Amino Acids Health Feed

Essential Amino Acids

MBBS
Pediatrician, Allahabad
Essential Amino Acids

What Are Essential Amino Acids?

An essential amino acid can be best defined as an amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own, unlike nonessential amino acids. It must instead be obtained through food sources, diet, or supplementation.

Furthermore, it must be noted that out of the 20 amino acids your body needs for growth and function, as many as nine are considered essential. And as mentioned above, a human body is not capable of producing them on its own; therefore, a person must get them from the food (or supplementation) they eat.

The nine essential amino acids are:

Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Despite the fact that all 20 amino acids are beneficial to your health in some way, only nine are considered essential because they are required specifically for proper bodily function.

What Role Does Each Amino Acid Play?

There are a total of nine essential amino acids, each of which has a number of important roles in your body. Here's a quick overview of what each one does:

Phenylalanine: Your body metabolizes this amino acid into the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. It is crucial for the structure and function of proteins and enzymes and the synthesis of other amino acids.

Valine: It is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that basically helps stimulate muscle growth and regeneration. It's also involved in energy production, making it an important nutrient for athletes and bodybuilders.

Threonine: This essential amino acid is an important component of structural proteins, including collagen and elastin. These proteins play a role in the health of your connective tissues and skin. Threonine also helps with fat metabolism and immune function.

Tryptophan: This amino acid is most often associated with drowsiness and is a precursor to serotonin. It must be noted that serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your appetite, sleep, and mood.

Methionine: This essential amino acid is known to play a pivotal role in the human body's metabolism and detoxification. Also, it is necessary for tissue growth and the absorption of zinc and selenium, minerals that are vital to your health.

Leucine: It is an essential BCAA that not only aids in protein synthesis and muscle repair, but also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate wound healing, and produce growth hormones.

Isoleucine: It is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and it plays an important role in muscle metabolism. It's also heavily concentrated in muscle tissue, making it important for maintaining muscle mass. Additionally, isoleucine is essential for immune function, hemoglobin production, and energy regulation.

Lysine: This essential amino acid plays major roles in protein synthesis, calcium absorption, and the production of hormones and enzymes. It is also important for energy production, immune function, and the production of collagen and elastin.

Histidine: This is an amino acid that your body uses to produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that is vital for regulating the immune response, digestion, sexual function, and sleep-wake cycles. It's also critical for maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective barrier that surrounds your nerve cells.

What Happens If You Don't Get Enough Essential Amino Acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of many essential processes in the human body. The nine essential amino acids play vital roles in the human body, including tissue growth, energy production, immune function, and nutrient absorption. Although they are most commonly associated with muscle development and repair, they also play a vital role in many other bodily functions.

A deficiency in any of the essential amino acids can therefore have a negative impact on multiple systems throughout the body, including the nervous, reproductive, immune, and digestive systems. Fortunately, most people are able to get all the amino acids they need from their diet or different food sources.

What Can Essential Amino Acids Help With?

Essential Amino Acids and Mood

Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that works as a neurotransmitter, and it's responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and behaviors. Furthermore, low levels of serotonin can give rise to depression.

Exercise Performance and Recovery

Valine, leucine, and isoleucine are three essential branched-chain amino acids (or BCAAs). These amino acids are taken by many people with the aim of alleviating fatigue, enhancing or boosting athletic performance, or stimulating the recovery of muscles after exercise.

Surgery and Wound Healing

If you are healing from surgery, taking amino acid supplements may help. A recent study of at least 243 people with pelvis or long bone fractures found that those who took conditionally essential amino acids for a couple of weeks after surgery had lower rates of death and medical complications than those who received standard nutrition. So, if you're looking for ways to support your healing process, amino acids may be worth considering.

How Can Your Body Get Enough Essential Amino Acids?

It's important to get essential amino acids through your diet since your body cannot produce them. There are many foods that are rich in essential amino acids, making it easy to meet your daily needs.

Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are referred to as "complete proteins." Examples of complete protein sources include:

  • Meat
  • Seafood
  • Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products

Soy and pea proteins are also complete plant-based sources of protein. Other plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, and certain grains, don't contain all of the essential amino acids that our bodies need. However, you can still get all the essential amino acids from a plant-based diet by eating a variety of plant proteins every day and keeping track of them at the same time.

For instance, including beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables (among other sources) in your diet can help you get the essential amino acids your body needs, even if you are not eating any animal products.

Conclusion:

Essential amino acids are the building blocks of protein, meaning they are necessary to build the proteins that make up your body’s cells. A lack of essential amino acids can lead to a variety of health issues, which is why it is so important to get enough essential amino acids. Furthermore, we hope that this article has provided you a good insight into the subject and that you've learned something new today!

3 people found this helpful

Acidity - 4 Foods That Help!

Dt. Vishal Saini 89% (5111 ratings)
Doctor of Naturopathy & Natural Medicines, Certified Diabetic Educator, Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE), Certificate in food Nutrition (CFN), Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Physical Education)
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Agra
Acidity - 4 Foods That Help!

4 Superfoods and home remedies to get rid of acidity

Excessive secretion of stomach acids brings about the problem of acidity with heartburn and dyspepsia being its common symptoms. There are foods as well as home remedies that can help you to get rid of this problem.

Some of them are:

1. Bananas - Being an excellent source of potassium, this fruit helps to keep acid production in balance. Moreover, certain elements in bananas aid in increasing the production of stomach mucus that helps to protect the organ from adverse effects of excessive acid production. Even its high fiber content promotes digestion, preventing the occurrence of acidity once again.

2. Ginger - Consuming ginger can help to bring about a significant improvement in digestion, superior absorption as well as proper assimilation of important nutrients. This root is helpful in protecting your body from stomach ulcers by enabling mucus production, thereby decreasing the negative effects of acid on the stomach.

3. Melons - Melons are also extremely good for fighting acidity. They have a pH of 6.1 and can be had as whole or as fruit juice. Whether it is watermelons or honeydew, these are refreshing fruits filled with nutrients. Each bite of a watermelon, for instance, contains high levels of Vitamins A, C, and B6, amino acids, antioxidants and lycopene as well as potassium.


4. Mint leaves - Even mint leaves are helpful in slowing down the acid buildup in the stomach while improving digestion. Its cooling effect can help to cut down the pain as well as burning sensation associated with acid reflux.

In addition to having these foods, there are certain home remedies that you can try for fighting acidity:

- It's wise to have your last meal about 2-3 hours before your bedtime to allow time for digestion of the food matter.
- You should always have your meals at regular fixed intervals. Keeping too wide a gap between meals can cause you to suffer from acidity.
- To curb instances of acidity, it's best to avoid spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.
- Having a glass of lukewarm water daily can also help in combating acidity. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dietitian/Nutritionist.

3347 people found this helpful

4 Foods That Help Treat Acidity

Dt. Shweta Diwan 91% (66 ratings)
Diploma in Dietetics and Nutrition, Diploma in Diet and Nutrition, Diploma in Paediatric Nutrition, Diploma in Total Nutrition Therapy course, Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education, Role of Nutrition in Diabetes, ICU & Gastroenterology , Nutrition Counselor Course in Bariatric Surgery
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Delhi
4 Foods That Help Treat Acidity

Excessive secretion of stomach acids brings about the problem of acidity with heartburn and dyspepsia being its common symptoms. There are foods as well as home remedies that can help you to get rid of this problem.
Some of them are:
1. Bananas - Being an excellent source of potassium, this fruit helps to keep acid production in balance. Moreover, certain elements in bananas aid in increasing the production of stomach mucus that helps to protect the organ from adverse effects of excessive acid production. Even its high fiber content promotes digestion, preventing the occurrence of acidity once again.
2. Ginger - Consuming ginger can help to bring about a significant improvement in digestion, superior absorption as well as proper assimilation of important nutrients. This root is helpful in protecting your body from stomach ulcers by enabling mucus production, thereby decreasing the negative effects of acid on the stomach.
3. Melons - Melons are also extremely good for fighting acidity. They have a pH of 6.1 and can be had as whole or as fruit juice. Whether it is watermelons or honeydew, these are refreshing fruits filled with nutrients. Each bite of a watermelon, for instance, contains high levels of Vitamins A, C, and B6, amino acids, antioxidants and lycopene as well as potassium.

4. Mint leaves - Even mint leaves are helpful in slowing down the acid buildup in the stomach while improving digestion. Its cooling effect can help to cut down the pain as well as burning sensation associated with acid reflux.
In addition to having these foods, there are certain home remedies that you can try for fighting acidity:
- It's wise to have your last meal about 2-3 hours before your bedtime to allow time for digestion of the food matter.
- You should always have your meals at regular fixed intervals. Keeping too wide a gap between meals can cause you to suffer from acidity.
- To curb instances of acidity, it's best to avoid spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.
- Having a glass of lukewarm water daily can also help in combating acidity. Consult an Expert & get answers to your questions!

3928 people found this helpful

4 Home Remedies For Acidity

Dt. Shalmali Sharma 89% (73 ratings)
Masters in Dietetics and Food Service Management, B.Sc. - Dietitics / Nutrition
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Bangalore
4 Home Remedies For Acidity

Excessive secretion of stomach acids brings about the problem of acidity with heartburn and dyspepsia being its common symptoms. There are foods as well as home remedies that can help you to get rid of this problem. Some of them are:

1. Bananas - Being an excellent source of potassium, this fruit helps to keep acid production in balance. Moreover, certain elements in bananas aid in increasing the production of stomach mucus that helps to protect the organ from adverse effects of excessive acid production. Even its high fiber content promotes digestion, preventing the occurrence of acidity once again.

2. Ginger - Consuming ginger can help to bring about a significant improvement in digestion, superior absorption as well as proper assimilation of important nutrients. This root is helpful in protecting your body from stomach ulcers by enabling mucus production, thereby decreasing the negative effects of acid on the stomach.

3. Melons - Melons are also extremely good for fighting acidity. They have a pH of 6.1 and can be had as whole or as fruit juice. Whether it is watermelons or honeydew, these are refreshing fruits filled with nutrients. Each bite of a watermelon, for instance, contains high levels of Vitamins A, C, and B6, amino acids, antioxidants and lycopene as well as potassium.

4. Mint leaves - Even mint leaves are helpful in slowing down the acid buildup in the stomach while improving digestion. Its cooling effect can help to cut down the pain as well as burning sensation associated with acid reflux.

In addition to having these foods, there are certain home remedies that you can try for fighting acidity:
- It's wise to have your last meal about 2-3 hours before your bedtime to allow time for digestion of the food matter.
- You should always have your meals at regular fixed intervals. Keeping too wide a gap between meals can cause you to suffer from acidity.
- To curb instances of acidity, it's best to avoid spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.
- Having a glass of lukewarm water daily can also help in combating acidity. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dietitian/Nutritionist.

3314 people found this helpful

Are soya chunks gud for bodybuilding? As it contains 54g of protein per 100g with all essential amino acids.

Dt. Neha Suryawanshi 91% (20749 ratings)
M.Sc. in Dietetics and Food Service Management , Post Graduate Diploma In Computer Application, P.G.Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics , B.Sc.Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
Are soya chunks gud for bodybuilding? As it contains 54g of protein per 100g with all essential amino acids.
yes it's good to have soya chunks but it's not a complete protein as it is deficient in some amino acids so include other protein rich foods like all milk and milk products, eggs, pulses, sprouts, nuts etc.
3 people found this helpful
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4 Superfoods to Get Rid of Acidity + 4 Home Remedies

Dt. Payaal 92% (221 ratings)
Master In Clinical Nutririon
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Ahmedabad
4 Superfoods to Get Rid of Acidity + 4 Home Remedies

4 Superfoods and home remedies to get rid of acidity

Excessive secretion of stomach acids brings about the problem of acidity with heartburn and dyspepsia being its common symptoms. There are foods as well as home remedies that can help you to get rid of this problem.

Some of them are:

1. Bananas - Being an excellent source of potassium, this fruit helps to keep acid production in balance. Moreover, certain elements in bananas aid in increasing the production of stomach mucus that helps to protect the organ from adverse effects of excessive acid production. Even its high fiber content promotes digestion, preventing the occurrence of acidity once again.

2. Ginger - Consuming ginger can help to bring about a significant improvement in digestion, superior absorption as well as proper assimilation of important nutrients. This root is helpful in protecting your body from stomach ulcers by enabling mucus production, thereby decreasing the negative effects of acid on the stomach.

3. Melons - Melons are also extremely good for fighting acidity. They have a pH of 6.1 and can be had as whole or as fruit juice. Whether it is watermelons or honeydew, these are refreshing fruits filled with nutrients. Each bite of a watermelon, for instance, contains high levels of Vitamins A, C, and B6, amino acids, antioxidants and lycopene as well as potassium.


4. Mint leaves - Even mint leaves are helpful in slowing down the acid buildup in the stomach while improving digestion. Its cooling effect can help to cut down the pain as well as burning sensation associated with acid reflux.

In addition to having these foods, there are certain home remedies that you can try for fighting acidity:

- It's wise to have your last meal about 2-3 hours before your bedtime to allow time for digestion of the food matter.
- You should always have your meals at regular fixed intervals. Keeping too wide a gap between meals can cause you to suffer from acidity.
- To curb instances of acidity, it's best to avoid spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.
- Having a glass of lukewarm water daily can also help in combating acidity.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.

Related Tip: What Causes Acidity? Understanding its Symptoms and Causes

5393 people found this helpful

I have acidity. What is mean by acidity. And what cause become acidity. What us the symptoms of acidity?

Dr. Subhash Divekar 91% (3231 ratings)
Certificate in Basic Course on Diabetes Management, CCEBDM Certificate in Diabetes, MBBS
General Physician, Pune
I have acidity. What is mean by acidity. And what cause become acidity. What us the symptoms of acidity?
Acidity is a common person's of expression of burning pain in upper part of stomach, over the chest in midline, belching, Gas etc also referred as Acid Peptic Disorder caused by increased acid secretion in stomach due to spicy and dried food , tobacco ingestion, alcohol etc irregular timings , stress etc . Inner lining of stomach is inflamed.
2 people found this helpful
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Even Children Can Have Acidity

Dr. Sajeev Kumar 91% (40740 ratings)
C.S.C, D.C.H, M.B.B.S
General Physician, Alappuzha
Children who have continuing recurrence of cough and croup could be suffering from stomach acid reflux problems.

Croup or ‘Kali Khansi’, as it is called in local parlance, is recognized by a loud cough that often sounds like the barking of a seal. It can cause rapid or difficult breathing, and sometimes wheezing. Croup is thought to be caused by a virus, but reflux acidity has been suggested as a possible trigger.

In gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach acid causes swelling and inflammation of the larynx, which narrows the airway. It can trigger more swelling with any kind of viral or respiratory infection.

Identifying children with gastroesophageal reflux disease could help treat and improve recurring croup. It is unusual for a child to have three or more bouts of croup over a short period of time. These children need to be evaluated.

The same is true for adults also. Patients with non responding asthma should be investigated for underlying acidity as the cause of acute asthma.
YOu can ask me privately in any doubts
12 people found this helpful

How to reduce Acidity

Dt. Neha Suryawanshi 91% (20749 ratings)
M.Sc. in Dietetics and Food Service Management , Post Graduate Diploma In Computer Application, P.G.Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics , B.Sc.Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
How to reduce Acidity
What kind of diet changes can help acid reflux?

One thing you can do to reduce your risk for heartburn and acid reflux disease is to eat low-fat, high-protein meals. Also, eat smaller meals more frequently; stop eating before you get too full.

Pay attention to foods that seem to trigger your heartburn and avoid them as much as possible.

Beverages that commonly trigger heartburn or make it worse, include:

Coffee or tea (both regular and decaffeinated)
Other beverages that contain caffeine
Carbonated beverages
Alcohol

Foods that commonly trigger heartburn or make it worse, include:
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons
Tomatoes and products that contain tomatoes, such as tomato sauce and salsa
Chocolate
Mint or peppermint
Fatty or spicy foods, such as chili or curry
Onions and garlic

What other lifestyle changes can treat acid reflux?
In addition to acid reflux diet changes, see which of the following lifestyle changes you can make.

Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for heartburn and acid reflux disease in several ways. It may increase the amount of acid secreted by your stomach and interfere with the function of muscles that help keep acid down.

Reduce reflux while sleeping. These steps will help reduce reflux when you sleep:
Put blocks under the head of your bed to raise it at least 4 to 6 inches. This helps keep your stomach's contents down. However, it doesn't work to simply use lots of extra pillows because this position may increase pressure on your abdomen.
Stop eating at least two or three hours before lying down.
Try sleeping in a chair for daytime naps.
Lessen the pressure. Often, extra pressure around your abdomen increases acid reflux. Try these steps:
Don't wear tight clothes or tight belts.
If you're overweight or obese, take steps to lose weight with exercise and diet changes.
8 people found this helpful

For acidity patients

Dr. Vishwajeet Singh 90% (2524 ratings)
BHMS
Homeopath, Bahadurgarh
For acidity patients
For acidity patients:
Always try to sleep in left side posture as it prevent the acidic reflex. So you will not be facing acidity due to reflex
Fb/omhomeopathy.
119 people found this helpful