Amino Acids - a Hidden Solution to Stress

Evidence has been accumulating that amino acids have a remarkable affect on the body's ability to deal with stress and with stress related illness. Many more illnesses are connected with stress than previously thought.

Amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins, and proteins in turn make up the largest part of our body weight second to water. "Non-essential" amino acids can be produced by the body, and "essential" amino acids must come from an outside source such as food or supplementation. Both types of amino acids have indispensable functions within the body.

The two-dozen amino acids present in the human body are among the most potent healing substances ever discovered. Essential amino acids include: Lysine, Valine, Tryptophan, Leucine, Phenylalanine and Methionine. Some non-essential amino acids include Glutamine, Proline, Glycine and Arginine.

Research has shown that Lysine (essential) helps the body to absorb calcium more efficiently. Mild calcium deficiency can cause nerve sensitivity, muscle twitching, irritability, palpitations and insomnia. Signs of severe deficiency include abnormal heartbeat, muscle pains and cramps, numbness, stiffness and tingling of the hands and feet, and depression. Many of these symptoms are associated with the feelings of stress.

Eric R. Braverman, M.D. and Andrew Weil, M.D., both researchers and authors, have described the importance of amino acids and supplementing with these vital building blocks in relation to stress and the physical and emotional consequences of such stress.

For example: Tyrosine, because of its role in assisting the body in coping physiologically with stress and building the body's natural store of adrenaline, is sometimes called the "stress amino acid". Tyrosine helps generate thyroxin (form of thyroid hormone) and melanin (skin pigment), and with B6 works to enhance the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland itself is vital to the proper functioning of metabolism.

Glutamine (GAM), glutamic acid (GA), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are three closely related amino acids that are intricately involved in sustaining proper brain function, mental activity and a smooth connection between the brain and the central nervous system. GABA balances Glutamic Acid and puts on the brakes that keep the brain in check. It blocks stress and anxiety-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain. Of the three, GABA has the most therapeutic applications.

Phenylalanine (essential) works with vitamin B6 and helps the body generate Tyrosine (non-essential) which helps with depression. Depression is an emotion which is often connected with stress.

Tryptophan (essential) generates niacin and seratonin which both work to help with depression as well.

Virtually all conditions of stress require more amino acids, or links of protein because stress breaks down and uses the body's store of proteins and hence amino acids. Thus, it is important to have plenty available from both diet and nutritional supplementation.

The body is a complex machine. The physiological roots of stress disorders can be mitigated (alleviated) by the proper supplementation of not only vitamins and minerals, but the hidden factor of amino acids. Make sure your body is getting enough absorbable amino acids to deal with your personal stress-filled environment and lifestyle.

Protein and Muscle Growth

Increasing your daily protein intake while on a resistance training program helps to increase lean muscle mass. The human body is in a constant state of “protein turnover.” Muscle tissue is continuously being repaired and replaced. To maximize this repair, you must maintain a protein positive nitrogen balance.


When you undereat protein, you confuse your body. It only has so many raw materials to work with, and can’t repair everything it needs to repair. In this scenario, muscle can be lost. In addition, other vital bodily functions are compromised, such as hormone regulation and blood PH balance.


When you are involved with an intense weight training regimen, more muscle tissue then normal is in need of repair. This is the reason why weightlifters and bodybuilders need more protein. Muscle growth is more taxing on the body’s nitrogen balance then muscle maintenance.


Protein shakes contain nutrients that are needed daily by the body. It is vital for muscle growth and repair in the body. Although other vitamins and nutrients are required by the muscles, protein is directly responsible for muscle tissue growth. If you are looking to build muscle, a regular intake of protein is necessary as the body expels any excess protein as waste that is doesn't use.


Protein, like other nutrients, has a recommended daily intake amount for the average individual. This is the minimum quantity of the nutrient that should be taken per day. This can vary due to the weight of the individual. For the average size person the recommended daily amount is about 50g. This amount may increase if you are trying to significantly increase your muscle mass. It is best if you start the day with protein.


The body will focus on burning fat instead of the protein due to the state the body will be in early in the morning.


To maintain the level of protein in the body, it is wise to drink protein shakes in between meals. This will help to keep the protein at a good level for the muscles. For maximum muscle growth, you can have a protein shake after a workout. As a rule of thumb, the additional protein should be consumed within 30 minutes of the end of exercising for maximum benefit. The easiest way will be in the form of a shake.


Before going to bed is also a good time to replenish your nutrients with a protein shake. As you sleep, you body will recover from the day and not expend any of its nutrients until the following day.


It is always important to always pay attention to and be conscious of your diet. This is a prudent thing in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So if you are looking to develop more muscles, the focus has to primarily be on the nutrient, Protein.