Many factors influence the operation of your nervous system. Your nervous system is a complex system that regulates and maintains a number of processes, including sensory input, emotions, heartbeat and breathing. Arginine, an amino acid that is also sold as a supplement for use in treating many physical and mental conditions, helps with some of the processes in your nervous system. Consult your doctor before using dietary supplements.
About Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid found naturally in many foods, including dairy, meat, poultry and fish. It helps with a number of biological processes, including cell division, waste removal, immune system functioning and hormonal secretion. Arginine is often used in supplement form to treat the common cold, congestive heart failure, improve kidney functioning and many other health conditions, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Central Nervous System Effects
Your central nervous system, consisting of your brain and spinal cord, is responsible for the integration of sensory input and coordinating your behaviors and emotions. Your body uses arginine to manufacture nitric oxide in your central nervous system, specifically, in the brain. According to a review published in the July 2001 issue of the journal, "Progress in Neurobiology," arginine is the only substrate, or molecule, that is acted on by an enzyme, of nitrous oxide synthesase, or NOS, enzymes that work to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical that has a relaxing effect on your smooth muscle and blood vessels and has several other important functions, including affecting the operation of your immune system.
Autonomic Nervous System Effects
Your autonomic nervous system is a part of your peripheral nervous system, which is made up of your nerves and ganglia outside of your brain and spinal cord. It consists of two subsystems, which includes the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for maintaining unconscious activities, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and perspiration. Arginine has a number of effects on the autonomic nervous system. A study published in the May 1998 issue of the "Japanese Heart Journal" showed that intravenous administration of arginine may act as a neurotransmitter, having effects on the parasympathetic nervous system such as influencing heart rate and blood pressure. Arginine may be useful for decreasing blood pressure, although there's not yet enough evidence to support this claim, according to National Institutes of Health.
Considerations
Arginine should not be used to self-treat any medical conditions you may be experiencing. Although arginine appears safe when taken orally for short periods of time, it can interact with certain medications and cause side effects such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea, according to National Institutes of Health. As with any dietary supplement, inform your doctor if you choose to use arginine.
References
- "Japanese Heart Journal"; Effects of Intravenous Administration of L-Arginine on Autonomic Nervous Activities. Analysis of Heart Rate Variability; M. Nomura, et al.; May 1998
- "Progress in Neurobiology"; Arginine Metabolism and the Synthesis of Nitric Oxide in the Nervous System; H. Wiesinger; July 2001
- National Institutes of Health: L-Arginine
