In power sports, the results of work are the athlete's muscle mass, strength and endurance. Their level is provided not only by regular training, diet and nutrition, but also through the use of functional sports nutrition. One of its species is nitrogen donors.
Body function
From the point of view of biochemical processes in the body, a nitrogen donor provokes its oxidation from the amino acid L-arginine. The result is a gas (nitric oxide), it is a regulator of life. The main function is to saturate all organs with blood due to the ability to expand and contract the walls of blood vessels, it regulates their tone, and is also responsible for blood pressure.
In sports, nitrogen donors, due to their basic properties, contribute to improving muscle nutrition. In addition, the substance affects the immune status and the rate of release of growth hormone.
Increased synthesis
A sufficient amount of nitric oxide is produced in the body on its own and cannot be adjusted. But weightlifting athletes, especially during training, require significantly more of this substance due to increased metabolism.
Its lack provokes slow recovery and decreased muscle performance. So, it is necessary to contribute to its additional synthesis.
Ways to level up
Food, such as cottage cheese, meat and liver, nuts or seafood, can be suppliers of the amino acid arginine.
In addition, nitrous oxide donors containing arginine are a stimulating effect on the synthesis. Their intake is especially relevant if the diet is not balanced. Supplements are available both in pure form and as part of pre-workout complexes.
Consider their application.
Recovery
Training at the limit, during which the athlete puts out the maximum, requires considerable time to restore not only the muscles, but also the entire body. An additional intake of supplements, based on a nitric oxide donor, will restore blood supply in tense vessels, provide the muscles with the necessary nutrition and oxygen, which means that it will create favorable conditions for their growth.
In addition, reduced time for rest and reduced the likelihood of overtraining, which means you can visit the gym more often, then the result will not be long in coming.
Extra energy and stamina
At the end of the workout, the muscles especially need oxygen, whose reserves are consumed very quickly. Athletes feel a decline in energy, this is due to the accumulation of lactic acid.
Nitric oxide, due to its action on muscle vessels, copes with this problem and establishes oxygen balance, which undoubtedly contributes to an increase in muscle performance and endurance. Due to this, the training lasts longer.
In addition, the established blood flow copes with overheating of the body, the elimination of which would require additional energy. Thus, it is saved.
Fat burning
Donors of nitric oxide accelerate metabolism, promote accelerated burning of glucose and increase the concentration of fatty acids in the blood for their further breakdown. That is, they contribute to weight loss, but only with physical activity.
Pumping
Stimulant drugs, or nitrogen donors, act on the powerful filling of muscles with blood, due to vasodilation. This is called pumping. It feels like a pronounced and prolonged bursting in the muscles, that is, they become denser during training.
Mood
There is another very positive effect when taking nitrogen donors - an emotional upsurge and mood improvement, an increase in vitality. Due to the effect on blood vessels, including the genital area, it increases libido in both men and women.
How much to take
The dose that should be taken during the day depends on the weight of the athlete. The minimum amount of the drug is 3 grams, if the body weight exceeds 70 kg, then 6 g of a nitrogen donor is necessary. With a weight of over 90 kg, 9 g per day should be taken.
It is believed that the higher the dose, the more noticeable is the effect that nitric oxide donors create. Drugs in an amount of more than 10 g are not recommended to be used, as there is a risk of side effects, such as a drop in pressure, nausea and weakness.
A significant amount of a nitrogen donor - more than 15 g - can have a negative effect on the pancreas. In addition, arginine can lead to relapses of herpes.
When to take
To select the optimal amount of the drug to get a tangible effect while maintaining good health, start with the lowest doses, then gradually increase the amount. If unpleasant symptoms appear, reduce the dose of supplements.
It is necessary to take nitrogen donors for a tangible result before training for 30-40 minutes on an empty stomach, otherwise they will not work, and in the evening before bedtime to increase the secretion of growth hormone. The necessary course of admission should be at least 30 days, after which a break should be made.
In its pure form, arginine is recommended for use on rest days, and as part of the complex, if there is training.
How to choose
In order to choose the best nitrogen donor, we present drugs in which L-arginine is present in pure form, it is the most biologically available. These are quality products from reliable and well-known manufacturing companies. The rating of nitrogen donors is as follows:
- Twinlab L-Arginine, pack of 100 capsules, each containing 500 mg of substance.
- L-Arginine Ultimate Nutrition Manufacturer contained in capsules of 800 mg, the total amount in the package is 100 pieces.
- L-Arginine, released by NOW, is a pack containing 100 capsules of 500 mg of active ingredient.
- L-Arginine, offered by 4Ever Fit, also contains 500 mg of active arginine, a pack of 100 capsules.
In addition to the main action, arginine takes on a transport function, that is, it delivers nutritious nutrients to the muscles. That is why pre-workout complexes include nitrogen donors . The list of the best drugs is presented below:
- SAN offers several systems: V-12 Magnum, Fierce and V-12 Turbo.
The first product is intended for use not only before training, but also during and after it, the other two before training. They not only provide muscle pumping and additional energy, but also increase endurance and lower the level of lactic acid in the muscles. - Dymatize Nutrition's Xpand Xtreme Pump is considered one of the most effective pre-workout complexes, has a balanced composition, which necessarily contains arginine, and a maximum concentration of active substances per serving.
- BSN's NO-Xplode, in addition to its excellent composition, provides for the inclusion of active substances in special matrices. They are able to regulate the flow of useful and necessary active substances to the cells.
By acquiring proven drugs with proven efficacy in practice, you can make training much more productive and reduce the risk of side effects to a minimum.