Nitric Oxide Topic 06
There are many relatively easy ways to boost the production and action of your own nitric oxide.
Natural ways to support nitric oxide production
Practical Steps
We are all very fortunate because there are many relatively easy ways to boost the production and action of your own nitric oxide to keep you healthy for a very long time. Here are 5 ways to increase your NO naturally.
1
Increase your consumption of vegetables that are high in nitrates. Leafy greens (arugula, spinach) and root vegetables (beets, carrots) contain large amounts of nitrate, which is converted to NO in your body.
2
Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants. These substances boost your levels of NO by protecting it against oxidative destruction by saturated fats and salts. A good way to remember this fact is that the darker the color of the fruit or vegetable, the higher the content of antioxidants. Examples include pomegranate, blueberries, cherries, beets, arugula, spinach and many others.
3
Use NO-boosting supplements including arginine and citrulline amino acids, and products containing nitrate and nitrite such as beet juice or chews.
4
Engage in regular physical activity or exercise at least 3 or 4 days a week. The type of physical activity is NOT important; just move your body around. Simple walking for 20 to 30 minutes each day is adequate. You don’t have to run a 5K or 10K or a marathon (42K). Just walk. Don’t sit for more than a 30 minute stretch.
5
Breathe through your nose. You should inhale through your nose whenever you can. The reason is that the nasal mucosa in the nose continuously produces NO gas, which then enters the lungs when you breathe in through your nose. Your mouth does NOT produce any NO, so breathing through the mouth does not draw any NO into the lungs. Inhaled NO improves blood flow and oxygen exchange in the lungs, and also kills microorganisms that might bring about any infection including the flu and the common cold, and COVID-19.
6
Do NOT use mouthwash! The components in all mouthwashes inhibit the activity of enzymes that convert dietary nitrate into nitrite, thereby preventing the eventual formation of NO. Since one of the most important sources of NO is dietary nitrate, it is prudent not to use any mouthwash. Instead, rinse your mouth with warm water or lightly salted water several times a day.
Keep Exploring
01
Why Was the Nobel Prize Awarded for Nitric Oxide?
→
02
The History of the Discovery of Nitric Oxide
→
03
Nitric Oxide: The Basics
→
04
The Physiology of Nitric Oxide in Health and Disease
→
05
Erectile Function and Viagra
→
06
How to Increase Your Nitric Oxide Levels
Current Topic
