Nitric Oxides: Benefits and Uses
Nitric Oxide
A product of almost all cells in the body which aids in a process called vasodilation. Vasodilation is the process where blood vessels expands to allow more blood to flow through the body’s veins and lowers blood pressure levels. With more blood flowing through the body, the availability of oxygen and nutrients also increases. This can help enhance athletic performance.
How it works
Nitric Oxide works by communicating with the endothelium of blood vessels. Endothelium is the tissue that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels. Blood vessels that communicate with nitric oxide will signal to its surrounding smooth muscle cells to relax and dilate causing, vasodilation.
How it helps enhance athletic performance
During high intensity workouts, the muscles and body requires enough oxygen and nutrients to perform at optimum levels. When blood flow increases due to vasodilation, the oxygen and nutrients required are readily available for the body to consume as blood is able to flow through the whole body more effectively. With sufficient oxygen and nutrients you will be able to perform at optimum levels.
Here are some supplements that can increase nitric oxide levels.
- L-Arginine - A popular alternative for people wishing to increase their nitric oxide production. This semi-essential amino acid is needed by practically every cell in the body and plays an important role in the synthesis of nitric oxide. L-arginine is so prevalent that it is thought to account for 5-7 percent of the total amino acids found in the body. L-arginine may be found in a variety of foods that we eat on a regular basis, such as nuts, seeds, meat, and poultry.
- L-Citrulline - Classified as a non-essential amino acid. Your kidneys converts L-citruline into L-arginine and nitric oxide. L-citrulline stimulates the body's production of nitric oxide.
- Pre-workouts - L-Citruline and L-Arganine can be consumed as a supplement on its own but it is also commonly seen in pre-workouts as well. With a mixture of other ingredients such as caffeine, a pre-workout will give you the extra boost and enhance your athletic performance.
It is notable that nitric oxide levels will decrease naturally with age and other factors such as smoking, poor diet and inactivity. Maintain nitric oxide levels at an optimum level so as to improve performance in the gym and also in your daily life as well.