Bodybuilding is no easy task but with nitric oxide supplements, bodybuilders can accelerate muscle growth and achieve better results in lesser time.
Nitric oxide supplements can be a valuable addition to a bodybuilder’s diet, as it promotes muscle growth at a faster rate.
Function of Nitric Oxide
The main function of nitric oxide is to regulate blood flow in different parts of the body. The compound that is naturally found in our body controls the various aspects of blood vessels, such as contraction and expansion. It is like a neurotransmitter that sends signals to blood vessels, conveying either to contract or expand. For instance, nitric oxide stimulates enhanced blood flow to the stomach and the intestines, after a heavy lunch. As more blood is diverted to the stomach, it helps to properly digest food.
Nitric Oxide and Exercise
When you are doing a rigorous exercise routine, such as a cardiovascular workout, the flow of blood increases to different parts of the body. To be more specific, as the exercise intensity increases, blood flow to different muscle groups in our body increases proportionally. However, this is actually carried out by nitric oxide, which signals blood vessels to expand, so as to stimulate blood flow to these muscles. Thus, the increased blood flow due to presence of nitric oxide ensures that sufficient amount of nutrients are delivered to the muscles. This promotes muscle growth and helps in building muscles to the desired size.
Nitric Oxide and Bodybuilding
This effect of increased blood flow to the muscles is short-lived. This temporary change in blood circulation that is beneficial to pump up the muscles, lasts only for 30-35 minutes after the exercise routine is over. However, in order to prolong this ‘pumping’ effect for a considerable amount of time, taking nitric oxide supplements is the best option. A workout routine sends more blood to the muscles but only for a short duration. But with the intake of these supplements, the muscles receive increased blood circulation for a longer duration, as the blood vessels remain expanded for an extended period of time. This in turn reduces the time to repair muscles after an exercise routine. The increased blood flow for a relatively long time means greater muscular strength and stamina.
Supplement Ingredients
The supplements contain amino acids like arginine that alleviate nitric oxide levels in our body, which in turn helps to boost blood flow round the clock, thereby increasing muscle growth.
Caution
These supplements are no substitute for exercise. Practicing a daily workout routine is a prerequisite to gain muscle mass. One simply cannot depend on these supplements for muscle growth. The supplements will allow you to achieve increased muscle mass, only when it is coupled with a regular exercise routine.
Side Effects
As the supplement contains arginine, an amino acid, overdose of amino acids generally cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Fatigue
The aforementioned side effects are a rarity when the prescription dose is followed correctly. On the whole, for faster muscle growth along with exercise taking nitric oxide supplements is recommended.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
