Arginine’s Anti-Aging Benefits Explained in Detail
Arginine: What It Is and Why It Matters
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that helps our body build protein. It is considered “conditional” because our body can produce enough arginine under normal circumstances. However, a supplement is needed to avoid deficiency if our body is stressed due to illness or injury. Arginine has a list of benefits as long as Route 66, and many are considered to help with anti-aging1.
Best Sources of Arginine for Your Health
Besides supplementation, arginine can be found in some of the foods we eat, such as:
- Poultry
- Dairy
- Red Meat
- Fish
- Nuts And Seeds
- Leafy Vegetables
Some people can get enough arginine from the foods that they consume. For others who are either further along in age or have certain health conditions, your doctor may recommend you supplement with arginine. Some research suggests that arginine, also known as L-arginine, may help with the following conditions:
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Lack of Blood Flow
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Sexual Issues
- Muscular Weakness
- Sleep Issues2
And the list goes on…
“The demonstrated anti-aging benefits of Arginine show greater potential than any pharmaceutical or nutraceutical agent ever previously discovered.3”
Anti-Aging Benefits of Arginine
As we age, we are at greater risk for various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, a decrease in muscle mass and function, and lower levels of the secretion of growth hormones. The supplementation of arginine in combination with all the essential amino acids can lessen the detrimental effects associated with the aging process3.
Studies have suggested that arginine can help restore human growth hormone (HGH). This has been a hot topic for decades since looking youthful will never go out of style. Of course, there are expensive prescription injections that one could get through mainstream medicine, but many like to choose the natural approach. After all, nature has immense benefits to offer us.
What Does “Anti-Aging” Really Mean?
When we hear “anti-aging,” one might immediately jump to benefits that improve the body’s outer appearance. However, this is only a small part of the anti-aging benefits we can obtain from arginine. Anti-aging, in simple terms, means “restoring youthful health.” In scientific terms, “youthful” means improving diverse aspects of our health, such as the following:
- Reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Improves immune system
- Improves gastrointestinal function.
- Accelerates fat metabolism
- Lowers the risk of cancer.
- Increases muscle mass
- Promotes healing from wounds and burns.
- Lowers blood pressure4.
How Arginine Improves Blood Flow and Circulation
Arginine plays a role in nitric oxide synthesis, which widens and relaxes our blood vessels improving blood flow. Improvement in blood flow in our body can be helpful for many reasons. This may help those who are suffering from conditions like clogged arteries, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, and angina.
For those with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), arginine supplements may also be helpful. PVD develops when arteries constrict and reduce blood flow to your limbs. Due to the role arginine plays in nitric oxide synthesis, this may alleviate some of the symptoms of PVD. On the flip side, after one experiences a heart attack, it is not recommended to take arginine because it can make matters worse5.
Just like with any supplement, it is important to contact your physician to find out the best course of action when starting any supplement regimen
Dosage Tips: How Much Arginine Is Right for You?
There is no simple answer to this question due to many variables such as body weight, age, and body composition. In the case of arginine, more is not necessarily better. The importance lies in the regularity of dosage rather than the increase in the amount of arginine. The dosage range can be anywhere from 200 milligrams to a few grams daily. However, those taking more significant amounts of this supplement experienced side effects such as upset stomach and nausea5.
To get the most out of supplementing with arginine, it is important to take it a few hours before or after a meal or before bedtime. If you are someone who follows a weight-lifting regimen, taking arginine before your routine would be recommended6.
From a variety of anti-aging perks to an improvement in blood flow, arginine can be a very helpful supplement for many. However, for some with specific health conditions, taking arginine might be deleterious to one’s health. Consulting a doctor is recommended before starting a regimen of any supplement.
