Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that is found in many different foods. Arginine offers many benefits to the human body. It is known for boosting metabolism, healing wounds, removing excess ammonia, improving the immune system and helping with the secretion of hormones. Hormones that may be affected are insulin, growth hormones, and glucagon.
Arginine has become very popular among those who work out and lift weights. Because arginine can help heal injury and also help the body make more protein, it is a good nutrient to add to the diet when feeling weak and tired. Arginine has also shown to help with cellular duplication. This is extremely beneficial for people who need to increase particular cells in the body. Arginine has shown to help men increase their sperm count which can be very important for those trying to have a baby with their significant other.
Arginine has also been used in patients suffering from angina or congestive heart failure because arginine helps the blood vessel dilate. When the blood vessels are dilated, the oxygen can be passed through the body to the heart more easily. It can also thin the blood to some extent which would also help the body from forming blockages. This can lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol when taken as a supplement.
There are many foods that one can eat in order to get the right amount of arginine in their diet and there are also arginine supplements that one can take. Foods such as nuts and seeds are very high in arginine. By eating sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and hazelnuts you can get quite a bit of the amino acid. Cheese is another great way to get arginine as well as seafood. Chocolate, oatmeal, buckwheat and watermelon are also great sources. You can also find arginine in soy and rice proteins, algae and some meats.
If you are looking for an arginine supplement then you can find them in capsule form at your local health food store. Although supplements can replenish a body that is low in arginine, most people get enough arginine through their diet. Those who can benefit from arginine supplements include those who are under-going chemotherapy for cancer, taking certain medications, have certain illness or those who spend a lot of time in the gym.
There are possible side effects to consuming too much arginine. Too much of the amino acid has been linked to increasing herpes outbreaks. So those with the herpes virus are advised not to take supplements and should also avoid the foods containing high levels of arginine. Too much arginine can also be contributed to headaches, leg swelling, shortness of breath, nausea, bloating, low blood pressure, diarrhea, and chest pain. If you have taken an arginine supplement and have any of these side effects then stop taking the supplement right away. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.
Although arginine can be great for your health, make sure to take the amino acid in moderation. Too much of anything can become harmful to your health. If you are considering taking extra arginine make sure to get your doctors approval. He or she may be able to advise you on the proper dosing amount that will work best for you and your situation. If you are in good health and are eating a balanced diet, your doctor may not recommend supplementing with extra arginine. However, if you have a medical condition that can benefit from consuming more arginine your doctor may ask you to either eat a arginine rich diet or begin taking a recommended supplement.
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