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Home >
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Supplement Articles |
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NITRIC OXIDE
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
What is Nitric Oxide and why is it important in the body? |
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NITRIC OXIDE |
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| Nitric Oxide supports cardiovascular health & so much more! |
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Perhaps one of the most well-known and scientifically proven benefits of nitric oxide production in the body is it's effect on cardiovascular health. Nitric oxide (NO) is also known as Endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF). It is called this because the endothelium (inner lining) of the blood vessels use NO to signal surrounding smooth muscle to relax. This causes vasodilation and increases blood flow (and oxygen flow) throughout the body. |
One of the initial effects of arteriosclerosis is damage to the endothelial lining, which exposes the vessels to harmful circulating cells. Nitric oxide released by the endothelium also works to prevent red blood cells from sticking together, or aggregating, and attaching to the vessel wall, helping to prevent and treat angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), congestive heart failure and so much more.
What does this have to do with Viagra?
There are a number of pharmaceutical medications that use NO as their mechanism of action. Viagra and Nitroglycerin are two of the more well-known products that do this. Theoretically, anything that acts as a vasodilator is increasing blood flow to all parts of the body, including the penis, and therefore enhancing one's ability to achieve and maintain erection. Nitroglycerin converts to nitric oxide in the body, again causing vasodilation, which allows for a reduction of the force the heart must exert to pump the same amount of blood. This reduction leads to decreased pain and tightness in the chest, as seen in angina.
Other benefits of NO
The powers of NO do not stop with vasodilation. Individuals with atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension and even depression have all been shown to have impaired NO pathways. In the immune system, nitric oxide is generated by phagocytes. NO is toxic to bacteria, causing DNA damage and preventing bacteria from replicating. NO also has the potential to decrease symptoms of arthritis. By increasing circulation, NO can also decrease nerve and joint inflammation thereby decreasing pain. Given the ability of NO to cause vasodilation and enhance circulation, it also reasonable to believe that NO delivers oxygen with great efficiency to muscle tissue (skeletal muscle, as well as smooth muscle and cardiac muscles), thus enhancing athletic performance and repair of skeletal muscle following exercise. For this reason Precursors of nitric oxide (L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, see below) are widely used in the world of body building and exercise performance enhancement.
Super cell signalling molecule (say that 10 times fast!)
Nitric oxide diffuses freely across cell membranes, enhancing transport and communication between cells. In this sense it is an excellent signalling molecule. Supplement companies have started including precursors to nitric oxide or forms of NO in combination with medicinal herbs , antioxidants, etc. as a means to enhance transport of medicinal substances between cells. By including a substance with nitric oxide, the argument is that you increase circulation, increasing oxygen and increasing transport of the medicinal substance to target areas/organs more efficiently and effectively.
How is NO made in the body: L-Arginine and L-Citrulline
Humans bio synthesize NO via a number of enzymatic processes (nitric oxide synthase) from the amino acid L-Arginine, combined with oxygen and NADPH. L-Citrulline is an L-Arginine precursor and therefore also has an effect on increasing NO production in the body.
L-Arginine and L-Citrulline are both non-essential amino acids, meaning they can be made from other amino acids in the body. Any impairment of the small bowel or of renal function can effect how effectively L-Arginine is produced in the body and in these individuals, especially, increasing dietary/supplemental requirements may be necessary.
Research has shown that L-Arginine has been shown to enhance immune function by supporting the thymus gland in production of T cells. On top of its nitric oxide related effect on erectile function, L-Arginine has also been shown to increase sperm count in men.
Don't forget about diet and lifestyle
There are natural ways that we can increase nitric oxide production in the body through diet and lifestyle, as well. Here are just a few...
• Eating a well balanced diet, low in saturated and trans fats.
• Mild to moderate daily exercise daily
• Smoking cessation
• Cellular nutrition via the consumption of antioxidant rich foods and/or supplements. |
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