Improve your blood circulation
DO you experience cold hands and feet after sitting in the office all day long? This scenario happens often among women, especially desk-bound executives or those leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Cold hands and feet are very much related to our blood circulation and a little molecule known as nitric oxide.
In 1998, Dr Louis Ignarro won a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of nitric oxide’s role in the cardiovascular system.
Since then, concerns towards L-arginine and L-citrulline as dietary supplements have been dramatically raised because both promote the production of nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide has been called the “Miracle Molecule” as it has been shown to fight various kinds of vascular diseases as well as to improve wound healing, muscle and strength gain.
L-arginine is an amino acid involved in the production of nitric oxide – a key messenger molecule involved in protein production, wound healing, erectile function, and fertility.
On the other hand, L-citrulline is an amino acid that plays an important role in nitric oxide metabolism and regulation. In our body, L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine in the body to support both L-arginine and nitric oxide levels.
L-arginine level in the body is critical for the production of nitric oxide hence the combination of L-arginine and L-citrulline is perfect for increasing nitric oxide levels in the body.
So what is the science behind nitric oxide functions and how does increasing nitric oxide help with circulation?
The single-celled layer that lines the interior of blood vessels (also known as endothelium) uses nitric oxide to signal relaxation of surrounding smooth muscles. This results in the dilatation of blood vessels, increasing blood flow.
As such, optimal levels of nitric oxide cause the right amount of vasodilation, leading to improved blood circulation especially benefiting those who suffer from poor blood circulation such as diabetes patients, smokers, overweight individuals and individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle.
If you fall in one of the mentioned categories, these are some signs and symptoms you might already be facing from poor blood circulation.
Cold hands and feet
Our blood flows at an optimal speed, keeping our body temperature at a healthy and comfortable level. If our blood circulation is poor, it causes chilly feelings in areas with a lot of nerve endings like the hands and feet.
Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
It is common to experience tingling sensations and numbness when our limbs are inactive for too long. To differentiate this from poor circulation, those with poor circulation will experience it more frequently and the symptoms usually last a few minutes.
Slow healing of wounds among diabetes patients
Good circulation that brings about a good flow of nutrients and oxygen plays an important role in the healing of wounds. Diabetic patients typically have poorer circulation leading to a delay in wound healing.
Erectile dysfunction
Men with poor circulation might experience an insufficient amount of blood flow in the reproductive organs.
Symptoms of poor blood circulation can be improved with supplementation of L-arginine and L-citrulline.
The increase of nitric oxide production not only improves blood circulation and vascular health, it also assist in promoting collagen synthesis and wound healing.
The combination of L-arginine and L-citrulline is now being marketed by Vitamode Sdn Bhd and it is available in selected pharmacies nationwide.
This article is brought to you by Vitamode Sdn Bhd.
■ For more details, call 1300 800 228.