being in it, I ate a small piece of gluten bread, expecting gas and face breakout. Neither happened! Joy! Now I can occasionally ( once a month maybe?) eat a bit of gluten without repercussions.
My question, Trudy, is how long can one stay on this? Do I need to take a break once in awhile or stop altogether? I take about 4 grams once or twice a day.
Lorraine
Lovely to hear your results with glutamine and acne, rosacea and leaky gut! I’m not thrilled about the gluten, even if it is once a month. if you d have an issue with it it will be damaging to the gut and cause inflammation (not to mention the effects of glyphosate). Assuming you are not doing anything to continue to damage the gut (like eat gluten) then you should be able to stop it or take less.
A bit more on wanting this gluten “treat” once a month – if you feel deprived without it then I’d look at DPA and low endorphins. And look for another treat like coconut flour bread instead.
Hello, Trudy.
I would like to know what you think of Lidtke’s L-Glutamine Powder. I see the two you recommend on a separate post, but with all the different supplements I’ve purchased, the Lidtke pricing is better for me.
Thank you very much.
Hi Trudy,
Can glutamine be stimulating? I ask because I tried GABACalm last week and found it made me jittery. Thanks.
Anne
Anne
It’s likely the tyrosine in the product or one of the other ingredients. I also like the Nutritional Fundamentals GABA/theanine listed here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ and have my clients open it onto the tongue for best effects.
Hi Trudy,
I didn’t see any mention of ammonia, which can cause anxiety and overstimulation. I mention it because I’ve read that glutatmine increases, or can increase ammonia levels, while glutamic acid lowers ammonia during the conversion procress to glutamine.
So I’m curious what your views are on a possible glutamine-ammonia connection.
Thanks in advance.
Kelly
Kelly
I’m sorry I can’t help but will add it to be list of topics to look into. Thanks for asking and feel free to share a resource you may have so I have a staring point
Here’s one of the main studies, that mentions how ammonia is removed from the brain when glutamic acid converts to glutamine:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17006913
And here’s the wiki page on the enzyme that facilitates this process:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamine_synthetase
Most people have the false notion that glutamine removes ammonia, but it’s glutamic acid that does so. Also many equate glutamic acid with monosodium glutamate, which is another falsehood…
Thanks Trudy.
does magnesium glycinate increase glutamine?
any thoughts about this? thanks http://www.holistichelp.net/blog/how-to-increase-gaba-and-balance-glutamate/
i have high glutamine and so now believe i should not be having bone broth? what is the difference between glutamine & glutamate? thanks.