LArginine

Supplements are finding their way into our research for healthier living. CCSVI  has made us conscious of the rest of the story. One of the supplements we talk about and I take is L Arginine. Most of you know that it is normally used for erectile dysfunction like Viagra. There are key differences. Viagra is more likely to produce unwanted side effects. The object is to improve vascular flow.

L-arginine helps with protein formation, collagen, prolactin and other growth hormones. It relaxes the blood vessels. Even though L-arginine is a natural amino acid found in the human body, side effects can occur. When these supplements are taken orally, side effects may include stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. If you intravenously use L-arginine, side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Although most people tolerate L-arginine well, serious reactions can occur, such as breathing problems or allergic reactions.

For most people, these side effects are merely bothersome. In fact, most people tolerate the oral supplements quite well, often without any problems or just mild ones. Taking L-arginine intravenously (by IV) can also cause certain side effects L-arginine may cause the following problems: headaches, flushing, nausea, vomiting.

THE PROBLEM IS MORE LIKELY THE AMOUNT YOU ARE TAKING, NOT THE SUPPLEMENT ITSELF. More isn’t better.

Signs of an allergic reaction, include:

 An unexplained rash, Hives, Itching, Unexplained swelling, Wheezing, Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

A more serious problem is low blood pressure. PwMS tend to be hypotensive, but of course not all of us are. Some of us have high blood pressure. Post procedure my lifetime low blood pressure began to normalize. In any case, if you take this supplement , be aware of your BP.

There is no regulation as yet of RDA for this. 500 to 2,000 mg. is normally amounts I have seen. However some take as much as 10,000 mg. After talking to my cardiologist, I think I feel much safer with no more than 4,000 mg.

“Because the manufacturing of dietary supplements is not closely regulated, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer of your L Arginine. It is a good idea to look for the "USP" symbol, as this means that the supplement has been tested and contains the right ingredients in the right amounts.There is a large variation in the cost of L-arginine supplements, from relatively inexpensive to very expensive. Price is not always an indication of quality. Your pharmacist is a good source of information about which supplement manufacturers are more reputable and trustworthy.”

Nobody should take L-arginine without first consulting a physician. But asthmatics and other people with chronic pulmonary disease probably shouldn't take it, ever. There's some evidence that L-arginine actually makes asthma worse. Because it dilates blood vessels, it can increase pulmonary inflammation [source: Mayo Clinic].