#347: Why Nitric Oxide is the Key to Heart and Brain Health | Dr. Nathan Bryan
Jun 20, 2024
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Dr. Nathan Bryan discusses nitric oxide's role in heart and brain health, highlighting its decline with age and the link to diet. He explores the surprising connection between oral hygiene and nitric oxide levels. Topics include nutrient depletion in the standard diet, nitric oxide in mitochondrial function, and controversies surrounding nitrates in food.
Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is crucial for nitric oxide production, impacting systemic health and mitochondrial function.
Deep dives
Nitric Oxide's Vital Role in Health and Disease
Nitric oxide, a crucial molecule in the body, relaxes blood vessels, improves circulation, and supports the immune system. It serves as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system, neurotransmission, and the innate immune system. The fleeting nature of nitric oxide's production and its vital functions in vasodilation, memory, sports performance, and immune response underline its significance in overall health.
The Impact of Exercise and Diet on Nitric Oxide Production
Moderate exercise can stimulate nitric oxide production, promoting vasodilation and supporting cardiovascular health. The podcast highlights the relationship between the standard American diet, nutrient depletion in modern foods, and impaired nitric oxide synthesis. Dr. Bryan's emphasis on growing nutrient-dense, chemical-free foods as a solution to combat nutrient deficiencies and promote overall well-being.
The Connection Between Oral Microbiome, Nitric Oxide, and Health
The podcast discusses the essential role of the oral microbiome in nitric oxide production and its impact on health. Notably, disruptions in the oral microbiome, caused by practices like using mouthwash and fluoride-rich toothpaste, can lead to hypertension and systemic health issues. Dr. Bryan advocates for restoring the oral microbiome through microbiome-friendly products and the need to address the root cause of oral dysbiosis for improved health outcomes.
Impact of Nitric Oxide on Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and biogenesis. It regulates the electron transport chain, enhancing oxygen efficiency and ATP production per cycle in the Krebs cycle. By stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis, nitric oxide is essential for processes like intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, and activation of PGC1 alpha. Without the production of nitric oxide, cellular signaling pathways related to mitochondrial biogenesis are compromised, affecting energy generation.
Debunking Nitrate Myths in Cured Meats
Misconceptions surrounding nitrate-cured meats are addressed, highlighting the natural occurrence of nitrate and nitrite in the human body. The correlation between processed meats and cancer risk is reevaluated, considering the body's endogenous production of nitric oxide. The discussion challenges the traditional views on nitrate and nitrite induced cancer, emphasizing the importance of understanding the body's own nitric oxide production. The impact of dietary nitrates, myths surrounding nitrate in processed meats, and the necessity of nitric oxide in overall health are explored.
Dr. Nathan Bryan earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and his doctoral degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport where he was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research. He pursued his post-doctoral training as a Kirschstein Fellow at Boston University School of Medicine in the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute. After a two year post-doctoral fellowship, in 2006 Dr. Bryan was recruited to join faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston by Ferid Murad, M.D., Ph.D., 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology.
During his nine years at UT, Dr. Bryan focused on drug discovery, screening natural product libraries for active compounds. His research led to over a dozen US and international patents. Notably, he was the first to describe nitrite and nitrate as essential nutrients for cardiovascular health and demonstrated an endocrine function of nitric oxide. He discovered compositions that generate and restore nitric oxide in humans, validated by six clinical trials.
In this episode, we cover:
The role of nitric oxide in maintaining cardiovascular and brain health.
How nitric oxide production declines with age and its impact on chronic diseases.
The connection between nitric oxide and diet, highlighting the importance of vegetables.
The surprising link between oral hygiene and nitric oxide levels, and how mouthwash may harm your health.
The influence of nitric oxide on hormone regulation and sexual health.
Myths about nitrates in cured meats and their health effects.
The risks associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and their impact on nitric oxide production.
The role of nitric oxide in mitochondrial function and overall energy production.
Dr. Nathan Bryan's actionable tips for enhancing nitric oxide production through diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.
(00:00) Preview and Introduction (02:14) What is Nitric Oxide? (06:12) Impact of Nitric Oxide on Aging (08:20) Pathways of Nitric Oxide Production (14:01) Nitric Oxide and Alzheimer’s Disease (19:23) Challenges in Nitric Oxide Detection (22:32) Nitric Oxide and Erectile Dysfunction (28:01) Impact of Exercise on Nitric Oxide Production (31:22) Role of Oral Microbiome in Nitric Oxide Production (36:05) Fluoride Causes Health Issues? (41:25) Nitric Oxide Production Dependency
The Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman
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