What Is Nitric Oxide?
If you are not familiar with nitric oxide, don’t be alarmed, it’s a natural substance that is already being produced by your body.
Nitric oxide is a molecule with one element of nitrogen and one of oxygen with the chemical symbol NO.
And, it’s not the same as nitric dioxide (NO2), a dangerous polutant and not the same as nitrous oxide (N2O), which is the stuff that dentists give you as ‘laughing gas’.
Nitric oxide is well known as a vaso-dilator. That is, it causes blood vessels to dilate or expand. This is because nitric oxide relaxes the tiny muscles that surround blood vessels which then give them room to expand slightly. This expansion then allows more blood to flow through the vessels.
For the athlete, or for someone doing exercise, this is good news! More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients being supplied to muscles and more bad carbon dioxide being carried away.
Muscles can work harder and for a longer period of time which means better results from your workouts.
Is It Safe?
Being a natural substance it is safe to use for the normal healthy adult. Side effects are rare but possible so if you experience anything unusual stop taking and consult your doctor. If you already have health issues consult your doctor. You can visit here to get a list of possible side effects.
How Do I Get Nitric Oxide?
You probably won’t find nitric oxide supplements. Nitric oxide is very short lived so is not possible to remain active in capsule form. Instead look for the amino acid, l-arginine. L-arginine converts to nitric oxide once inside the body.
What Should I Look For In A Supplement?
L-arginine supplements are common and pretty easy to find. The standard l-arginine supplement usually contains just one form of l-arginine which converts to NO quickly and last for a short time. If your workout is quick this is probably OK.
For those that have longer workouts or distance running for example you will want to look for a supplement with a timed release feature. This will prolong the beneficial effects to last throughout your workout.
Some supplements also contain other ingredients to help in your exercise and can also help give you better results.
Conclusion
If you are a healthy adult who is not pregnant or nursing then consider nitric oxide as a supplement to help boost your physical performance.
My favorite NO supplement is BSN Nitrix which was created specifically for athletes worldwide. BSN Nitrix has three forms of l-arginine plus an extended release component so that the effects of taking the supplement will last for as long as all day.
Check out my review of BSN Nitrix to determine if this might be the right choice for you.
All the best,
Kenny