L-Glutamine for gut healing is one of my favorite supplements I incorporate daily, and today I’m going to share with you the best organic L-glutamine powder.
For a very long time I listened to what doctors and those with an official license told me to do to help my gut heal.
There is a time and a place for doctors, but when it comes to healing the gut with food and lifestyle vs. (chronic) drugs and medications, I found that the traditional doctor just didn’t have a place.
Chronic traditional medicine made me sicker (and believe me, I have lived through Canasa.)
I sought out alternatives, asked a million questions and got many different opinions before I landed to the place I am at today.
It wasn’t easy. But it was worth it.
I could now tell you about probably 100 different things that helped me, from food to lifestyle, supplements to herbs and more.
An l-glutamine supplement is one that truly helped change my gut health for the better, but is definitely not a supplement that any doctor recommended.
L-Glutamine for Gut Healing
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What is L-Glutamine?
From my A Gutsy Girl’s Bible,
Glutamine is an essential amino acid that is anti-inflammatory and necessary for the growth and repair of your intestinal lining. L-glutamine acts a protector and coats your cell walls, acting as a repellent to irritants.
Additionally,
Researchers are finding that it plays a critical role in healthy digestion and brain function.
And you can learn more about that HERE.
Glutamine is the body’s most abundant amino acid, representing approximately 40% to 60% of the total amino acid pool in the body.
Glutamine is required to perform a variety of essential functions.
Often referred to as the multitasker, glutamine is a nutrient with an impressive range of health benefits. It helps support normal blood glucose metabolism, build lean muscle, and promote a normal immune response.*
In the gut, glutamine promotes the health and function of the mucosal cells for normal repair. Furthermore, glutamine distributes nitrogen freely to the cells that need it the most, such as the immune cells, the gut cells, and the muscle cells.
6 L-Glutamine benefits that almost everyone can enjoy
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Since L-glutamine is the most plentiful amino acid in the body and plays an important role intestinal health, I wanted to break it down even more for you.
L Glutamine for Leaky Gut
By now you are no stranger to the term, “Leaky Gut.” If you’ve been told you have it, then L-Glutamine has been found to prevent and/or repair Leaky Gut. (source)
In one study, rats that received glutamine supplementation prior to radiation reduced the incidences of leaky gut. Most rats that didn’t receive glutamine in their diet developed leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability), whereas the rats that did receive glutamine had intact guts [27].
Leaky gut is a matter of gut integrity and by fueling the mucosal cells of the digestive tract, glutamine helps strengthen the integrity of the intestinal wall to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Wounds
Research also indicates that L-Glutamine might be good for wound healing.
The NIH states,
Glutamine provides energy and DNA bases in rapidly proliferating cells. Hence, an increased intake of these nutrients by supplements may improve wound healing, thus being of interest in wound care.
Immune Support
It has been stated that the, “function of the immune system can be compromised when insufficient amounts of glutamine are available.” (source)
L-glutamine provides a major source of energy for the immune system and its varied cells for overall immune health.
Mount Sinai states,
Clinical studies show that taking glutamine supplements strengthens the immune system and reduce infections, particularly infections associated with surgery.
Muscle building
While many might not consider this one important, it definitely is, even if athletic performance is of no concern to you.
As someone who is constantly trying to preserve muscle mass for longevity, in addition to the immune function and gut health benefits, I personally take L-glutamine for muscle tissue preservation.
L-Glutamine supports muscle recovery during sporting events or exercise and/or an intense workout and play a role in the prevention of reduce soreness.
Antioxidant
L-glutamine is also an excellent dietary supplement for increasing the production of glutathione, the body’s main antioxidant.
This helps support a healthy immune response by protecting tissues from oxidative damage and helping to support the body’s detoxification of harmful substances.
Brain Support
Something you might not have known (I didn’t!) is that L-glutamine is an important precursor to the production of neurotransmitter substances in the brain and helps to support wellness of the brain and mental energy.
This is a powerhouse for overall health since we know there is so much overlap between the gut and brain.
Best Organic L-Glutamine Powder [Supplement for Gut Healing
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Okay, then, so what is the best organic L-glutamine powder?
Well, the first thing I’ll say is that while everyone wants an organic L-glutamine, I don’t think that’s the most important thing.
So, this L-glutamine supplement in powder form is not labeled “organic.”
Instead, this l glutamine powder is:
- vegan
- dairy-free
- gluten-free
- soy-free
- non-GMO
- contains no additives
And here’s more about it.
Naked L-glutamine:
- is a free form powder
- contains 5 grams of L-Glutamine per scoop (serving)
- is the only ingredient (= L-Glutamine) — there are no additives or fillers
- maintains super high quality
How to Use Naked Glutamine
Because this is one of the highest grade forms of glutamine and is unflavored, it’s super easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Even with the plain, unflavored pure L-Glutamine powder, I don’t just put it in water and drink it. You could, but it will not be very good.
The good news is that you don’t have to, either.
Instead, I incorporate it into other things I’m already eating.
The 4 main things I add L-Glutamine to are:
- my power gluten-free oatmeal bowl in the morning
- Gut Healing Chia Pudding
- smoothies
- bone broth
Remember, just make sure you’re using the best glutamine powder. 🙂
How MUCH L-Glutamine To Take?
First, it’s important to note that, as always, you should check with your healthcare practitioner for appropriate dosing. Mayo Clinic gives slight variations on dosing based on illness.
That said, typically, the best dosage is an ingestion between two to five grams taken twice daily and up to 10 grams twice daily for serious power athletes. The way I personally went about it was by starting with just 2 grams per day, and then increasing over time.
My research lead me to about 10 – 15 grams per day (for leaky gut) so I did that for a short time. Today I maintain with one scoop of Naked Glutamine (which is 5 grams).
If I’m working out a lot more than usual, then I’ll take 2 scoops of that per day.
Foods that Naturally Contain L-Glutamine
Getting nutrients from food is always the best choice.
However, the reason I talk about L-glutamine in supplement form so often falls in line with what Dr. Josh Axe mentions on his website,
It’s estimated that 70 million Americans now suffer from digestive diseases, so it’s apparent that our diets severely lack certain nutrients that support the digestive tract. While L-glutamine is synthesized by the body from glutamic acid or glutamate, sometimes the body is unable to produce enough — plus the majority of people don’t seem to get enough L-glutamine from their food alone if they eat low-protein diets.
So many of us in the Gutsy community are part of that 70 million Americans stat.
Even still, here are some foods that naturally contain L-glutamine:
- fish
- other seafood
- red cabbage – a good one for those of you who avoid animal products
- milk
- cheese
- yogurt
- eggs
- nuts
- seeds
- soy – choose wisely here; miso or organic tofu, anyone?!
- red kidney beans – another great plant source
- dark leafy greens
- seaweed
- bone broth
- grass-fed beef
- asparagus
- venison
- parsley
- legumes
Leaky Gut Supplements
If you’re interested in more supplements for leaky gut, here are 14:
- HCL (Betaine) with Pepsin
- Digestive Enzymes
- Digestive Bitters
- Zinc
- Probiotics
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin K2-7
- Collagen
- Prebiotic
- Coconut oil (as a supplement)
- Leaky Gut Revive
- Glutagenics Powder
- Tummy Soothe
Learn more about all of them via Leaky Gut Supplements.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
- Stock vs Broth {Plus 19+ Other Bone Broth FAQs}
- B Vitamins (B Complex Vs B12 Injections)
- 9 Best IBS Supplements
Xox,
SKH
🤰 bloating be gone! weight loss through optimal gut health for women
💃ʜᴇᴀʟ ʏᴏᴜʀ ɢᴜᴛ. ʜᴇᴀʟ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʟɪfe.
🫶🏻 founder gutbyome.com
Interesting! I take glutamine to help with muscle growth/repair. Never knew it could help with gut healing!!
Yes, Liz….the muscle growth/repair is just a bonus for me. I was going to mention it, but I kept it to the gut for this post:)
My nutritionist recommend this to me a couple years ago when I was really struggling with stomach issues and I have even had my husband start using it. I am a big believer!
Just had my am dose in the power gluten-free oatmeal:) Have a great day, Krysten! xo
How did you know to up your dose from 5g to 30g a day? I bought this because you recommended it, take 5g a day but still think I’m dealing with leaky gut and could up my dose as well! 😉 love your blog so much, it helped me so much in my journey
Hi….you just increase slowly when you don’t have any side effects. If you add too quickly, you might get diarrhea. And thank you! I LOVE helping amazing women like you, Emily. Xox
If I have IBS-D then should I NOT try this supplement or just be careful with dosage?
Ask your doctor for sure, but usually it’s just watching dosage.
I’d love to see how L-glutamine powder can help. I’ve taken different supplements over 4 years trying to recover and heal. Some containing l-glutamine but never on its own.
I love, love, love!!!!
Ive never tired it, but might need to add it to my daily routine. I like reading how it helps with immune boost and muscle building! I’m always looking for something to help with inflammation also.
I know….I loved the extra benefits in addition to the gut stuff.
I’ve put it in my morning coffee every day. What is another super easy way to add it in?
See above!
I take to heal my gut and it’s so helpful that I can put it in anything and not taste it. Makes it so easy to commit and take every day.
Agreed. It is SO easy.
My functional medicine Doctor put me on L-glutamine and I think is great for the leaky gut.
Agreed!
Yes! Love this post. It speaks to me. My Natural Practioner recommended it to me two years ago and it has been a game changer for me gut. If I could only keep 1 supplement in my arsenal, this would be it.
Yes! It’s been critical for me, too.
Yes!!!! the one and only person who introduced me to L Glutamine is YOU!! I use the powder form you take and love it. I feel a difference. Heal. That. Gut. Thank you
🙂
This is so interesting! I knew about this supplement for working out, but had no idea it could help my stomach issues too. I will definitely be adding this!
Yes, try it!
I started using it for gut health and the muscle recovery is an added bonus! I think I need to experiment with my dose a little though. Great post Sarah !!
Sounds like a great supplement. Would love to try it!
🙂
I have found L-Glutamine to help me with not only muscle soreness, but bowel movements! And ANY day I can have a bowel movement, is a GOOD day!!
A GREAT day!
I started taking it this morning in a smoothie based on your endorsement. Oops, I may have started with way too much, I went in at 12mg! But then I’m mid-flare, so I doubt I could tell whether I’m not tolerating it just now. Perhaps I will knock it back a bit for tomorrow’s smoothie. ????
Yes, as always…..ask your doctor. And when in doubt, go slow and go.
I have been wanting to try this ever since I saw it on your Recommended Supplements List!
It’s constantly and consistently a top recommendation.
I keep reading about L-Glutamine and the benefits. I really need to try it! Thanks for the recommendation
You’re welcome!
I’ve been considering taking this for quite some time but wasn’t sure of any possible negative effects… sounds like if I add it slowly, it should all be positive! I healed my gut (mostly on my own) over the last five years after living in pain too long and I wish I’d found folks like you sooner! You make a lot of the research I did over the years make even more sense, and really simplify a lot of what I’ve learned while still adding to my arsenal of knowledge. Thank you!
Aw. Thank you kindly, Sarah! If you add it too quickly, you might have some diarrhea. Just start small and go. Xox
Amazing article!! Thank you! Could you please reply for how long you can go with 30g of L-glutamine per day? When should I reduce this amount and to what dosage? Thank you!
Be careful with dosage of L Glutamine. It can cause side effects ranging from insomnia to nausea and vomiting. Sarah is wise. Go low and slow. I began at a too high dose and experienced nausea and vomiting consistently. I stopped taking it with my specialist physician’s agreement and tried another supplement. Could take it either. And L Glutamine is well known as the best supplement for leaky gut. I’m currently corresponding with my doctor re significantly reducing my dose to see if I can tolerate it. Hopefully, I can gradually increase my dose, but even if it remains small, it will help with my leaky gut symptoms.
I have all the signs of leaky gut and I tried several times L-glutamine in 3-4 grams low dose and I am feeling letargic and having brain fog after. I read that for 5% of people L-Glutamin does not work and I am sad I am in that small group. Does anybody experience the same at the first doses? Should I give it more time? Thanks
What brand do you recommend?
NOW Foods powdered one. I have linked to it in this post 🙂