Nitric oxide (NO) is doubtlessly among the most significant molecules for maintaining cardiovascular health in perfect shape. Being a vasodilator indicates that this molecule is tasked to widen the blood vessels, thus regulating blood pressure and improving circulation.
Due to having low NO levels, numerous individuals opt to use nitric oxide supplements whose goal is to increase the concentration of this molecule. Anyhow, these supplements contain no nitric oxide, but ingredients like L-arginine and L-citrulline, which boost its production. Such products are incredibly beneficial for gym-goers, as NO is known to increase exercise capacity, regulate blood pressure, improve performance, and aid muscle recovery.
These are the key reasons for using such performance-boosting formulas.
Common nitric oxide supplements
L-arginine is considered to be the most popular nitric oxide supplement owing to its muscle-building qualities. This amino acid is capable of building protein as well as releasing NO in the blood flow, thus being of vital importance for bodybuilders and athletes. Visit this page to learn more about the uses and benefits of L-arginine.
Moreover, its role in building protein enables gym-goers to build large muscles and recover quickly after strenuous workouts. Additionally, by releasing nitric oxide, L-arginine aids vasodilatation, which refers to the widening of blood vessels. As a result, users experience reduced blood pressure, increased blood flow, and greater energy.
This amino acid is naturally produced in the body or consumed through various foods, such as fish, eggs, dairy products, and red meat. Users need to be cautious when calculating the right dosage of L-arginine supplements, as using immoderate doses of such products might result in potential side effects like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and low blood pressure.
L-citrulline is another widely used nitric oxide supplement, known for its performance-enhancing properties. Similarly to L-arginine, this amino acid is produced in the body, being one of the urea cycle amino acids. It increases exercise capacity by improving circulation and reducing blood pressure.
Furthermore, L-citrulline increases the levels of NO, thus stimulating the process of blood vessels widening. Dilated blood vessels are of vital importance for delivering what is essential to all muscle cells and organs in the body. By improving oxygen flow, this amino acid plays an essential role in enhancing the cognitive function of users as well. The following link, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/l-citrulline-uses-and-risks, provides useful information about the numerous uses of L-citrulline.
Reasons for taking nitric oxide supplements
Perhaps the main reason why gym-goers are in love with these supplements is their ability to increase exercise capacity. By boosting the levels of NO, these formulas enable a greater amount of oxygen to be transported to the muscles, where it aids the process of producing energy, otherwise known as ATP. This energy is the crucial element for providing better physical endurance, which is indispensable in running, weight lifting, aerobic, and of course, sprinting.
Another key reason for using such workout supplements is aiding the process of muscle recovery. Owing to the role of L-citrulline, these formulas accelerate the recovery process surprisingly fast, thus enabling gym-goers and athletes to get back to their workout routine without unnecessary delays. Muscle recovery is fundamental for building muscles, as these are formed during the healing process, not while training in the gym.
One of the main causes of high blood pressure is having low nitric oxide levels, which gradually narrows down the blood vessels. Fortunately, workout supplements can help users increase those levels, thus regulating blood pressure. Consequently, reduced blood pressure lowers the risk of blood clots, which might lead to severe cardiovascular problems.
Time of dosage
Considering the short half-lives of their ingredients, nitric oxide supplements are supposed to be consumed one hour prior to workouts. Both L-arginine and L-citrulline have surprisingly short half-lives, thus not being able to provide long-term effects. The former has a half-life of approximately two hours, while the latter has an even shorter half-life of nearly an hour.
Apart from taking these supplements, you could boost NO production in the body by exposing your skin to sunlight for half an hour a day. Additionally, you could also consume nitrate-rich foods, particularly vegetables like spinach, celery, cabbage, and arugula. Conversely, protein foods are a good source of L-arginine, while watermelon is an excellent source of L-citrulline.
Potential side effects
Upon taking a larger dose than the one prescribed on the supplement package, you are likely to experience possible adverse effects that result from high levels of nitric oxide. For instance, a high concentration of this compound in the body might lead to blurred vision and eye irritation.
Furthermore, using a high dosage of this supplement is likely to result in respiratory ailments, such as breathing difficulties, airway obstructions, and painful respiration. Additionally, people suffering from sepsis are particularly susceptible to experiencing side effects because of the existing high production of NO in their bodies. The extremely high NO levels in such patients might cause methemoglobinemia, a medical condition that impedes oxygen from being transported through the blood.
Moreover, a high concentration of NO is one of the major causes of arterial stiffness, which in turn results in high blood pressure, particularly pulmonary hypertension. This medical condition prevents blood flow from reaching the lungs, thus increasing the risk of experiencing heart failure. Read more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Additionally, an overdose of NO supplements is likely to result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach irritation. Also, high levels of nitric oxide alter the electrolyte balance in the organism, especially boosting the levels of creatine and urea. Such electrolyte imbalance is extremely harmful to individuals suffering from kidney and liver problems.
Ultimately, the overdose symptoms might not be experienced during the first 24 hours of taking the supplement. Anyhow, following this 24-hour period, users are prone to experiencing headaches, anxiety, lethargy, a fast heart rate, confusion, sore throat, as well as pulmonary edema.
Conclusion
Nitric oxide supplements are incredibly beneficial for improving physical endurance and gym performance.
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