Scientists overlooked nitric oxide and didn’t consider it a significant molecule in our body until 1987. The Swedish Karolinska Institute awarded researchers the Nobel Prize for identifying nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. Also, they named it the “Molecule of the Year ” in 1992.
Nitric oxide has various positive health effects on our bodies. Therefore, a nitric oxide shortage may lead to chronic illness and aging. Dietary and lifestyle choices can affect nitric oxide production in the body.
You will learn if you require nitric oxide supplements, the benefits of NO supplements, and how they can improve your health by the end of this blog.
What is Nitric Oxide (NO)?
Nitrogen monoxide, often known as nitric oxide, is a colorless gas with the chemical formula NO. It is one of the main nitrogen oxides and is a tiny, fat-soluble molecule that can quickly diffuse through cell membranes. Nearly every organ in the human body contains NO and is responsible for various physiological effects.
What are the health benefits of NO?
NO is involved in many biological processes, like the cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system, respiratory system, and sexual health.
Here are the 5 health benefits of NO:
1. Enhances cardiovascular health:
Nitric Oxide expands blood vessels and boosts blood flow. This reduces blood pressure and the strain on your heart. NO improves blood circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients efficiently. It prevents plaque buildup, lowering the risk of artery blockages. NO maintains the inner vessel lining of the heart and guards against inflammation. All these benefits enhance heart health.
2. Influences the male and female reproductive systems:
As per the NIH, nitric oxide plays a role in the female reproductive process, as it helps the body prepare for pregnancy. It is crucial for male hormone production and erection. Nitric Oxide (NO) also plays a crucial role in preparing sperm for the fertilization of an egg. NO aids in the initial step in pregnancy creation.
3. May help regulate Diabetes:
Nitric Oxide (NO) can benefit individuals with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. It helps improve blood sugar control through enhanced insulin sensitivity.
L-arginine is an amino acid that contributes to NO production and function.
It may enhance insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to better respond to insulin. This can help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.
4. Improves exercise performance:
NO enhances optimal blood flow by enlarging blood vessels. This facilitates a greater flow of nutrients and oxygen to the working muscles during exercise. Thus, NO may improve exercise performance.
Because of this, NO supplements have become common among both competitive athletes and gym goers for fun.
Studies suggest that athletes and fitness enthusiasts enhance their sports performance and promote recovery with NO supplements.
5. Help manage erectile dysfunction:
Nitric Oxide is required for the muscles of the penis to relax. As a result of this relaxation, the blood-filled chambers inside the penis can fill up, and the penis can erect.
Impaired NO production and activity are the root causes of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, NO supplements promote normal sexual function. Supplements that increase NO have made it possible to support intimacy naturally.
6. Aids in faster wound recovery:
After an injury, wound healing is crucial for the body’s ability to regain its structural integrity. A decrease in blood flow impacts wound healing.
Recovery depends on the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cellular waste products taken from the wounded area.
In the process of healing a wound, nitric oxide promotes the initial inflammatory response, cell proliferation, collagen production, and the growth of new blood vessels. Nitric oxide also has antibacterial qualities that shield the wound from infection.
7. Helps improve immunity of your body:
The immune system relies on Nitric Oxide for various crucial functions. Macrophages, the immune cells in our body, are responsible for producing significant quantities of Nitric Oxide.
Following a bacterial infection, our body produces chemicals that activate the cells of the immune system and help guide them to the site of infection.
The high amounts of nitric oxide produced by the macrophages are actually toxic to the bacteria and play an important role in their destruction.
The production of nitric oxide in this way also helps protect against other types of infections, including viruses and parasites.
FAQs
- Does nitric oxide help build muscle?
If you want to boost your muscle growth, endurance is crucial. Nitric oxide can help you train longer and harder to improve endurance.
The blood vessels of your muscles open up as nitric oxide increases blood flow. Your muscles will swell, and your veins will throb as a result.
- What are the side effects of Nitric Oxide supplements?
The FDA doesn’t have the same control over supplements as medications, which is one of their main issues. Consequently, supplements may be less dependable and secure than medications.
Nitric oxide supplements may increase nitric oxide levels in your body, but they also carry a risk of side effects. Sometimes, NO can increase heart failure or low blood pressure.
- Is it good to take nitric oxide supplements?
Although supplements may not actually contain nitric oxide, they do contain substances that the body can easily use to produce it.
It is advisable to take fewer than 10 grams of L-citrulline or L-arginine at a time, since there is no fixed dosage for supplements.
Start by including nitrate-rich foods in your diet, such as beets, carrots, and dark, leafy greens.
How to Promote Healthy NO Levels in your body
If you’re concerned about maintaining healthy Nitric Oxide (NO) levels as you age, adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:
- Incorporate nitrate-rich vegetables like beetroot, spinach, and celery into your diet. These nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in your body.
- Include colorful fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants in your meals.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-high-intensity exercise daily to boost NO production.
- Consider reducing or eliminating the use of mouthwash, as antibacterial mouthwashes can disrupt the conversion of nitrates to NO by mouth bacteria.
Explore the option of using NO supplements like Vasqflow designed to enhance NO levels. This supplement contains NO-boosting ingredients, such as red spinach extract, which has clinical evidence supporting its ability to increase nitrate levels (a marker for NO) in the body.
