Why You Should Take Nitric Oxide Supplements

There are countless supplements available these days, but one you might not have about is nitric oxide. Read on for why you should use nitric oxide supplements.

There a lot of supplements for sale these days.

In fact, there are so many that dietary supplements contribute $121.6 billion to the US economy.

That means two-thirds of adults take supplements each year.

That’s a lot of supplements. How do you know which supplements are best for you?

Which supplements are best for you if you’re an athlete? What about if you’re looking to enhance your workout?

Maybe you’ve even tried a few of them yourself. Some may have had decent results but you weren’t sure.

Lately, there has been some buzz about nitric oxide supplements.

But a serious bodybuilder needs the facts first.

So here’s what you need to know about nitric oxide supplements:

Close-up of sports vitamins and protein supplements on desk

What is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule produced by our body. This little molecule sends signals throughout our body and helps all our cells (50 trillion of them!) communicate with each other.

Science has been noticing how important nitric oxide is. 1992 this odorless gas was awarded “molecule of the year”.

In order to produce nitric oxide in our body, the amino acid, arginine needs to be broken down.

It is arginine that is actually used in the production of nitric oxide supplements.

Nitric oxide can also be generated by taking in foods and supplements that contain inorganic nitrates.  One such food is beet root powder.  Our Tectanic Red is designer made beet root powder made to increase nitric oxide levels in the body.

Tectanic Red – Pre Workout Powder

How is a Nitric Oxide Supplement Beneficial for You?

Nitric oxide has a lot of healthy benefits.

Scientists have been aware of it for over 100 years.

Medical science has been using nitric oxide for:

• Cardiovascular Benefits: Alfred Nobel, (Founder of the Nobel Prize) suffered from heart problems. He used a nitric oxide supplement over 100 years ago. Nitric oxide increases blood flow and oxygen. That’s why it’s often prescribed to heart and stroke patients.
• Fights Off Bacteria & Defends Against Tumors: Nitric oxide works with your immune system.
• Reduces Inflammation: Communicates with cells to help reduce inflammation.
• Regulates Blood Pressure: Dilates the arteries which will help regulate blood pressure.
• Aids in Gastric Motility: Keeps acid in your stomach neutralized. Can also help repair tissues within the stomach.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Helps reduce insomnia. May be especially beneficial from those suffering from sleep apnea or chronic mouth-breathers.
• Aids in Erectile Dysfunction: May help increase blood flow and help maintain an erection.
• Strength & Agility: Supports flow of blood and oxygen to the skeletal muscle enabling the athlete to perform at peak levels for longer. You’ll find you are stronger and limber.

How Can a BodyBuilder or Serious Athlete Benefit from a Nitric Oxide Supplement?

It seems clear that nitric oxide supplements can have some amazing effects on the body. So how is it useful for someone who is in good health?

And how is it useful for a serious athlete or bodybuilder?

• More Energy: Nitric oxide increases blood flow. This allows your body to regulate and cool itself. This is a great benefit to someone in the middle of a hard workout. The increased blood flow will allow your body to devote less energy toward self-cooling. As a result, more energy can be devoted to your workout.
• Greater Endurance: You last long when your blood flow increases. This is because the amount of oxygen sent to your muscles and tissues. It helps you enjoy a longer workout. Athletes who use nitric oxide also notice they are able to get used to working out in higher altitudes more quickly and easily.
• Less Fatigue: That burn you feel in your muscles during a hard workout is really lactic acid. The increased oxygen reduces lactic acid levels.
• Quicker Recovery: Every serious athlete knows that recovery time is an important part of the process. Using nitric oxide can shorten that recovery time because it helps your muscles relax. Relaxed muscles increase oxygen and blood flow. The other nutrients you’re supplying your body with during the recovery times will also be used more quickly. As the recovery time shortens you’ll be able to get in more workout sessions and therefore achieve greater results.
• Muscle Pump Lasts Longer: Watch out, Popeye! One of the more aesthetic benefits of nitric oxide is that the increased blood flow to the tissues will make your muscles more pronounced. Not only will they bulge out more noticeably, they’ll stay that way for longer, too.

Where Can you Find Nitric Oxide Naturally?

As a serious bodybuilder or athlete, you are serious about what you put in your body.

That means it’s smart to know which foods contain nitric oxide.

Here is a list of foods to help you boost your nitric oxide intake:

1. Garlic: Garlic doesn’t contain much nitric oxide. What garlic does is help boost up the production of nitrates.
2. Beets: Contains loads of nitrates. Also, has antioxidants and betalains- a natural anti-inflammatory.
3. Seafood & Meat: Both great sources of CoQ10, a co-factor that raises nitric oxide.
4. Citrus: The vitamin C in citrus contain free radicals which in turn protect the nitric oxide molecules.
5. Arugula: Contains the highest source of nitrates we know of in any food.
6. Spinach: Loaded with nitrates and a plethora of other nutrients. There’s a reason Popeye ate this leafy green.
7. Walnuts: High in vitamin E and L-arginine. Also great for brain health.
8. Watermelon: The amino acid in watermelon, citrulline dilates and relaxes the blood vessels.
9. Pomegranate: Contains huge anti-inflammatory properties and it also boosts nitric oxide.
10. Dark Chocolate: Lowers blood pressure, a natural antioxidant and increases nitric oxide. Unfortunately, the sugar in most chocolate isn’t good for you so try dairy-free dark chocolate.

Are There Any Serious Side Effects to Taking Nitric Oxide Supplements?

What you don’t know can hurt you.

There can be some serious side effects to taking anything. Even an over-the-counter supplement.

It’s important to understand the risks.

Most healthy people can easily take nitric oxide supplements. They experience no problems.

But there are certain conditions that will interact poorly with nitric oxide.

When in doubt, consult your physician before adding a supplement to your diet.

Those with the following conditions should definitely consult a physician before taking a nitric oxide supplement:

• Heart Conditions
• Abnormal Blood Pressure
• On Medication: Certain medications can negatively interact with a nitric oxide supplement. Always consult your physician whenever adding a supplement to your diet.
• Suffer from Herpes: Studies show taking nitric oxide may exacerbate herpes symptoms.

There are also some side effects that some people may experience if they add nitric oxide to their diet. Here are a few:

• Increased Glucose Levels: While this may seem like a benefit to some people, it may adversely affect people living with type 2 diabetes.
• Lowers Blood Pressure: Sometimes low blood pressure is good. But not if you already have low blood pressure or have hypotension. Using nitric oxide might result in you experiencing a shortness of breath, loss of energy or possibly even seizures.
• Digestive Issues: Some may experience bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Lowered Zinc Levels: It’s important to check the ingredients when buying a supplement. Some may contain histidine. When combined with the amino acid alanine it combines to produce carnosine. High levels of carnosine and histidine can lower your zinc levels and create a deficiency.
• Lowered Dopamine Levels: Using this supplement may lower your dopamine levels up to 66%. Dopamine affects your sleep, motivation, short and long-term memory and cognitive skills.
• Frequent Urination: Keeping the arginine doses to under 5,000 mg per day will help you avoid this problem.

What Should I Avoid in My Supplements?

Buying nitric oxide supplements can be tricky. There are a lot of companies selling supplements. Unfortunately, some are focused on sales rather than your health.

There are a lot of companies selling supplements. Unfortunately, some are focused on sales rather than your health.

Unfortunately, some are focused on sales rather than your health.

Here are some ingredients found in supplements to avoid:

1. Hydrogenated Oils: Avoid these in your foods as well. They can lead to heart problems, stroke, block the absorption of essential fatty acids and much more.
2. Magnesium Stearate: Science still isn’t sure exactly how harmful magnesium stearate is. Be warned that scientists think this chemical might suppress your immune system and cause digestive issues.
3. Titanium Dioxide: Linked to cancers, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases.
4. Artificial Colors: While they may look pretty, they also contain potential neurotoxins.
5. GMO’s: Also know as genetically-modified organisms.

If you’re looking to stick with a natural supplement, avoid these ingredients:

• Citric Acid
• Maltodextrin
• Dextrose

Chances are you’ll find GMO’s along with them.

Common GMO ingredients are

• Soy Lecithin
• Choline
• Vegetable Oil
• Vegetable Cellulose.

How Do I Buy the Right Nitric Oxide Supplements for My Needs?

1. Look for Verification: Check the label for a USP or NSF label.
2. Check Levels of Nutrients: It’s not safe to take more than the recommended dosage. Be sure to check to see how much of each nutrient is in each supplement.
3. Check for Other Ingredients: Sometimes fillers are added that aren’t healthy or necessary. Check to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.
4. Ask a Professional: It can feel frustrating trying to make sure you’re getting the best quality of nitric oxide supplements for your needs.

Asking a professional to help you find the right product will save you time, money and effort.

Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers is a supplement manufacturing expert. He has been formulating, consulting, & manufacturing dietary supplements since 1998. Alex invented protein customization in 1998 & was the first company to allow consumers to create their own protein blends. He helped create the first supplement to contain natural follistatin, invented whey protein with egg lecithin, & recently imported the world’s first 100% hydrolyzed whey.