Why Experts Are Calling Nitric Oxide One Of The Most Important Molecules For Human Health
To kick off the launch of our new Advanced Blood Flow nitric oxide supplement, our Chief Science Officer Nicole Avena, PhD sat down with internationally recognized scientist and nitric oxide expert Dr. Nathan S. Bryan for an illuminating conversation on how nitric oxide can supercharge our health. They discussed the powerful connection between nitric oxide and our brain, how nitric oxide can help regulate blood flow, why experts are calling nitric oxide “one of the most important molecules for human health,” and more.
In case you missed the live conversation (watch the recording here!), we rounded up our top 7 takeaways from the event.
7 Takeaways From Dr. Nicole Avena’s Conversation With Nitric Oxide Expert Dr. Nathan S. Bryan
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide is a gas produced endogenously. Once produced, it only survives for less than a second. During that time, it binds to receptors, modifies proteins and enzymes, dilates blood vessels, kills viruses and bacteria, improves oxygen delivery to every organ and tissue in the body, and initiates a number of cell signaling events. Our body must continuously produce nitric oxide to function at its best. Unfortunately, the amount of nitric oxide we produce declines as we get older. By our 40s, we only make about 50% of the nitric oxide we need daily!
There Is No Standard Lab Or Blood Test For Determining Nitric Oxide Levels
Unlike cholesterol or vitamin D, there is no standard lab or blood test for determining nitric oxide status – because it’s an unstable gas, it’s gone too quickly to measure! To determine if you’re low in nitric oxide, experts look at the symptomatology.
Signs you could be nitric oxide deficient include:
- Sexual dysfunction and low libido
- Unsafe elevation in blood pressure
- Cognitive issues
- Memory problems
- Low energy levels
- Decreased stamina
- Slow recovery times after exercising
- Endothelial dysfunction
Nitric Oxide Is One Of The Most Important Molecules Produced In The Human Body
The 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to North American scientists, Dr. Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro, and Ferid Murad, for their discoveries in relation to nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.
Nitric Oxide Is Critical To Brain Health
Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It’s involved in learning, memory, and adult neurogenesis, and is considered a vital vasoactive molecule needed for cerebral blood flow and brain activity. When our nitric oxide levels are low, our brain function can suffer.
While The Science Of Nitric Oxide Is Complex, Improving Your Levels Is Simple
To improve your nitric oxide levels, stop doing the things that inhibit nitric oxide production and start doing the things that promote it. Dr. Bryan recommends that you:
- Stop using mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste
- Stop using antacids
- Stop eating high-carbohydrate meals
- Start exercising for 20-30 minutes a day
- Start eating more green leafy vegetables like arugula and kale
- Start supplementing with a high-quality nitric oxide product
- Start getting at least 30 minutes of direct sunlight per day
- Start drinking good clean filtered water every day (at least 2 quarts per day)
Stop Using Mouthwash And Fluoride Toothpaste!
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to your overall health, but mouthwash use has been shown to kill the good nitric oxide producing bacteria, cause your blood pressure to increase, as well as eradicate the benefits of exercise. Fluoride is an antiseptic, neurotoxin, and may disrupt normal thyroid function. According to Dr. Bryan, if you want healthy nitric oxide levels, stop using mouthwash and fluoride.
Not All Nitric Oxide Supplements Are Created Equal
While a high-quality nitric oxide supplement can restore nitric oxide production, not all nitric oxide supplements are created equal. If you are considering adding a nitric oxide supplement to your nutritional regimen, make sure it’s based in science and medical data, tested for quality, and formulated to target the root cause of circulatory issues in the body.
What were your top takeaways from the live event? Comment below! For more science-driven conversations on brain health and wellness, join us on Instagram @brainmdhealth.
At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients and standardized herbal ingredients to support your overall well-being. For more information about our new Advanced Blood Flow nitric oxide supplement and full list of products, please visit us at BrainMD.
About Dr. Nathan S. Bryan:
Dr. 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. 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 tenure as faculty and independent investigator at UT, his research focused on drug discovery through screening natural product libraries for active compounds. His nine years at UT led to several discoveries which have resulted in over a dozen issued US and international patents and many more pending worldwide.
Dr. Bryan has been involved in nitric oxide research for the past 18 years and has made many seminal discoveries in the field. These discoveries and findings have transformed the development of safe and effective functional bioactive natural products in the treatment and prevention of human disease and may provide the basis for new preventive or therapeutic strategies in many chronic diseases. Dr. Bryan has published a number of highly cited papers and authored or edited 5 books. He is an international leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry.
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is mouthwash without fluoride ok?