Nitric oxide is a popular dietary supplement, as it relaxes the walls of the blood vessels to improve circulation, manage blood pressure and improve athletic performance. Nitric oxide supplementation may be especially beneficial for men due to its potential to reduce erectile dysfunction. Keep reading to learn whether a nitric oxide supplement is right for you.
How Does a Nitric Oxide Supplement Work?
The two most common nitric oxide supplements are L-citrulline and L-arginine supplements. They are similar in function, as L-citrulline is a precursor to L-arginine. L-arginine is a protein block often found in meats and fish, while L-citrulline is found in meats, nuts, legumes, and watermelon.
Scientists believe nitric oxide widens or relaxes the blood vessels to promote blood flow, leading to improved athletic performance, advanced healing, enhanced heart health, and other benefits.
3 Nitric Oxide Supplement Potential Benefits
A 2022 NIH study recognizes several potential nitric oxide supplement benefits, including:
- Supporting Heart Health: Nitric oxide reduces arterial stiffness and improves blood flow. As blood moves easier throughout the body, it may lower blood pressure. It can be especially effective in treating preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy.
- Promoting Athletic Performance and Supporting Recovery: Nitric oxide supports oxygen delivery to the muscles, improving athletic performance during and promoting recovery after a workout.
- Reducing Erectile Dysfunction: The supplement enhances blood flow throughout the body and to the genitals, potentially minimizing symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
What is the Best Nitric Oxide Supplement?
There are several nitric oxide supplements on the market. But which is the best nitric oxide supplement? Here are a few recommended options available from Natural Healthy Concepts:
In addition, as you take a nitric acid supplement, be sure to know your levels. Designs for Health Nitric Oxide Test Strips set the standard for natural and integrative medicine worldwide. The Nitric Oxide Test Strips by Designs for Health measure your nitric oxide levels orally through saliva, so you can determine the best solutions for diet and supplement habits.
Potential Nitric Oxide Side Effects
Nitric oxide is primarily beneficial, but it could cause side effects, including:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain and bloating
- Nausea
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
It should also not be taken by people with:
- Cirrhosis
- Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Herpes
- A history of heart conditions
- Those taking diabetes medication
It’s best to speak to a doctor before taking a nitric oxide supplement, especially if you have a history of medical conditions or take medication.
Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and promotes blood flow throughout the body, producing many health benefits. Its potential to address ED makes it especially beneficial to men, though it is suited to all genders. How will you include it in your wellness routine?
FAQs
What are the Symptoms of Low Nitric Oxide?
Signs of a nitric oxide deficiency include fatigue, elevated blood sugar, erectile dysfunction, poor wound healing, muscle soreness, memory loss, and high blood pressure.
What Food is Highest in Nitric Oxide?
You can naturally boost nitric oxide levels by consuming beets, leafy greens, and watermelon.
Is Nitric Oxide OK with Viagra?
No, people who take Viagra should not take a nitric oxide supplement. The combination could lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
While L-citrulline and L-arginine supplements may support cardiovascular health and exercise performance, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if you have further questions about how it could impact your health.
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Marissa Bergen has been a freelance writer since 2016. She has written on various topics but especially enjoys writing about health innovations. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing music with her Burbank, CA-based family punk rock band, The CheeseBergens.
