In recent years, the demand for nitric oxide supplements has grown considerably, especially among bodybuilders. It indeed has some health benefits, few of which are mentioned in the article below. However, it is also common to experience certain side effects of nitric oxide.
As there are several benefits attached to nitric oxide, it has become a favorite nutritional supplement among people. Many pharmaceutical companies manufacture nitric oxide supplements which are recommended to people suffering from nitric oxide deficiency. However, just like all good things, even nitric oxide has certain side effects that can harm the body. In this article, we will discuss three important aspects of nitric oxide; the function of nitric oxide in the human body, side effects of nitric oxide supplements and benefits of nitric oxide.
Function of Nitric Oxide in the Human Body
One of the most important functions of nitric oxide is regulating the flow, or circulation of blood to different parts of the body. It also plays a crucial role in the proper execution of activities related to different organs of the body; including the stomach, lungs, kidneys, brain, etc. Nitric oxide also supports the immune system by helping it fight infectious diseases caused by bacteria, virus, tumors and parasites. It also helps in preventing erectile dysfunction in men because nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels which cause penile erection.
Side Effects of Nitric Oxide on the Body
Though NO (nitric oxide) has several benefits, before taking nitric oxide boosters or supplements, people should know about the side effects it can cause. Most of the time, these aren’t very severe, and disappear as the body gets adjusted to it. However, carelessness while taking it can cause serious damage to the body, sometimes even leading to the death of a person. Let us go through the commonly observed side effects before the more serious ones.
- Wheezing
- Breathing problems
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Asthma
- Severe sweating
- Tremors
➤ The common fallouts you may experience during initial days include headache and nausea. Along with this, you may also experience fatigue and/or extreme weakness. Diarrhea is also another side effect.
➤ Some people have reported to have fainted after taking these supplements. Other than this, it is also common to experience certain discomfort due to rapid heart rate and palpitations, dry mouth, skin irritation, and water retention in the body.
➤ Other than these, overdose of nitric oxide supplements and/or even the body’s over production of nitric oxide, can lead to severe health problems. Extremely high amount of nitric oxide is produced in the body when a person is suffering from blood poisoning. Due to this, the blood pressure of the person goes below the normal level, and can lead to death.
➤ Nitric oxide supplements may result in electrolyte imbalance. As a result, the body generates high levels of potassium, sodium, phosphate, chloride, creatinine, etc. People suffering from kidney and liver disease should not use these supplements.
➤ Over consumption of nitric acid supplements may result in some fatal side effects like irregular heartbeat, hypertension, hypoglycemia, severe dip in the blood pressure, etc.
➤ When a person suffers a stroke, the nerve cells stop receiving oxygen, due to which the body produces large amounts of nitric oxide, which attacks the neurons in the brain, and may cause death.
FAQs about Side Effects
☛ Question: Do pre-workout supplements result in kidney stones?
Answer: There is substantial evidence that creatinine does lead to kidney stone in certain circumstances. However, there is no substantial proof that pre-workout nitric oxide supplements also cause kidney stones.
☛ Question: Does consuming Force Factor have harmful effects?
Answer: Force Factor nitric oxide booster side effects aren’t usual. The problem arises only if you don’t comply with the required dosage.
☛ Question: Can you overdose on NOS blast?
Answer: NOS blast is a product by Body Fortress. It should be taken only after consulting your physician. Not adhering to the prescribed dosage, might lead to overdose in which case you must contact your nearest hospital immediately.
☛ Question: How does nitrix effect your liver?
Answer: Nitrix is another supplement that contains NO. Just like other supplements, you need to obligatorily stick to the prescribed dosage. It increases the enzymes your liver produces, thus overtasking it. Ask your physician to give you a diet that complements this supplement.
What are the Benefits of Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) aids the human body’s healing process after suffering from abrasions, cuts, wounds, muscle and ligament injury, etc. Proper supply of NO also protects people from atherosclerosis; a condition where the arteries or blood vessels harden. NO also carries messages to nerve cells from one part of the body to another. Hence, it is said to be very essential for processes like thinking, memory construction, feeling pain, learning, etc.
➞ Nitric Oxide and Bodybuilding
The reason nitric oxide supplements have become a craze among bodybuilders is because it is said to help in building muscle. When a person takes nitric oxide supplements or boosters, the channels of arteries are broadened, due to which blood flow increases, subsequently sending more oxygen as well as nutrients to the muscles. Due to this, they gain more muscle mass. Moreover, as NO aids in relieving inflammation, bodybuilders are more interested in it. It is a great way of reducing pain caused due to extreme stress caused to muscles while working out.
Experts are of the opinion that there are very less chances of side effects, if one takes the correct dosage of nitric oxide. You have to read the instructions given on the label very carefully to avoid the side effects. Initially, start with a very low dose. You can gradually increase your intake when you see less side effects and more benefits. If you experience any of the above-mentioned side effects, do not waste time. Consult your physician. Even before taking these nitric oxide boosters or supplements, discuss with your health practitioner.