In the early 1990s, scientists began to pay more attention to nitric oxide, a previously undervalued molecule. Nitric Oxide plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and keeping blood vessels healthy. In 1998, three scientists won a Nobel Prize for their discovery of Nitric Oxide’s importance in the cardiovascular system. Today, Nitric Oxide is used to treat various conditions, including inflammation and chronic pain. It is also being studied for its potential to treat other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Although more extensive research is needed, the potential benefits of nitric oxide are exciting and hold promise for improving human health. In this blog post, we will reveal 5 healthy foods that can help to increase Nitric Oxide levels naturally.
What Is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric Oxide is known as the “miracle molecule” because it helps facilitate many crucial functions in the human body, including regulating blood pressure & circulation and reducing inflammation in normal circumstances. It can also help to protect against nerve damage and chronic pain.
Nitric Oxide Facts:
- Nitric Oxide is produced by the body and supports important functions and systems like circulation
- Nitric Oxide can help to protect against nerve damage and chronic pain
- There are many healthy (and delicious) foods that can help to increase Nitric Oxide levels naturally
What Does Nitric Oxide Do?
Nitric Oxide stimulates the release of essential hormones (like insulin and human growth hormone) and causes blood vessels to widen—especially those near or around organs like the lungs. This process, known as vasodilation, can increase oxygen levels within our bodies and make us feel healthier and more vibrant.
How Does Nitric OxideHelp Treat Nerve Pain?
Inflammation is a major player in the immune system, playing an important role by increasing blood flow to the injured area while also widening out vessel walls for easier access so the healing process can commence. Nitric Oxide facilitates better blood flow and circulation to allow your body to begin the healing process.
What Causes Nitric Oxide to Decrease In the Body?
A few factors can cause the decline of Nitric Oxide levels. Ultimately, efficient blood flow supports heart health and healthy circulation as well as normal pressure; however, several things might decrease your body’s production or raise its consumption:
- Physical and emotional stress. Chronic stress is like a poison that can cause inflammation and damage to all cells in the body, including those of blood vessels. As this happens over time, it leads to Nitric Oxide levels plummeting as well.
- Fluoride. The fluoride in community water supplies is a controversial topic. While some people believe that it offers health benefits, others argue that it can negatively affect our bodies. Indeed, studies have shown that exposure to excessive fluoride levels can deplete our ability to produce Nitric Oxide, thereby suppressing our overall health and wellbeing. Several natural alternatives are available if you’re looking to reduce your fluoride exposure and still protect your teeth from cavities. For example, Neem oil has been shown to have strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective alternative to fluoride when it comes to protecting teeth and gums. Other options include coconut oil, ozonated olive oil, oregano oil, and myrrh, all of which have also been shown in studies to offer protective benefits against tooth decay.
- Lack of exercise. It is important to exercise or regularly move in order for your body’s natural production of Nitric Oxide(NO) to remain high and active. A sedentary lifestyle will lead you down a path where low Nitric Oxide levels are inevitable.
- Poor dietary choices. Natural nitrates are the precursors to NO. They’re found in plant foods like dark green leafy vegetables and beets, so if you have a diet low on these molecules, it can lead to an inability for your body to produce enough of this compound and poor health outcomes as well! Additionally, eating too much sugar feeds into the inflammation process.
- Age. When we age, our bodies produce less Nitric Oxide, which can lead to problems like cardiovascular disease. The decline in N-O production is most notable during middle-aged adulthood.
- Antiseptic mouthwash. Good bacteria in the mouth are responsible for converting dietary nitrate into harmless compounds like nitrite and Nitric Oxide. If these important microbes get destroyed by antiseptic mouthwashes, you can become NO deficient.
5 Healthy Foods to Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally
If you are looking for ways to increase Nitric Oxide levels naturally, then look no further! These five healthy foods will do the trick. Adding them to your diet is a simple and delicious way to improve your health and wellbeing.
- Beets. Beets are a healthy and delicious choice, with the ability to boost your body’s Nitric Oxide levels. In one study conducted on 38 adults who consumed beetroot juice supplements after 45 minutes of consumption, there was an increase of 21% higher than before!
- Leafy greens. Nitrates are a naturally occurring compound found in many plants, including leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula. When you eat these vegetables, your body converts the nitrate into Nitric Acid, which helps make bones strong and keeps them healthy!
- Watermelon. With summer on the horizon, you’ll be happy to learn watermelon is also great for promoting Nitric Oxide in the body. Citrulline, a naturally occurring amino acid found in watermelon, is converted into arginine and, ultimately, Nitric Oxide by the body, which helps boost your blood flow to all parts of the muscles to improve exercise performance!
- Nuts and seeds. As with watermelon, nuts and seeds are high in arginine, which helps in the production of Nitric Oxide.
- Citrus fruit. Citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin C, which studies have shown to help with the bioavailability and production levels of Nitric Oxide.
Nitric Oxide Supplements
No matter how hard you try, you may still need a little help in your efforts to increase Nitric Oxidenaturally. In that case, we recommend looking for a Nitric Oxide supplement. Our online store, The Sana Shop, is proud to offer a new innovative product called Nanosyzed Nitric OxideSpray by Spray for Life®. This supplement spray can be easily absorbed through the mouth and provides an instant energy boost!
Learn More About the Health-Boosting Benefits of Nitric Oxide Today
Would you like to learn more about how Nitric Oxideaids your body in fighting pain and inflammation, increases energy and stamina, and improves circulation? In that case, we invite you to read our blog post, Top 8 Health Benefits of Nitric Oxide—Heart, Lungs, and More!
Or, Listen to The Pain Free For Life Podcast Episode #17 here
In this episode, Dr. Rob and Dr. Hache talk about how those who suffer from non-healing wounds should be open to taking Nitric Oxide supplements to help start the healing process within the body. The Doctors go on to discuss how Nitric Oxide is used to combat viruses and its effects on the body.
Sources cited:
Role of nitric oxide in inflammatory diseases – PubMed (nih.gov)
NITRATE IN LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES AND ESTIMATED INTAKE – PMC (nih.gov)