You may not know much about nitric oxide, but rest assured that it’s important to your body’s functionality—and that its absence can lead to anything from cardiovascular problems to erectile dysfunction.
Nitric oxide is a gas—its chemical formulation NO—that has major implications for the human body. A study into the bodily impact of nitric oxide began in the 1970s, and by the 1990s scientists had begun championing it as one of the most significant of all biological compounds. In 1992, Science proclaimed it Molecule of the Year.
A Signaling Molecule
But what exactly does nitric oxide do in the body? It’s what scientists call a signaling molecule. That means it actually carries messages at the cellular level, transmitting information across bodily cells. Nitric oxide is not the only signaling molecule in the body, but it is wildly important for its role in the cardiovascular system.
In fact, nitric oxide is crucial for optimum health. It helps relax the blood vessels and may improve blood circulation. According to some scientists, nitric oxide may support healthy blood pressure by increasing nutrient and oxygen delivery to every system, organ, and tissue in the body.
Even today, clinical researchers are investigating some of the possible health benefits of nitric oxide—the various ways in which it helps the body. Among these suspected benefits, nitric oxide may:
- Support healthy blood pressure levels
- Support cardiovascular and heart health
Promote increased circulation throughout the body - Support normal, healthy circulation
- Support healthy arterial function
- Promote artery dilation for healthy blood flow
And the list potentially goes on from there. Also worth noting: Because it promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body, nitric oxide has been seen as a critical factor in erectile dysfunction.
The Problem with Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is fairly abundant in the human body—yet at a molecular level it’s unstable and short-lived. That means it must be renewed constantly in order for the body to reap these significant cardiovascular benefits.
Many of us start to experience natural decreases in our nitric oxide levels once we pass age 40. A lot of this stems from diet, believe it or not. That’s because in addition to being produced in the lining of the arteries, it is also made in the mouth and the digestive tract—assuming the conditions are right. When we’re younger, the body easily converts the naturally occurring nitrates found in certain plant foods into NO. Beets, spinach, and leafy greens are especially nitrate rich. As these foods are chewed, helpful bacteria in the saliva converts the nitrates into nitrites. Once in the stomach, gastric juices act on nitrites and convert them to nitrogen dioxide, dinitrogen trioxide, and nitric oxide. Antioxidants go to work on the nitrogen dioxide, scavenging the extra oxygen molecule and reducing it to still more nitric oxide. The NO is then absorbed through the intestinal tract and back into the bloodstream.
As we age, though, this process becomes less efficient and the body does not produce as much nitric oxide. By the time you’re 40, studies show you’re only making about half or less of what you made when you were 20. By the age of 40, most men produce only about 50% of the NO they did in their teens and twenties—and for women, it’s even more dismal.
Replenishing Your Nitric Oxide
Some ways to combat this problem:
- Continue to eat foods that are nutrient-rich and lead to nitrate production.
- Refrain from using mouthwashes that deplete your naturally occurring saliva bacteria—which are essential for this nitric oxide producing effect.
- Consider nitric oxide supplements, which can augment your natural nitric oxide levels and allow you to reap these positive medical effects.
Is a nitric oxide supplement right for you? The best way to find out is to reach out to our team and inquire about our nitric oxide replacement options. You can schedule a consultation by filling out the form.
