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What, Why, and How to Use L-Arginine

Unless you have lived in, and/or around, the sporting world, there is a good chance you have not heard of, or seen, L-Arginine as of yet.

While Arginine is still making its way into the limelight, its benefits should certainly not be ignored, whether you are an athlete or not.

What, Why, and How to Use L-Arginine

Let’s take a few minutes to learn more about this important amino acid…

What is L-Arginine

In short, L-Arginine is an amino acid that helps the body build protein, release nitric oxide in the blood.

Under normal circumstances, the body will actually make the L-Arginine it needs, however, L-Arginine is also found in most protein-rich foods, including fish, red meat, poultry, soy, whole grains, beans and dairy products.

The supplemental form of L-Arginine usually comes in both capsule and powder forms.

Why Would I Use L-Arginine

As you will quickly see, there are a number of highly beneficial reasons one might want to supplement with L-Arginine. In our humble opinion, the possible heart-related benefits are reason enough, but there are certainly more.

As noted above, L-arginine plays two main roles, turning into nitric oxide and helping the body build protein.

We probably don’t need to cover much in the way of building protein. If you have found your way to 3D Labs Nutrition, you most likely already know the role protein plays on bodily muscle and therefore, likely understand the importance of building, and/or maintaining muscle, especially as we age.

In short, we welcome any natural, safe supplement that can assist in the creation of protein, and thus, the maintenance of muscle.

Now, the L-Arginine/nitric oxide connection, well, that goes much, much further.

As L-Arginine turns into nitric oxide, a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves circulation, in the body, it begins to play its most powerful role.

Evidence shows this arginine to nitric oxide transition may not only improve blood flow to the muscles, but also to the heart. Improved blood flow to the heart could well lead to improvements in clogged arteries, chest pain or angina, and coronary artery disease.

And guess what, since arginine appears to help arteries relax and blood flow to improve, it has become a well-known weapon to help combat erectile dysfunction and can improve exercise performance as well.

Not only does the nitric oxide improve blood flow, but it also allows your body to break down ammonia at a faster rate. Ammonia is the bad stuff that your muscles create when you exercise. Better, longer, more intense workouts? Now who wouldn't want that?

When you add the additional potential benefits such as burn and wound healing, maintaining immune and hormone function, assisting the kidneys in waste removal, reducing high blood pressure, correcting inborn errors of urea synthesis, controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes, and possibly even minimizing anxiety levels, it goes without saying, a trial is worthy.

How Should I Use an L-Arginine Supplement

Now for some really good news. Adding L-Arginine to your supplement regimen is quite simple to do.

Being completely odorless and tasteless, both the capsule and powder forms of L-Arginine can make their ways into anyones lifestyle or routine.

Simple popping a 2-4 capsules per day or mixing the powder form into your pre-workout, a glass or water, etc will do the trick.

There really is no “right way” to ingest your arginine, but if you are working out and would love to see an increase in muscular “pump” during your training, try taking your serving 30-60 minutes before your training session. Then just pay attention and see what happens.

3D Labs Nutrition to the Rescue

At 3D Labs Nutrition, we decided to start with a capsule version of L-Arginine as we believe this provides more “freedom of use” and can allow individuals to play with different timings and dosages, based on their goals and lifestyle.

In addition to going capsule, we have also included L-Citrulline and Beta Alanine for even greater results.

L-Citrulline is an amino acid that works to raise both arginine and ornithine plasma levels more efficiently and for longer periods of time than just l-arginine supplementation alone.

It has quickly become most promising and sought-after pre-workout ingredients there is as it has shown to decrease fatigue and muscle soreness while increasing nitric oxide levels and blood flow.

Beta Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is naturally created by your body.

Beta-Alanine works by creating a compound called carnosine in the body, which is activated when muscular pH levels drop. Carnosine then works to block the acid that makes your muscles feel sore and/or tired. The result is increased exercise repetitions and endurance.

Beta-Alanine can cause, in some, a tingly sensation that is normal and harmless.

If we have piqued your interest, and you do decide to give L-Arginine a try, by all means, please, stop back by and comment below, letting us know what you felt and saw.

Don’t forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regiment.

Until next time…stay happy, healthy, and safe!

Always Remember...

…we would love to hear your thoughts on this, or any other article we write, so please, drop us your comments, ideas, input, and suggestions in the comments below.

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Now, onward! You only have one life to live, one body to live it in...so take care of it. Progress, not perfection. Good, better, best with your food intake and some form of "movement" daily. Get your nutritional foundation from food, supplement where necessary, and drink plenty of water.

And, don’t forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regiment.

Live a 3D Life...Decisions Determine Destinations!

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