Certain substances occur naturally in the body, such as glutamine. In certain instances, the amounts of glutamine are diminished, such as during times of significant stress to the body. In these cases, a dietary supplement of glutamine may help to enhance the body's natural processes. In disorders like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, glutamine supplements may help to correct deficiencies and/or ease the symptoms of the disorder.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that occurs more than any other in the body. The majority of glutamine resides in the muscles, but it's also present in the lungs. Although the body naturally produces glutamine, stress, injury and particular medical problems can reduce its amounts in the body, making a dietary supplement helpful. Some natural sources of glutamine include yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, beef, poultry, pork and cabbage. Glutamine supplements can come in powder, liquid, tablet or capsule form. It is usually sold in the form of L-glutamine.
Uses of Glutamine
In the intestinal tract, glutamine provides protection for the internal lining, known as the mucosa. Individuals with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may be deficient in their levels of glutamine, which relates to symptoms of the disorder. Following stress that may result from injuries or surgery, the body releases cortisol, which at high levels can lower the body's level of glutamine. Additional glutamine can minimize infections and enhance immune system functioning. Individuals suffering from cancer may also have lower levels of glutamine, and its addition may be helpful for their recovery.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
According to PubMed Health, common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms often increase after eating, improve following a bowel movement and are more intense at some times than others. Severity of symptoms varies depending on each individual. Often treatment for the disorder targets individual symptoms. Dietary changes may help manage some of the symptoms. For constipation or diarrhea, the use of laxatives or fiber supplements may be helpful, but can also have negative side effects. Consultation with a doctor is helpful in choosing a treatment method.
Glutamine and IBS
Research has determined that a piece of RNA may stop transmission to the gene that produces glutamine in individuals with IBS. This lack of glutamine may allow toxins or bacteria to exit through the intestinal wall and link to the symptoms of IBS. According to an Ohio State University study, patients with the predominantly diarrhea form of IBS were found to have lower levels of glutamine when this RNA segment was present. A subset of these patients also demonstrated increased intestinal permeability, meaning that bacteria could enter the colon, making it more likely they would experience diarrhea symptoms. These findings suggest that treatment with glutamine may prove beneficial for individuals with IBS, particularly the diarrhea-predominant type. However, no clinical trials have strongly supported the use of glutamine as a treatment for IBS, so it should only be taken under a doctor's supervision.
Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition where what is in the stomach backs up into the esophagus, leading to esophagus irritation and heartburn. As described by PubMed Health, a muscle, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, does not close properly and keep food in the stomach; instead, it leaks backward into the esophagus and causes acid reflux. According to Dr. Allan E. Sosin, glutamine may be a beneficial natural remedy for acid reflux. Its anti-inflammatory abilities may reduce inflammation in the intestines, which links to the occurrence of acid reflux.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Glutamine; Stephen Ehrlich, NMD; 2009
- Ohio State University; Scientists Target Possible Cause of one Form of Bowel Disease; Wiley Souba & Carla Croce
- Fox News; 5 Ways to Treat Acid Reflux Symptoms Naturally; Marrecca Fiore; 2008
- PubMed Health; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; David Zieve, MD; 2010
- PubMed Health; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; David C. Dugdale, MD & George F. Longstreth, MD; 2010
