Amino acids are organic compounds that combine and create the building blocks for proteins. Our bodies are made of a significant amount of protein—there are roughly 10,000 types of proteins found in our organs, muscles, connective tissue, bones, and hair. Proteins are also critical for many chemical reactions throughout the body, including triggering hormones and enzymes and building neurotransmitters.
Amino acids are grouped into three categories: Essential, non-essential, and conditional.
- Essential amino acids cannot be created in the body. They come from whole foods. There are nine essential amino acids.
- Non-essential amino acids occur naturally in the body regardless of what you eat. There are four non-essential amino acids.
- Conditional amino acids are produced in the body under specific circumstances, generally when sick or overly stressed. There are eight conditional amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks for protein, which the body uses for various functions, from building and maintaining muscles to regulating your mood and metabolism.
Amino Acids Help Build and Maintain Muscle Mass
Amino acids are crucial for the healthy build-up and maintenance of muscle. Especially important for athletes, the elderly, and chronically ill people.
Athletes rely on amino acids for muscle growth, muscle tone, healing, and repair. The intensity of their training often causes them to injure their muscles, which can affect their performance. They rely on amino acids to build proteins that boost their energy, reduce recovery time, and increase their tolerance to intense training.
Elderly people are at high risk for loss of mobility and strength due to a decline in muscle tone. Amino acids can help elderly people slow down muscle loss and possibly restore muscle tone, thereby helping avoid them injury and remain ambulatory and independent.
Chronically ill people are at risk for muscle loss, atrophy, or other tissue damage. Amino acids help reduce the impact of chronic illness and may help restore tissue damage. Additionally, illness, pain, and injury can cause stress and fatigue that further affects the mood and energy levels of people living with chronic illnesses. Amino acids can help regulate and restore energy and balance mood.
Amino Acids Help Regulate Moods and Behavior
Amino acids influence our moods and behaviors. Amino acids create neurotransmitters that regulate our moods, cravings, and behaviors. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and GABA all play essential roles in managing stress. Serotonin is one of the primary neurotransmitters that the brain uses. Ample supplies of Serotonin help maintain an even mood and demeanor. Low levels of serotonin can create intense sugar cravings and cause depression and anxiety.
How Can Our Executive Stress Amino Acid-Infused IV Help?
There is more than one way to increase your amino acid intake each day. Generally speaking, a whole foods diet is optimal to ensure you are getting essential amino acids. Whole foods listed below are the primary sources of essential amino acids.
- Eggs
- Dairy foods
- Fatty fish
- Soy products
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Beans and legumes
- Potatoes
These foods can help ensure you are getting essential amino acids regularly; however, there are some reasons why you may not be getting the full benefit from eating whole foods alone. Some illnesses, including digestive issues like leaky gut, can prevent the absorption of amino acids, leaving you at risk. Chronic or intense stress can also create fatigue that can’t be remedied by a good meal.
IV or intravenous amino acid infusion bypasses the digestive system, which has a 100% absorption rate into the bloodstream. The positive effects are quick since the amino acids are made available to your cells immediately. You receive the full benefits of the amino acids for your specific health goals. The concentration of amino acids also works quickly to increase energy, balance mood, and repair physical damage in the body. Your body uses what it needs, and any excess is expelled through your urine.
Our Executive Stress IV is specially crafted for your specific health goals. We can help you determine what benefits you need based on your unique health concerns. Living with chronic illness myself, I often choose an Executive IV to combat the stress and fatigue I suffer from an autoimmune disease. If you want to explore whether an Executive Stress IV is right for you or book an Executive Stress IV appointment, call our office for a consultation appointment at (716) 685-2361.