What You May Not Know About Heart Disease
Nitric Oxide/Arginine Cure?
I’ll bet you haven’t heard much about nitric oxide (NO) and its role in preventing heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders.
There is much research showing that NO is required by our body for cardiac heath, and in 1998 Dr. Robert F. Furchgott, Dr. Louis J. Ignarro, and Dr. Ferid Murad were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine “for their discoveries concerning ‘nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.’ ”
You’d think that with heart disease on the rise every passing year, this would get some attention and media press.
Especially since studies show that cardiovascular and heart disease still remain the leading cause of death in the U.S., despite the onslaught of countless pharmaceutical drugs.
In 2009, when addressing the topic of the ‘Nation’s Leading Killers,’ the Center for Disease Control made the following statement:
“…Heart disease and stroke are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing our nation today, yet they are also among the most preventable. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the first and third leading causes of death for both men and women in the United States. They account for more than one-third (35.3%) of all U.S. deaths. More than 151,000 Americans who died of cardiovascular diseases in 2005 were younger than age 65…”
Preventable? You bet!
The reason for the lack of media coverage is actually the “status quo” of the medical establishment. If there are inexpensive natural means to raise NO levels in the body, then a damper is placed on the billion dollar profit margin of the pharmaceutical and heart disease business. Yes…business!
What is Nitric Oxide?
First let’s answer the question, “What exactly is nitric oxide (NO)?”
The biochemistry of NO, as with every function of the human body, depends upon enzymes that break down substances as a means to creating new substances. In this case, an enzyme known as nitric oxide synthases (NOS) breaks down the amino acid L-arginine to form another amino acid, L-citrulline, which then forms nitric oxide.
Perhaps you weren’t aware of this chemical reaction that takes place in your body. However, you have no doubt seen TV commercials that advertise pharmaceutical drugs to induce this type of reaction.
For example, let’s look at TV ads for erectile dysfunction (ED). Of course, the idea here is to increase the blood flow so that a male can achieve an erection. This same “blood flow concept” applies to the reaction of NO and the arteries that support the heart.
The conversion of L-arginine into NO occurs in the blood vessel lining, the endothelium. Once it becomes NO, it has the following effects:
- Increases blood flow due to vasodilatation (widening of the vessels); prevents narrowing
- Prevents fatty deposits (plaque) from sticking to the vessels walls
- Keeps the endothelium elastic
If NO is produced at optimal levels -> then an optimal amount is released into the bloodstream -> and is then carried virtually everywhere in the body.
Needless to say, without a healthy functioning cardiovascular system, all major bodily functions (organs, cells, lymphatic system, nutritional status) are severely compromised. With such a wide range of bodily functions affected, you can now see that the list of potential symptoms would be virtually endless resulting in many different potential diagnoses. And all stemming from the same root cause!
Further, given the unfortunate fact that cardiovascular related conditions such as heart attacks and stroke are so prevalent in the U.S., it is nothing less than a travesty that simple inexpensive alternative treatments are not publicized. And worse, they are disparaged by the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry and modern “healthcare” system.
So what is a simple and inexpensive alternative treatment?
Nitric Oxide and other supplements, such as l-arginine, that promote NO production. The research surrounding these supplements is literally endless and all are showing significant and positive effects!
Interestingly, l-arginine is nothing more than an amino acid. It is regarded as a “food” when in its free-form state. Free-form amino acids are highly digestible and should be the only form taken. You know an amino acid is in a “free-form” state when you see an “L” in front of the name of the amino acid. Being that these amino acids (including l-arginine) are foods in the purest and simplest form, and are not drugs, they will enhance the immune system rather than suppress it.
Drugs, despite their touted glory, never enhance the immune system! In fact, they destroy it!
When your body has adequate NO (even excess), atherosclerosis (plaque formation that is associated with the formation of blood clots that result in heart attacks or stroke) is not likely to occur.
Research has even shown that it can be reversed once already present!
Lifestyle Changes
Regardless of whether treatment is in the form of drugs or more natural means, the first step in decreasing and eliminating cardiovascular conditions is making lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, however, the phrase “lifestyle change” has become akin to “health-nut,” “holistic,” and “all-natural.”
As a result, these life-saving lifestyle changes are often ignored by those who need to implement change most. And then instead of making vital changes, they continue to smoke, eat processed and fast foods and don’t exercise despite the known consequences that are sure to come.
[Side Note: Another important natural treatment for atherosclerosis and other blood-related conditions such as fibroids is the enzyme serrapeptase. This amazing little enzyme has been shown to reverse plague in the carotid arteries; the most common location for possible blood clot formation.]
With the use of therapies utilizing l-arginine, serrapeptase and other anti-oxides, conditions such as atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart-related conditions wouldn’t even rank on our disease statistics scale.
And with anti-oxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and especially Vitamin E (you may want to check out Is There A Natural Alternative To Coumadin?) which prevent the oxidation (destruction) of nitric oxide in the body, how could anyone deny the importance of supplementation?
Natural Supplements or Pharmaceutical Drugs: Would the real scam please stand-up!
is a board-certified Chiropractic Physician and Life Coach who also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology, and a minor in Medical Research. She is a life-long athlete who after curing herself 100% naturally from MS and anxiety, became an avid nutrition health researcher/promoter.
She has been featured in many Health magazines and has been a guest on radio talk shows in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. She is the author of Health Freedom Revolution: Exposing the Lies, Deceit and Greed of the Medical Profession, Founder of Online Holistic Health, and a contributing writer for other popular informative health website/blogs.
She is the host of Holistic Health Radio – where she discusses how she recovered her health as well as other hot health topics, and she is also co-founder of Crazy Meets Common Sense! – The Podcast that Makes Sense Out of the Crazy, to Help You Live a More Healthy, Fulfilling and Empowering Life!
March 16, 2015 @ 2:21 pm
Thank you for your article on L-Arginine and heart disease. I am one of those unfortunate souls that had a health care system that ignored my symptoms time and time again, suffered a heart attack back in 2011 at the age of 53. As is typical of patients who’ve had stents put in, I was put on a list of drugs, which I was willing to do for awhile, but began to question the wisdom of continuing this course of action. My doctor was more than happy to keep writing refill prescriptions.
Within about 7 months, I took myself off of my statin drug which was virtually crippling me (severe knee pain, leg and foot cramps). Again, my G.P. couldn’t have cared less and never suggested another drug or lowering the dosage. So I stopped that cold-turkey.
I then began to question my blood pressure medication because despite my healthy diet, it was difficult to regulate my blood pressure and keep it down. When it was down to “normal” levels I always felt like garbage. I was also having severe libido and ED issues which was never a problem in my life before. Once again, my G.P. was completely useless and his only “cure” was a prescription for Viagra. It was clear that stuff wasn’t going to help me, especially when you have absolutely no libido. So I did my own research and started using L-Arginine/L-Orthinine as well as many other supplements.
I wasn’t long before I told my doctor to reduce my BP dosage from 5mg to 2.5mg. He was very reluctant to do this, but complied. I was asked to monitor my BP, and as expected, my results after a month were better than they had ever been solely on Ramipril.
Recently, I started taking garlic capsules (equiv. to 3 cloves). Now my BP is generally around 115/75 with a much lower pulse rate than I’ve ever had in my entire life (in the 60’s)! No thanks to my doctor, I’m doing as best as can be expect and then some. I also have to deal with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue so trying to go back to weight training or anything intense is now out of the question. (Even yoga was discouraged by one other doctor I went to.)
I’m hoping to request my BP med be lowered even further in the coming months. My goal is to be done with Ramipril altogether. I wish I had read articles like yours many years before I went through the life-changing ordeal I had to endure.
From what I’ve seen, the health care system is fine with trauma, but as almost useless when it comes to on-going or preventative care. Too much hinges on dollars and keeping them busy treating things that can easily be done safer, easier and cheaper through diet, exercise and supplements.
My ED is getting better but not quite there yet. I’ve tried several supplements with only a modicum of success. (I’m trying out Maca and Pycnogenol along with L-Arginine which has some clinical trials to show its effective for this condition.) The real irony is that I never abused my body in any manner. Never smoked, avoided alcohol, but stress was sure a factor. I walked 30 minutes twice a day for two years prior to my heart attack. So, bad genetics were even a greater factor, as far as I can tell. Thanks again for your article.
July 18, 2015 @ 2:33 am
My family uses l-arginine. Has anyone tried the mentioned serrapeptase with arginine? Did you take them together or separately? Was the combo worth the extra cost, meaning speedier blood vessel cleaning, for example?
In theory at least they should work in synergy.
Thanks.
July 14, 2016 @ 7:41 pm
arginine doesn’t cure heart disease or high blood pressure this is another lie by big multi vitamin supplement companies a billion dollar industry same as big pharma that sell toxic supplements made in China ! please stop writing articles so people blow money on china made toxic supplement that give people false hope .
July 17, 2016 @ 12:02 pm
Hello Mike, You will be happy to know that supplements that are GMP Certified are of high quality and not all are from China as you are suggesting 🙂 . Staying away from toxic supplements, toxic foods (all FDA approved of course) and pharmaceuticals certainly is my mantra and it sounds like we totally agree! However respectfully, I CURED myself of MS and anxiety 100 % naturally when the medical profession and big pharma offered me zero hope. And I did so by lifestyle change, dietary change, AND by many different supplements. I will always offer people hope and options so they can make a better informed decision. I am sorry that you feel so angry. You know anger is extremely bad for your health as it causes inflammation, high blood pressure and could lead to more serious health issues. Take a few deep breaths and try to be more open minded by asking questions instead of attacking through anger. I would love to debate, but I will not engage in negativity. I wish you all the health in the world!!
September 13, 2016 @ 8:21 am
Love u already?Thank u
your positivity is comforting. God Bless and Thank You!!!!
January 19, 2018 @ 10:19 am
Dr ignarro says to take 4-6 mg of arginine a day as a preventive. Do you agree with this dose.
Also is arginine good to take for kidney health ?
May 13, 2018 @ 7:10 pm
i have high blood pressure. 172/112 today. It usually goes down after healthy eating and Yuki shocking but this time it hasn’t gone down much. Any ideas why? I am not overweight, 5 feet tall and have been able to bring it down to 130/85-90 just through a protein diet with fish oil supplements. I had some salty noodle soup with deep fried spring rolls 1.5 weeks ago and then the huge spike to 180/120 and have not been able to get it down much since. Its been around the 160-180/105-115 range. Does it really take that long for the body to clean out the fried foods and salt? I only had 1 bad dish at a restaurant. Its been 3 days after taking 4x 120,000 SPU serapeptase, Nattomax 200 fu 2x but bp still high. OMG it was ONE dish!! Pls help. After taking the serapeptase, natomax and fish oil, i measured my bp and it went down to 133/114. The diastolic always stays so high! What do I do? Should I take L-Arginine / L Citrulline too? I work out every day and today I swam at the beach.
September 6, 2018 @ 5:30 pm
Try a new, non-arginine, plant stem cell vasodilator called OxySpark. It claims to produce 50% vasodilation versus at 500mg versus arginine’s 5% at 7 grams.