Maximizing Arginine Supplementation for BodyBuilding

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Posted on 1st March 2010 by admin in Arginine Benefits | Arginine Supplements

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Maximizing Arginine Supplementation for BodyBuilding

If you are taking arginine to supplement muscular gains in bodybuilding, there are three primary points to focus on to maximize results:

  1. The timing of arginine supplementation
  2. The form of arginine
  3. The dosage of arginine
  4. Combining arginine with other supplements
  • The timing of Arginine Supplementation

Numerous studies have shown the optimal time to consume arginine suuplements is 30 – 60 minutes before a workout.  Boosting nitric oxide levels through arginine supplementation pre-workout will dilate the blood vessels to provide the muscles more blood flow, oxygen, nutrients and anabolic hormones. This, in turn, leads to a greater pump, more energy, and an overall more intense workout. This is the most critical time to consume arginine.

For a quicker recovery, you’ll also want to take arginine 30 – 60 minutes after your workout, 30 – 60 minutes prior yo bedtime, and also immediately after awakening in the morning. Arginine is more likely to be absorbed by the body when consumed on an empty stomach.

  • The Form of Arginine

Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate has recently been shown to be more easily absorbed by the body; the alpha-ketoglutarate molecule is a precursor to the amino acid glutamine.

However, many people report satisfactory results with plain l-arginine.

To maximize results, try arginine alpha-ketoglutarate for maximum results.

Note: for bodybuilding purposes, consuming solid arginine foods is not optimal as the food has to be broken down by the body, which can take significantly more time.

  • The Dosage of Arginine

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to consume 3-5 grams of arginine if your goal is to boost nitrix oxide levels and achieve an increase in growth hormone, and muscle mass.

  • Combining Arginine With Other Supplements

You’ll want an arginine supplement that contains 1-3 g of citrulline per dose. Citrulline promotes energy  and increases blood levels of arginine, which can then be converted to nitric oxide and growth hormone.

In addition, consuming 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C per dose will help decrease the breakdown of nitrix oxide by free radicals in the body.

To assist with the conversion of arginine to nitric oxide in the body, consume 50-100 milligrams of Pycnogenol or 100-200 mg of standardized American ginseng. Each of these supplements has been show to increase the conversion of arginine to nitric oxide in the body.

Finally, to increase blood flow, add 10-100 mg of rutaecarpine with each arginine.

Conclusion

Start today with arginine supplementation for bodybuilding and you could see dramatic results in as little as three months time. Remember arginine supplementation timing, the form of the arginine supplement, the dosage of arginine, and what additional supplements to consume with arginine to maximize its effectiveness.

The next step is yours to take.

Ibuprofen Arginine For Pain Management

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Posted on 9th February 2010 by admin in Arginine Benefits | Arginine Studies

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J Clin Periodontol. 2006 May;33(5):345-50.

Ibuprofen arginine for pain control during scaling and root planing: a randomized, triple-blind trial.

Ettlin DA, Ettlin A, Bless K, Puhan M, Bernasconi C, Tillmann HC, Palla S, Gallo LM.

Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. ettlin@zzmk.unizh.ch

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this controlled clinical trial was to investigate the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of ibuprofen arginine in patients with mild-to-moderate periodontitis during and after non-surgical periodontal treatment. METHODS: This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial assessed the analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen arginine (Spedifen) in patients undergoing routine periodontal scaling and root planing. 64 patients with chronic periodontitis received either 800 mg ibuprofen arginine or placebo 30 min. before treatment. Numeric pain and electronic visual analogue scales ranging from 0 to 100 were used. RESULTS: The average pain levels during treatment were lower following ibuprofen arginine (quartiles: 0.5, 4.5, 11) compared with placebo (4, 16, 26), corresponding to a percentage reduction in median pain of 72% (p=0.023). The median maximum pain was 28 (inter-quartile range 10-50) following placebo and 10 (4-31) following ibuprofen arginine (p=0.065). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild-to-moderate chronic periodontitis, ibuprofen arginine was safe and superior to placebo for alleviating pain during non-surgical periodontal treatment. Its painless administration and rapid onset of action make it well suitable for pain management in a general dental office.

From nih.gov.

In plain English:

Using ibuprofen arginine (ibuprofen fortified with arginine) was more effective at alleviating pain than a placebo (i.e., it was better than nothing). This was in the context of a dental visit, with non-surgical treatments. The authors conclude ibuprofen arginine should be considered for use in a general dental office visit.

Arginine Foods and Blood Pressure

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Posted on 6th February 2010 by admin in Arginine Benefits | Arginine Foods

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Arginine Foods and Blood Pressure

Arginine may potentially provide a way to lower high blood pressure, at least in theory. How? Arginine is a source of nitric oxide in the body, and the innermost layer of cells in arteries release nitric oxide to widen arteries, alleviating the flow of blood, resulting in lower blood pressure. Since the arginine in arginine rich foods is converted-at least in part-to nitric oxide, the net result may be the lowering of blood pressure.

Unfortunately, there have been no peer-review scientific studies that definitively confirm the hypothesis that arginine foods reduce blood pressure; in only seems logical in theory.

Part of the reason may be because the body naturally produces arginine, and supplementing arginine – either in the form of an arginine capsule, or by consuming arginine rich foods- may simply result in the body excreting the excess arginine consumed.

The best course of action to take if you suffer from high blood pressure is to speak with your doctor about what lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure, such as diet, exercise, quit smoking, limited drinking, etc., etc.

Arginine foods are not a magic solution to lowering blood pressure, though arginine foods may have some as of yet undiscovered potential. Until then, talk to your physician. He knows best.