Health benefits of lysine?

Lysine (also known as L-Lysine) is an amino acid or building block of protein essential for growth and tissue repair. Contrary to other amino acids, our body cannot produce lysine, so we need to get it through other things like the nutrients in our diet and other supplements.

 

Lysine intake may potentially improve our immune function, promote calcium absorption, and support the formation of collagen. Lysine may also contribute to carnitine production (a chemical that can turn fatty acids into energy).

What are the health benefits of lysine?

While often used in sport nutrition products to support muscle growth and repair, l-lysine is also thought to aid several other processes in the body.

Here are four significant lysine benefits:

1.Lysine could improve athletic performance

Lysine’s role in protein production means it’s directly linked to the development of muscle.It’s thought to aid in reducing the time it takes your body to recover after exercise by stimulating muscle synthesis and quickly repairing any damaged tissue.

2.Lysine is a potential treatment for cold sores

Suffer from cold sores on your lips or around your mouth?Lysine may reduce the time it takes for them to heal.That’s because lysine can inhibit HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) which is typically responsible for triggering cold sores.

3.Lysine could aid with anxiety

When combined with l-arginine (another essential amino acid), l-lysine is thought to be an effective treatment for anxiety.This is because both substances can reduce the production of cortisol, a hormone made by the body when it’s under stress. Due to protein’s role in creating some different hormones and substances, lysine is additionally linked to various other essential bodily functions.This includes making collagen in the skin, as well as aiding in the production of melatonin – the body’s sleep hormone.

 

4.Lysine May Improve Calcium Absorption and Retention

Research states that lysine can play an integral part in maintaining bone health.Specifically, lysine may enhance intestinal calcium absorption and conservation of the mineral in our kidneys, contributing to a positive balance. These results suggest lysine may be used as a supplement in osteoporosis interventions.Vascular calcification (VC) refers to mineral deposits in the vascular system. VC is common in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease and is often associated with cardiovascular problems. When examining its effects, an animal study revealed that dietary lysine might ameliorate this calcification.

 

 

Sources of lysine

As previously mentioned, lysine cannot be made by the body, so must be sourced from either food or supplements.

High-protein foods often contain l-lysine. If you follow a plant-based diet, this will include things like:

    · Meat (red meat, chicken, pork)

    · Fish (cod, salmon, tuna, sardines)

    · Dairy products (milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese—particularly parmesan cheese)

    · Soy

    · Beans

    · Avocado

    · Peppers

    · Nuts

Alternatively, you might want to try taking a lysine supplement.

L-lysine tablets come in different strengths which are very easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

As with any supplement, make sure you read the back of the packet correctly for advice on dosages.