Nitric oxide is a very important Molecule for the human body. It is essential to both mental health and physical health. It is the job of nitric oxide to do a couple of things. Basically, the nitric oxide is able to penetrate through the smooth muscle tissues and thereby allow vasodilation which is the opening of the arteries and allowing more blood flow. In turn, helping the body to get more nutrients and oxygen to the cell to better help your performance and help with the overall way we feel.

Who is at risk of nitric oxide deficiency? Here are a few types of people who are at risk of nitric oxide deficiency. People with High blood pressure, Diabetics, people suffering from depression, and people experiencing low workout stamina and endurance.

High blood pressure

According to the American heart association about one in three people have high blood pressure. About 20% of people don't even realize they have it. 70% of people are receiving treatment, and only about 50% of those people are adequately controlled according to guidelines that are established from the blood pressure control. (1)

NO is a vasodilator. It helps to regulate your blood pressure levels. There are about 50% of Americans are being treated for high blood pressure. By understanding the possible benefits of NO that could help to prevent high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke we can start to stop the number one killer of both men and women worldwide. (2)

Diabetics

People with diabetes could benefit from Nitric oxide. There is one study that determined nitric oxide production can be inhibited by type 2 diabetes. When the production of nitric oxide leads to additional ailments such as kidney disease and heart disease. As a result, some people take nitric oxide to help prevent or manage diabetes. (3)   

Depression

There are several studies that show evidence nitric oxide has a prominent role in the pathogenesis of major depression. Nitric oxide modulates norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, the major neurotransmitters involved in the neurobiology of major depression. Nitric oxide-based antidepressants could possibly be the future drug of choice for major depression, and possibly in the treatment of pharmacoresistant depression. (4)

Low workout stamina and endurance

 Nitrate has been shown to improve exercise performance in cyclists, runners, swimmers, and even kayakers. Studies have shown that people using nitric oxide can increase overall performance by allowing people to exercise up to 20% longer than average giving time for more results. This helps promote a healthy heart and healthy blood flow. (5)

There was a study done by the University of Exeter that shows the significance of nitric oxide. The study was done with beet juice which is high in nitrate which converts to nitric oxide. There were 8 test subjects and the study was performed over a span of 6 days. (6)

The test subjects were given 500ml of beet juice before an intense cycling workout. The same subjects were also tested with a placebo. 

The conclusion of the study showed that when the test subjects consumed the beet juice, they found that there was a 49% increase in nitrate levels and a 19% increase in oxygen uptake to the cell. Meaning that their workouts were 19% easier. Then they also found that they lasted 16% longer in their workouts because the cells were not getting tired and they were able to get more oxygen. (7)

If you are experiencing any of these conditions or symptoms, you may want to look into nitric oxide as a boost in your body. The nice thing about differences is that we can narrow them down to what we need and correct them.