Necessity of whey and/or glutamine?

What is the necessity of whey and/or glutamine?

I just read a bit about whey on wikipedia, and it sounds like protein or amino acids and from what I am gathering, this is helpful in "muscle feeding" after weight-lifting, right.

And a few years ago, a trainer recommended that I take gluamine to replenish my muscles for weight lifting.

If I start weight lifting more, do I have to take whey and glutamine?  What if I don't?  What would happen to my muscles?  Would they get weak or damaged?

Is whey more concentrated in protein/amino acids than meat?

I love science and learning, so explain any details or refer me to any detailed web site that you would like.  I'm very curious about how the muscles/joints work. 

Also, is there an affordable one that does not sacrifice quality?

(I don't want to intake whey that has garbage mixed in, but I don't have a lot of money)

Thanks.

In general, whey protein and glutamine is not necessary. You can still follow a workout without the need for it, and if you need more protein, then basically just eat more protein rich foods like chicken. However, as a supplement, whey protein has great benefits. Mainly because it can be very difficult to eat enough chicken, beef, fish, food per day to reach whatever protein goal you may have, and thats where whey protein comes in and answers one of your questions; yes, whey protein has more protein than meat and can easily be increased by adding more scoops.  Another benefit of whey is that it is easily digested and faster absorbed than solid foods, that's why it's a great drink to take right after a workout when your body needs it the most. When you don't consume food after a strenuous workout, whether it's whey protein or not, your body will start to break it's own tissue in order to provide nutrients. This is known as catabolism. The opposite is known as anabolism (check google for more scientific info)

As far as glutamine is concerned, I think the research is still uncertain on it. Some say it works, some say it doesn't or has no effect.

A quality whey protein supplement should contain either whey protein isolate,  whey protein hydrolysate, or whey protein concentrate within the first 2 ingredient in the ingredient listings. Personally, I think the less ingredients after that, the better, as then it won't contain much "filler". Whey protein is typically a little more expensive than other supplements because, from what I understand, it is more expensive to manufacture. The one I currently use is Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard which costs about $59 Canadian for 5lb, almost $100 for 10lbs.

I think that whey protein, although seems pricey, is very cost effective because the alternative is buying more meat, which can be even more expensive.

 Extra glutamine has shown some benefits - for burn victims. For regular trainees, the glutamine already present in whey is mostly enough; theoretically sprinters and powerlifters might also see some marginal benefits but considering the prices pure glutamine supplements go for it's not worth it unless you're being paid to be muscular. 

you do not need to supplement your diet with free glutamine.

 

if you don't get enough protein from your diet, you can easily supplement with whey protein.

 

the reason bodybuilders and other athletes take whey supplements and other supplements is because it is impractical to get everything you need from a normal diet.  eating 6 chicken breasts a day is just not practical.  a casual female exerciser however may not have a problem meeting her protein requirement just by eating a regular diet.

 

if you want a plain whey that you can use before you muscle train, look up NOW foods whey protein unflavored.  it is the highest quality whey direct from the manufacturer.  you can add it to cooking, or make a shake with oatmeal and chocolate sauce for flavor :) http://www.google.com/products?q=%22now+foods %22+whey+unflavored&btnG=Search+Products& amp;show=dd&scoring=p I have ordered from allstarhealth.com before and they were good.

 

if you want to read more about modern weight training nutrition, see this or click the link at the top for a short summary of how an athlete should eat.  http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php? t=272067 ; This will tell you where when and why you might use whey protein.

 

diet is very important to good health, and a good diet is probably as many plants as you can eat + some quality dairy or meat protein.  enough fat will come incidentally, but you should still supplement with omega 3 dha and epa.

Glutamine helps your body repair damaged muscles, which is what your body does after working out. Unless you have plateaued and need a jolt or have taken your body as far as you can without it, or you have money to burn and wan the most results you can get the fastest you can get them. You don't need it, in my opinion.