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Nitric oxide

Nitric oxide, often abbreviated NO, is a gas naturally produced by the body, known for its vasodilatory properties.
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Nitric oxide, often abbreviated NO , is a gas naturally produced by the body, known for its vasodilatory properties.

Its ability to widen blood vessels promotes better blood flow, allowing muscles to receive more oxygen and nutrients. This translates to a significant improvement in athletic performance, particularly in bodybuilding. But what exactly is nitric oxide, and what are its benefits for athletes? Let's explore this in more detail.

Nitric Oxide: What is it?

Nitric oxide ( NO ) is a molecule formed from one oxygen atom and one nitrogen atom. Although simple in its chemical composition, this molecule plays an extremely complex and vital role in many physiological processes in the human body .

A versatile messenger

Nitric oxide is often described as a “messenger” in the body because it is involved in communication between cells. As a chemical signal, it helps regulate a variety of fundamental bodily functions.

For example, it is essential for neurotransmission, where it facilitates communication between neurons, thus influencing memory, learning, and other cognitive functions.

Vasodilatory properties

One of the most notable characteristics of nitric oxide is its ability to act as a vasodilator. This means that it can widen blood vessels by relaxing the smooth muscles that form their walls. This dilating action allows for increased blood flow . More specifically, by widening blood vessels , nitric oxide allows for better blood circulation , which is particularly beneficial for muscles.

Improved endurance and faster recovery

For athletes, especially those involved in weight training or other forms of intense exercise, nitric oxide is a definite ally. By increasing blood flow to the muscles, it improves the delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients.

This not only increases endurance during physical exertion, but also improves recovery capacity after exercise. Muscles receive the necessary nutrients for repair and growth more quickly, reducing recovery times and allowing for more frequent and intense workouts.

How to boost your nitric oxide production?

To optimize nitric oxide levels in your body, several methods can be employed.

Consume vegetables rich in nitrates

Vegetables such as celery, watercress, lettuce, beets, spinach, and arugula are rich in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Regular consumption of beetroot juice, for example, lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Increase antioxidant intake

Antioxidants, found primarily in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains, help stabilize nitric oxide by neutralizing free radicals. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, and glutathione are particularly effective.

Use nitric oxide booster supplements

A sports supplement like A-AKG ( L-ARGININE ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE ) is an extremely effective nitric oxide booster. Ideal for athletes and active individuals, this product boosts blood circulation and stimulates nitric oxide production, thus improving performance and accelerating muscle recovery.

A-AKG - Ostrovit
A-AKG - Ostrovit Sale price14,90€
Beta Alanine - Ostrovit
Beta Alanine - Ostrovit Sale price9,90€

Limit the use of mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwashes can destroy the beneficial bacteria that help convert nitrates to nitric oxide, so reducing their use can maintain higher nitric oxide levels.

Exercise regularly

Exercise improves endothelial function, promoting nitric oxide production by endothelial cells. Regular exercise helps maintain the health of your blood vessels and improve your athletic performance over the long term.

The Effects of Nitric Oxide on Your Athletic Performance

Nitric oxide plays a fundamental role in improving your athletic performance, particularly through its effects on muscle congestion, reduced fatigue, improved muscle recovery and glucose utilization during physical exertion.

Muscle congestion

One of the main benefits of nitric oxide for athletes is its ability to promote muscle pumping . Increased NO levels dilate blood vessels , allowing more blood flow to the working muscles, providing a "pumped" feeling and increasing muscle size and vascularity.

Reduction of fatigue

Nitric oxide precursors, such as citrulline and arginine, help reduce lactic acid buildup in muscles, delaying the onset of muscle fatigue and enabling prolonged performance.

Arginine - Ostrovit
Arginine - Ostrovit Sale price10,90€
Citruline - Ostrovit
Citruline - Ostrovit Sale price15,90€

Better muscle recovery

Increased blood circulation allows for better muscle recovery by delivering nutrients needed to repair muscle tissue more quickly.

Insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization

Nitric oxide increases cellular sensitivity to insulin, promoting better glucose utilization during physical exercise. This allows for better performance and more efficient energy management.

What are the benefits of nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide offers many tangible benefits, especially for athletes and active individuals. Here are the main benefits you can get from it:

  • Improved Blood Flow: By dilating blood vessels, nitric oxide improves blood flow to muscles and other tissues. This allows for better oxygenation and optimal distribution of essential nutrients, essential during athletic performance and recovery.
  • Free radical neutralization: Nitric oxide has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals. These unstable molecules can cause cellular damage, and neutralizing them helps reduce oxidative stress, contributing to better overall health and faster recovery after exercise.
  • Better cellular oxygenation: By improving oxygen delivery to cells, nitric oxide increases energy efficiency at the cellular level. This means your cells can produce more energy, which is especially beneficial during intense physical activity.
  • Improved Muscle Velocity: Increased blood flow and oxygenation allow muscles to contract more efficiently and quickly. This results in improved physical performance, whether in strength, speed, or endurance.
  • Optimized Glucose Utilization: Nitric oxide improves insulin sensitivity, allowing for better glucose utilization by muscle cells. This optimization of available energy improves endurance and muscle strength, which is essential for prolonged and sustained performance.
  • More power: By promoting better nutrient and oxygen delivery, nitric oxide increases muscle power. This is especially useful for high-intensity exercise, where strong, rapid muscle contractions are required.
  • Increased Muscle Growth: Nitric oxide stimulates protein synthesis in the muscles, promoting muscle growth . This increase in muscle mass not only contributes to strength and performance, but also to better muscle definition.

These benefits make nitric oxide a key component of any bodybuilding or high-performance sports program. By optimizing your body's levels of this molecule, you can maximize your athletic performance and improve your recovery, allowing you to reach your goals faster.

Our tips for boosting your nitric oxide

Turn to foods rich in nitrates

To naturally increase your nitric oxide levels, eat foods rich in nitrates.

Recommended boosters

Pre-Workout

Pre-Workout CITRULINE from Ostrovit laboratories is an effective NO booster, containing precursors such as arginine and citrulline .

This type of pre-workout is designed to increase nitric oxide levels, improve muscle pump , and provide extra energy.

Nitric oxide in intra-training

In intra-workout, using supplements designed to increase nitric oxide levels offers significant benefits.

These supplements, often based on L-Arginine or L-Citrulline , promote better blood flow to the muscles during exercise. This increases the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients, thus improving endurance and performance.

Nitric oxide is an essential gas for improving athletic performance, particularly in bodybuilding. By increasing muscle pump , reducing fatigue, and improving muscle recovery, nitric oxide optimizes your physical performance. To maximize its benefits, it is recommended to consume foods rich in nitrates, take sports supplements, and adopt lifestyle habits that promote nitric oxide production.

By following these tips, you can naturally increase your nitric oxide levels and achieve your athletic performance goals.

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