Amino acids - how and when?

I was recenltly diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that attacks my muscles - for me it is especially bad in my lower body.  Anyway, I've make a lot of strides in managing the problem but now I need to work to build back strength in my legs, etc.  My doc gave me an amino acid formulation and told me to take 3 tbsp/day.  It's in powder form and I've tried to be a big kid and take it mixed with water but it doesn't go down without a fight.  It's pretty nasty!  I bought some empty capsules but it comes out to about 48 capsules for 3 tbsp - not doable and extremely time consuming (filling them, that is).  So my questions in a nutshell are:

When is the best time to take the amino acids (I do strength train 3 times/week in the morning)?

How do I get this much of this stuff down without it wanting to come right back up?

 Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Jenarice - I know your post was long ago and you might not get this, but I wondered if your diagnosis was Polymyositis? I am awaiting the diagnosis from my doctor, but based on everything I have read and she has told me, it is looking highly likely that is the culprit. Mine has affected my upper body (shoulders mainly, but biceps and even lower arms have no strength any more) and I wonder if they will also give me amino acids? There are amino acid pills or powders that are mixed with other nutrients. I liked the idea that babyd posted, maybe making smoothies with fruit and yogurt.

How are you doing these days? Have you had success in finding relief and rebuilding some of your muscle? I hope you are well. Take care,

Mary (smerler)

Your doctor should be best able to advise the best time.

In lieu of that advise, from what I've learned scouring health and fitness articles, books, and (most contradictory) the web, the most most commonly agreed "best time" would be within a half hour of exercising, when the body is looking for nutrients to repair.

Mixing it in something palatable should help "keep it down".  I wonder if your doctor would allow you to mix it with a protein shake product?  That would give you some more amino acids, and a base to use to cover up the taste of the stuff?

On days that you workout - Take one serving 15-30 minutes before your workout. Then take another serving during your workout. Keep taking sips from it between sets. Then take a final serving after your workout is done.

On non workout days - Take one serving after you get up. Then take a second serving sometime during the day. Take the third serving before you go to bed.

In regards to the best tasting form of Amino Acids, I would recommend Scivation Xtend -  http://www26.netrition.com/scivation_xtend_pa ge.html

It actually doesn't taste bad at all. It is a bit on the expensive side, but it works great and tastes pretty good.