When we think about health and longevity, we often focus on big-picture concepts like exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being.
But what if the key to dismantling our menopause belly and creating radiant skin lies in the tiny building blocks within our bodies?
Amino acids, often referred to as the “building blocks of life,” play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing muscle mass and overall health, especially as we go through the menopause transition.
In my fascinating interview with Angelo Keely, the co-founder and CEO of Kion and an expert in amino acids, we explored their transformative potential for longevity, skin health, muscle hypertrophy and strength. Here’s what you need to know about amino acids and why they deserve a spot in your menopause wellness routine.
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Proteins, in turn, are crucial for nearly every biological process in our bodies. From building and repairing tissues to producing enzymes and hormones, amino acids are indispensable.
There are 20 amino acids, nine of which are classified as essential. This means our bodies cannot produce them on their own; we must obtain them through food or supplements.
Essential amino acids (EAAs) include:
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
These amino acids are especially crucial for muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall vitality.
Why Amino Acids Matter More As We Go Through Menopause
As we head towards menopause, our bodies face new challenges: muscle mass declines, metabolism slows, and recovery takes longer. This is where amino acids shine. Angelo Keely explained that amino acids, particularly EAAs, are critical for preserving muscle mass, supporting brain health, and even enhancing mood. All the things we need support with in midlife.
How to Incorporate Amino Acids into Your Diet
You can find amino acids in protein-rich foods and supplements.
- Dietary Sources:
Opt for complete proteins such as eggs, meat, fish, dairy, quinoa, and soy. These foods contain all nine essential amino acids. Angelo mentioned the star is dairy. Hopefully you can tolerate it. - Supplements:
High-quality EAA supplements can be beneficial, especially if you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have difficulty consuming enough protein from food. And that includes just about most of us and that’s why I say “eat protein like it’s your job”. So, my favorite hack is supplementing with EAAs. My favorite is Kion EAAs, which we can get for 20% off with the code ZORA at getkion.com/zora
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Amino Acids
Here’s some actionable advice on optimizing amino acid intake:
- Timing Matters: Incorporating EAAs around workouts can maximize muscle protein synthesis.
- Consistency Over Perfection: It’s not just about hitting one big protein meal; distributing your amino acid intake throughout the day ensures steady support.
- Pairing with Lifestyle Choices: Nutrition, sleep, and exercise amplify the benefits of amino acids, creating a synergistic effect for longevity.
The Longevity Connection
Amino acids don’t just maintain physical health today—they contribute to the long game of life. Their potential is to reduce age-related muscle loss, support cognitive function, and give us the energy we need.
For those of us navigating perimenopause or menopause, amino acids are a game-changer. As hormonal shifts impact muscle mass, mood, and energy, EAAs offer a targeted approach to counteracting these changes.
Key Takeaway from Angelo Keely’s Expertise
- As we age, our ability to digest and utilize protein effectively decreases, making EAA supplementation more beneficial, especially for women in perimenopause.
- Proper formulation and ratios of amino acids, particularly higher levels of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are important for optimal benefits from an EAA supplement to build muscle quickly.
- High-quality protein sources, such as animal proteins and dairy, provide more digestible and bioavailable EAAs compared to plant-based proteins.
- Building and maintaining muscle is essential for long-term sustainable health, beauty, and overall well-being, especially for us women going through menopause.
- EAA supplementation can be a valuable addition to a well-rounded exercise and nutrition regimen, particularly for those of us seeking to optimize muscle health and recovery.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
To hear more about the power of amino acids, listen to the full conversation with Angelo Keely on the Hack My Age podcast. His insights inspire you to take small, actionable steps toward a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant future.
Grab your EAAs at getkion.com/zora and use code ZORA for 15% off. My favorite flavor is mango! It tastes so good I am drinking more water than ever.
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What’s Next?
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