By Gina Van Luven | Owner of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness – Red Mountain Gateway
Nitric oxide is a gas the body produces to dilate and relax blood vessels and help deliver oxygen throughout the body. It supports a healthy heart, blood pressure, exercise performance and recovery, and libido, as well as digestion and cell metabolism. When your body senses stress on the blood vessels, it signals the body to produce nitric oxide to relax the vessels and increase blood flow to the area.
One way nitric oxide is produced is through what is called the “nitric oxide cycle” by converting L-arginine to L-citrulline (the biproduct) and then back again. During the conversion, there is an off-gassing effect, which is nitric oxide. L-arginine and L-citrulline are amino acids found in food. L-arginine comes from animal-based products, whereas L-citrulline comes from plants. Both are critical to the nitric oxide cycle. Some supplement companies promote taking L-citrulline. However, it is the conversion from L-arginine to L-citrulline that makes nitric oxide. While both supplements can be beneficial, I believe L-arginine to be superior and the best form is via injection or intravenous because your body does not have to digest it.
While consuming healthy whole foods is critical in maintaining optimal health and wellbeing, the degradation of the digestive system can significantly impair the ability to uptake nutrients, leading to deficiencies. IV and injection therapies can deliver high-dose nutrients to optimize your levels.
