L-Arginine

L-Arginine is an amino acid that creates a waste product that removes ammonia from the body through the kidneys. Under normal conditions, the body receives enough Arginine from the diet to meet your needs. Some of the foods that contain Arginine are nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, popcorn, raisins, brown rice, carob, gelatin desserts, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and protein rich foods.

Some of the conditions that may require supplementation under a doctor’s orders are trauma and wound healing, excessive ammonia protein production, and protein malnutrition. Symptoms of a deficiency include hair loss, inability to heal a wound, constipation, and fatty liver.

Health stores claim that supplements of Arginine can improve sexual performance, regulate blood flow, reduce plaque, lower cholesterol, and prevent blood clots. Arginine is also claimed to have anti-aging effects. These supplements are not FDA controlled, so it is never wise to take them without the advice of a doctor. Also, it may interfere with other medications.

The verdict is still out on many of the potential uses for treatment for Arginine. Some of the medical problems that are being researched for the viability of Arginine treatment are breast cancer, circulation problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and kidney disease. There will be clinical studies on animals, and then controlled studies on humans before it is widely recommended as a treatment.

If these tests prove that Arginine is a treatment for even a few of these common ailments, it will be the new wonder drug of the decade. It is encouraging that these tests are being conducted, so be watching for the results in the future.