Numerous factors influence the testosterone levels in the bodies of men. At a young age, the hormonal system copes with its production without any difficulties. However, after 35 years, an aging process begins and naturally the concentration of this hormone drops at least 1% every year. Moreover, it may happen even more pronounced due to unhealthy lifestyle and other health issues. To slow down this process, many supplements have been already created. One of the popular components of such products is L-arginine.
Such nutritional supplements are aimed at gently pushing the body to produce testosterone and restore hormonal balance. Let’s uncover the role of L-arginine in the male body, its relationship with testosterone levels, and the benefits of taking it regularly.
L-Arginine and Testosterone: The Connection
To begin with, there is only slight scientific evidence on the influence of L-arginine on the hormonal system. However, we know that this compound is an essential nutrient that participates in many metabolic processes.
Therefore, while it is still under investigation, we can learn more and benefit from current data.
How L-Arginine influences testosterone levels
One of the recent studies conducted on mice revealed that L-arginine directly stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone. The latter serves for further testosterone production. Of course, these results must be verified for humans, but at least the connection between this amino acid and the hormonal system has been established and proven.
Potential Benefits
Furthermore, there are other reasons to pay attention to this supplement and consider its intake, namely:
- This amino acid serves as a precursor for the production of nitric oxide. This small molecule is required to dilate blood vessels. Thus, it reduces blood pressure and contributes to longer and stronger erections at the same time.
- As a semi-essential amino acid, it takes part in the building up of muscles and is needed for their strength. There is evidence that performance in the gym becomes better while using this compound.
- It also positively influences the quality of sleep and can be recommended in the case of small sleep disorders.
Altogether, these are the basic reasons to consider the intake of this compound. In addition, it is natural and not associated with any risks or severe side effects.
Role of Testosterone
Why do we need to take care of testosterone levels in the body? Just consider its major role for men to understand why we pay so much attention to this compound.
What is Testosterone
This molecule is the main male hormone that shapes the body of a man and makes manhood possible. Actually, women also have some small quantity for overall hormonal balance, but this compound is crucial for men.
The highest concentration of it in the body is observed on average between 18 and 35 years. Then, it becomes slightly less every year changing the life of a man.
Physical Effects
Testosterone is necessary for the following physiological processes:
- The formation of the reductive system of men, all its organs and glands;
- The development of the muscular system and bones, strength and stamina;
- The production of sperm and red blood cells;
- The level of libido and quality of sexual life. The higher is the concentration of this hormone in the blood, the stronger is the desire;
- This molecule also influences an overall activity, clarity of thinking and decision-making process.
Thus, as far as we are concerned, it really plays a key role in men’s life. No wonder the decrease of its concentration changes life drastically and all men tend to prevent this process or at least keep it at bay.
Sexual health and fertility
There is no way to talk about sexual health and normal sexual life without this hormone. It activates the whole reproductive system, stimulates the production of sperm and burns your desire from the inside.
There is a direct connection between the content of this molecule in the body and the quality and quantity of sex in men’s life. When its level drops, the first obvious changes appear in libido and one feels that it becomes less.
What is L-Arginine
Now let’s consider the data we have on L-arginine. This molecule belongs to the so-called semi-essential amino acids. This means that the body partly produces it by itself. However, another part usually comes from food of animal origin including meat, fish and dairy products. Legumes and whole grains also contain it.
It may seem that with all these resources, it is hard to go deficient in this compound. However, such cases happen as the needs of people in L-arginine also differ. For instance, athletes who rapidly grow their muscular mass can easily become deficient. In any case, this compound is fully natural and does not bring any harm. Moreover, it has additional advantages that are worth noticing.
Immune system
As a part of natural metabolism, L-arginine is also important for the proper work of the immune system. When the body experiences its lack, it may lead to other diseases. Therefore, the intake of supplements that contain this molecule usually has a positive impact on overall health.
Healing and kidney function
Furthermore, L-arginine participates in the regulation of kidney function and promotes better healing of wounds. These effects are common for all amino acids that are the main building blocks of our bodies. Thus, they are found in all organs and tissues and their deficiency reveals itself in the disturbance of such basic processes as wound healing.
Heart health
At last, L-arginine is required for proper heart health. As the heart is also a muscular organ, it responds to the deficiency of amino acids in different diseases. Therefore, the content in the diet is more than important. While taking L-arginine as a supplement, you also care about the cardiovascular system.
In addition, L-arginine helps to dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Due to these effects, the load on the heart lowers and it can maintain its functions for a longer period.
Possible side effects of L-Arginine
Most of the people who used this supplement do not report any significant side effects. Sometimes during the first weeks of intake such disturbing symptoms as dizziness, vomiting, bloating and diarrhea may occur. However, they are only slight and easily pass away.
As a natural compound for the body, L-arginine is not related to any severe side effects or significant danger.
Who should avoid L-Arginine
Still, there are some contractions to consider and remember about:
- Some people can be allergic to the supplement, so it is important to follow your individual response and stop the intake in case of any disturbing symptoms.
- People who have asthma should avoid L-arginine as it can worsen the symptoms of this disease.
- Those patient who treat hypertension with medicines that lower blood pressure also must consult their healthcare provider on the possibility of such combination. This amino acid also lowers blood pressure and that is why it can be dangerous.
Altogether, it is better to consult a specialist and select a supplement and its dosage according to your individual health condition.
Summary
As far as we know, L-arginine actually influences the hormonal system. The enhancement of testosterone production was proven for mice and now the research is in progress to reveal it for people. Still, due to the overall impact of this molecule on the body, we can state that it is useful for men with low testosterone.
Moreover, it provides a bunch of additional health benefits useful for everyone and improves the quality of life. No wonder many modern supplements contain it and are recommended for all men under 35 years.
FAQ
What are the cons of taking L-arginine?
This molecule not only boosts the production of testosterone but also helps to build up muscles, improves the quality of sleep, lowers blood pressure and contributes to heart and kidney health.
Does L-arginine increase DHT?
This effect was proven in mice who experienced its growth. Further research for humans is still in progress.
Does L-arginine and L citrulline increase testosterone?
Yes, these compounds help to restore the hormonal balance and bring back activity to men’s lives in all areas.
What is the fastest way to increase testosterone?
The supplements that contain L-arginine do not provide swift effects. It takes at least several months to observe the difference. However, there will be no side effects or danger to health that may occur in the case a sharp rise in hormone levels.
