EFR 796: Using Nitric Oxide to Reverse Diabetes, Save Newborns, Treat Viruses and Natural Ways to Boost Nitric Oxide Through Diet and Nasal Breathing with Dr. Louis Ignarro
Apr 15, 2024
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Dr. Louis Ignarro discusses the wonders of nitric oxide, including its impact on conditions like diabetes and erectile dysfunction. They cover the connection between diet, nasal breathing, and NO production. Additionally, they explore the potential of inhaled nitric oxide therapy for various medical conditions
Maintaining normal nitric oxide levels can lower the risk of developing diabetes.
Healthy nitric oxide levels play a critical role in erectile function.
Inhaled nitric oxide therapy shows promise in treating severe respiratory conditions like COVID-19.
Deep dives
Nitric Oxide and Pre-Diabetes
A deficiency in nitric oxide is linked to the development of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Maintaining normal nitric oxide levels can lower the risk of developing diabetes. Unhealthy lifestyles with poor diets and lack of physical activity are associated with decreased nitric oxide, impacting the body's defenses against diabetes.
Viagra and Erectile Dysfunction
Viagra does not cure erectile dysfunction but aids in achieving erections by mimicking nitric oxide function. Contrary to beliefs, there is little evidence of Viagra tolerance; rather, erectile dysfunction might worsen over time. Nitric oxide release from nerves plays a critical role in erectile function, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy nitric oxide levels.
Mediterranean Diet and Health
The Mediterranean diet, characterized by fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy proteins, is acclaimed as the healthiest diet. This diet promotes longevity, reduces cardiovascular risks, and supports overall well-being. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in the diet contribute to enhancing health and preventing diseases like cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
Nitric Oxide as an Antiviral Chemical
Nitric oxide is not only known for its vasodilator and bronchodilator properties but also for its effectiveness as an antiviral chemical. Studies have shown that inhaled nitric oxide treatment was used successfully in clinics and hospitals to combat COVID-19, with positive outcomes observed, such as patients not requiring ICU admission and giving birth to healthy babies. Despite the significant benefits observed in these clinical studies, the utilization of inhaled nitric oxide in treating COVID-19 was relatively low due to limited availability of machines and awareness, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective treatment option for severe respiratory conditions.
Role of Arginine and Citrulline in Nitric Oxide Production
Arginine and citrulline play crucial roles in boosting nitric oxide production in the body. These amino acids are essential in the synthesis of nitric oxide, with citrulline being more effective due to its greater bioavailability than arginine. Interestingly, when consumed, arginine is largely metabolized in the liver, limiting its conversion to nitric oxide. In contrast, citrulline bypasses liver metabolism, leading to higher nitric oxide production. Therefore, supplementing with citrulline proves to be more effective in enhancing nitric oxide levels, offering benefits such as improved exercise performance, circulation, and reduced muscle soreness in athletes.
Imagine the power of a simple molecule coursing through your veins, holding the key to longevity, peak performance, and a fortress-like defense against cardiovascular disease. Nobel Laureate Dr. Louis Ignarro returns to unveil the wonders of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule his research helped bring into the health spotlight. With insights into its impact on conditions from diabetes to erectile dysfunction, Dr. Ignarro discusses how NO isn't just a part of our biology—it's a vital protector of it.
This episode isn't just about groundbreaking science; it's a treasure trove of practical advice. We discover the astonishing connection between humming and NO levels and delve into how diet—from the antioxidant-rich Mediterranean diet to the scrutinized carnivore diet—plays a pivotal role in NO production. But it's not all about what you eat; we also cover the effects of nasal breathing techniques and why something as simple as mouth tape could revolutionize the way you sleep.
Lastly, we look to the horizon of medical innovation, where the potential for inhaled nitric oxide therapy shines bright—not just for newborns in distress but for severe COVID-19 cases and beyond. Dr. Ignarro's insights are a testament to the molecule's versatility, with possibilities extending into performance enhancement for athletes and the development of on-demand NO generation devices.
Listen to Dr. Ignarro on "The Discovery of Nitric Oxide, How it Prevents Heart Disease, Erectile Dysfunction, and Why It Is So Important for Our Overall Health" on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
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