Nitric oxide is a free form gas produced by the body in order to communicate with other cells. It is created when enzymes break down the amino acid arginine. The main benefit of nitric oxide is its role in controlling the circulation of blood and regulating activities of the brain, lungs, liver, stomach and other organs. It also helps in the control of blood pressure, dilates blood vessels to cause penile erection and is used by the immune system to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.
It is the ability of nitric oxide to increase blood flow that is of most interest to bodybuilders who can benefit as follows:
1. The increased blood flow delivers more nutrients to the muscle cells thus helping them to grow during the adaptation and recovery phase.
2. Its ability to reduce inflammation helps muscles that have been subjected to extreme stresses.
Given its close relationship with arginine care should be taken in applying small doses and increasing them gradually until an optimum level is reached. Bear in mind that many protein powders and other supplements are fortified with amino acids so check the labels carefully. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed in all instances.
What Exactly is Nitric Oxide? Why is It Such a POWERFUL Bodybuilding Supplement?
What is Nitric Oxide anyway?
The chemical compound nitric oxide is a gas with a chemical formula NO. It is an important signaling molecule in the body of mammals including humans, one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known. Nitric oxide (NO) is not nitrous oxide (N2O) or with nitrogen dioxide (NO2). (Formal definition courtesy of Wikipedia)
What is L-arginine (the key ingredient used to produce Nitric Oxide)?
L-arginine is an amino acid found in grains and fish, meats, supplements and passes through the intestine into the blood. From the blood, it enters endothelial cells, (these are the layer of cells lining the inside of the blood and lymph vessels of the heart) where it is used to produce nitric oxide.
L-arginine can be found in many foods such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and fish. The body also uses arginine to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. For this reason, it has been used to treat cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure, intermittent claudication, impotence, female sexual dysfunction, and interstitial cystitis. (Formal definition courtesy of Wikipedia).
It can also be used as an ergogenic aid to supplement bodybuilding and sports endeavors.
L-arginine supplements cause a delayed release of Nitric Oxide into the blood. Ed Byrd (the creator of NO 2) called this the pHyser3 effect of creating a sustained hemodilation or blood flow in the body.
How does this help with bodybuilding?
Nitric Oxide helps with a sustained blood pump in your body. The blood vessels that deliver muscle building agents (nutrients, creatine) to your muscles are forced open for an extended period of time throughout the day. This means quicker recovery, enhanced muscle gains, greater strength, more endurance due to the prolonged pump NO2 provides. You know how you feel pumped up after a workout? Nitric oxide helps perpetuate this muscle pump effect.
Are there other health benefits to Nitric Oxide besides bodybuilding?
There is evidence that nitric oxide can prevent heart disease and stroke. The vasodilation effect nitric oxide helps protect the blood vessels from dangerous constriction. This increases the blood vessel flexibility to blood can circulate at a lower pressure. Nitric oxide may also help control platelet function, reduce artery plaque and even lower cholesterol.
-Nitrix by BSN. Nitrrix has quickly gained the reputation as the worlds top Nitric Oxide (NO) supplements.
-NO-xplode by BSN. NO-xplode uses both creatine and nitrix oxide to help you explode you bodybuilding regimen.
-Mid-Cycle by Fizogen. Mid Cycle effectively enhances nutrient uptake, increases cell-signaling vasodilation and promotes improved muscle torque and intercellular energy levels.
-Cold Fusion by LG Science. This bodybuilding supplements is especially appropriate for serious athletes looking to maximize muscle gains with NO2. Cold fusion has twice as much NO per serving than any other nitric oxide product.
