Over 35 years ago, scientists made a groundbreaking discovery: a molecule called nitric oxide (NO) was identified as the key player behind something known as endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Fast forward to today, and the fascination with nitric oxide has only deepened, leading to a flood of research on its roles in our body. What we've learned is transformative.
It turns out that most chronic diseases—ranging from cardiovascular and neurological conditions to issues with the kidneys, lungs, and liver—are linked by a common thread: diminished blood flow to affected organs. This reduction in blood flow leads to a cascade of problems, including increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction.
Here’s where nitric oxide steps in. This remarkable molecule regulates blood flow, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach every cell, tissue, and organ. It also helps combat inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system imbalances.
Given its wide-reaching influence, enhancing nitric oxide production has emerged as a promising strategy to address these chronic health challenges.
As research continues to unfold, focusing on nitric oxide could pave the way for more effective treatments and improved management of various long-standing health issues.
For the biochemistry nerds, your body has two main ways to produce nitric oxide (NO), a crucial molecule for maintaining health.
- The L-Arginine Pathway: In this process, your body turns an amino acid called L-arginine into nitric oxide. This happens through a series of reactions involving special enzymes known as nitric oxide synthases (NOS). However, as we age, this pathway can become less efficient.
- The Nitrate/Nitrite Pathway: This method relies on nitrates and nitrites that come from the food you eat. These compounds are converted into nitric oxide by bacteria in your mouth.
Both pathways are important for keeping nitric oxide levels up and supporting overall health. Fortunately, there are several simple and practical ways to elevate your nitric oxide levels.
3 ways to boost your nitric oxide levels:
1. Eat plant-based dietary nitrates.
To boost nitric oxide (NO) production and support cardiovascular health, increase your intake of nitrate-rich vegetables like leafy greens and beets. These vegetables provide dietary nitrates that convert into nitrites in your mouth, which then transform into NO in your stomach. This process is key for harnessing the health benefits of NO.
In contrast, nitrites in processed meats can form harmful nitrosamines, potent carcinogens, especially in the absence of plant phytonutrients. Vegetables contain phytochemical compounds that prevent nitrosamine formation and instead produce beneficial NO.
For the greatest health benefits, consume fresh raw vegetables, as processing and cooking can reduce nitrate levels. These are the highest nitrate-rich vegetables in order of highest concentration: arugula, rhubarb, cilantro, butterleaf lettuce, spring greens, basil, beet greens, oak leaf lettuce, swiss chard, beets.
2. Avoid antiseptic mouthwash.
Antiseptic mouthwashes can harm the beneficial nitrate-reducing bacteria in your mouth that help produce nitric oxide (NO). Certain strains of beneficial bacteria are required to convert dietary nitrates to nitric oxide. Research shows that using these mouthwashes can eradicate nitric oxide converting bacteria which lowers NO levels, raises blood pressure, and reduces the health benefits of nitrate-rich foods.
To keep your NO levels up and support your cardiovascular health, avoid antiseptic mouthwashes. Instead, focus on oral hygiene strategies like daily flossing, tongue scraping, and using a high quality toothpaste like Dentalcidin.
3. Optimize stomach acid production
To optimize nitric oxide (NO) levels, it's important to consider not just the presence of nitrate-reducing bacteria in the oral microbiome but also other factors that affect NO production. Stomach acid is crucial for converting salivary nitrite from dietary nitrate into nitrous acid, which then releases NO.
However, low stomach acid can prevent the formation of nitrous acid. This inhibition can block the beneficial impacts of NO. Low stomach acid can be caused by a number of underlying factors, one of the most common being the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and other antacids. If you suspect low stomach acid, consider a trial of HCL-containing digestive enzymes like Panplex 2-Phase by Integrative Therapeutics.
Conclusion
The discovery of nitric oxide as a crucial regulator of blood flow and cellular function has opened new avenues in the fight against chronic diseases. By understanding and enhancing the body's nitric oxide production, we can address underlying issues like inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction that contribute to various health conditions. As research continues to evolve, incorporating strategies to boost nitric oxide levels offers a promising approach to improving overall health and longevity.