Image source: http://largininepro.com/skin/frontend/default/larginine/images/nobel_ignarro.png
Advantages
If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health you could be a great candidate for an L-Arginine supplement. L-Arginine works directly to relax blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. L-Arginine is able to relax the blood vessels by aiding in the production of higher levels of nitric oxide. Arginine also helps in the fight against cardiovascular disease through its restorative ability when it comes to the production of nitric oxide. The uses of L Arginine supplements by those suffering from symptoms of cardiovascular disease are commonly able to see a decrease in the discomfort that they feel because of their condition.
L-Arginine is an amino acid that aids in the body's ability to fight off diseases by improving the function of the immune system. The benefits of having an immune system that is working at an optimum level are clear. In the case that you sustain an injury, an optimally functioning immune system accelerates the ability that your body had to heal wounds. Studies have shown that L Arginine can actually play a role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. L Arginine has the ability to reduce blood pressure by lowering the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) level in the body.
L-Arginine stimulates the production of growth hormones, so its natural presence in the body is necessary for small children to grow into adults. This natural presence of L Arginine in the body also puts to ease the minds of many individuals who are hesitant when it comes to taking a synthetic or less natural nutritional supplement. L-Arginine supplements are not performing any function in the body that is un-natural, they are simply filling in where natural production is lacking.
L-Arginine provides specific advantages to men who are good candidates for supplementation. The connections between heart health and sexual performance are simple. Poor heart health means that the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body and this includes blood flow to the penis. Poor penile blood flow is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. L-Arginine is beneficial because it aids in the production of nitric oxide which in turn improves blood flow.
Disadvantages and warnings
The main disadvantages of L-Arginine are related to the individual health of those who are considering L-Arginine as a supplement. L-Arginine does provide heart health benefits. In some cases L-Arginine might make a heart condition worse. L-Arginine has the ability to activate an enzyme in the liver that breaks down other medications. If you have heart disease, chances are that you are on a medication that is aiding in your treatment and to have the effectiveness of that medication compromised could have consequences.
Possibly the worst supplement (or over the counter substance) that you could take if you have a cardiovascular disease or have been on an L-Arginine supplement is the supplement Ephedra. Ephedra contains large amounts of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine which significantly increase blood pressure. Add L-Arginine to this cocktail and for those who have heart disease, these drugs can have the negative side effects of rapid heartbeat, nervousness, headache, insomnia, and even heart attack and subsequent death.
Other potentially dangerous drug and L-Arginine supplement combinations include St. John's wart and some report the drug Coumadin (although recent indications are there is no danger for some formulations). For more specific dangers pertaining to the use of L-Arginine contact your doctor and be sure to review your medical history with him.
