The Amino Acid L-Carnitine

Amanda Beckner

There seem to be many myths regarding the amino acid L-Carnitine.  Such as if you take this amino acid you will lose fat, your energy will increase, it will automatically lower your cholesterol levels, helps you to avoid a heart attack, stops food cravings and seems to help with side effects on medications.  While, this all sounds wonderful, it is not as simple as it sounds.  Lets take a look at the plain and simple facts.
 
L-Carnitine is an amino acid that your body naturally produces.  As you age your body slows down on the amount that it produces, yes, causing a lack of energy and therefor being that your not as active, you may gain a little weight.  If you take the amino acid L-Carnitine as a supplement, you should take 250mg if your a woman and 500mg if your a man.  The supplement should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and wait 30 minuets before you eat.  When you first start to take L-Carnitine, you need to take it every day for one week, then you only take it on the days you workout.  However you need to workout at least 3x per week for 30 minuets or longer.  If you do not workout there is no need to take this amino acid because L-Carnitine needs the production of collagen to work correctly with your system.  When you workout you naturally increase serotonin levels, endorphins and the production of collagen.  As these processes are naturally happening, the amino acid L-Carnitine is put to use.  You will notice your mental focus will improve, energy will increase, oxygen will flow through the capillaries at a steady rate and increase heart function.  This in turn with correct diet will help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. 
 
The key is to correctly use the supplement so your body can get the complete benefit out of it and utilize it to your body's full capacity.  Now that you are using it correctly, L-Carnitine can help you to maintain your fat-loss goals.  Scientific evidence shows that increased levels of carnitine lead to increased fat burning when working out.  It does this by increasing the metabolic rate while maintaining the levels of muscle tissue.  Remember for every pound of muscle you gain, you burn 50 more calories in your day.  Because you are maintaining the muscle and losing the fat your energy levels are increasing, your cravings are lessening and your immune function is improving and so is your overall health.

Comments