Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks that make up protein. Amino acids are also the end products of protein digestion. This process has the technical name of, hydrolysis.
How vital are amino acids to life? To answer that question fully, we do need to look at other functions of our body that are essential for life to exist.
The structure for all living things is provided by proteins. All living organisms are composed of protein. From the largest animals to the smallest of cells, all things are composed of protein. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body weight.
In the human body, protein matter makes up the organs, muscles, ligaments, nails, hair, vital body fluids, glands, and are critical for the development of bones. The hormones and enzymes that catalyze (cause or speeds a chemical change) and control all bodily processes are proteins. Proteins also assist in the exchange of nutrients between the cellular fluids and the tissues, blood and lymph. The genetic code contained in each cell’s DNA is actually information for how to make the cell’s protein.
Proteins are chains of amino acids that have been linked together. Each individual protein is composed of a specific group of amino acids, in a specific order. That specific order is what gives the proteins their exact function and character. In the case of Immunocal, the amino acids linked end-to-end are, Glutamate, L-Cysteine and Glycine. Each protein is made for it’s specific need. Proteins are not interchangeable.
Proteins from the foods we eat are not the same. The protein that we eat is broken down into amino acids, which the body then uses to build specific proteins needed for the body.
It is the amino acids, not the protein, that are the essential nutrients for our body.
Each amino acid has a specific function in the body. Some amino acids act as neurotransmitters, some amino acids work in the process of carrying information from one nerve cell to another, while others are a precursor (comes before) of neurotransmitters.
Certain amino acids are necessary for the brain to receive and send messages. The blood-brain barrier is part of all of this. The blood-brain barrier is a defensive shield that is designed to protect the brain from toxins and other foreign invaders that are circulating in the blood stream. The cells in the brain that make up certain blood vessels are more tightly meshed together. This prevents water-based substances from getting through. Certain amino acids can get through this barrier and the brain will then use these amino acids to communicate with nerve cells in other parts of the body.
Amino acids have a direct relation with vitamins and minerals. Amino acids enable vitamins and minerals to perform their specific jobs in the body properly. Even if vitamins and minerals are absorbed by the body, they cannot be effective unless the necessary amino acids are present. For example, the amino acid tyrosine is necessary for the regulation of iron. Low levels of tyrosine will create iron deficiency.
Please note: If you are currently using an SSRI, or just wanting to detox your body from the daily toxins from life, it is vital that you only supplement your body with specific amino acids with complete knowledge of how to take amino acids, why you are taking amino acids and for what duration to supplement amino acids.
There are twenty-eight commonly known amino acids. The liver produces about 80 percent of the amino acids that we need. This is why the amino acid subject is so vital with SSRI or drug usage. SSRI’s are designed to inhibit specific enzymes found in the liver. The actions of SSRI’s will limit the normal functioning of the liver. Thus, blocking the normal functioning and creation of amino acids. The 20 percent of the amino acids not produced by the liver are obtained form the diet.
Amino acids are defined as essential amino acids and nonessential amino acids.
Nonessential does not mean that those amino acids are not needed. The term nonessential amino acid means; an amino acid that can be manufactured by the body as needed. They do not need to be obtained by our diet.
Nonessential amino acids can become essential under certain circumstances. This mainly takes place when you have nonessential amino acids being made by essential amino acids. If your body is too low in the essential amino acids needed to create the nonessential amino acids, the nonessential amino acids will then become “essential”, because you will now need to produce them from your diet.
The process of amino acids making protein or breaking down protein is continuous. The normal and healthy body will create or breakdown these elements as needed, naturally. If one amino acid is too low or depleted, the body will not function properly. This entire chain of events will then be altered or stalled
A natural relaxant, helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep; reduces anxiety & depression; helps in the treatment of migraine headaches; helps the immune system; helps reduce the risk of artery & heart spasms; works with Lysine in reducing cholesterol levels
Is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth
PHENYLALAINE (Essential Amino Acid)
Used by the brain to produce Norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain; keeps you awake & alert; reduces hunger pains; functions as an antidepressant and helps improve memory
THREONINE (Essential Amino Acid)
Is an important constituent of collagen, Elastin, and enamel protein; helps prevents fat build-up in the liver; helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly; assists metabolism and assimilation
VALINE (Essential Amino Acid)
Promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and calm emotions. See
They provide ingredients for the manufacturing of other essential biochemical components in the body, some of which are utilized for the production of energy, stimulants to the upper brain and helping you to be more alert
Studies have shown that is has improved immune responses to bacteria, viruses & tumor cells; promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver; causes the release of growth hormones; considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair
Transmits nerve impulses to the brain; helps overcome depression; Improves memory; increases mental alertness; promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands.
Helps trigger the release of oxygen to the energy requiring cell-making process; Important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system
A storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles; helps strengthen the immune system by providing antibodies; synthesizes fatty acid sheath around nerve fibers
Considered to be nature's "Brain food" by improving mental capacities; helps speed the healing of ulcers; gives a "lift" from fatigue; helps control alcoholism, schizophrenia and the craving for sugar.
Aids in the expulsion of harmful ammonia from the body. When ammonia enters the circulatory system it acts as a highly toxic substance which can be harmful to the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that Aspartic Acid may increase resistance to fatigue and increase endurance.
Helps stabilize the excitability of membranes which is very important in the control of epileptic seizures. Taurine and sulfur are considered to be factors necessary for the control of many biochemical changes that take place in the aging process; aids in the clearing of free radical wastes
Functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow down the aging process, deactivate free radicals, neutralize toxins; aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of the skin, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations. Hair and skin are made up 10-14% Cystine
Is found abundantly in hemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers & anemia. A deficiency can cause poor hearing.
PROLINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid)
Is extremely important for the proper functioning of joints and tendons; also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
Is an important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system; strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies; helps in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids