At Balanced Body Health and Wellness, we’re always exploring ways to bring out the best in our bodies. One of the ways we do this is through supplementation. When monitored by a qualified healthcare provider, supplements can be a safe and effective way to boost overall wellness. One of our favorites is nitric oxide. It’s long been a favorite in the athletic community due to its performance enhancing qualities. But it offers so much more than that! Let’s take a closer look at what nitric oxide supplements can do for the body.
What Is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring molecule produced in the body. It is a gas molecule made up of one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. It acts as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the inner muscles of blood vessels, causing them to widen and increase circulation. This process supports better oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body, contributing to heart health, cognitive function, muscle performance, and sexual health.
What Do Nitric Oxide Supplements Do?
Nitric oxide supplements help support the body’s natural production of NO. Higher levels of NO contribute to a number of important physiological functions, many of these related to NO’s vasodilating effect. These include:
Enhanced Blood Flow and Circulation
Again, nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it widens the blood vessels. This can:
- Improve blood flow throughout the body.
- Lower blood pressure in some individuals.
- Enhance delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and organs.
Improved Exercise Performance
Many athletes use NO supplements for:
- Increased endurance: Better oxygen delivery can delay fatigue.
- Improved muscle pumps: Enhanced blood flow can lead to more noticeable muscle swelling during workouts.
- Faster recovery: Nutrient delivery post-workout may be accelerated, aiding in recovery.
Better Cognitive Function
There is some evidence that better circulation—especially to the brain—may help with:
- Focus and mental clarity.
- Potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline over time (though more research is needed).
Heart Health
NO production is linked to cardiovascular health. By promoting better blood flow and reducing arterial stiffness, NO supplements may:
- Reduce risk factors for heart disease.
- Help manage hypertension.
Improved Sexual Health and Erectile Function
Because of its effects on blood flow, NO is a key player in erectile function. Supplements may:
- Help men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
- Enhance libido in some cases.
Non-Vasodilating Benefits of Nitric Oxide
In addition to the above listed benefits, which are related to enhanced circulation, nitric oxide may also have secondary health benefits:
- Improved mitochondrial efficiency: May enhance how efficiently cells use oxygen, which greatly affects overall efficiency.
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress: NO may act as a cellular signaling molecule, influencing immune response and reducing free radical damage.
- Neurotransmitter modulation: Some NO pathways affect brain function and mood.
How Do Nitric Oxide Supplements Work?
Nitric oxide supplements do not actually contain any nitric oxide, which is a gas and cannot be ingested. Rather, they contain ingredients that stimulate the body’s natural production of NO.
Most NO supplements rely on one or more of the following ingredients:
1. L-Arginine
- An amino acid that acts as a direct precursor to nitric oxide.
- In the body, L-arginine is converted into nitric oxide by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
- However, its effectiveness is sometimes limited due to poor bioavailability—it’s rapidly broken down in the digestive system.
2. L-Citrulline
- Another amino acid that gets converted into L-arginine in the kidneys.
- More bioavailable than L-arginine, meaning it can lead to higher sustained NO levels over time.
- Commonly found in watermelon and often preferred in supplements.
3. Nitrates
- These are dietary nitrates that are reduced to nitrites in the mouth and then converted into nitric oxide in the body.
- Especially effective in low-oxygen or high-acidity conditions (like during intense exercise).
While nitric oxide can support these concerns, it’s important to remember that underlying health issues, especially hormonal imbalances, should be addressed. For example, if you’re taking nitric oxide for low libido, a full hormone panel may be necessary to determine whether testosterone or estrogen imbalance is contributing to your symptoms.
Are There Any Dietary Sources of Nitric Oxide?
Several foods can naturally support nitric oxide production. Incorporating these into your diet can help maintain healthy nitric oxide levels without the need for supplements in some cases.
- Beets and beetroot juice
- Spinach and leafy greens
- Citrus fruits
- Poultry and seafood
- Garlic
- Dark chocolate
- Nuts and seeds
- Pomegranate
- Watermelon
- Red wine
Is It Okay to Take Nitric Oxide Daily?
In many cases, taking nitric oxide supplements daily can be safe, especially when used as directed. However, you should always consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and, as such, vary significantly in quality and efficacy. A healthcare provider can recommend high-quality, third-party vetted supplements for the best response.
Also remember that, while nitric oxide may improve symptoms like low libido or erectile dysfunction, supplements aren’t a cure. A comprehensive wellness approach that includes hormone testing and lifestyle changes is often needed for lasting results.
Are There Any Side Effects of Nitric Oxide?
While generally well tolerated, nitric oxide supplements can sometimes cause:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Heart palpitation
- Headaches
- Bloating
Again, consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplementation.
Functional Medicine Omaha
At Balanced Body Health and Wellness, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to your health. As a functional medicine provider, we look at the whole picture, not just your symptoms. If you’re considering nitric oxide supplements for energy, performance, or sexual health, it is imperative to evaluate your overall wellness beforehand. Supplements should only be part of a tailored program that is monitored by a healthcare provider. Our Omaha functional medicine clinic can help you get to the root of your symptoms and develop a plan that supports you inside and out. Schedule a consultation today so we can get your health back on track.
