While L arginine is naturally produced by the body, supplementation can benefit bodybuilders. Here are some L arginine bodybuilding benefits you need right now.
L-arginine is considered a semi-essential or conditionally non-essential amino acid. The body produces enough of it on its own.
However, certain factors such as age and health can affect the natural levels produced by the body, which is where supplements come in.
Moreover, athletes and bodybuilders may be able to boost their performance by taking l-arginine supplements.
Of course, there are natural food sources for it such as fish, poultry, whole wheat, dairy, and other protein-rich foods.
However, the amounts contained in natural sources are not as great as those found in supplements.
L-arginine supplements help the body with protein synthesis and in the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood flow.
Muscle Benefits
One of the l-arginine benefits has to do with its contribution to muscle growth.
It helps synthesize most proteins, signal muscle cells, promotes fat metabolism, and encourages the release of growth hormones.
What does this lead to? Muscle mass increase in the form of well-toned and lean muscle mass.
Bodybuilders can improve their fitness and strength through l-arginine’s ability to reduce fat stored underneath the skin and promote muscle growth.
Endurance Benefits
Bodybuilders can see more benefits than building muscle mass.
By supporting the production of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator, supplements boost muscle conditioning and endurance.
Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessel walls and widens them.
This leads to lower blood pressure and better overall circulation, including blood flow to the muscles.
By improving the efficiency of blood flow, l-arginine helps deliver the oxygen and nutrients necessary for long workout sessions.
These benefits help athletes experience less muscle damage, faster recovery times, and a boost to their performance.
Immune System Benefits
Supplements support overall health, including the body’s immune system.
How does it exactly help the immune system? By increasing the effectiveness of cells in the immune system and getting rid of free radicals.
Bodybuilding puts the body through continuous physical stress and increases the risk of muscle damage.
It’s important to have a robust immune system if you want to get the best out of your workouts.
L-arginine Before or After Workout?
There are plenty of supplements on the market. Ones like L-arginine Plus combine multiple vitamins and minerals to give an increased boost to your exercise routine.
While there is no official l-arginine dosage for bodybuilding, taking between 2 to 30 grams per day should give you the benefits you need.
L-arginine side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and weakness are rare and generally happen when people take too much.
To avoid these side effects, start on the lower end (around 3 to 5 grams per day) and gradually increase the dose until you feel the benefits without the adverse effects.
Take the supplements before and after workouts and try taking it in cycles for greater effect: take for two months, stop for two months, resume taking for two months, and so on.