L-Arginine and Sex Drive
L-arginine is an essential amino acid that has multiple health benefits when taken
in doses larger than those normally obtained from the diet. The average daily dietary
intake of arginine is 5.4 grams, which only meets the
body's minimal requirements for tissue repair, protein synthesis, and immune cell
maintenance.
L-Arginine is required in the body to synthesize
nitric oxide. The prestigious journal Science called nitric oxide the
"molecule of the year" in 1993 because of the many health benefits associated
with proper nitric oxide metabolism.
In 1998, the Nobel
Prize was awarded for the discovery showing that blood flow is regulated by nitric oxide (NO2). Blood flow into the penis is what creates an erection.
Blood flow into women's genitals increases sensation and orgasmic
intensity.
Nitric oxide helps to produce endothelial relaxation factor, which is needed by the
arterial system for expansion and contraction with each heart beat. The much
publicized drug Viagra performs the same function. The inability of arteries to
expand and contract in the penis and is a major cause of impotence. One way to
determine if impotence is psychological or physical is to paste an overlapping row of
stamps (or something similar) around the penis before bedtime. If the seal is broken in
the morning anywhere around the circumference of the penis then chances are good that
impotence is psychological. If not, then it is most likely physical which in this
case you may try l-arginine. You may have to try this more than one sleep cycle to make
sure.
L-Arginine and Hypertension
(blood pressure support)
Nitric oxide enables the arterial system to
retain its youthful elasticity, which may help with hypertension in some people. If you are thinking about using arginine for blood pressure assistance, it is suggested that
you consult with your physician. After taking
arginine for 2-3 weeks, check your blood pressure regularly to make sure the arginine
is keeping your blood pressure in a safe range. Some people only need five (5) grams of
l-arginine a day for blood pressure support. However, arginine does not aid the blood pressure issue for all, so, monitor it regularly.
A suggested dosing schedule for taking supplemental l-arginine is:
- Week one: 3-4 grams - empty stomach
- Week two: 6-8 grams - empty stomach
- Week three: 8-12 grams - empty stomach
Since amino acids, such as arginine, compete with other aminos for entry into
the blood brain barrier, they are more effective when taken on an empty stomach.
Human Growth Hormone (hGH) Release
L-arginine has been shown in studies to support natural
(hGH) human growth hormone
release from the pituitary gland. The amount of growth hormone secreted in response to
oral arginine supplementation varies widely among individuals. Growth hormone promotes
healthy anabolic metabolism (muscle enhancement) throughout the body. Growth hormone helps to maintain
youthful protein synthesis within cells. As we age, studies show a decline in protein synthesis in our bodies.
If you are going to use l-arginine to
support growth
hormone release, 5-15 grams taken at bedtime on an empty stomach or before exercise is the recommended protocol. If you are taking arginine for reasons other than promoting growth
hormone release, you can take it any time of the day, preferably on an empty stomach.
You can measure arginine's growth hormone enhancing effects by measuring your blood levels of somatomedin C (a growth hormone metabolite). The objective is to
boost your blood test results of somatomedin C to more
youthful levels.
Exercise Aid
People who exercise, use l-arginine to
support muscle mass and thus possibly reducing body
fat. The anabolic effects of arginine can enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs. Always start with a lower dose
of arginine and work your way up to higher doses to avoid side effects such as nausea and
diarrhea.
Arginine and Wound Healing
Surgical or traumatic injury greatly increases the body's need for
l-arginine. The
body uses arginine as a key building block to repair damaged tissue and bone.
Published studies document wound healing support in response to l-arginine supplementation.
