Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a rare but concerning health condition occurring in most men of any age group. A person with erectile dysfunction loses the ability to copulate with his partner due to a lack of low testosterone level which decreases the person’s sexual desire, thus, resulting in a short and unsatisfactory sex drive.
While there are many medication drugs available in pharmacies that can aid in boosting one’s sexual desire and lasting erection, the same can also be achieved with the help of nitric oxide supplements. The use of nitric oxide supplements can help in treating erectile dysfunction as well, a condition occurring in males.
Here, we’re going to look at what are the best nitric oxide supplements for treating erectile dysfunction and their benefits and side effects, if any.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (the chemical formula is NO) is a natural chemical molecule present in the human body whose key function is to perform chemical signaling in the body. In other words, it acts as a messenger that transmits signals to various cells and membranes in the body, e.g., the nervous system, immune system, blood vessels and cardiovascular, etc.
Also, being a free radical molecule, nitric oxides have greater reaction power than other signaling molecules present in the human body. Their small size allows them to easily diffuse through the cell membranes and walls in order to perform a range of signaling functions throughout the human body system.
For example, nitric oxide diffuses the underlying muscle cells in the body, thereby causing them to relax. This relaxation of the muscle cells further helps improve the blood flow through blood vessels, which in turn, decreases blood pressure. Thus, nitric oxide plays an important role in regulating blood flow and pressure, and that means it has quite a good use in treating erectile dysfunction conditions in males.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Nitric Oxide Supplements
Various studies and clinical trials carried out show that nitric oxide supplements may help improve blood flow and sexual function in persons with erectile dysfunction.
Nitric oxide supplements contain amino acid compounds like L-citrulline, L-arginine, and Pycnogenol which help increase nitric oxide synthesis in the human body. The body uses these amino acids to produce nitric oxide, and these amino acids are available in supplement form.
Below are a few best nitric oxide supplements that can help increase blood flow, boost testosterone level (i.e., the male sexual hormone) and sexual desire, and overcome erectile dysfunction problems. If you need a fast result, you can add testosterone boosters in your diet.
Chemical Supplements of Nitric Oxide:
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid, or a protein building block, which is naturally found in red meat, dairy products, poultry, and fish. The L-arginine compound is mainly manufactured in a laboratory in the form of a pill, or as powder or cream that is used for topical application.
A person with erectile dysfunction typically consumes about 5 g of L-arginine pill per day after a meal. The body converts this pill into nitric oxide for use in various body functions, such as increasing blood flow and boosting the testosterone level, thus, increasing sexual desire.
L-citrulline
This is also an amino acid that is mostly found in meat, nuts, legumes, and watermelon. L-citrulline compounds are manufactured in a laboratory and then packaged as a pill or in powder form. The pill is orally consumed whereas the powder is used for topical application.
Some medication drugs available in pharmacies, such as Viagra harness the nitric oxide pathway to improve the blood vessel widening and increase blood flow to the penis in order to enhance erection, which could last for a longer duration.
Natural Supplements of Nitric Oxide:
Leafy Vegetables:
Leafy vegetables are both healthy and delicious foods that are organically grown, cultivated, and used in cooking a wide range of meals and eaten in salads as well.
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, arugula, kale, etc., naturally contain nitrates and offer potential health benefits. They are great supplements that help produce nitric oxide in the body.
Also, vegetables like beets (also beetroot juice), carrots, and celery are good sources of nitrates and provide many health benefits.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, etc., are rich in Vitamin C and they have anti-oxidant properties that can safeguard the human body against oxidative damage.
It can increase nitric oxide levels in the body. By enhancing the production of nitric oxide in the body, citrus fruits offer several health benefits.
Garlic
Garlic is an organic food that has several beneficial properties. It also contains compounds that can increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Garlic helps sexually, because of this property.
You can use garlic both raw and in cooked foods. Consuming garlic in one’s daily diet can help improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health.
Dark Chocolates
Chocolates, particularly dark chocolates aren’t just a delicious snack, they can be quite beneficial in improving the hormones and interests both in men and women. Dark chocolates, which are manufactured as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are easily available at stores.
Dark chocolates can boost nitric oxide levels and aid in improving cognitive functions, enhance cardiovascular (heart) health, and lower blood pressure.
Benefits of Taking Nitric Oxide Supplements
Researchers theorize that taking nitric oxide supplements could enhance the flow of oxygen to the muscles in the body. Taking nitric oxide supplements offers heart-boosting effects that include reducing arterial stiffness, reducing blood pressure, and improving carotid artery blood flow.
Nitric oxide is also beneficial for increasing blood flow, decreasing blood pressure, promoting vasodilation (the opening of blood vessels), reducing hypertension, and improving erectile dysfunction, etc.
Nitric oxide supplements can help enhance blood flow in males with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Side Effects of Taking Nitric Oxide Supplements and Precautions
Nitric oxide supplements do not cause many side effects in most people, so some people might choose to try them. However, individuals should make sure that they do not have specific medical conditions that nitric oxide could harm.
For most people, taking nitric oxide supplements does not cause side effects. When side effects do occur, they are often mild and may include:
- Hypertension
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain, bloating, or heartburn
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
However, some people should not take the supplements because of the risk of potential side effects. These include people with cirrhosis (or liver scarring), guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency (a rare genetic condition where a person lacks an enzyme that converts arginine into creatine, which is a waste product), and low blood pressure.
Doctors also have some concerns that taking nitric oxide supplements could make some conditions worse. These include kidney disease, herpes, and after a person has had a heart attack.
Wrapping Up
Nitric oxide supplements have been available for decades, but as there is little scientific evidence to back up their use for specific health benefits, doctors do not routinely recommend them. Instead, doctors may prefer to recommend lifestyle modifications or medications that scientists have proven to treat medical conditions effectively.
A person should always talk to their doctor before taking nitric oxide or any other supplement to make sure they are making a safe, healthful choice.
Avoid the food, that causes erectile dysfunction. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are, of course, the best natural remedy to prevent or overcome conditions like erectile dysfunction, low energy, weak erection, premature ejaculation, reduced sexual desire, etc.