When you sleep, this is a time that the body is resting, repairing, and regenerating itself from the stress of life.  However, the usual source of energy for the body during activity is carbohydrates.   Carbohydrates are processed and handled by the body to help produce the primary source of chemical energy the body uses called ATP.  During sleep the levels of available carbohydrates decline and the body must use other alternative energy sources.   These other alternative energy sources are fats and protein.  Thus protein from your own tissues is broken down during sleep in order to supply energy for the body.  This is called catabolism - the metabolic breakdown of large molecules in living organisms to smaller ones, with the release of energy.

Catabolism is a necessary process of life, however the loss of protein tissue for energy needs should be minimized if possible.  Protein tissues are vital for structure and form in the body and should be preserved.  The primary amino acids that are broken-down from protein tissues and are used for energy by the body are isoleucine, valine, and leucine, called the BCAA amino acids.     

During sleep the BCAA are catabolized into energy sources.  You can supplement the BCAA at bedtime to provide an outside source of protein, rather than your own tissues.  Supplementing the BCAA at bedtime is a method to possibly support the body’s ability to minimize protein breakdown.  An added benefit, the body needs to burn fat to provide energy to convert the BCAA into the chemical energy ATP.  Thus supplementing the BCAA at bedtime can help burn fat as well as spare protein tissue.

Dr. Bob was a MD internal medicine, orthomolecular doctor, MD psychiatrist, chiropractor, and healer 65 years.  He was a diabetic who lived to 108 years with only 1 side effect 2 years before he passed away.  Dr. Bob practiced a system of medicine called orthomolecular medicine.  It is a system of medicine that uses mainly natural substances that are non-toxic and safe in wide range of doses.  It uses mainly herbs and minerals/vitamins.

Dr. Bob advised at bedtime, if you supplement the BCAA, eat a little cottage cheese with a small amount of fruit.  The fruit will help provide energy for the catabolism of the supplemental BCAA.  The cottage cheese will work in synergy with the BCAA, making the two more effective at minimizing protein breakdown.  If you work out lifting weights, taking BCAA at bedtime is a method to spare protein loss, thus helping you preserve the muscle you are gaining from your workouts.  We carry HMB Fuel on the product page of this web site.  HMB is the supplement Dr. Bob recommended for your BCAA supplementation.  Good luck.

Note – In order for these nutritional ideas to be successful, you must use supplements of the highest quality. Dr. Bob often said, “almost all supplement companies produce poor quality.”  You can consider the product page of this web site. Almost all the products met Dr. Bob’s approval.  Since he passed away we have attempted to keep the same high standards. 

WARNING: DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT OR MEDICATION YOU CURRENTLY USE.  CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS.

The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated any of the statements contained on this web site. The information contained in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Remember each person's body is different and will react differently to various herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements. Therefore, any supplementation must be administered on an individual basis. Use the information found on this web site as precisely that: Information. You and your doctor must make any final decisions. This information is not meant to replace any doctor and patient consultation. This information should in no way replace your personal physician's advice.

Page Last Updated: 21JAN02