Is there too much when it comes to L-Arginine supplementation? Like everything else in this world, too much of everything can’t be good. L-Arginine has since become known in the nutrition and fitness industry for its benefits, mainly because it transforms to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, in turn, dilates the blood vessels, improving blood circulation. Greater blood flow means improved bodily functions, such as enhanced cardiovascular state and sexual health.
Moreover, L-Arginine initiates the body to generate protein, which is why bodybuilders often opt for its supplementation. On the other hand, it hasn’t been identified what the precise amount of L-Arginine the average individual can manage physiologically is. In some instances, there’s the likelihood to use L-Arginine too much, more than your body can handle, which causes for adverse reactions to occur.
Below are some possible side effects users of L-Arginine when there’s too much supplementation:
Stomach Issues
L-Arginine can boost levels of stomach acid, especially gastrine. Excessive amount of gastrine can lead to stomachache and feeling nauseous. In addition, you could also encounter bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.
Allergies
For some individuals, anaphylaxis or an allergic response can take place when L-Arginine is not accepted well by their bodies. Of course, the seriousness of this allergic condition heightens as you also increase your L-Arginine dose. Possible symptoms are itchiness, skin rashes, inflamed eyes, or worst, difficulty breathing. Those with asthma could be more likely to experience said symptoms.
Blood pressure issues
Since L-Arginine contains vasodilating qualities, user can experience low blood pressure as an adverse reaction to consumption. You’re experiencing low blood pressure if you’re feeling dizzy or blurriness. It’s best to call your doctor if you encounter these low blood pressure signs or any other related symptoms.
Chemical Imbalance
Being an amino acid, L-Arginine can also have an impact on your chemical and electrolyte levels. Thus, there can be changes on the body’s chemical compositions. For instance, it can boost the body’s manufacturing of potassium, chloride, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Consumption of L-Arginine can also reduce sodium and phosphate levels. People who suffer from kidney or liver issues are more prone to alterations in these chemical imbalances. Thus, they should speak with their doctors first before pursuing L-Arginine supplementation.
Final Thoughts
It is also crucial to consider your diet since you can also obtain L-Arginine from certain foods. You can figure out what your safe dosage is when you also take your diet into consideration. For instance, there are several nuts and seeds that have great L-Arginine content. In addition, you can also acquire this amino acid from the likes of raisins, coconut, corn, chocolate, brown rice, and some meats. Hence, if you mostly consume these food items as part of your daily diet, then you should start your L-Arginine supplementation at a low dosage in order to measure your body’s response.
Moreover, a conventional dose of this amino acid is 2-3 grams ingested orally thrice daily. Begin with a low dosage to gauge your body’s tolerance. Eventually, you can slowly augment your dose as your body’s reaction appears to be normal. It’s also best to speak with your physician prior to taking any supplement for the purpose of ruling out any health problems that could be worsened by taking L-Arginine.
As mentioned, there’s no definite amount as to when L-Arginine supplementation becomes too much. This hasn’t been determined yet. The only way you can know is to gauge your body’s tolerance and reaction to its use. For this reason, caution and keen observation are required.
