L-Arginine and Heart Health
L-arginine is a lesser-known amino acid found in protein-rich food sources like dairy, meat, eggs, and fish. Not many are aware of its importance. L-arginine benefits for your body are wide-ranging. From maintaining your immune system health to reducing inflammation and managing erectile dysfunction, it is a potent nutrient that you need on a daily basis.
It is necessary to consume adequate amounts of protein daily to reap the benefits of this nutrient. Recent studies have found out a link between l-arginine and heart health. Millions of people worldwide suffer from various kinds of heart diseases. Incorporating l-arginine by eating a healthy diet or using it as a dietary supplement can help them manage and treat their condition.
Why Do You Need L-Arginine?
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L-arginine plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. You need it for a speedy wound healing process, optimal kidney functioning, maintaining a healthy immune system, and getting nutrients and oxygen to your joint and muscle tissues.
As it is converted into nitric oxide inside the body, l-arginine also helps to relax muscles. It, in turn, helps in treating people who have erectile dysfunction. It is also helpful in reducing chronic inflammation in the body. Inflammation can occur due to a variety of day-to-day activities.
Is L-Arginine Safe for Heart Patients?
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L-arginine is used by the body to synthesize nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter that enables the blood vessels in your body to relax and expand. It is necessary for a proper flow of blood towards all the areas.
Various studies have shown that increased consumption of l-arginine resulted in improved blood flow, especially in the heart’s arteries. By opening up blood vessels, it makes itself known as an effective weapon against the treatment of various heart diseases.
L-arginine is helpful in treating the following heart conditions
High blood pressure or hypertension
Angina or chest pain
Heart palpitations or irregular rythmn of the heart
Clogged arteries
How Much L-Arginine Should You Take?
Capsule of l-arginine, Credits: Pixabay
As of now, no standard l-arginine dosage has been established. It is difficult to find yourself deficient in this nutrient as your body makes enough of it. Your doctor may recommend it to you as a supplement if if he finds you deficient in this amino acid. If administered as a supplement, a dosage of 1200 mg is recommended to be consumed everyday. You can take this l-arginine dosage before bed or any time during the day.
You might be wondering how long does it take for l-arginine to work? The time period of its effect varies in every person. Sometimes it can start to show its results within 30 minutes. Other times, it may take longer.
Are There Any Side-Effects of Taking L-Arginine?
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L-arginine is more or less a safe supplement. It is known to be effective in lowering blood pressure and reducing the severity of angina attacks, and erectile dysfunction. But sometimes, its oral use might cause certain unpleasant side-effects in people. These include
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Diahorrea
Gout
Allergic reactions
Worsening of symptoms experienced in asthma
L-arginine is strictly not recommended to those persons who have suffered from a heart attack. It is because this supplement increases the risk of death in such patients. Sometimes it can interact with certain medications related to heart conditions and deteriorate a person’s health. It is especially true for drugs that are used to manage high blood pressure. So it is strongly advised that if you are a heart patient, you supplement it under a doctor’s supervision. At the same time, don’t forget the importance of consuming a healthy diet as the majority of your l-arginine requirement can be met with a high protein diet.