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Natural Blood Vessel Enlargement

Natural health and body-building enthusiasts frequently use natural hemodilators, or supplements to dilate blood vessels. These products may be useful in the treatment of hypertension and erectile dysfunction; they may also enhance athletic performance.

  1. Types

    • The amino acids L-arginine and L-orthinine, long recognized as natural hemodilators, enjoy great popularity amongst knowledgeable athletes. A 2002 French study, published in the medical journal "Biomedical Pharmacotherapy," investigated and confirmed the role that these amino acids play in blood vessel health.

    Herbal Supplements

    • Many herbal supplements are traditionally used to enlarge blood vessels; however, evidence of their efficacy varies tremendously. Some popular choices include yohimbe, gingko, periwinkle, tribulus and tongkat ali. The "Journal of Neurological Science" published an encouraging study in 2005 suggesting that vinpocetine, a derivative of periwinkle, dilates cerebral arteries and expands blood flow to the brain.

    Effects

    • Amino acid hemodilators, including L-arginine, function by increasing the amount of nitric oxide (NO) in the bloodstream. This compound expands blood vessels and decreases ammonia and lactic acid in the bloodstream.

    Use

    • Clinical practitioners use hemodilators to treat hypertension. As nutritional supplements, herbal blood vessel dilators may treat male and female sexual dysfunction and post-workout fatigue.

    Warning

    • Natural blood vessel enlargers can be dangerous for some individuals.The amino acid L-arginine increases the risk of outbreaks in people with shingles, cold sores and genital herpes. Many herbal hemodilators interact negatively with blood thinners and drugs for hypertension. Consult a qualified expert before taking any natural supplement.

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