kdelca7470
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Joined: 9/30/2007
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Subject: Arginine
What Is It?
The amino acid arginine is acquiring a reputation for keeping the body's biggest muscle--the heart--in tip-top shape. In fact, this workhorse nutrient performs numerous vital functions, facilitating the healing of wounds and promoting the secretion of key hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
Most adults don't need to take this nonessential amino acid in supplement form because it's so readily obtained through a wide range of foods, including meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, and nuts. (The body actually manufactures arginine by digesting the proteins in these foods.) But a few important exceptions merit attention. Arginine supplements appear to reduce mildly elevated blood pressure by enhancing the synthesis of nitric oxide (a gas) in the cells that line the blood vessels. This helps dilate vessel walls and improve blood flow around the heart. In fact, nitric oxide ranks as the body's most potent blood vessel expander.
Arginine supplements may also inhibit the buildup of plaque and other substances that can harden blood vessels, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Recent findings indicate that this amino acid may lower cholesterol as well. Its positive effect on circulation makes it potentially useful for treating coronary artery disease; here blood flow to the heart is limited and causes damage to this muscle. Arginine may also benefit angina (chest pain), a condition associated with tightening of vessels around the heart.
In addition, arginine may help in treating male infertility caused by circulation problems.
General Interaction
Don't take arginine if you are taking other drugs that dilate the blood vessels, such as nitroglycerin or sildenafil (Viagra).
Cautions
While arginine is considered quite safe, it could potentially worsen certain conditions because of the way it affects the body. Consult your doctor before taking arginine supplements if you suffer from migraines or have kidney problems, a liver disorder, breast cancer, Crohn's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Don’t take arginine supplements if you have genital herpes or are prone to cold sores. It can trigger outbreaks of these disorders.
If you use arginine supplements for longer than one month, take them with an amino acid complex that contains a variety of amino acids. This will ensure that you get a proper balance of all amino acids. Ailments Dosage
Angina 500 mg L-arginine 3 times a day on an empty stomach
High Blood Pressure 1,000 mg L-arginine twice a day
Infertility, Male 1,000 mg L-arginine 3 times a day
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| Posted: 1/24/2008 |
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