Vitality Booster: The What, Why, and How of Nitric Oxide!

Nitric Oxide has been coming up in books and articles I’ve been reading for the past few months, enough so that I decided it was time to do a little research of my own to find out what all the hype was about.

I first heard of Nitric Oxide in a book about perimenopause. Then it started to appear in articles about meditation, fitness, and self-care. And low and behold, Dr. Joe has developed a Nitric Oxide supplement! There has got to be something to it for those of us who want to live our best lives, so here’s what I found.

Nitric Oxide is a molecule produced in the body with the help of a naturally occuring enzyme called Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS). Unfortunately, as we age the function of this enzyme decreases (often with the help of certain lifestyle behaviors). Although the natural production of Nitric Oxide decreases with age, we can always keep introducing this important molecule to our bodies through diet and supplementation.

Nitric Oxide is important in cell function, healthy blood pressure and insulin levels, and in supporting a strong immune system. Nitric Oxide improves circulation by relaxing the muscles of our blood vessels. Imagine widening the banks of a stream and watching the water flow stronger and more smoothly. That’s what happens in our vessels, which allows blood, oxygen, and nutrients to reach more cells in more areas of our body more efficiently. If we’re focusing on putting the good stuff in our body, let’s make sure it can get where it needs to go!

Here are a few ways to boost your Nitric Oxide, flooding your body with this vitalizing molecule:

Eat nitrate-rich vegetables. Spinach, lettuce, kale, celery, and other greens are converted to Nitric Oxide by a certain bacteria in your mouth (so cutting out the antiseptic mouthwash is also a must!).
Exercise and meditation. Exercise gets the blood flowing and meditation helps you relax. These results are also achieved by healthy Nitric Oxide levels, and in turn they support the maintenance of healthy Nitric Oxide levels. (It’s kind of a chicken and egg scenario.)
Have regular orgasms! During the plateau phase of sexual arousal, Nitric Oxide floods your body, helping you relax and get ready for orgasm. All the more reason not to rush things.
Take a Nitric Oxide supplement. With levels of Nitric Oxide decreasing as we age, including this supplement in your wellness regime is going to keep your blood vessels supple, therefore supporting the lifestyle behaviors mentioned above that will keep you healthy year after year.

This is by no means an exclusive list of the benefits of Nitric Oxide or how to get it in your body, but it’s a start. I learned enough through my research to incorporate Nitric Oxide boosters in my regular wellness routine. Green leafies and orgasms? Yes, please!