Comments on: Glutamine: the Amino Acid for Gut Health & Muscle Growth

By: Denise Marie Hardman

Denise Marie Hardman — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 22:59:34 +0000

Does L-Glutamine help to reduce the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrone?

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 19:08:03 +0000

In reply to Betty Jo Woodcock. I would look for a maximized living chiropractor in your area and also check this out: You may also benefit from a vitamin B12, omega d3 supplements and a diet higher in fat and low in sugar

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 20:36:36 +0000

In reply to Sharon. I would consult with your physician

By: Betty Jo Woodcock

Betty Jo Woodcock — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 01:46:47 +0000

I have peripheral neuropathy, which is quite painful. Also have Charcot’s foot on the left. A friend suggested L-Glutamine Powder. I have taken it 3 times a day for only one day. So far, the foot pain has decreased and I hope that it is due to the powder. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:08:18 +0000

Very well written and informative article. My son has multiple food allergies and I spend a good amount of time researching natural healing options for him. This seems like a great option. But I must say I am confused. In my research I have run across doctors who claim that foods high in glutamate should be avoided. Why are there so many differing opinions? eg

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 02:33:38 +0000

Hi Dr Axe

Is L-Glutamine safe when pregnant and breast feeding?

Thanks :)

By: Scarlett

Scarlett — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:28:54 +0000

Quite shocked and very disappointed that this article doesn’t discuss side effects to taking L-Glutamine. I had severe side effects, including insommnia, loss of appetite, and (bizarrely) a fear of going out and confronting problems/Iissues that arose with other people. I mentioned these symptoms to a friend and she had exactly the same experience. Both pf us were taking the supplement prescribed by our respective naturopaths. I’m disappointed because I expected to read more responsible advice than has been given here. People should be helped to become aware of the detrimental effects of supplements as well. This is a very powerful supplement and needs to be respected.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:29:02 +0000

In reply to Sharon GoddardWa. I would consult with your physician

By: Sharon GoddardWa

Sharon GoddardWa — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 02:21:55 +0000

Want to make sure L Glutamine is ok for type 1 diabetic.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 17:34:03 +0000

In reply to Michelle. I would follow dosage recommendations on the bottle

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 18:05:56 +0000

I have just purchased a few supplements that you suggest for leaky gut (Qucertin, Licorice Root, Papaya Digestive Enzymes, etc.) but since I’ve never taken L-Glutamine before and you suggest powder if this supplement dosage would be fine? Its 1500 mg’s in capsule form? Also how long should you remain on these supplements to repair gut health?

Dietary Supplement•1500mg Dose to Prime Muscles for Workouts
•Provides Anti-Catabolic Effects & Supports Muscle Function
•Supports Faster Recovery After workouts
Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids found in muscles. It is involved in protein synthesis and plays an important role in hydrating muscle cells. With this amino acid’s great benefits in the body, it will support muscle function.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 16:45:44 +0000

In reply to Christine. Try starting with 1g once a day and see how your body does with it. Also check out my leaky gut support formula: http://store.draxe.com/products/leaky-gut-support

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:42:24 +0000

I am trying to heal up a leaky gut, but when I tried glutamine (5g once a day) I had the worst constipation I have ever had. (Similar effect with high quality gelatin – I don’t have the time to make bone broth.) I tried adding a stool softener, adding pectin for soluble fiber, lots of water, etc. and I already take a probiotic, but the only thing that helped was a laxative – not fun! Is there any way to take this stuff to avoid severe pain and a non-working digestive tract?

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:48:51 +0000

In reply to Lisa H. Try searching for a physician who practices functional medicine

By: Lisa H

Lisa H — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:15:49 +0000

How do I find a Dr. in my area that treats like Dr. Axe does? Is it Fundamental Medicine? I need a Dr. who specializes in an auto-immune hyper-thyroid condition. I am in the Seattle, WA area.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:12:46 +0000

In reply to Kristina. Typically your body only needs a max of 10-15g daily

By: Kristina

Kristina — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 17:29:22 +0000

Hi Dr. Axe, i have been trying to heal my gut since July 2014, i have cut out grains, gluten, soy, wheat but still eat some dairy. I have also been taking 3-7 HCL pills depending on the meal I am eating. I take a propiotic every day in the AM and take oil of oregano once at night. i just received my NOW brand powder L-Glutamine and i had read to take 40g a day so last night I had 10g in a smoothie before supper. After supper I had another 10g in some juice. This morning I had 10g more in some water with some fruit. It’s lunch time so I was about to have 10 more grams. Now I read this and I am starting to worry about how much I’ve taken! I wonder why there is such a discrepancy on what sites recommend. If i am fine taking 40g a day should I continue or no? I am 5’5″ 115 lb femaie.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:03:30 +0000

In reply to Laura. If you feel that 1g is doing nothing, try increasing to 1.5g slowly and see how your body does over a period of time. If it tolerates it well, after a week or 2, try adding another .5g

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 03:39:21 +0000

Hi Dr. Axe – sure hoping you see this; I can’t seem to find an answer to this question: I had been taking just 1g of l-Glutamine and wasn’t notcing anything so did some research about dosages. Found your blog among others that suggests it is quite safe at higher doses, say 3-5g 2-3 times per day. So one day recently I took 4g on an empty stomach, followed by a smoothie about an hour later. Two hours after taking the supplement I was doubled over with diarrhea and vomiting. It was very alarming. Obviously that dose didn’t work for me, but what I wish I knew is what might be going on in my gut to have caused this reaction? Lastly, how would you recommend I titre my doses in the future? Thanks so much!

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 16:55:04 +0000

In reply to Karen. It is possible

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:53:49 +0000

I read in a magazine article recently that glutamine can help with weight loss. Is this true?

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 22:33:00 +0000

In reply to Krissy. I would do lots of organic, grass fed meat, steamed vegetables, and get more probiotics in your diet

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:25:25 +0000

In reply to nancy. Search the internet for deals and buy it in powder form that is cheaper. I just bought some a while back and it wasn't anywhere near $42. Hope this helps.

By: Teacher Randall

Teacher Randall — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 04:49:17 +0000

Hey Dr. Axe you can’t do this, this is the internet. A website with actual research cited for claims made is breaking the unwritten rule of the internet. All articles must make at least ten claims per one citations, and that citation must be to another website which must have another website as its source never reaching an actual research paper. lol

but besides that great job! :D.

By: Rose

Rose — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 17:52:20 +0000

In reply to nancy. Powder city.com sells it in bulk powder, they ship free and also have a 10% off coupon. 1 kilo approx. $ 27.00. That's a lot of L Glutamine. Good Luck, Rose !

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 02:09:53 +0000

Dr. Axe – I have Pure Encapsulations brand of L-Glutamine capsules and had been taking 1g/day until I read this article. Am trying to heal a leaky gut so planned to work my way up to 5g twice a day. Took 4g the other morning and within 2 hours was doubled over with vomiting and diarrhea. Obviously I need yo back off on the dosage, but I have to say, the reaction scared me given how safe this supplement is supposed to be. Can you tell me why I might have experienced that reaction and how I might titrate the dosage in the future (assuming I am brave enough to try again!)

By: Krissy

Krissy — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:08:50 +0000

I’ve tried L-Glutamine but get sinus inflammation/migraines every time (my default reaction). Same with bone broth. I am sensitive to almost everything I eat so eat AIP and take entirely too much silver just to get by. I believe it’s leaky gut but all the best healers make me sick. Any other suggestions? Glutamine sounded like it would be the thing to fix me, but no dice. (Hashimoto’s for 15 years and hypothyroid before that, Reynaud’s syndrome, fatigue, brain fog, constant sinus battles, pain, neuropathy in all limbs and lately numbness in face) Thank you.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 02:21:15 +0000

In reply to Jill Nau. I would consult with your physician to ensure it does not

By: Jill Nau

Jill Nau — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 17:31:33 +0000

Would glutamine interfere or be bad to take with any medications?

By: nancy

nancy — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:48:49 +0000

My local heal food store highly recommended this to me last Saturday also, but I was at my limit financially, so I didn’t buy it.
We are on a very tight budget and just don’t have the $42 to buy the one you use.
Can you suggest a less expensive brand?
I’m almost 62 and have been a T1 Diabetic for over 46 years and have had digestion issues since before then.
Thx for any recommendations.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:06:29 +0000

In reply to Denise Herrera. I would consult with your physician

By: Denise Herrera

Denise Herrera — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:42:44 +0000

Is this safe to take during pregnancy?

By: Connie Markley

Connie Markley — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 03:58:30 +0000

Is there any connection with MSG?

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:30:03 +0000

In reply to Amy. Either form is fine

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:02:07 +0000

Is it okay to take the tablets instead of powder? If, no – why not? Thx!

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 20:41:56 +0000

In reply to Kaye. I've never heard of it having this type of effect so I don't think that would be the culprit. I would try to get a little more movement in throughout the day and not sit or stand for long periods of time.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:38:20 +0000

In reply to Anh. I would consult with your physician to make sure there are no contraindications. Also check this out: https://draxe.com/health/natural-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure/

By: Anh

Anh — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 01:17:50 +0000

Hi Dream.Axe, I’m currently taking 3 different medications for high blood pressure. If I take L-Glutamine, is it going to raise my blood pressure. Thank you.

By: Kaye

Kaye — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:52:04 +0000

Hi Dr. Axe,
I have been taking l-glutamine long term, for over a year per a nutrition coach…2 grams, 3 x daily. Since July, I have had this mystery edema occuring only in my legs. I am super-healthy and eat super-healthy, labs point nowhere, and can’t seem to attribute this to anything else. Could my long term use of l-glutamine be the cause?

By: gary malcik

gary malcik — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 04:53:19 +0000

stomach lining and L glutamine

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:26:10 +0000

In reply to Christa. It may compete with others but food helps increase glutamine absorption overall, regardless. I am coming out with a leaky gut supplement that will be tied to an amino acid so that it does not have to be taken with food in order to reach full absorption potential.

By: Christa

Christa — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 17:30:57 +0000

I have always read that glutamine should NOT be taken with a meal that contains protein, as it has to compete for absorption with the other amino acids. Therefore it should be taken on an empty stomach. You have recommended to take glutamine with food. Is there a particular reason for this?

Thanks!

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:54:53 +0000

In reply to Islam. I prefer this supplement: http://amzn.to/XBMeHn The highest L-glutamine foods include: 1. Bone Broth 2. Grass-fed Beef 3. Spirulina 4. Chinese Cabbage 5. Cottage Cheese 6. Asparagus 7. Broccoli Raab 8. Wild Caught Fish (Cod, Tuna and Salmon) 9. Venison 10. Turkey

By: Islam

Islam — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 13:41:14 +0000

Dr. Axe many thanks for your opinion and great informative articles you publish. With regards to L-Glutamine Supplementing, what do you think of Glutamine tablets like GNC Glutamine tablets? And also, what would you recommend for Paleo Nutrition enthusiasts when eating natural food sources for Glutamine, apart from Raw cultured Dairy sources?

Many thanks and all the best!

By: kim

kim — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 21:09:44 +0000

In reply to Dr. Josh Axe. Ok tyvm

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 01:09:34 +0000

In reply to kim. I haven't read any studies that have stated that but regardless, vitamin B12 is very beneficial to consume.

By: kim

kim — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:51:15 +0000

I read somewhere that taking b12 with the l glutamine will help with build up with the product is this true if so how much b12 do I take ty so much

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:07:39 +0000

In reply to Cheryl. About 1 tsp

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:15:32 +0000

Approximately how many teaspoons would 5 grams be?

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 16:05:39 +0000

In reply to ghada. If trying to heal leaky gut, I would do both. I personally consume a L-glutamine supplement and bone broth on a daily basis. Here are recipes on how to make bone broth: https://draxe.com/recipes/chicken-bone-broth-recipe/ https://draxe.com/recipes/beef-bone-broth/