Ever feel like your body isn’t functioning as efficiently as it used to? Or maybe you're concerned about maintaining healthy blood pressure? Or even experiencing a low sex drive that is putting a damper on your bedroom performance?
These are all potential signs of declining nitric oxide production in the body. But fear not! Nitric oxide is a crucial molecule with far-reaching benefits, and learning how to boost it can significantly improve your overall health.
What is nitric oxide?
Nitric oxide is a vital molecule that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, from regulating blood flow and supporting cognitive function to overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, many factors can contribute to low nitric oxide levels, leading to a range of health issues. One key area where nitric oxide exerts its influence is in the endothelial cells. These cells line the blood vessels and are responsible for producing nitric oxide, which helps maintain the flexibility of the arteries and ensures smooth blood flow.
The production of nitric oxide naturally declines by about 50% by middle age, which means blood vessels and arteries tighten and restrict the vital flow of blood, and the oxygen and nutrients it carries, to essential parts of the body like the heart, brain, and muscles. This process directly impacts the endothelial cells, reducing their ability to function properly and increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
In 2006, the American Heart Association reported that around 81 million people in the United States had at least one form of cardiovascular disease, including conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, angina, stroke, and heart failure[1]. And much of this is attributed to a decrease in nitric oxide levels.
Fortunately, there are effective and simple strategies to naturally boost your body's nitric oxide production. By incorporating dietary changes, regular exercise, or even targeted supplements, you can improve your overall well-being and enhance your quality of life.
Overall Health Benefits of Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is a simple molecule with a pretty big job. It acts as a cellular messenger, ensuring smooth communication throughout your body[2]. It's particularly important for your circulatory system, as nitric oxide helps relax and widen blood vessels. This improved blood flow offers a host of health benefits:
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Adequate nitric oxide levels promote healthy blood pressure and blood flow, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Improved Erectile Function: Nitric oxide plays a key role in relaxation of penile smooth muscle, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.
- Boosted Exercise Performance: Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your working muscles, enhancing endurance and reducing fatigue.
- Heightened Cognitive Function: Nitric oxide supports cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain, ensuring that it receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
- Maximized Lung Function: By improving oxygen delivery, nitric oxide helps the lungs function more efficiently, which can benefit those with respiratory conditions.
- Optimized Immune Response: Nitric oxide supports the immune system by aiding in the elimination of pathogens and reducing inflammation.
- Better Wound Healing: Nitric oxide accelerates the healing process by increasing blood flow to damaged tissues.
- Supported Kidney Health: Nitric oxide helps regulate kidney blood flow, promoting healthy kidney function and filtering waste more effectively.
4 Proven Ways on How to Improve Nitric Oxide in the Body
Maintaining optimal levels of nitric oxide isn't a quick fix. And it’s not just about taking any nitric supplement. It's a combination of smart lifestyle choices and, potentially, the right supplements. Here are some effective ways to boost your nitric oxide levels:
Eat a Healthy Diet High in Nitrates
Certain vegetables, particularly leafy greens like spinach, beets, and arugula, are rich in nitrates. Vegetables, which provide over 80% of our nitrate intake, are also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C that help inhibit the formation of harmful N-nitroso compounds.
Consuming leafy greens regularly can help ensure your body has a steady supply of the nutrients needed to produce nitric oxide. Healthy nitric oxide levels help keep your blood vessels flexible and responsive. Incorporating more leafy greens into your meals is one of the most natural and effective ways to boost nitric oxide production.
Maximize Antioxidant Intake
Free radicals can damage endothelial cells and hinder the production of nitric oxide. Antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables, neutralize these free radicals. While you’re focusing on increasing antioxidants, don’t forget to also load up on leafy greens, which offer both nitrates and antioxidants that help protect the cells responsible for nitric oxide production.
Engage in Regular Exercise
Physical activity is a natural nitric oxide booster. Exercise increases your body's demand for oxygen, triggering the production of nitric oxide to meet that demand. By boosting nitric oxide production, you are helping your body maintain healthy arteries and blood vessels. When you combine regular exercise with a diet rich in leafy greens, you create an even more powerful impact on your nitric oxide levels and cardiovascular health.
Consider Taking Nitric Oxide Supplements
Supplements containing L-arginine or L-citrulline, which the body converts to nitric oxide, can be a helpful option. These supplements support the endothelial cells, enhancing their ability to produce and utilize nitric oxide effectively. Juvenon’s BloodFlow-7 contains a cutting-edge combination of clinically verified ingredients, including a nitro-charged form of arginine that helps:
- Boost nitric oxide by 230% in 3 hours
- Expand arteries up to 62%
- Speed up blood flow to support healthy blood pressure
- Deliver more oxygen to cells to boost energy levels
- Improve circulation to legs and feet for fast relief
- Enhance focus and cognitive health
However, supplements work best when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise to maximize your body’s natural nitric oxide production.
How Nitric Oxide Boosters Work
Nitric oxide boosters typically contain L-arginine or L-citrulline, amino acids your body readily uses to produce nitric oxide. These supplements can be beneficial when your body's natural production isn't enough, potentially aiding in improved blood flow, cardiovascular health, and exercise performance.
Here's a closer look at the key amino acids in many nitric oxide boosters on the market:
L-arginine
L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide. This means that your body uses L-arginine as a building block to produce nitric oxide. Your body converts L-arginine into nitric oxide, which naturally boosts levels. The average person consumes around 5 g of L-arginine daily without the use of nitric oxide supplements[3].
L-citrulline
L-citrulline is another amino acid that can help boost nitric oxide levels. While it's not directly converted into nitric oxide, L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine in the kidneys. And as mentioned above, L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide.
By increasing the availability of L-arginine, L-citrulline can potentially enhance nitric oxide production. Overall, studies show both L-arginine and L-citrulline have shown promise in boosting nitric oxide levels[4].
L-Ornithine
L-ornithine plays a role in the urea cycle and helps remove excess ammonia from the body. It also enhances the effectiveness of L-citrulline in promoting nitric oxide production.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)
This amino acid is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. NAC can support nitric oxide production by protecting the endothelial cells (the cells lining blood vessels) from oxidative stress.
Taurine
Taurine can improve cardiovascular function and enhance nitric oxide production by regulating calcium levels and improving blood vessel health.
Recommended Dosage of Nitric Oxide Boosters: How Much to Take?
The recommended dosage of nitric oxide supplements varies depending on the specific product and the desired results. It's generally recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
It’s important to follow the recommended dose, as taking too much of any nitric oxide booster can lead to the following side effects:
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Since nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, taking too much can result in dangerously low blood pressure. Symptoms of hypotension include dizziness, fainting, and lightheadedness, especially when standing up too quickly.
Headaches
Excessive vasodilation caused by nitric oxide can increase blood flow to the brain, leading to headaches or migraines.
Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues
Overuse of nitric oxide supplements, particularly those containing L-arginine or L-citrulline, can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Some nitric oxide supplements can affect electrolyte balance, especially if they increase the excretion of electrolytes like potassium. This can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, or irregular heartbeats.
Excess Ammonia in the Body
Nitric oxide supplements that rely on L-arginine or L-ornithine can increase ammonia production as a byproduct of their metabolic processes. Excess ammonia can lead to fatigue, mental fog, and reduced exercise performance.
Increased Risk of Bleeding
Nitric oxide supplements may interfere with blood clotting, increasing the risk of prolonged bleeding, especially if taken in combination with blood-thinning medications.
BloodFlow-7®, Our #1 Nitric Oxide Booster
By incorporating these proven methods, you can take control of your nitric oxide levels and potentially experience a range of health benefits. If you're looking for a convenient and effective way to boost your nitric oxide, Juvenon’s BloodFlow-7® is a great option. Its high-quality ingredients and positive customer reviews make it a trusted choice.
BloodFlow-7®’s cutting-edge, clinically studied ingredients are both natural and effective to help you rapidly improve circulation and blood flow throughout your entire body:
- Nitrosigine, a cutting-edge combination of arginine and silicate that strengthens connective tissues in your skin and creates nitric oxide to keep blood vessels open, soft and pliable.
- S7®, a plant-based complex of 7 nutrient-rich botanicals clinically shown to ignite your body's own nitric oxide system[5].
- Trans-Resveratrol, which is backed by clinical studies to significantly impact cardiovascular health, speeds oxygen-rich blood through your entire circulatory system[6].
- BioPerine, a black pepper extract that increases the absorption of Nitrosigine, S7® and Trans-Resveratrol to make them more effective.
FAQs About How To Improve Nitric Oxide In Body
What is the best source of nitric oxide?
While dietary nitrates are a great natural source of nitric oxide, there's no single "best" source. The best approach is to consume a variety of nitrate-rich foods and foods rich in antioxidants, including:
- Leafy greens like spinach, arugula
- Beets
- Garlic
- Red meat, poultry, amd seafood
- Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes
- Dark chocolate
- Nuts and seeds
- Red wine
What blocks nitric oxide in the body?
Several factors can interfere with nitric oxide production or function:
- Free Radicals: These harmful molecules can damage cells and reduce nitric oxide levels.
- Chronic Stress: Stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with nitric oxide production.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can impair NO production or function.
- Some Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, can affect nitric oxide levels.
What vitamins increase nitric oxide?
While there isn't a specific vitamin that directly increases nitric oxide, vitamins C and E, L-arginine and folic acid are important nutrients that can help protect nitric oxide levels and help your body make more of it. These vitamins and nutrients can neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and interfere with nitric oxide production.
How do I know if my nitric oxide is low?
Unfortunately, there's no simple home test to measure nitric oxide levels. However, if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction, or high blood pressure, it's worth consulting with a healthcare professional to discuss your overall health and potential factors affecting nitric oxide production.
What is the best natural nitric oxide booster?
While there isn't a single "best" natural nitric oxide booster, a combination of dietary and lifestyle factors can significantly enhance your body's production of nitric oxide. Here are some effective approaches:
- Consume nitrate-rich foods: Leafy greens like spinach, beets, and arugula are excellent sources of dietary nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide.
- Prioritize antioxidant-rich foods: Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants can help protect nitric oxide levels by neutralizing free radicals.
- Engage in regular exercise: Physical activity increases your body's demand for oxygen, stimulating the production of nitric oxide to meet that demand.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can interfere with nitric oxide production. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively support your body's natural nitric oxide production and enjoy the associated health benefits.
References
[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5137939/
[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC555773/
[4]https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/8/3/48#:~:text=Abstract,%2DArg%20and%20L%2DCit.
[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8466271/
