Nitric oxide is a vasodilator or a compound that relaxes and widens your arteries and veins.
The endothelial cells that line your blood vessels produce nitric oxide. Enzymes called nitric oxide synthase make nitric oxide from the amino acid called l-arginine. This process requires oxygen and micronutrients—both of which are important for healthy circulation.
Having poor circulation makes it difficult for cells to produce nitric oxide, and herein lies the problem. To optimize circulation, you need healthy nitric oxide levels, but to optimize nitric oxide production, you need healthy circulation.
The rest of this video will explain how you can get out of this vicious cycle of low-nitric-oxide poor circulation.
Besides circulation support, nitric oxide is essential for a functional immune system, relaying nerve signals and reducing inflammation.
The micro vessels in the body, which make up 74% of the entire vascular system, rely on nitric oxide to deliver oxygen and nutrition to the heart and the rest of the body.
When there isn’t enough nitric oxide, circulation decreases and results in the symptoms mentioned earlier.
Next, let’s look at the vitamins that improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels.
We use the word vitamins broadly to include natural compounds like amino acids and antioxidants.
Let’s begin with our Number 7. L-arginine.
As mentioned previously, l-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide in the body. When you increase the amount of l-arginine available to cells that produce nitric oxide, they produce more.
However, l-arginine alone may not be enough to have sustained effects in dilating blood vessels. After you turn 45, your digestive system has a harder time converting l-arginine into nitric oxide.
So, just taking an l-arginine supplement, or eating protein-rich foods that contain l-arginine, like fish, red meat, poultry, soybeans, whole grains, beans, and dairy products, may not have much effect on nitric oxide levels. The solution is to combine this amino acid with the next nutrient.
Recent Articles
The ring you choose reflects your personality.
Pecan Cream Pie
Cases are on the rise
