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2012-02-13 6:43 PM

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Subject: Amino acids for dieting
Hi Guys and Gals. I'm new to the triathlon world, and am wondering about amino acids. I'm 6'2" and 240 on my way to 200. I've cut my calories, but wondering if I should be taking amino acids to prevent muscle loss. I'm currently taking in roughly 160g of protein a day, and working out 5 days a week. Thanks.


2012-02-13 7:55 PM
in reply to: #4045737

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Northern WI
Subject: RE: Amino acids for dieting
They can work if your diet is in check.  I take BCAA's in a preworkout drink and in my post whey drink to prevent muscle loss during workouts.  They can be used as a fuel source when needed instead of your muscles being used as fuel if your energy is too low.  
2012-02-15 3:36 PM
in reply to: #4045862

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Subject: RE: Amino acids for dieting
You might also want to throw the question out on the weight loss forum. 
2012-02-15 8:32 PM
in reply to: #4045737

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2525
Subject: RE: Amino acids for dieting
Thanks historygalwi. I checked around and a few vitamin shops too and they said the exact same thing. kind of expensive, but worth a try. Thank You too Bikergrrrl, I should have asked on the weight loss forum too.
2012-02-16 1:44 PM
in reply to: #4049921

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Northern WI
Subject: RE: Amino acids for dieting
Best way to buy them based on cost is in bulk powder form.  Pills are WAYYY too expensive.  Go to places like supplementdirect.com or musclefeast.com and get them in bulk.  
2013-01-25 11:25 AM
in reply to: #4045737

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Mesa, AZ
Subject: RE: Amino acids for dieting

I just happened to write an article on this.

 
Amino Acids: A Waist Of Money Or A Secret Performance Weapon? 
 
If you an avid exercise enthusiast, you are likely using gels, protein bars and sports drinks. If have been paying attention what are in these products, you may have noticed that Amino Acids are being added to many of these products.
 
Why are Amino Acids being added to all the gels, bars, and sports drinks and is it worth the extra money to buy products that contain Amino Acids?    
 
Before we get into whether Amino Acids are worth the money, and more importantly, do they work, we need to talk a little about what Amino Acids are and what exactly they do.
 
When most people here about Amino Acids, they think of Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins. However, the role of amino acids goes way beyond building blocks – they are essential for the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and numerous other metabolic pathways in the body.
 
This might get a little boring, just like your 9th grade biology class, but hang in there, this might just be your sercert performace weapon. 
 
Amino Acids fall into two catagories; Essential Amino Acids (EAA’s) and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s). In this article we will focus on the Essential Amino Acids.
 
Essential amino acids can’t be made by our bodies, we have to get them from our diet. The essential amino acids, which are Phenylanine, Valine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Isoleucine, Histidine, Arginine,Leucine and Lysine.
 
How can these EAA’s help your performance? Let’s break it down.
 
Phenylalanine has a pain-killing and antidepressant effect. This means you could be happier and feeling less pain while doing those killer hill or threshold workouts. 
 
Valine, Isoleucine and Leucine, are both Essential and  Branched Chain Amino Acids. These essential amino acids can reduce the amount of damage to the muscles during exercise. This means amino these amino acids can help your muscles recover faster.
 
Serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that can reduce pain and the amino acid Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin. This means taking Tryptophan can increase your tolerance to pain and therefore you might be able to train or race a little harder.
 
 Histidine has some antioxidant properties. This means Histidine could help you fight off the cell damaging free radicals you produce during exercise,
 
Arginine is a vasodilator, which means it increases blood flow. There have been many studies that show Arginine is helpful for people with cardiovascular disease. Does this means it would be helpful for athletes? No real studies showing that it improves performance, but when I am running I will take improved blood flow over restricted blood flow any day.
 
So there are the basics on why these essential amino acids are showing up in sports nutrition products.
 
Are they worth it? 
 
Amino acids allow you to push through pain, they allow your muscles to recovery faster and they affect neurotransmitters that make you feel better. Could you have used any of those during your last race?
 
Dr Jeff Banas is a Superhuman Performance Coach, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a 8 Time Ironman Triathlon Finisher.   
 
In addition to running a Sports Therapy practice in Mesa, AZ, Dr. Jeff coaches and trains individuals for weight loss, muscle strength, wellness, and sports performance.  For more information about Dr. Banas you can visit his website at www.BanasSportsTherapy.com or contact him directly at 480-633-6837 or [email protected] 

 



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