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If you are an exercise and weight-lifting junkie, or even if you have just started your bodybuilding journey, you must have heard about L-arginine. Did you get confused when you heard about the importance of l-Arginine in bodybuilding by your friend at the gym? Did your instructor use the term; l-arginine bodybuilding combination? Well, we have collected all the information on what this l-arginine is, what it does, and why you should care to add it to your bodybuilding routine. Let’s start with the basics.
What is L-Arginine?
L-arginine is an amino acid. Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. When proteins are broken down, they divide into these amino acids. They play an important role in regulating body functions such as protein building, hormone synthesis, and acting as neurotransmitters. There are a total of 20 amino acids. One of them is arginine.
L-Arginine or simply arginine is an amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins in the human body. This amino acid is conditionally essential. What it means is that it may be needed depending on the developmental stage of the human body and their health status. Most healthy people do not need to take this amino acid orally as it is present in every protein. It can also be synthesized in the human body from glutamine.
Why is L-Arginine Important?
l-Arginine is important for humans as it is involved in cell division, removing ammonia from the body, wound healing, the release of hormones, and even immune function. Arginine is also formed in a body before nitric oxide. It acts as a precursor for nitric oxide that is important in the regulation of blood pressure in the human body. Thus, arginine indirectly affects the blood pressure homeostasis in the body.
Arginine is also a precursor for Ornithine, Urea, and Agmatine, which are necessary for the production of creatine; the way of disposing of proteins from the body. The presence of arginine in the body also indicates that endothelium is healthy. Endothelium cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
Uses of L-Arginine
Arginine supplements have multiple effects on the human body, and it can be taken as a medication for several conditions. arginine acts as a vasodilator. Which means that it can open u or dilate blood vessels. People take oral arginine for the treatment of multiple cardiovascular diseases. Some of the conditions for which arginine is used are:
Angina
Studies have shown that arginine helps reduce symptoms and improves the quality of life in patients who have angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused when a persons’ heart muscle does not get enough blood rich in oxygen. The symptoms include pressure on or squeezing in the chest.
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
Studies show that arginine can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension. It can also decrease hypertension in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. According to research infusions of arginine may help reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
Erectile Dysfunction
People who suffer from erectile dysfunction can also take l-arginine as it helps with the hardening of the penis while erections happen. This amino acid helps with the production of Nitric oxide, which in turn is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscle lining of blood vessels in the penis to encourage increased blood flow. This helps maintain erections with people who suffer from this condition.
Need for Supplemental Arginine
Doctors may also recommend the use of this amino acid in cases of protein malnutrition, infections, burns, and rapid growth.
L-Arginine Benefits in Bodybuilding
Well, you must have heard people talking about l-arginine benefits in bodybuilding and have wondered exactly what l-arginine does for bodybuilding. We are here to answer that exact question. L-arginine for a bodybuilder is a Godsend. L-arginine benefits in bodybuilding are numerous and include:
- L-arginine helps build muscles in the body
- Arginine allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach one’s muscles. This helps support the body during the workout. It means you can work out harder and longer.
- This amino acid can get rid of carbon dioxide and lactic acid produced in muscle cells while working out. This means increased stamina, strength, and recovery while working out and after.
- We have established that arginine is a precursor for nitric oxide. Nitric oxide contributes to fat loss, especially in the stomach region. This means fat burning while you build your body at a greater spread.
- Arginine has anti-aging properties.
Don’t forget to mention the benefits of l-arginine for bodybuilding; if someone asks why it is important. If you lift weights, do cycling or swimming, Arginine is going to help you a lot.
L-Arginine Dosage for Bodybuilding
The l-arginine bodybuilding combination can produce quicker results and help you achieve a ripped body in a very short time. L-Arginine for bodybuilders can mean the difference between big or bigger muscles. If a person is taking an oral supplement, the recommended l-arginine dosage in bodybuilding is 3 grams. If you are using a topical arginine cream, you can apply (one to two dollops) on your muscles before you begin your workout. Between 60-85 MG.
When to Take L-Arginine for Bodybuilding
If you are wondering when to take l-arginine for bodybuilding, we can answer that you can use it to get the best results about 30 minutes before the workout. This gives it time to reach your muscles before you begin your workout. Be sure to consume your supplement with it. L-Arginine Bodybuilding Combination can be used to get the muscles that you want in two forms; either in the form of a supplement or a cream. With creams you use it anytime since it does not pass through the liver or digestive tract, so food doesn’t matter to its efficacy. For pills, it is better if you take it on an empty stomach. It can mean more absorption.
Sources of L-Arginine
You can get arginine in multiple forms such as naturally from your food, supplements, or creams.
Food that contains l-arginine are as follows
Some of the foods that contain l-arginine include seeds (like sesame and sunflower), nuts (like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts), buckwheat, brown rice, dairy products, meat, chicken, corn, oats, cereals, and chocolate.
Best arginine supplement for bodybuilding
The best arginine supplements for bodybuilding are topical creams. Creams do not mess with your digestive tract, any excess will leave the body sooner and does not pass through the liver. Arginine Cream by WFP has 83MG per 1/4 tsp which makes it a 2% cream. The recommended dosage for encapsulated arginine supplements is 2-3 grams – 30 minutes before exercise.
Is L-arginine Safe for Bodybuilding?
Arginine is completely safe for consumption in any form. However, if you have hypertension issues, always consult a doctor before you start using it. Some of the mild side effects to too much l-arginine include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Pain in the abdomen
- Allergic reaction
- Gout
- Inflammation of airways
- Worsening of asthma symptoms
People who have had a heart attack should not use l-arginine, as it might increase the risk of death. People should also avoid it if they have genital herpes or cold sores. Too much of arginine concentrations in the body can trigger the virus that causes these diseases.
Arginine may also interact with certain chemicals and compounds so make sure to check with your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Blood pressure drugs, supplements, or herbs
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets
- Drugs for diabetes
- Nitrates
- Potassium-sparing diuretics or water pills
- Viagra
- Isoproterenol
Most of these interactions are chemically created to reduce high blood pressure in people, causing serious medical conditions. However, with arginine creams, the dosage in most cases might be too low to cause an adverse reaction. Caution should still be taken before consumption of arginine; especially orally. If you plan on taking oral arginine supplements for bodybuilding or any other needs and have hypertension, doctor’s advice should be taken.
