| Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and | | | | and drug. Those who were taking the |
| are important for healthy function of the body. | | | | supplements reported less urges. But one should |
| There are eight essentials: tryptophan, theonine, | | | | be very careful with them and contact their |
| methionine, phenylalanine, lysine, valine, isoleucine, | | | | physician before buying these supplements. |
| and leucine. These are no produced by our bodies. | | | | Meat, milk products and eggs contain larger |
| They only come from the consumed food or | | | | amounts of these acids than other foods. There |
| nutritional supplements. One can buy amino acid | | | | are supplements that contain one or all of them. |
| supplements in health food stores. | | | | Since some of the amount is consumed daily, it is |
| But what exactly do they do? And what are the | | | | important not to overdose by also taking the |
| benefits of? A lot of times amino acid | | | | supplements. Over-consumption poses health risks. |
| supplements are recommended for athletes to | | | | Unbalanced amounts of these acids can be toxic. |
| help their bodies build muscles. There is no | | | | Also, if used as a part of high protein diet, too |
| evidence that they create muscle bulk. Muscles | | | | much of these acids can cause heart rhythms. |
| are built during strength training. However, they | | | | Plus, excess that is not used for muscle repair is |
| help to repair the muscle tissue that gets | | | | converted into body fat. Those who buy amino |
| damaged during the exercises. They also ease the | | | | acid supplements in hopes of losing weight may |
| soreness that may come as a result of strenuous | | | | be disappointed. |
| training. However they can also help with other | | | | So, these supplements can help during the initial |
| health issues, such as depression, various | | | | stage of strength training when they help to |
| infections, rheumatoid arthritis, even decrease the | | | | increase the muscle tissue. Once the muscle is |
| risks of Alzheimer's disease. They can help with | | | | built, it will not be of much benefit anymore. A |
| complex illnesses, such as certain neurological | | | | healthy person who is on a balanced diet does not |
| disorders, and simple ones, like cure common | | | | need additional supplements. As always, contact |
| colds. A clinical trial showed that amino acids also | | | | the physician before buying any type of |
| helped with addictions, such as gambling, alcohol | | | | supplements. |