Whether you’re a dedicated runner, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to stay healthy and active, your body needs the right nutrients to function at its best. We’ve all heard over and over the importance of carbs, fats, and proteins, but there’s another critical piece of the puzzle: amino acids. As an acupuncturist and athlete, I’ve seen just how essential these building blocks are—not just for athletes, but for anyone looking to maintain energy, support recovery, and feel their best every day.
What Are Amino Acids and Why Do They Matter?
Amino acids are the foundation of protein, which is vital for almost every function in your body. There are 20 different amino acids, and nine of them are considered essential, meaning you need to get them from your diet because your body can’t produce them on its own.
Here’s why amino acids are important for everyone, not just athletes:
Supporting Muscle Health: Whether you’re hitting the gym, doing yoga, or just staying active with daily walks, your muscles are constantly working. Amino acids help repair and rebuild muscle tissue, which is essential for staying strong and avoiding injuries.
Boosting Energy Levels: We all need energy to get through the day, and amino acids play a key role in this process. They help your body produce energy, making sure you have the stamina to tackle whatever comes your way, from a busy workday to a weekend hike.
Promoting Better Recovery: Even if you’re not an athlete, recovery is important. Whether you’ve had a strenuous day at work or an intense workout, amino acids can help reduce soreness and speed up recovery, so you’re ready to go again the next day.
Supporting Immune Health: Amino acids like glutamine are important for your immune system, helping you stay healthy and resilient. This is crucial for everyone, especially during times of stress or when you’re trying to stay well. This is perfect for the colder temps that are coming!
Maintaining a Healthy Metabolism: Amino acids play a role in regulating your metabolism, which helps you manage your weight and maintain energy balance. This is important for overall health, whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply maintain your current fitness level.
Improving skin elasticity: Amino acids can also help with providing tighter and brighter skin which can help with creating a more “lean” appearance.
My Recommendation for Everyday Health
There are countless amino acid supplements on the market which can be extremely overwhelming to know what to pick. I highly recommend checking out my guide What’s in Your Supplements to help you with finding a high-quality amino acid supplement that your body can actually process and not just give you expensive urine like so many supplements on the market do.
As someone who combines Eastern and Western approaches to health, I’m always looking for natural, effective ways to support overall well-being and am constantly researching the best options for my patients. That’s why I’m a big fan of these specific amino acids (DRKAILEEACU for $50 off your first order) and have been using them daily for almost 2 years now. This supplement is not just for athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to support their muscle health, energy levels, and recovery.
Super Aminos 23 provides all the essential amino acids your body needs, in a form that’s easy to digest and absorb. What I love about this product is that it’s vegan, grown on organic regenerative farms, non-GMO, and free from artificial ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re putting into your body. It’s also 100% pre-digested which means it gets absorbed into your bloodstream in just 23 minutes which is perfect for when I’m trying to get out the door quickly for a workout early in the AM!
How to Incorporate Amino Acids Into Your Daily Routine
These are a few ways that I incorporate amino acids into my routine and have seriously noticed such a difference in my workouts and overall health:
Morning Boost: I love starting my day with my amino acids and a large glass of room temperature lemon water in order to to give my body the support it needs to stay energized and focused throughout the day.
Pre- or Post-Exercise: When I’m more active, I take extra aminos before or after my workouts to help protect my muscles, boost energy, and speed up recovery. During my ultras, this is a staple that I take. I take 5 probably every few hours or so.
Daily Support: Even on rest days or when I’m not exercising, amino acids help support my overall health and well-being.
Why Amino Acids Are Essential for Everyone
Amino acids are more than just a supplement for athletes—they’re a vital part of everyday health. Whether you’re looking to stay active, recover from a busy day, or simply support your overall well-being, amino acids can help you feel your best.
As always, please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have specific health concerns.
Here’s to feeling strong, energized, and healthy every day!
*The information contained on this website/page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide a diagnosis or substitute for medical, nutritional or acupuncture advice or treatment. Any reference to or mention of any particular diagnoses or dysfunctions is intended for informational purposes only and not an attempt to diagnose your particular problems. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medicine or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.
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