All About L-Arginine

L-Arginine is one of the nonessential amino acids, which means the body produces its own supply. However, it is a popular amino acid that many people take even if they are not deficient for its varied therapeutic effects. In fact, many of these therapeutic benefits only happen when it is taken in doses higher than consumed in a normal diet.

L-Arginine is needed by the body to synthesize nitric acid. Nitric acid oxide helps arterial walls relax, which allows blood to flow more readily throughout the body. This, in turn, can lead to such benefits as stroke prevention, increased athletic performance, mitigating hypertension, improving erections, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing risk of heart attacks.

L-Arginine is also a powerful HGH (human growth hormone) releaser, burning fat, enhancing the immune system, and helping to build muscle. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain is responsible for producing human growth hormone, but precursors such as L-Arginine can help stimulate this gland to produce more of it. In addition, a substance called Somatostatin can inhibit the production and release of HGH by the pituitary gland; L-Arginine appears to block these undesirable effects.

Another promising benefit of L-Arginine is evidence that it can significantly enhance anti-cancer defenses. It has also been shown to accelerate the healing of acid induced gastric ulcers, and has had positive effects on patients with chronic persistent hepatitis.

Using individual amino acids as nutritional supplements for prolonged periods of time (3 months and over) is not advised, as the overall balance may be disturbed. Taking a product with a blend of all the amino acids is a much better course of actionsince a deficiency in even one can lead to serious health repercussions.

Do not take extremely high doses of amino acids; doing so may cause nausea, diarrhea and other toxic effects. 200 mgs of each in a supplement is a good figure for general health maintenance since we also obtain them from our food sources.

1. Amino Acids come in L-form or D-form. Opt for the L-form as they more closely resemble the composition found within the body.

2. Purchase your supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, which adhere to the most exacting manufacturing standards. Otherwise, you have no safeguard in knowing whether your product is contaminated or has the active ingredients stated on the label.

One company that meets the above requirements is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand, whose flagship product, Total Balance, contains L-Arginine, along with the full spectrum of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, speciality nutrients, and enzymes. In fact, Total Balance contains the majority of nutrients we cover in this entire site!

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Articles have been taking this product for the past year with excellent results.