Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, 1998
“Improving your lifestyle will boost your production of nitric oxide (NO) which, in turn, will prevent cardiovascular disease and extend your longevity. Eating healthy and engaging in moderate physical activity are the simplest ways to increase your NO. Say Yes to NO.”
Dr. Lou Ignarro, PhD
Nobel Prize in Medicine
A Message from Dr. Lou
I’m Dr. Lou Ignarro, the scientist who discovered the secret to healthy living and longevity. That secret is nitric oxide (NO), a tiny molecule that your body produces to promote the health of your cardiovascular system, prevent dementia, improve sexual arousal, and much more. My life’s mission is to teach you how to boost your levels of NO with healthy food, physical activity, and breathing through your nose.
Moments From an Extraordinary Life
Dr. Louis Ignarro accepts the Nobel Prize in Medicine
1998 · The Nobel Prize
What an honor and humbling experience it was for me to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for my discoveries pertaining to Nitric Oxide (NO) — produced by our arteries to prevent hypertension, stroke and heart attack.
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Nitric Oxide Education
Nitric Oxide functions as a widespread signaling molecule throughout the body.
Some of the roles or functions of NO include the following: (1) vasodilation to decrease blood pressure and improve organ blood flow, (2) prevent unwanted blood clotting and obstruction to blood flow in arteries, (3) anti-inflammatory action in arteries to maintain a healthy arterial inner lining without cholesterol plaque buildup, (4) promotes learning, memory and information recall in the brain, (5) aids in the digestive process by promoting movement of digested foods and regulating secretion of digestive hormones and enzymes, (6) regulates bladder function by allowing the bladder to expand and hold more urine, (7) promotes erectile function and sexual arousal in men and women, (8) protects the skin against ionizing radiation from the sun.
In addition, NO functions as a signaling molecule in concert with many other molecules and hormones in the body to maintain normal bodily functions.
Insights From Dr. Lou’s World
1998 · The Nobel Prize
What an honor and humbling experience it was for me to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for my discoveries pertaining to Nitric Oxide (NO). NO is produced by our arteries to prevent hypertension, stroke and heart attack. Moreover, we discovered that NO is required for sexual arousal and penile erection. This work led to the development of Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
A Memorable Visit
Just after the Nobel Prize was announced in 1998, I was invited to the White House to meet President Bill Clinton. The President escorted me throughout the White House, and we talked about my discoveries as well as his incredible workload as President. Bill Clinton is an extremely charming, likable, and knowledgeable person.
Lifelong Friendships
One of the most important aspects of my life is to keep in touch with my best friends. One of the ways I do this is to help organize and attend class reunions. One of the most memorable is my 60th High School Reunion in Long Beach, NY. My three closest buddies were Jeff Robbins, Ken Spooner and Jeff Becker. We all stay in shape by running, cycling, swimming or ice skating.
100 Miles for Heart Health
Every three months or so, I get together with friends and do a sponsored Century Ride, which is 100 miles of cycling, taking about 7 or 8 hours. That’s one way to improve heart health and increase longevity. It’s also a great way to see the outdoors. (getting ready to ride the Windmill Century in California)
