Glutamine: My Secret Weapon in Avoiding Missing Workouts Due to Illness

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Executive Editor

Michael Collins

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Eugene Thong

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Work Out Harder And Kiss Colds Good Bye: The Power of Glutamine

By Michael Collins

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One of the biggest factors in getting your ideal body is consistency; doing the things required day in and day out that beat the path toward your goal. Real results don’t come from one solid effort, but a string of solid efforts- in the gym and in your nutritional program.

That being said, sometimes life throws a monkey wrench into your well laid out plans, and you end up missing workouts. There are a few legitimate reasons (unlike "I don't have time") to miss workouts, and one of those reasons is being sick.

Why you shouldn't workout when you are sick

Working out puts a lot of stress on the body. It also compromises your immune system for a period of time to allow for the recuperative process of your muscles. Continuing to work out when you’re sick could make you sicker and even prolong the length of your illness. So, if you're already sick, take it easy and relax.

You'll notice that around this time of year, in places with winter weather, a rise in the amount of people calling out sick from work. The media cranks out story after story about how the flu is ravaging everyone and we’re told to go get flu shots and reminded to wash our hands thoroughly. Working in close quarters in the office leaves you particularly vulnerable.

Being in the fitness business we’re also in constant contact with people, shaking hands, touching equipment that countless others have touched. So with all this exposure to potential illness, you’d think I’d be sick all the time. But I’m not.

I haven’t had a bad cold in years. Why? Well, there are certain things I do, like keep protein intake high, consume plenty of antioxidant rich berries and vegetables, and drink plenty of water, that keep my body running strong.

However, I’d been doing that for many years, and although my incidence of getting sick went down, it wasn’t as low as it’s been for the last 6 or 7 years.

So what was the difference over the last few years?

In my opinion, the difference is Glutamine. Glutamine (or L- Glutamine) is an amino acid that boosts immune function and increases production of white blood cells (leukocytes) which search out and destroy harmful microorganisms in the body.

When I first started taking glutamine, this was the last thing on my mind. I bought it because of its ability to speed recuperation from training and increase protein synthesis. In layman’s terms, I’d be building lean muscle and losing body fat more efficiently.

Only after a few experiences did I notice there may be a connection between the glutamine and me not getting sick. The first experience came after a particularly brutal workout, where we left it all at the gym. I went on to work a 13 hour shift, taking no breaks and only swigging down one of those awful pre- made protein drinks. As the day wore on I started getting the typical scratchy throat, slightly swollen glands, and overall soreness. By the time I drove home I had a fever and the chills. I knew there was no way I was going to work tomorrow.

When I got home, I ate some food, took a couple of teaspoons of glutamine and went to sleep. The next morning I was shocked. No more aches, no more scratchy throat. Nothing. I ended up going to work, and whatever invader was attacking my system never took hold. Every few months when I would get the symptoms of a cold taking hold, I would take a few teaspoons of glutamine throughout the day. Poof, the next morning, it was gone. This protocol has worked like a charm for me ever since.

Where do I get it?

Glutamine is typically sold as a workout supplement, not as a defense against colds. You won’t find it on the shelves next to the aspirin, and it shouldn’t be. You can get it at any vitamin store at the mall, GNC, or online supplement places. I like AST’s GL3, which I usually get at DPS Nutrition.

I think its best application as a “workout supplement” would be that it allows you to stick to your workout schedule and stay consistent. Although there is plenty of research that supports its immune boosting properties, it’s simply under the radar in the mainstream. Maybe this will change, and it’ll get the spotlight it deserves. Who knows?

How do I take it?

I typically take 2 teaspoons (about 10 grams) in water in the hour post- workout. After particularly draining day, I’ll have another 2 teaspoons before bed. If I start to feel a cold coming on, or feeling run down, I’ll take 2 teaspoons 4 times per day.

Glutamine is useful during dieting and can be used effectively in other advanced muscle building, weight loss and athletic performance contexts, which we go into in Black Book of Secrets. If you decide to give glutamine a try, feel free to email me with your experiences at mike@mcnewsletters.com.

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