FREE NITRIC OXIDE CHECK WITH DR. LEAH!
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that is naturally produced by the body, not to be confused with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It is most notable for its role in circulation and blood vessel health.
It is so important that it was named the Molecule of the Year in 1992 and in 1998, a Nobel Prize was given to the cardiovascular researchers of NO. One of several places it is produced is in the inner walls of the blood vessels, allowing for relaxation and better blood flow. It is also produced by the tongue when the nitrate in food is converted to nitric oxide by bacteria. In fact, fifty percent of our daily NO production is from our diet and oral bacteria. It is important to know that antiseptic mouthwash can kill the bacteria that do this conversion.
Not only is Nitric Oxide well known for promoting lean, strong muscles, strong bones and stamina with exercise, it also can improve sleep, decrease diabetes risk, promote brain health and improve healing and recovery after exercise. We are becoming more aware of the importance of a good night’s sleep and Nitric Oxide is especially important for deep, slow-wave sleep and rapid-eye-movement (REM) phases that play a role in learning, memory and mood.
Other symptoms of NO deficiency include depression, fatigue, memory loss, poor vision, erectile dysfunction and immune deficiency, to name a few.
Unfortunately, Nitric Oxide production begins to decline around age 30 and diminishes by about 20% every 10 years. This is particularly important to consider with aging, as estrogen, which also declines with age is needed for NO production.
Post menopausal women, who have a significant drop in estrogen, can then be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease by both the estrogen and NO decline.
Foods that contain nitrates and increase nitric oxide production include leafy greens like spinach, beets, pomegranate, celery, watermelon, pumpkin and citrus fruits. Beets are a particularly good source, however, high in sugar. Some people supplement with beet powder and chews to minimize sugar intake, while still getting the nutrients needed.
The good news is that a simple test strip with a drop of saliva can give you a good idea of what your levels are. Stop by, or make an appointment, to get tested and learn more about this very important molecule.
Guest Writer: Dr. Leah Griswold
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