Amino Acids

Amino acids are made when protein is broken down by digestion of food. Your body needs amino acids in order to retrieve amino acids from the food we eat. When you consume protein, your body breaks down the protein into individual amino acids before the cells can use them but the proper amount and kind of enzyme is required. When protein is broken down it results in 22 different groups of amino acids.

These are called “proteogenic amino acids” because they make up the 15,000 enzymes and 50, 000 proteins in our bodies. Proteogenic means ”capable of producing protein”. Of the 22 groups of amino acids, eight are not manufactured by our body. These eight are called “essential amino acids”. These acids are as follows: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine , Threonine, Tryptohpan and Valine. These proteins are named” complete proteins”. They can be found in meat, eggs and soy beans or in a multi-purpose digestive enzyme(an amino acid supplement).

Because it is hard for us to eat enough meat, eggs and spy bean to get the proper amount of the essential acids, people use a supplement. But you must be careful when using supplements because the right amount is important to good health. It is recommended to consult a physician for the proper amount. Amino acids are the building blocks of our body. They build cells and repair tissue as well as producing antibodies to fight against viruses and bacteria.

They also carry oxygen through the body and are needed for muscle activity. Amino acids help normalize moods, concentration, sex drive, sleep and aggression. If you are experiencing problems with any or a combination of these it could be a result of your body not getting the proper kind or amount of amino acids. If you can’t concentrate or lack sex drive, it could just be a result of not getting the proper free amino acids.