You knew that? Your body is a vast and complex system of molecules that work together to sustain life. Every cell, no matter how small, plays an important role in the overall system. One of the key players in the realm of blood circulation is nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in the transport of nutrients and blood to various organs of the body. This key molecule is one of the body’s most important vasodilators—a molecule that widens blood vessels to increase the volume of blood flow.
Healthy blood flow is essential for the healthy functioning of organs throughout the body. For example, it helps muscle soreness heal faster and also helps keep your brain sharp. It is also a signaling molecule that enhances immunity and nervous system responses.
In addition, the high bioavailability of nitric oxide also translates to better sexual health and performance. It is in men’s best interest to increase their nitric oxide levels for this reason, among many others.
Let’s look at the various benefits that NO provides to the body, as well as ways to increase nitric oxide levels in the body.
The sexual benefits of high levels of nitric oxide
Having healthy levels of nitric oxide can provide a person with many sexual benefits.
Here are a few ways nitric oxide can benefit one’s sexual health and performance.
- Helps improve blood flow: A penis needs a steady flow of blood to achieve an erection. NO directly affects this by dilating blood vessels to allow more blood to enter the erectile tissues, helping people with normal DM to get stable erections.
- Increases the desire for sex: Older people and people with health problems find it more difficult to become sexually aroused than healthy and younger people. Nitric oxide supplements like l-citrulline can boost nitric oxide in the body and normalize libido levels.
- It reduces the frequency of premature ejaculation: An Andrology Study reported that men with a low frequency of nitric oxide synthesis are more likely to experience premature ejaculation than men with healthy levels. Therefore, NO may help reduce the risk of ejaculation.
- Increases Testosterone Levels: Another study reported that nitric oxide and testosterone work hand in hand to induce erection through nitric oxide synthase. Having stable NO levels allows the body to use free, bioavailable testosterone and allows the body to reap the benefits of healthy testosterone levels, such as improved muscle mass and other enhancements to male characteristics.
- Improves sexual stamina: Nitric oxide enhances stamina and endurance due to its ability to transport blood and oxygen to various parts of the body. This reaches the sexual organs and the heart, giving you the energy reserves to satisfy your sexual desires to the best possible extent.
- Supports health in general: NO benefits the entire body system—from your brain and heart to your tissues and bones. This means it can reduce your chance of suffering from chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. These conditions are some of the many that can affect sexual function, so preventing them by improving NO levels is a good call.
Signs of reduced nitric oxide production
Nitric oxide deficiency is common in the elderly, but it can affect anyone. The reason it affects older people more is because the body is unable to produce as much nitric oxide naturally due to the aging process.
If you are deficient in NO, you can look to supplements like the amino acid supplement l-arginine to boost your nitric oxide levels.
But first, it’s important to look at the signs that your nitric oxide production is low. Your body may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic depression
- Hypertension
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Atherosclerosis
- Increased blood sugar
- Narrow blood vessels
- Muscle pain
- Slow wound healing
- Erectile dysfunction
To make sure you’re not dealing with another condition (as symptoms can overlap), consider speaking with a medical professional to discuss the top men’s health issues that may help diagnose your condition.
How to increase nitric oxide
Want to boost your body’s nitric oxide production? In addition to clinical treatment, there are many ways to improve nitric oxide synthase activity.
Let’s look at three of the best ways to increase NO2 levels.
1. Eat vegetables rich in nitrates
Dietary nitrates are found in many of your everyday greens, such as spinach, lettuce, watercress and arugula.
The body converts nitrates into nitric oxide, so don’t skip these vegetables on your plate.
Additionally, these dietary nitrates can also lower blood pressure, which can help maintain healthy blood circulation in your body.
2. Eat Food Rich in Antioxidants
Nitric oxide must be constantly replenished as it reacts and breaks down in the bloodstream quite often. And the best way to replenish your nitric oxide stores is to eat the right nutrients.
Typically, foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and polyphenols are very effective in helping the body maintain nitric oxide levels. Food categories rich in these nutrients include fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains.
3. Exercise regularly
One of the major damages of untreated NO deficiency is the degradation of the endothelial cells that line the bloodstream. This condition, known as endothelial dysfunction, can increase the risk of different types of heart disease.
To combat this problem, it is important to do regular cardiovascular exercises such as jogging and swimming. These activities can help your body maintain the health of its cells, as well as create the right environment to increase nitric oxide production.
Get medical support in Cincinnati at Ohio’s premier men’s health clinic
Nitric oxide is an essential molecule that plays many important functions in the body. It is also susceptible to decline as a person goes through the aging process, wreaking havoc on their health along the way.
To mitigate the harmful effects of NO deficiency, it is important to follow the right lifestyle and undergo the right treatment. The doctors at Proactive Men’s Medical Center can help you create a customized plan to minimize the harmful effects of NO deficiency and more.
In addition, they also offer a healthy list of treatment options including (but not limited to): DM treatment, low testosterone treatment, adrenal fatigue treatment, RestoreWave treatment and more.
Are you ready to take the next step to boost your health? Make an appointment with us today, your initial consultation and first treatment is completely free.
