Here is my second article that could be found in the latest issue of New Living magazine – LOOK FOR ME ON A MAGAZINE RACK NEAR YOU!
My thoughts on NO Supplementation in a nutshell: DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE!
N.O. Boosting Supplements have been a very popular supplement on the market for quite a few years now. It is one of the most heavily promoted and marketed supplements, frequently bought and used by many young athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike who all fall victim to the claims of the advertising. The major exciting effect of the supplement that gets it so much attention is the so-called “pump” you get after consuming it in heavy doses. A typical comment from any N.O. user will be “I can feel it working!” or “Im twitching!” In this article I will dispel the myths and get into some real hardcore information about this supplement and separate fact from fiction to bring you the absolute truth about it.
For those that don’t know, N.O. stands for Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide is a naturally occurring substance in the body. The boosting supplements usually contain some form of L-Arginine, an amino acid claimed to stimulate the synthesis of the nitric oxide in our blood vessels. A higher production of N.O. dilates the blood vessels, opening them wider. This increases blood flow to the muscles, allowing nutrients to get to the muscles faster while removing waste products faster as well. This should be a formula for instant muscle growth. It is like putting out a fire with a fire hose instead of a garden hose.
The claimed benefits of N.O. that have the fitness world excited are, boosting immune function, dilating arteries and improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and increasing endurance and strength. Besides this, the “pump” effect is claimed to keep the muscles full of blood longer after your workout to making you look better and “fuller” longer.
Unfortunately, that is where the magic it ends, the most recent research on L-Arginine has no evidence to support it increases nitric oxide production by any substantial amount to increase vassal dilation beyond what your body naturally does already. A study done by the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology concluded only arginine injected through an IV of 30g or more was enough to induce any significant changes in vasodilatation. Oral ingestion of 6g did not produce any significant changes in vasodilator effects. The study basically proved there is no reason for oral ingestion of N.O. since it does not have any effect on your system.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Arginine in high doses also comes with some potentially toxic side effects. It does not affect everyone the same way but can be extremely serious for some people. There have been accounts of adverse effects on waste-handling organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Too much arginine has been reported to cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, weakness, nausea, headaches, increased heart rate and palpitations, water retention, fatigue, fainting and dry mouth. Other serious side effects include breathing problems, hives, and wheezing or life-threatening asthma complications. More importantly anyone with any kind of kidney disorder, recent heart attack patients, those on blood thinners, pregnant or nursing mothers, and/or those with liver disease or sickle cell anemia should avoid NO2 products completely. On top of all this, although the research indicated minimal dilation from oral consumption, if arginine does dilate the vessels, it will dilate the vessels all over your body including your brain. Not exactly a place you want dilated vessels.
You must be wondering what is this “pump” feeling that everyone is talking about? Most NO products are actually loaded with tons of stimulants that give you that “pump” or that jittery twitch that makes you feel like you will explode. Anything else you think you are getting from the supplement including how you look and feel is largely just a placebo effect. It is the result of clever marketing on the consumer.
To conclude, N.O. products are not worth the money at all, the “pump” effect is false, there is no research to back up any claims ever made, and the most important point is that the side effects can be extremely harmful and uncomfortable. Most N.O. supplement products are nothing more than a Super Kool-Aid that can potentially harm you. This is definitely a no go in my book.
There are ways to get a real pump and increase nitric oxide synthesis in your body naturally. To get that same pre-workout jittery feeling, try 1-3 espresso shots before your training session. Natural caffeine stimulation has been safely proven to give your workout that needed “pump” feeling without any danger, and without ripping the money out of your wallet. Good solid strength training will increase blood flow which increases N.O. production naturally. Finally diet, the amino acid Arginine can be obtained through consuming lean meats, nuts, lentils, legumes, and fruits (especially watermelon). Get your pump on the right way, leave the Kool-Aid alone!
Stay strong,
Joey
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