Nitric oxide is an essential element naturally produced in the body and is involved in various aspects of health. It opens up blood vessels for improved blood flow, it releases insulin and human growth hormones and helps with erectile dysfunction. Nitric oxide supplements may also be beneficial for increasing heart health. So let's dive into the various benefits of nitric oxide supplements.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas composed of nitrogen and oxygen that acts as a messenger in the body. If nitric oxide levels become too high, they can be toxic. (1) According to research, it improves the functioning of the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems. (2)
How Nitric Oxide Supplements Work
For our bodies to function correctly, neurotransmitters, the chemicals in our brain that communicate with the body, need nitric oxide. NO is a gas that acts like a neurotransmitter that sends signals between the nerve cells. It plays a vital role in the circulatory system and cardiovascular systems. We can increase nitric oxide by eating the right foods and taking supplements.
Benefits of Nitric Oxide
Due to the benefits of nitric oxide, it's become a popular supplementation category, and while the supplements don't contain nitric oxide, the compounds in the supplements increase our natural levels and provide various health benefits. The following are six benefits of increasing nitric oxide levels in the body.
Nitric Oxide Helps Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common for many men, especially as they hit their 30s and testosterone levels begin to drop. ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. (3)
The ability to achieve an erection requires sufficient blood flow to the penis. Increasing nitric oxide production relaxes the muscles and allows blood to flow into the penis to develop an erection, reducing the symptoms of ED. (4)
Popular supplements for ED are L-arginine and L-citrulline, which prove to be an even more effective way to treat erectile dysfunction when used with prescription medications such as Viagra and Sildenafil. (5)(6)
Lowers Blood Pressure
Individuals with high blood pressure may not be able to utilize nitric oxide efficiently, which causes blood to push against the artery walls, causing blood pressure to remain high. If blood pressure isn't controlled, it can lead to heart disease and kidney disease over time. (7)(8)
According to studies, (9) vegetables and fruits can significantly impact lowering blood pressure, leading to a lower risk of disease.
May Help Boost Fitness Performance
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that opens blood vessels for better blood flow. Athletes that want to maximize exercise performance take it to increase blood flow that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the muscles for extended workouts without fatigue. (10)
Helps with Muscle Soreness and Recovery
Muscle soreness can occur after a tough workout or when working new muscles during training. It typically sets in about 24 to 48 hours after working out and can be uncomfortable. (11) Citrulline, which is a form of L-citrulline, increases nitric oxide, which can reduce the soreness of the muscles. In a study, (12) subjects that received citrulline 40% reported less soreness than those who received a placebo.
May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Individuals with type 2 diabetes don't produce enough nitric oxide, which opens blood vessels that distribute oxygen throughout the body. When you can't make enough nitric oxide, issues such as blood pressure and heart disease, which are complications from diabetes, are increased. According to studies (13), taking nitric oxide supplements to increase nitric oxide can be beneficial for treating and preventing type 2 diabetes.
Reduced fatigue
Fatigue: Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply due to low NO levels can lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue. This lack of energy can also affect motivation and productivity. So boosting levels can potentially reduce fatigue.
Encourages Wound Healing
Nitric oxide promotes blood flow and immune function in wound healing. Low NO levels can slow the healing process, increasing the risk of infection and complications.
Cognitive Decline
NO deficiency can negatively impact brain function, leading to poor memory, concentration, and cognitive decline. These problems may affect work performance and quality of life. The is some evidence that NO can help slow memory loss and help maintain memory.
Weakened Immune System
Nitric oxide is essential for a properly functioning immune system, and a deficiency can make you more susceptible to infections. This increased vulnerability may lead to more frequent illnesses and longer recovery times.
Can You Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally With Foods
Nitric oxide is essential for various health issues, and while taking nitric oxide supplements can help boost health, certain foods can also help. They include:
Garlic
Garlic activates nitric oxide synthase, which is the enzyme that helps to convert nitric oxide from l-arginine. (14) Studies have shown that the ability of garlic to increase nitric oxide offers beneficial effects on health.
Leafy Greens
Vegetables such as kale, arugula, spinach, and other dark leafy greens contain nitrates which then convert into nitric oxide in the body. Eating them regularly helps to maintain levels in the blood and issues. (15)(16)
It doesn't take much to see the benefits. According to a study, one meal containing spinach increased nitrate levels significantly while decreasing blood pressure. (17) Greens are also beneficial for reducing the risks of heart disease and cognitive diseases. (18)
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate and cocoa contain flavonoids, which are naturally occurring compounds that provide various important health benefits. They increase the production of nitric oxide levels that promote heart health and reduce oxidative stress. (19) Due to increased blood flow, it's thought that dark chocolate reduces the risks of heart disease and increases brain function. (20)(21)
Beets
Studies show that consuming beetroot juice may increase nitric oxide levels by 21% within 45 minutes of drinking it. (22) This and other studies provide evidence that beetroot is a beneficial nitric oxide booster for both men and women. (23) Beets also have additional health benefits for improving cognitive function, heart health, and athletic performance. (24),
Meat, Chicken & Seafood
Meat, Seafood, and chicken are all great sources of CoQ10. According to studies (25), it also maintains nitric oxide in the body.
Do Nitric Oxide Supplements Have Side Effects
While generally safe, there are some side effects to be aware of. Taking supplements according to the proper dose is important to reduce the side effects. (26)(27) Side effects can include: (28)
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Dark urine
Not everyone will experience side effects, but it's important to consult a medical professional if you do.
TRT and Nitric Oxide
While it would seem logical to think increasing nitric oxide would help boost testosterone levels, it may be surprising to learn that increasing testosterone increases nitric oxide production.
Nitric oxide is vital because it sends messages to the brain to have blood vessels relax and dilate to allow your arteries to send enough blood throughout your body. When blood vessels are damaged, it interferes with nitric oxide production and can affect testosterone production.
Since testosterone repairs the cells in the blood vessels, it also increases nitric oxide production. When you suffer from low T, testosterone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes are a great way to increase nitric oxide. (29)
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has been shown to have a positive impact on nitric oxide levels in the body. TRT can enhance the production and release of nitric oxide, promoting better circulation and overall cardiovascular health. Increased nitric oxide levels can lead to improved endothelial function, reduced arterial stiffness, and enhanced exercise performance. Additionally, this boost in nitric oxide may also contribute to better erectile function in men.
Tired and lacking energy? It could be your hormones
There are many symptoms of low T, including erectile dysfunction, low energy levels and brain fog. Take our free assessment to see if low T could be part of the problem.
Conclusion: Benefits of Nitric Oxide Supplements
Nitric oxide is a crucial molecule that's vital for health. It helps promote blood flow, acts as a chemical messenger and provides benefits for athletic performance, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction and overall health. Eating a diet of healthy greens and fruits and including L-arginine and L-citrulline supplements can help to increase or maintain levels, as well as using TRT, which has many health-boosting benefits.
