Lysine Side Effects, Benefits and More

By now, you may have heard of Lysine, which is an essential amino acid, which we need to stay healthy, but that we cannot produce in our own bodies. In this article, we look at what Lysine is, what its health benefits are, and what Lysine side effects you need to consider before taking a supplement.

What Is Lysine

As we have already established, Lysine is an amino acid that we need in our bodies, but that animals do not produce themselves. Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle, and, as such, they are needed to grow, repair muscle damage, and keep our bodies in proper working order.

Aside from helping us grow and heal, Lysine is also used to produce enzymes, which help the body to digest and metabolise food, the production of hormones that govern our bodies and minds, and to bolster immune function, that helps us fight off disease. In short, without Lysine, your body is in big trouble!

Where Does Lysine Naturally Occur?

Before you worry about Lysine side effects too much, it is important to realize that Lysine occurs naturally in a wide range of plant-based foods.

Beans and legumes, including soybeans, lentils, adzuki beans and peas, all contain Lysine in significant proportions. Certain animals, which eat a diet high in these types of foods, also store lysine in their bodies, and beef, chicken and catfish, as well as dairy products and eggs, all contain significant amounts of stored Lysine.

The trouble is that most of us do not eat a healthy diet, and our food is usually deficient in all kinds of vitamins and minerals – including Lysine – which leads to health problems.

Lysine Side Effects

Now that we know why we need Lysine, let us look at Lysine side effects that you should bear in mind.

There are countless health benefits to Lysine, but one of the biggest problems is that Lysine in supplements is often derived from soy. In patients with an over sensitivity to soy, this can lead to an allergic reaction, which may include gastrointestinal distress, headaches and other physical symptoms.

If you want to avoid these Lysine side effects, first have yourself tested for soy allergy, before you begin taking a Lysine supplement, and if you are allergic, look for Lysine products that are made from materials other than soy.

Summary:

1. Lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is present in many of the foods we eat.
2. Because our modern diets are far from perfectly balanced, many people may be suffering from a Lysine deficiency.
3. Amino acids are important for growth and healing, digestion and immune function.
4. Many Lysine supplements are made from soybeans.
5. In people with soy allergy, typical allergy or hypersensitivity side effects may occur.
6. Always take a Lysine supplement under the guidance of your doctor, and if you have a soy allergy, look for products made from other plant or animal material.