Erectile dysfunction plagues more than 50% of the male population aged 40 and above, according to statistics. The number is said to continue to rise within the next couple of years.
Males with this disorder may already be struggling with poor self-esteem, shame, frustration, and other negative feelings that are possibly affecting their partners and marriages.
But they can still find hope for recovery.
Arginine has been found to be beneficial in alleviating erectile dysfunction, the most common cause of failing sexual performance. Continue reading to learn about arginine and the wonders it can bring to your sex life.
Arginine is an amino acid that plays a role in the synthesis of proteins. Known for its therapeutic function related to vasodilation, it has proven benefits in expanding arteries so blood can flow more smoothly. Thus, it is popularly taken by many to manage their heart and blood vessel ailments, along with their sexual function.
Arginine is naturally produced in the body or broken down from certain protein-dense food we consume every day. It may also be derived in supplement form using plant sources or produced in a laboratory.
Based on clinical data, arginine has been found to significantly improve erectile function of varying severity. One of its forms, L-arginine in particular, was discovered to enhance blood circulation, a characteristic essential to better sexual performance among men and women.
L-arginine does its magic when the body converts it into nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes blood vessels and promotes healthy blood flow to the different tissues and organs, including the genitals.
Hence, this amazing property of arginine has been looked into for managing erectile dysfunction, along with hypertension, coronary artery, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Dropping arginine amounts may be attributed to many factors.
For one, an individual may simply be malnourished, taking in a diet with little to no arginine. Or perhaps he or she had gone through a period of starvation. These situations may lead to arginine deficiency, especially in those who by then have other illnesses or weakened immune systems.
But there are more serious reasons.
Sometimes, there is an abnormally heightened activity of the enzyme arginase, responsible for catalyzing arginine into urea that is expelled in urine. Arginase’s elevated action may be due to problems with the liver or blood. At other times, the underlying issue may be a slowing down in the synthesis of arginine itself.
There are actually safe, natural, and non-invasive ways to boost your arginine count.
The most basic is eating arginine-rich food, which is not at all difficult to find. Watermelon, pumpkin, and sesame seeds, as well as walnuts and almonds, are readily available at the local grocery store, if not already sitting in your cupboard. Lean white meat, such as turkey breast, contains the highest amount of arginine compared to other meats like chicken, pork, and beef - although they, too, have some arginine. Soybeans and seaweed are other arginine-packed alternatives too.
Definitely! You can opt for plant or animal-derived supplements as they are deemed safer to use than those chemically formulated ones with artificial ingredients that may elevate the risk for side effects. Nevertheless, choose to “err on the side of caution” even when selecting natural arginine supplements. Conduct background research if the brand is reliable or if the herbal ingredients used are truly organic and safe.
Numerous studies have been conducted as to the adequate dosage that can help relieve erectile dysfunction and generally, most researchers would agree that 2 to 3 grams thrice a day might do the trick. However, other doses have also been experimented with, so there is really no standard. The opinion of your family doctor, who is the most knowledgeable about your medical history, will surely matter at this point.
Just like all other supplements and medicines, arginine certainly has its own arsenal of side effects. If you are asthmatic, have allergies, low blood pressure, or bowel problems, arginine may not be for you. Taking arginine with these existing conditions will possibly worsen them.
As a takeaway, if you are noticing any unusual changes in your sexual function, it is always best to consult a physician first.
Have you attempted taking arginine supplements in the past? As a result, how has your sexual performance improved (or not improved)?
Catherine finds joy in the simplest things. Her passion for traveling is equally matched by her love for animals. When she’s at home, you can find her in her room writing about her travel experiences or outside the house playing with her fur babies. Whenever she’s in the mood for experimenting, you can see her in the kitchen trying out new recipes, most likely desserts. Despite her busy lifestyle, she makes sure to spend time with friends, participating in various charity works and running for a cause.