Proteins are essential to human life and amino acids are the building blocks that make up those proteins. Proper regulation of metabolism is dependent on the presence of amino acids. L arginine is a specific amino acid that helps keep blood vessels dilated and stimulates the production of certain hormones.
A healthy human body is capable of producing adequate amounts of this compound which makes it conditionally essential. This means that as long as the liver and kidneys are working properly, enough of it will be present in the body. If there is a deficiency for any reason, it may be ingested through a healthy diet that includes plant and animal proteins. Dairy products, nuts, fish, meat and poultry are all rich in this compound.
The body will have depleted levels of this compound if the liver or kidneys are diseased. Other conditions that will deplete stores include severe infections, injuries and burns. Levels may also be affected by certain genetic disorders.
This specific amino acid is used in the production of nitric oxide which helps improve blood circulation. Nitric oxide will keep veins and arteries from becoming stiff and restricting blood flow. It may be used to treat patients with heart disease, migraine headaches, elevated blood pressure and erectile dysfunction. In patients with ED, it has the same effect as Viagra but the mechanism is different. Viagra blocks the effects of a specific enzyme that rids the body of nitric oxide instead of promoting its production.
Patients with liver disease are not treated with this amino acid because of its effect on various electrolytes. Chloride, potassium, sodium and phosphate levels can become imbalanced and cause health issues.
Large doses of L arginine can promote gastrin production. Stomach acid production increases in the presence of gastrin. This can aggravate ulcers and heartburn, so it should not be taken with in conjunction with any drug that is known to be hard on the stomach. Read more about: l arginine
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