Leaky gut is a term you may have heard before. It is also possible that people have told you about using L-glutamine, an amino acid, to help your gut work optimally.
If you’re curious about what leaky gut refers to, or if you’re wondering if there are any supplements for leaky gut syndrome, read on.
What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
The phrase leaky gut is not a formal or scientific term, but it does help to describe why your gut may be acting strangely. Our intestines are covered by more than 4,000 square feet of intestinal lining. But in an unhealthy gut, there may be cracks, holes, or fissures in this lining, which means that undigested foods, toxins, bugs, or bacteria may be able to seep through and penetrate other tissues in the body. Much like a leaky pipe, a leaky gut needs to be fixed.
Leaky gut can be the result of several health conditions, including:
- Celiac disease.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
Human research is ongoing and inconclusive thus far, but some preliminary research also suggests a potential leak between a leaky gut and various autoimmune diseases that are not just related to the gastrointestinal tract. These include:
- Lupus
- Type 1 diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Acne
- Obesity
- Mental illnesses
All of these issues are things that you can discuss with your primary care physician. Before looking for potential solutions, you should learn about therapies or medications that can help your quality of life.
If you have spoken with your physician and are looking for other ways to help support your gut each day, the following information may be helpful!
Does L-Glutamine Help with Leaky Gut?
L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in our blood. It has an important role in maintaining the integrity of our intestinal mucosa and supporting metabolism, cellular development, and other basic functions.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), low levels of glutamine in children are associated with disruptions to the intestinal barrier, inflammation, and diarrheal diseases. The NIH also explains that “A significant body of evidence indicates that glutamine preserves the gut barrier function and prevents permeability to toxins and pathogens under various conditions of gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Glutamine is considered the most important nutrient for healing of leaky gut syndrome.”
If you think you have low levels of l-glutamine in your body, or have occasional or temporary gut concerns, a supplement may help.
Supplements With L-Glutamine
Before moving on, it is important to note that l-glutamine is a precursor to glutathione, a naturally occurring protein. As a result, many brands offer glutathione products because they are thought to be more bioactive and absorbable.
Natural Healthy Concepts
L-Glutathione Reduced from Natural Healthy Concepts is a preformed, reduced glutathione (GSH) that supports healthy immune system function, the liver’s natural detoxification processes, and helps neutralize free radicals.
Your Energy Systems
Readisorb Liposomal Glutathione from Your Energy Systems is a lipoceutical glutathione supplement that contains the natural antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione works as a natural immune booster to help support the natural detoxification of the body. If you have a leaky gut, and are someone who struggles with taking supplements that come in pill or capsule form, Readisorb Liposomal Glutathione comes in liquid form and can be taken orally.
Taken orally by itself, Glutathione may not be absorbed by the body. Your Energy Systems has accounted for this, which is why they’ve placed glutathione in tiny nanosize spheres called liposomes to facilitate absorption.
LivOn Laboratories
Another great option for those who want the antioxidant benefits of Glutathione without having to take a pill, tablet, or capsule is Lypo-Spheric Glutathione from LivOn Laboratories.
Lypo-Spheric Glutathione from LivOn Laboratories is a dietary supplement that comes as a drink mix, with each packet containing 450mg of Glutathione per packet, along with 1,000mg of Essential Phospholipids.
Lypo-Spheric Glutathione from LivOn Laboratories was specifically designed to maximize bioavailability through delivery with “smart” Liposomal Nano-spheres. This potentially transports GSH directly into the blood without requiring your body to find and put together the precursors of glutathione.
How do you use L-Glutamine to support leaky gut syndrome?