Glutamic acid is an amino acid used by the body to build proteins. It is usually present in the central nervous system (CNS), and is the most common type of excitatory, or stimulating, neurotransmitter in the CNS. It is produced by the body, and can also be found in certain types of food.
Glutamic acid may play a role in the proper functioning of the prostate gland. A study published back in the 1960s found that men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), a precursor to prostate cancer, showed improved symptoms in less pain when taking a combination of glutamic acid, alanine and glycine. Glutamic acid may also protect the heart muscle and improve heart function and athletic capacity in people with angina.
Because glutamic acid is produced naturally by the body, healthy people do not need to take glutamic acid supplements. In cases where supplementation is necessary, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider first.
Glutamic acid is available in various food sources and as a supplement. Foods that contain large amounts of glutamic acid include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and most dairy products.
A form of glutamic acid known as monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been shown to cause adverse effects (including headaches, fatigue and depression) in some individuals. Overstimulation of the receptors that accept glutamic acid is believed to be a possible cause of certain neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and Lou Gehrig's disease. As such, people with neurological disorders should speak with a licensed health care provider before taking glutamic acid supplements. As of this writing, there are no well-known drug interactions with glutamic acid. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking glutamic acid or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.
References
Over my almost 30 years in clinical practice, I have used Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang extensively for a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from chronic headaches to anxiety, insomnia, and prescription drug withdrawal symptoms if these situations fit the appropriate patterns – all with extremely positive clinical outcomes.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
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Low back pain is defined as pain the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), and it can be acute or chronic, localized or radiating. It is a common ailment for adults in the United States, with a lifetime prevalence as high as 65-80%. Whether or not an MRI is available to provide definitive knowledge of a structural issue, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for low back pain.
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