Amino acids and endometriosis

Amino acids in diet for endometriosis


What are amino acids?


We normally get amino acids naturally in our diet, and particularly through the various animal sources of meat such as pork, chicken, beef etc.  Problems may arise when following the diet for endometriosis and reducing the consumption of animal products like meat and dairy.  This may lead to a reduction of essential amino acids in the diet, so taking supplements  may be helpful.


What do amino acids do?

Amino acids build muscles, cause chemical reactions in the body, transport nutrients, prevent illness, and carry out other functions. The body needs 20 different amino acids to maintain good health and normal functioning

Amino acids are classified into three groups:

  • Essential amino acids
  • Non-essential amino acids
  • Conditional amino acids



Amino acids in diet


Essential amino acids

Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body. They must come from food. The 9 essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Non-essential amino acids

Non-essential means that our bodies produce an amino acid, even if we do not get it from the food we eat. Non-essential amino acids include: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.

Conditional amino acids

Conditional amino acids are usually not essential, except in times of illness and stress. Conditional amino acids include: arginine, cysteine, glutamine, tyrosine, glycine, ornithine, proline, and serine.



What do the amino acids do in the body?


Essential Amino Acids

Histidine - helps bone development and supports the immune system

Isoleucine - stimulates brain alertness

Leucine - stimulates protein production, helps produce energy and healthy brain function

Lysine - helps in the absorption of calcium

Methionine - helps lower cholesterol and has an important role in urinary tract health

Phenylalanine - performs the function of a pain reliever as it produces norepinephrine

Threonine - prevents fat build-up and elimination by assisting digestive tract function

Tryptophan - helps brain function in relieving headaches and aiding proper sleep patterns

Valine - promotes mental and nervous system function



Non-Essential Amino Acids 

Alanine - serves as a muscle tissue building block and helps to metabolize sugar

Arginine - helps in tissue repair, wound healing and cell regeneration

Asparagine - works in the formation of proteins, muscles, neurotransmitters and antibodies

Aspartic acid - aids in the expulsion of toxins such as ammonia

Cysteine - works to protect cells from damage

Cystine - antioxidant that helps to slow down the aging process and is important to skin health

Glutamine - helps brain function and gives energy to the body

Glutamic acid - aids weight loss by decreasing cravings

Glycine - essential for a healthy immune system and cell development

Proline - essential for bone and circulatory health

Serine - helps the immune system and has numerous digestive benefits

Tyrosine - helps the nervous system and promotes memory, alertness and hormone release


The benefit of amino acid supplements depends on the specific acids contained in the product – and between them they have far reaching benefits for the entire body.

Certain amino's have calming benefits and can be helpful to aid sleep.  Other amino acids can improve muscle tone and strength, while other amino's can assist with strength and cognitive performance.

For endometriosis, some of the beneficial amino acids would include Glycine to support the immune system,  Arginine to aid wound healing, and Phenylalanine as it performs the function of assisting pain relief.



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Who is behind this site . . . . 

Hi, I’m Carolyn Levett, an endometriosis author, mentor, Integrative Health Coach and fellow endo warrior.

Having experienced endometriosis myself, I found my way towards better health through nutrition, natural remedies and support. I’m the bestselling author of 'Recipes & Diet Advice for Endometriosis' and 'Endometriosis – Healing from the Inside Out', and hold qualifications in nutrition, naturopathy and women’s hormone health.

I know how isolating and overwhelming endometriosis can be, especially when you feel unheard or your symptoms aren’t taken seriously. My aim is to share the knowledge, practical advice and support I wish I’d had, helping other women feel more informed, empowered and able to manage their endometriosis more naturally.

You don’t have to navigate endometriosis alone.



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Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5915433/



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