About blood amino acid concentration ~ Nutritionist's Column Vol.70

Protein is essential for building the body.
We have talked about vitamin C as an important nutrient that not only builds muscles, but also organs, skin, hair, etc.

When such proteins are absorbed into the body and broken down, amino acids are produced.

Amino acids and their roles - Nutritionist's Column Vol.20

In this column, we will discuss the important things to keep in mind once amino acids enter the body, such as amino acid concentration .

Muscle Mechanism

A decrease in basal metabolism and weakened immunity.
A lack of amino acids can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, causing a variety of negative symptoms in the body.
So how can you effectively build muscle to maintain a healthy body?
Let's start by understanding the mechanics of muscles.

Our muscles grow through alternating anabolic and catabolic states.
Anabolic refers to the state in which muscle is synthesized (increased), while catabolic refers to the opposite state in which muscle is broken down (decreased).
In other words, when your body is in an anabolic state, you will build muscle mass, and when your body is in a catabolic state, you will lose muscle mass.

Muscle growth and blood amino acid concentration

This is where the concentration of amino acids in the blood, known as "blood amino acid concentration," comes into play.
Blood amino acid concentrations are high in an anabolic state where muscle mass increases, and low in a catabolic state where muscle mass decreases.

There are other factors that can cause the body to become catabolic, such as mental stress or excessive exercise, but in order to maintain a healthy body, that is, to increase muscle mass, it is important to be conscious of keeping the amino acid concentrations in the blood high.

Amino acids that cannot be stored in the body

Amino acids cannot be stored in the body like fats.
Therefore, in order to maintain high blood amino acid concentrations, it is important to regularly take in the proteins and amino acids that are the source of these amino acids through food and supplements.

Eat plant-based protein before exercise, before bed, or when there will be a while between your next intake.
Compared to animal protein, plant protein is absorbed slowly by the body and maintains blood amino acid concentrations for a longer period of time.
It's a good idea to keep this in mind to prevent the breakdown of the muscle you've worked so hard to synthesize.

Exercising on an empty stomach is inefficient

It is not recommended to exercise on an empty stomach as this can lead to muscle loss.
When exercising, carbohydrates and lipids are used as the primary source of energy.
However, if you start exercising when you are hungry, or when you lack carbohydrates or fats, the protein in your muscles will be broken down and used as a material to produce energy.

When it comes to protein, we tend to focus on taking it after exercise, but it's also important to take it before exercise.
Keep in mind that when your body is in a catabolic state, where amino acid concentrations are low, muscle will not be synthesized efficiently even if you exercise.

A healthy amount of muscle mass is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In order to avoid losing such muscle and to synthesize it efficiently in the body, try to change your daily lifestyle and pay attention to "amino acid concentration."
Even if you continue to do the same amount of exercise and eat the same amount of food, you may see changes in your body and physical condition.

Click here to purchase GRØN , a plant-based protein that provides amino acids and protein.

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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara

A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.

With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.

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