Benefits of Amino Acid Supplements
Our bodies are made up of 20 different amino acids, eight of which are considered essential. The term itself might sound a little strange since we’re used to thinking of “acid” as something negative. Yet, amino acids are necessary for our bodies to function properly. They’re the building blocks of protein. However, they’re essential for more than just building muscle and looking lean. Amino acids affect everything from your immune system to how stressed you might feel.
The eight essential amino acids we need aren’t naturally manufactured within the body, but we can get them through what we eat. Unfortunately, not everyone’s diet is rich in the nutrients needed to produce enough of these amino acids. To make up for the lack of amino acids in your diet, you can turn to an amino acid supplement. Nutritional supplements are a great way to boost the essential amino acids within your body.
What Is a BCAA Supplement?
BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids. They make up three of the nine essential amino acids needed for your body to function properly. These amino acids are:
- Leucine
- Valine
- Isoleucine
BCAAs are often found in high-protein foods like eggs and lean meats. Many bodybuilders and weightlifters take BCAA supplements in powder or pill form because of the natural benefits. Some of the most notable BCAA benefits include:
- Increased muscle growth
- Less muscle fatigue
- More stamina/less fatigue from exercise
People also use amino acids for weight loss. Because BCAAs help to build muscle and can make it easier to exercise without feeling fatigued, you can experience natural weight loss and a leaner figure.
Amino Acids for the Immune System
You don’t have to be a weightlifter or an exercise buff to experience benefits from amino acid pills. These supplements are often used to boost the immune system. Taking regular amino acid supplements can do everything from warding off the flu to supporting detoxification of the liver to boosting lung function. This is due in part to the amino acid known as cysteine. A form of this amino acid is a crucial component of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant within the body. The more prevalent that antioxidant is, the stronger your immune system will be.
Mood-Boosting and Stress Reducing
Amino acids can also have a positive effect on your emotional and mental state. Certain amino acids work as building blocks of serotonin. This is a chemical made by your brain that can make you feel happier and reduce levels of anxiety and stress. Amino acids can also help you to stay more focused and think clearly—another stress-buster that can keep you from feeling overwhelmed. If the stresses from your day do end up getting to you, taking amino acid supplements can even help with sleeping issues like insomnia.
What Are the Best Amino Acid Supplements?
As you can see, there are many benefits to taking an amino acid supplement, and choosing the right one is important.
When you’re looking for the right amino acid supplement, choose quality above all else. Pharmaceutical-grade amino acids and supplements from trusted brands and companies are always your best options.
The next step is deciding which supplements you need. If you’ve already done your research and you know what you’re looking for, we invite you to order your amino acid supplements from Forrest Health. If you’re not sure what you need, you may benefit from our amino acid test.
At Forrest Health, we pride ourselves on working with trustworthy businesses and using pharmaceutical-grade amino acids. We even offer custom blends to fit your personal needs. So, whether you’re new to taking an amino acid supplement or you want to make sure you’re getting the best for your body, feel free to search Forrest Health for natural solutions that work.
5 Supplements to Complement Your New Year Workout Goals
Among the New Year’s resolutions made by millions of Americans, getting healthier is certain to be at or near the top of the list. In addition to upping your workout game, supplements can help provide your body with what it needs to build muscle. Here are five muscle-building nutritional supplements to consider including in your exercise regimen.
A Well-Researched Supplement
Where the goal is to increase your muscle size and strength overall, creatine is a proven option. This supplement, which also boosts energy levels, is a great addition if you’re doing high-intensity exercises in short bursts. Taken prior to a workout, creatine will improve performance during exercise. Taken afterward, it will decrease soreness and inspire muscles to grow.
A typical dose of creatine is five grams daily, and it’s a good idea to split this dose in half, taking one before your workout and the other when you’re done.
An Amino Acid Trio
If you aren’t eating enough fish, dairy, eggs, poultry and meat, you’re likely not getting sufficient branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, in your diet. Your muscles need this amino acid blend to maintain their mass and, when used as pre-workout supplements, they provide better endurance. BCAAs also help decrease muscle damage and soreness.
Your BCAA supplement should contain one part isoleucine and valine to two parts leucine. Taking three to six grams of BCAA before or during exercise is recommended.
The Efficient Muscle-Builder
Getting enough protein in our diets isn’t always possible. Whey protein, a supplement that can provide your body with lots of protein and amino acids, can help with that. Fast-digesting and able to be absorbed more easily than other sources of protein, whey protein taken before or after a workout is a key muscle-building supplement.
The recommended dose of whey protein falls between 20 and 30 grams, ideally taken throughout the day. This will allow you to enjoy its muscle-building benefits as well as get your required amount of the day’s protein.
Optimize Performance
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that is categorized as being conditionally essential. This means that the body is not always able to make sufficient amounts. Supporting your post-workout with this supplement can help you recover faster and feel less sore. In addition, because it aids in glutathione synthesis, L- Glutamine can also reduce fatigue in your muscles.
Just five grams of powder in a smoothie, a protein shake, or water is all that’s needed to reap L-Glutamine’s many benefits.
The Fat-to-Energy Converter
When you want to burn more fat during workouts, look to L-Carnitine supplements. They encourage the body to burn fat for fuel and also protect it from the effects of intense exercise by reducing oxidative stress. For best results, take half of a 2-3g dose 1.5 hours before exercise and the other half after your workout.
Combining powerful natural ingredients, Forrest Health’s high-quality health products make it easier to reach your workout goals. Discover more about our herbal supplements by calling us at 1-408-354-4262 today.
What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods?
That old saying, “You are what you eat,” is true. There are certain types of foods which can aggravate inflammation in the body. Sometimes the inflammation is short-lived, as when we sprain or strain a muscle or have a cold or the flu. Other times, the inflammation can be chronic, which means it is constant and does not go away easily, if at all.
Fortunately, there are certain types of foods you can incorporate into your diet which can help reduce inflammation. Some of these foods could even help the body repair itself so you feel better faster or have fewer chronic inflammation episodes.
Even if you do not have time to always prepare meals that include anti-inflammatory foods, you have other options, such as taking supplements. Supplements are a great way to reduce inflammation, while at the same time ensuring you get the right amounts of nutrients in your diet.
For additional information about the different types of anti-inflammatory foods as well as foods you should avoid, we encourage you to continue reviewing the following infographic. After doing so, please feel free to contact Forrest Health directly for assistance in selecting the right supplements to help reduce inflammation and provide the nutrition you need!
Kids Won’t Eat? Here’s What They’re Missing
Picky eaters can be a pain—adults and kids alike—but what if your kiddo just won’t eat? Growing children need vitamins and minerals to grow up big and strong but, if they won’t eat the balanced meal you’ve so graciously served them, they aren’t getting the crucial building blocks they need.
Whether they just can’t stand lima beans—who can, really?—or they haven’t found a single food they like, we’ve got a list of the top five vitamins and natural supplements you can give your kids now to ensure they don’t miss those developmental milestones. Let’s run down the ABCs!
Top 5 Supplements for Picky Kids
- Vitamin A: While normally your kids could get vitamin A from foods like carrots, squash, eggs, and cheese, a supplement will help support their growing immune systems and the development of bones, tissues, skin, and eyes.
- Vitamin B: There are a few B vitamins, but one of the most important is B12. This B vitamin is found in foods like meat, fish, and eggs, but it is also added as a fortified dietary supplement in milk and juices and other foods. B vitamins are important for supporting your child’s growing heart and nervous system.
- Calcium: Found in all kinds of foods like spinach and broccoli, but also in cheese, milk, eggs, calcium is one of the most crucial nutritional supplements for a growing child. Calcium not only helps grow strong teeth and bones, but it also supports a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles.
- Vitamin D: Like calcium, vitamin D helps children’s teeth and bones form strong connections. Technically, vitamin D is a hormone that the body naturally produces, but many people, adults included, come up on short on getting enough. You and your kids can get vitamin D from sunlight, as well as foods like milk and fish. Fortified foods also provide this dietary supplement.
- Iron: Found in all kinds of foods, including red meats, dark leafy greens like spinach, and beans, iron is crucial for building muscle and supports healthy red blood cells. Iron is also important in girls coming up on puberty and menstruation to prevent iron deficiency and anemia.
If you go the multivitamin route, be sure to check the amounts of each vitamin or mineral listed. More is not always better! There may also be some unnecessary ingredients added, so look at the whole list, not just the item you’re supplementing.
Be sure to check any nutritional supplements—multivitamin or not—that you choose for your child are the correct dosage for their age and weight, and if they may interfere with any medications or conditions they may already have. Check with your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns!
If you need guidance on what dietary supplements to give your child, check out Forrest Health. The staff has over 25 years of experience with health supplements and natural health remedies, as well as a wide selection and reliable information.