Hypertension or high blood pressure...
is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, affecting over 1.3 Billion people worldwide!
It occurs when the force of blood against the walls of arteries is consistently too high, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Can supplementation help to reduce high blood pressure:
Fortunately, there are a number of lifestyle changes and supplements that can help lower blood pressure, including the taking of the amino-acids L-arginine and L-citrulline.
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that is involved in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. It is found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and nuts.
L-citrulline
L-citrulline is another amino acid that is involved in the production of nitric oxide, and is found in watermelon, cucumbers, and other foods.
Lower your blood pressure:
Research has shown that supplementing with L-arginine and L-citrulline can help to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. One study published in the journal Hypertension found that supplementing with L-arginine for six weeks lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that supplementing with L-citrulline for four weeks improved endothelial function (the ability of blood vessels to dilate) and lowered systolic blood pressure in overweight and obese adults.
How supplements can help:
So how exactly do L-arginine and L-citrulline help to lower blood pressure?
As mentioned earlier, both of these amino acids are involved in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. When nitric oxide levels are low, blood vessels can become constricted, which can lead to high blood pressure. By increasing nitric oxide production, L-arginine and L-citrulline can help to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can in turn lower blood pressure.
Reduce inflammation and improve exercise performance:
In addition to their effects on blood pressure, L-arginine and L-citrulline have a number of other health benefits. L-arginine has been shown to improve exercise performance, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. L-citrulline has been shown to improve muscle endurance, reduce muscle soreness, and improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that while L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation can be helpful for people with hypertension, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, medications if necessary, and supplements if appropriate.
When it comes to dosages, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation. However, a typical dose of L-arginine is 2-3 grams per day, while a typical dose of L-citrulline is 6-8 grams per day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on any supplement you are taking, and to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
In conclusion, L-arginine and L-citrulline are two amino acids that can help to lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production and improving blood vessel function. While they are not a substitute for medical treatment, they can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for hypertension.
As with any supplement, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting to take L-arginine or L-citrulline, and to follow the dosage instructions on any supplement you are taking.
