What is nitric oxide?
Nitric oxide, also known as NO or NO2 is actually a free form gas that is produced in the human body naturally. It’s purpose is to allow cells to communicate with other cells. Nitric oxide is gas is produced by enzymes in the body by breaking down the amino acid Arginine. Nitric oxide regulates a diverse range of physiological and cellular processes. It's role was first discovered by several groups who were attempting to identify the agent responsible for promoting blood vessel relaxation and regulating vascular tone.
The discovery of nitric oxide, a highly reactive gas, has led to an abundance of interest over the years, has resulted in tens of thousands of research studies and has become extrememly popular in the bodybuilding community.
Nitric oxide has now been demonstrated to play a role in a variety of biological processes including neurotransmission, immune defense, regulation of cell death and cell motility.
What does nitric oxide do?
Nitric oxide increases blood flow throughout the body. Gaining the ability to deliver more blood flow to the muscles, will result in better muscle pumps. This is what has caused nitric oxide supplements to gain so much popularity. When taken correctly, nitric oxide supplements will dramatically increase your muscle pumps. Many nitric oxide users have also reported increased muscle growth when supplementing with nitric oxide.
Needless to say, nitric oxide has become an extremely popular bodybuilding supplement. Taking nitric oxide supplements has been shown to increase blood flow to the muscles. This is perfect for bodybuilders, who need the maximum amount of nutrients to be delivered to the muscles when they are under stress. The added benefit of a greater muscle pump, makes nitric oxide the perfect pre-workout supplement. Nitric oxide also affects the endocrine system. It affects the release of the gonadotroptin releasing hormone, as well as the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla.
Nitric oxide dosages and side effects:
Arginine, an amino acid, is the main ingredient in nitric oxide supplements. Side effects of ingesting too much arginine include: tiredness or weakness, diarrhea and nausea. Guidelines for the proper ideal amount of arginine supplementation vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The best way to take a nitric oxide supplement is to start off small, using half the recommended dosage for at least a week. Then work your way up to a dosage that feels right. Using this method will minimize side effects and help you to find your optimal dose. Each nitric oxide supplement comes with clear instructions about dosages.
Nitric oxide supplements:
Nitric oxide has been using in bodybuilding supplements since 1996. It’s available in both pill and powder form. Pure nitric oxide is usually found in pill form. Pre-workout nitric oxide based products, such as BSN’s N.O. Explode and NitroShock by Myogenix, have become very popular and are extremely powerful nitric oxide supplements. These products contain nitric oxide as well as vitamins, stimulants, creatine and vitamins. These new nitric oxide powders are now the most popular way to take NO2. |
