555: Naturally Boost Nitric Oxide to Lower Blood Pressure & End Inflammation | Dr. Nathan Bryan
Aug 29, 2023
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Dr. Nathan Bryan, a nitric oxide scientist, discusses the importance of nitric oxide production for overall health. Topics include the impact of mouthwash on nitric oxide levels, maintaining optimal nitric oxide levels through diet and lifestyle, the significance of nitrate and nitric oxide in the diet, the effects of mouthwash on blood pressure and the oral microbiome, the process of nitric oxide production in the body, negative effects of antacids on nitric oxide production, identifying nitric oxide deficiency and symptoms, measuring nitric oxide levels, and the benefits of lozenges and beet powder.
Nitric oxide production can be enhanced by consuming nitrate-rich vegetables and avoiding mouthwash and antacids.
There are two pathways for nitric oxide production: enzyme conversion of L-arginine and nitrate reduction by oral bacteria.
Disruptions in nitric oxide production, such as from mouthwash use and long-term antacid use, can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Restoring stomach acid production and promoting a diverse oral microbiome can help enhance nitric oxide synthesis.
A balanced diet that includes animal proteins/meats and green leafy vegetables is necessary for optimal nitric oxide production.
Deep dives
Nitric oxide is a vital signaling molecule
Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, improving oxygen delivery, blood flow, and inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction. Insufficient nitric oxide production is linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and chronic fatigue.
Two pathways for nitric oxide production
There are two pathways for nitric oxide production. The first pathway involves the enzyme nitric oxide synthase converting L-arginine to nitric oxide, which regulates blood flow and oxygen delivery. The second pathway involves nitrate reduction to nitric oxide by oral bacteria, derived from consuming nitrate-rich vegetables, which is crucial for nitric oxide production in the stomach and overall health.
Factors that disrupt nitric oxide production
Several factors disrupt nitric oxide production, including the use of mouthwash, which kills nitrate-reducing bacteria in the mouth, and the long-term use of antacids, specifically proton pump inhibitors, which inhibit nitric oxide synthesis. These disruptions can lead to high blood pressure, decreased nutrient absorption, allergic reactions, and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer's.
Strategies to enhance nitric oxide production
To enhance nitric oxide production, it is recommended to consume nitrate-rich vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or beets, while avoiding the use of mouthwash and antacids. Tongue scraping can promote a diverse oral microbiome, which is beneficial for nitric oxide production. Supplementing with iodine, zinc, and B vitamins can help restore stomach acid production and aid in nitric oxide synthesis.
The Importance of Nitric Oxide in the Body
Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling molecule in the body, responsible for various physiological functions. It is produced in the body through the conversion of three amino acids, with cysteine being one of them. NO binds to the sulfur of glutathione, extending its biological half-life and allowing it to be distributed throughout the body. The production and availability of NO depend on factors such as nitric oxide synthesis, the presence of redox-active molecules, and the binding of NO to hemoglobin, which facilitates transport and oxygenation of cells and tissues.
Nitric Oxide as a Second Messenger and the Role of Glutathione
As a primary signaling molecule, NO activates different chemical adducts to exert its effects. It binds to an enzyme called guanylyl cyclase, leading to the production of cyclic GMP, a second messenger. S-nitrosoglutathione, another second messenger, relies on NO production, while NO bound to hemoglobin acts as a transport mechanism for bioactive NO gas. These processes ensure the preservation of NO's vasoactivity and prevent its rapid disappearance.
Duration of Nitric Oxide Effects and Optimal Dosing
Nitric oxide and its metabolites have varying biological half-lives in the body. Nitrite, formed through the reaction of NO with oxygen, has a half-life of about two hours. S-nitrosoglutathione has a slightly longer half-life, while NO bound to hemoglobin has a half-life of around one minute per respiratory cycle. When it comes to dosing, a single serving of 300-500 milligrams of nitrate is required to produce the desired effects. Taking more nitrate does not necessarily lead to better results, as the body self-regulates its nitric oxide production.
The Importance of Nitric Oxide in Human Physiology
Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential and indispensable nutrient needed for human physiology. It has been used for thousands of years to preserve meat by converting nitrate to nitrite, preventing foodborne pathogens and lipid oxidation. Nitrite also plays a crucial role in human physiology by preventing conditions associated with nitric oxide deficiency like heart attack, stroke, vascular intervention, and diabetes. Nitrite can be obtained from cured meats that contain added sodium nitrite or from fresh meat of grass-fed cows that have consumed nitrate-rich grass.
The Role of Balanced Diet and Individual Variations in Nitric Oxide Production
Achieving optimal nitric oxide production requires a balanced diet that includes both animal proteins/meats and green leafy vegetables. The carnivore diet alone does not provide sufficient nitrates and nitrites for nitric oxide production, emphasizing the importance of a diverse food population. Individual variations in nitric oxide production can be influenced by genetics, with certain genetic variations affecting the enzymatic pathways involved. Additionally, aging can impact nitric oxide production, making it important to ensure an adequate supply from both diet and sunlight exposure.
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