Nitric oxide (NO) is used by bodybuilders as a supplement for muscle building. When using it in combination with weightlifting, you tend to get that “pumped” feeling and keep it longer.
Before starting any new workout program or supplementation it’s a good idea to research all possible side effects and health risks.
Also, it’s a good idea to bring any concerns or questions up to your health care physician.
There are many benefits to using NO for supplementation. Not only is NO great for building muscle and getting the most out of your workout, but there are also other uses that people are finding beneficial. According to Smart Publications, NO and l-arginine have another side effect on both men and women—an increased libido.
If you’re looking to supplement with nitric oxide, you need a solid lifting program that it can complement. Sign up for a PRO plan today for access to workout programs that will help you reach your health and fitness goals.
What Does Nitric Oxide Do for a User?
Nitric oxide occurs naturally in the body, but the difference between the naturally occurring NO and the supplements can be different. NO is used to relax the smooth muscles in the walls of the body’s blood vessels. While you are working out, your muscles contract and your blood vessels dilate.
Gas will come and go when dilation occurs. NO settles into the smooth muscle increasing the ability for blood to pass through. The feeling of “puffiness” and expansion is that of the NO releasing into the muscle cells.
After a workout, the muscles will stop contracting and blood will stop flowing so freely through the vessels. The feeling of “puffiness” will dissipate as the NO releases from the muscle’s cells.
With NO supplements, however, this pumped-up feeling lasts longer. The reason for this is NO supplements release the nitric oxide from the muscles more slowly and throughout the day. By doing this, it gives a person more energy for a longer workout.
With the increase of blood flow to the muscles and the inhibited release of nitric oxide, it is believed to deliver and transport nutrients and blood more efficiently and for a longer period of time. Muscle recovery and performance seem to be enhanced because of this skeletal muscular hypertrophy caused by nitric oxide supplementation.
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Is Nitric Oxide Safe to Use?
The FDA does not regulate nitric oxide supplements. There are no studies that show nitric oxide supplementation is not safe. However, there are some side effects that occur with nitric oxide use.
There are some concerns around those people who are predisposed to herpes outbreaks using nitric oxide. The main ingredient of nitric oxide supplements is l-arginine, which aggravates the herpes virus. Even after just a few uses of the supplement, those who are prone to herpes outbreaks tend to get one immediately.
Vasodilation is another side effect that is both good and bad. It’s good in the sense that vasodilation increases the blood flow throughout the body. An increased flow of blood also leads to an increased flow of nutrients to all body parts, including the heart. This is considered positive for heart health and also provides anti-aging benefits.
Some of the negative side effects of vasodilation are concerns for lower blood pressure. This can vary from person to person. Also with vasodilation, there’s always the concern for excessive bleeding in certain people.
Another short term side effect of nitric oxide for some is headaches. These headaches tend to last only a short time and are usually directly related to the lack of consumption of water.
What Should Be Expected When Supplementing With Nitric Oxide?
Most people who start a nitric oxide supplement see and feel results in the first week. What has been reported first is the feeling of tighter skin or harder muscles. This “pumping” and “puffiness” can happen during normal workouts, but when you are using nitric acid supplements, the effect tends to last for hours rather than minutes.
The biggest advantage of using nitric oxide supplements is an increase in endurance during workouts. Those who use nitric oxide supplements notice that their workouts last longer and they have more strength and power during their training.
Using nitric oxide supplements correctly without overdosing is very important; not just for results, but for your overall health. Being aware of proper dosing and exercising without overexerting is important when using nitric oxide.
If you are ready to pair your NO supplements with a lifting routine, sign up for a PRO plan today.