Are you, as a bodybuilder, killing yourself in the gym to achieve that ripped look ? Or perhaps you’re looking for a supplement that can help you to reach that goal. If so, L-Arginine or Arginine as it’s known in most circles, should be part of your daily regimen.
What is L-Arginine ?
Arginine is is a semi-essential amino acid that the body is capable of producing under certain conditions. It plays an important role in improving general health and helping individuals reach a higher level of physical fitness.
Many foods such as red meat, poultry, soy, whole wheat, nuts, and raisins contain L-Arginine.
L-arginine undergoes conversion in the body to produce nitric oxide, which promotes increased blood vessel dilation, enhancing blood circulation. Additionally, L-arginine triggers the release of growth hormone, insulin, and various other bioactive compounds.
L-Arginine health benefits
It manages blood pressure
Like mentioned previously, l-arginine transforms into nitric oxide in the body, which in turn expands blood vessels and enhances blood flow, potentially reducing blood pressure for better circulation. Research supports its effectiveness in lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals, regardless of their initial blood pressure status.
It could enhance athletic performance
L-arginine facilitates the delivery of blood, oxygen, and essential nutrients to active skeletal muscles, potentially enhancing exercise performance. Additionally, it accelerates the elimination of fatigue-inducing substances like lactate and ammonia. Moreover, L-arginine supports the production of creatine, a vital amino acid that fuels muscle mass during intense workouts.
It may reduce the symptoms of angina
Angina, characterized by chest pain due to reduced heart blood flow, could potentially see symptom management and enhanced exercise tolerance through L-arginine supplementation.
This could be attributed to its capacity for promoting improved circulation. However, scientific evidence is insufficient to confirm its efficacy in treating narrowed blood vessels associated with angina.
How Does L-Arginine Work to give you a harder look ?
Two functions of this amino acid, that are of particular interest to fitness individuals, are muscle growth, and fat reduction. This alone makes it a great addition to a bodybuilder’s arsenal of nutritional supplements.
L-Arginine is able to increase blood flow to muscles, which was previously mentioned. By reducing the “water” under the skin, and in turn increasing vascularity, a bodybuilder can produce “ripped look” that others strive for, yet find it somewhat difficult to achieve.
With the ease of this supplement to convert into nitric oxide, once dispensed into the blood; the blood vessels widen which allow your vessels and veins to show through.
L-Arginine Effects on Post-Workouts
If you are looking to reduce the recovery period between your workouts and minimize fatigue after training sessions; consider adding L-Arginine to your post workout regimen. This supplement is known to aid in the distribution of growth hormone via the release mechanism during sleep.
This causes the body to feel less drained after working out and enhances your recuperation process. Arginine has also been identified as an active participant in the production of Creatine, which improves endurance during exercise and ups the intensity as well.
How to take L-Arginine
To get the best benefits from Arginine, most trainers will recommend that you take 3 to 5 grams about 30 minutes to an hour before training. This will help elevate blood flow to the muscles, which helps to promote muscle growth.
Experts also recommend taking an additional dose within an hour after you’ve eaten your last meal of the day. This is just a recommendation, so you may want to start slowly with 1 gram before training and 1 gram after dinner. Starting like this, you can figure out your tolerance to the supplement.
Potential side effects of L-arginine
With high dosages some of the known side effects of L-Arginine are nausea, headaches and diarrhea. So, slow and steady dosage will likely decrease your chances of experiencing these problems.
While some people may attempt to eat foods rich in L-Arginine like nuts, grapes, raisins and soy; others realize that the best way to get the needed amounts for optimizing bodybuilding is by taking it in supplement form.
Every bodybuilder needs the right meal structure and nutrients to get the desired results. By adding L-Arginine to your list of supplements you are well on your way to achieving your bodybuilding goals.
Is arginine safe to take if you have premature ventricular constriction? Or palpitations? Kind of like an irregular heartbeat?
Kevin, you will have to consult a doctor for this one.