Nitric oxide is a function in the body that enables blood vessels to widen and allows the release of certain hormones in the body. Nitric oxide lowers the risk of blood pressure and increases blood flow in the body.
Although, it is said that the body naturally generates its own nitric oxide which relaxes and widens the blood vessels. But however, when the body is low on nitric oxide, there are supplements to be taken and they come with a lot of benefits. Nitric oxide supplements increase the amount of nitric oxide in your body which helps to increase blood flow to the muscles in the body. Now, these supplements don’t contain nitric oxide itself but they contain exactly what your body needs to produce nitric oxide.
L-arginine and L-citrulline are said to be the two most common nitric oxide supplements.
L-arginine is referred to as an amino acid naturally found in red meat, fish or dairy products. It is produced in the factory by manufacturers as a pill.
L-citrulline is also referred to as an amino acid which is found in meat, watermelon and nuts. It can also be packaged into pills.
Here Are Few Health Benefits Of Taking Nitric Oxide Supplements
It Helps With Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is when the body is unable to maintain or achieve an erection strong enough for sex. L-citrulline is an amino acid that can help with the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This supplement helps in increasing the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is essential for the muscles in the penis to relax in order to allow blood flow into the chambers of the penis and this aids erection.
Researchers have concluded that L-citrulline is safe and well tolerated. Other supplements such as L-arginine and French maritime have also been shown to increase the level of nitric oxide in men that battle with erectile dysfunction.
Decreases Soreness In The Body
A form of L-citrulline known as citrulline malate does not only increase the production of nitric oxide but also decreases the soreness in the muscle. Muscle soreness is a discomfort that occurs after a stressful activity or exercise. Citrulline malate increases the production of nitric oxide which allows blood flow to active muscle. Citrulline malate is said to increase the delivery of nutrients and also clear waste that are related to fatigue such as ammonia.
However, research has made it known that the dose and type of exercise may affect the ability of citrulline malate to reduce muscle soreness. This means that the ability of citrulline malate to reduce the soreness of the muscle depends on the dose and the type of exercise.
It Reduces Blood Pressure:
People diagnosed with high blood pressure are said to have a low nitric oxide in their bodies. High blood pressure is when the force of the blood in your body pushing against the walls of your artery is too high.
High blood pressure as stated can lead to several heart issues such as heart diseases and kidney diseases. Research has shown that fruits and vegetables decrease blood pressure and reduce the risk of diseases. And this has led to research to test the effect of certain supplements found in fruits and vegetables that helps reduce blood pressure. Some of them are;
Nitrate
Nitrate is a supplement that is found in dark leafy greens like spinach. When nitrate is taken, the body converts it to nitric oxide which causes blood vessels to relax and lowers blood pressure. Nitrate supplements help reduce blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide in the body.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids have also been shown to reduce blood pressure. Flavonoids contain powerful antioxidant effects and are found mostly in all fruits.
It Enhances Exercise Performance
Nitric oxide supplements are popular among athletes because nitric oxide includes the widening of blood vessels which increase the distribution of nutrients and oxygen to the muscle during exercise. These supplements have useful ingredients that are said to increase nitric oxide. Supplements such as nitrate, L-arginine and L-citrulline.
People with diabetes find it difficult to produce nitric oxide for their bodies. This leads to poor blood vessel health that results in high blood pressure, heart diseases, increase in hormones(make sure to you are done with hormone testing) and also kidney diseases. Supplements that increase nitric oxide are important for diabetes treatment. People with type 2 diabetes need supplements like L-arginine to increase their nitric oxide production. L-arginine has proven to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
When taking these supplements, there are few things to note. Nitric oxide supplements are generally safe when they are taken in appropriate amounts. But there are some side effects that needs to be addressed:
- L-arginine taken in doses that is above 10 grams can cause discomfort in the stomach as well as diarrhea
- Beetroot juice supplements are said to give your urine and stool a dark red color. This is however a common side effect but it is also harmless.
People take nitric oxide supplements for various reasons some other benefits of nitric oxide supplements include;
- Prevention of the common cold
- Enhance recovery after an injury
- Enhances weight loss
Conclusion
Nitric oxide plays many crucial roles in human health. And many supplements are said to increase nitric oxide in the body and also provide great health benefits. Nitric oxide supplements are safe when taken in low amounts. Most importantly, before taking any nitric oxide supplements, consult with your doctor. Nitrate oxide supplements should not be taken without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
