Nitric Oxide and Healthy Aging
When it comes to healthy aging, there are a lot of aspects that should be considered and taken care of. Meanwhile, scientists continue to research on key elements that help us get closer to the right healthy aging path, and nitric oxide is one of these key elements.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide is a colorless gas and also known as nitrogen monoxide. It is a free radical because it has single unpaired electrons in its molecule, making it reactive with a half-life of only a few seconds. In the laboratories, nitric oxide is made from reducing nitric acid. While it is considered an environmental air pollutant, in the human body it is a significant molecule!
The Function of Nitric Oxide in the Human Body
Nitric Oxide reportedly plays various roles in the following systems of the human body:
- Cardiovascular system
- Nervous system
- Lungs
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Immune System
- Renal System
- Skin health
Some of its many functions in detail are:
- Relaxes vascular smooth muscles and reduces blood pressure
- Acts as a neurotransmitter. Increases cerebral blood flow and oxygenation to the brain
- Dilates pulmonary vessels
- Regulates muscle relief
- Modulates T cell-mediated immune response
- Contains antimicrobial properties
The Importance of Nitric Oxide to Healthy Aging
A key element
Nathan Bryan, Ph.D., a top expert on nutrition science and nitric oxide and also a professor at the Baylor University School of Medicine in Houston wrote in his book published Functional Nitric Oxide Nutrition: Dietary Strategies to Prevent and Treat Chronic Disease that Nitric oxide is the secret to anti-aging. “Nitric Oxide is the most important molecules produced by humans. It controls and regulates most cellular functions. It is considered the “Holy Grail” in cardiovascular medicine. Loss of nitric oxide production, as we age, is what leads to chronic disease. Without healthy NO (Nitric Oxide) levels you cannot be healthy and prevent the diseases of aging.”, he says.
A vital skin-aging ingredient
Top medical doctors also recommend that Nitric Oxide should be a vital part of any anti-aging skin for women. According to Dr. Greg Chernoff, a triple Board Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, “No other skin product on the market today has been able to deliver bio-active nitric oxide gas which when produced immediately enhances the appearance of smooth and glowing skin, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging.”
He added that by improving vascularity, it improves the absorption and delivery of any topically applied product. Nitric oxide has visibly enhanced signs of skin aging that most patients present within 30 days as part of their research. There were improvement reports on the appearance of lines and wrinkles, the overall tone and texture of their skin, and diminished age spots as well as skin imperfections.
How do you keep a healthy supply of Nitric Oxide in your body?
Normally, humans produce nitric oxide by a couple of these processes. One is from the amino acid L-arginine by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), second is from inorganic nitrates in green leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals, and cured meat and the third is from the skin, which is capable of releasing nitric oxide in an enzyme independent manner.
However, we need to maximize health options too. Here are recommended ways to keep the NO flow sufficient while you go through the inevitable aging process:
- Eat vegetables that are high in Nitrate (celery, lettuce, spinach, beetroot, etc.)
- Use antioxidants and nitric-oxide-boosting supplements (our NMN cell revival’s formulation comes with ingredients such as RedNite which helps increase nitric oxide.)
- Exercise regularly for healthy blood flow, thus increasing the natural ability to produce nitric oxide.
