Nowadays, we have access to so much online information about our health, that we can be baffled and confused about what we need and what we need to avoid! This especially applies to ingredients or therapies that we may not have heard of before. We all want to improve heart health and our health in general, but what’s the most expedient and effective way to do it? Maybe heart vitamins or heart-healthy supplements could be the answer.
L-arginine is one of these heart health supplements that’s getting lots of media attention. It’s a supplement that everybody seems to be talking about – especially those suffering from high blood pressure, stroke, heart palpitations, or heart disease – but what is L-arginine? what does it do? and who should take l-Arginine?
What is L-arginine?
Quote from Mayo Clinic “L-arginine might be effective at lowering blood pressure, reducing the symptoms of angina and treating erectile dysfunction due to a physical cause”.
L-arginine is a type of amino acid, which we all know are the building blocks of protein. We can get amino acids from our diet, as they can be found in eggs, nuts, seeds, meats, poultry and dairy foods. This is an important amino acid, as it supports many critical bodily functions. The bad news is that we produce less and less L-arginine as we get older.
What does L-arginine do?
You may have heard of many health benefits associated with L-arginine. When consumed, L-arginine is converted into nitric oxide which has many positive effects on our bodies.
The most important impact is on our blood pressure and circulation. Nitric oxide prevents blood clots and plaque buildup, and signals our blood vessels to relax and dilate, enabling better blood flow and lower blood pressure. Improved blood circulation means greater flexibility and lessened joint pain and debilitation as well. Nitric oxide and its role in the body was first discovered by Dr Louis Ignarro – work for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998.
L-arginine also fights inflammation, and free radicals, which are known to be a major source of disease. And it supports immunity, suppresses infection and speeds up healing. L-arginine can be prescribed for patients undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from surgery, infections, and even serious viruses such as HIV. There is even evidence that L-arginine can moderate hormones naturally and be used in the treatment of infertility. [link https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15134155]
How can we get enough Nitric Oxide?
As we age, the naturally occurring nitric oxide in our body depletes by up to 85%.
We can replenish our nitric oxide levels by eating a healthy balanced diet, high in L-arginine-rich foods. We can also avail of supplements to fill the gap. High levels of L-arginine may be prescribed by Doctors for patients with heart conditions, migraines, infections, or patients suffering from side effects of diabetes, cancer or HIV. The daily dosage recommended can vary depending on whether you are taking L-arginine to prevent conditions (1 gram daily or more), or to treat an existing condition (up to 6 grams daily). Our L-arginine based Heart Essentials supplement includes a dosage of 5 grams of L-arginine.
Heart Essentials also contains:
L-arginine – a vital amino acid which the body converts to nitric oxide.
L-citrulline – another amino acid that, via a complex process, converts to nitric oxide in the body.
Vitamin C – contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin D – the ‘sunshine vitamin’. Helps the body absorb calcium for bone health. Vital to many complex functions within the body
Vitamin B6 – metabolises protein and glucose during exercise. Also contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism and normal red blood cell formation
Vitamin B12 – helps convert carbohydrates, proteins, fats and iron into food. Involved in red blood cell production. Also contributes to the normal immune system.
Vitamin K2 – Contributes to normal blood clotting
Folic acid – Contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism. Also contributes to normal blood formation
Thiamine – Contributes to the normal function of the heart See more HERE
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