Why Almost Everything You've Heard About Nitric Oxide Is Wrong - And What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

There’s a new buzzword in the health world: Nitric Oxide (NO). Everyone says it’s the next big thing for heart health, workout recovery, and even brainpower. But here’s the twist: most people are getting it wrong. That’s what I discovered after talking to nine top health experts—some with decades of experience—who all said the same shocking thing: we’ve oversimplified nitric oxide’s role in the body.

I’m Steve Moreland, a long-time wellness researcher, host of The Natural Upgrade podcast, and founder of Nature’s Pure Blend. Over the past few weeks, I interviewed specialists with a range of letters after their names—M.D., D.C., Ph.D., N.D., Psy.D.—including Dr. Middleton, Ph.D. (Nutritional Biochemistry), Dr. Peters, Ph.D. (Exercise Physiology), Dr. Fair, M.D. (General Practice), Dr. Trevisan, D.C. (Chiropractic Medicine), Dr. Gavalas, N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor), Dr. Habib, M.D. (Family Medicine), Dr. Lemmon, N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor), Dr. Usman, M.D. (Internal Medicine), and Dr. Eastlick, Psy.D. (Clinical Psychology).

These experts don’t agree on everything, but they DO agree on one crucial point: Nitric Oxide is vital, and we’re missing its whole story.

Backed by Science, Trusted by Experts

Brought to you by Nature’s Pure Blend By Steve Moreland, Long-time Wellness Researcher and Host of The Natural Upgrade Podcast

Wait, Why Should You Care?

You might think, “I’m not a scientist, so why should I bother?” If you want better workouts, more energy, or improved focus, nitric oxide is your friend. If you have high blood pressure, low energy, or struggle with staying motivated—again, nitric oxide could help. But the real trick is using it the right way.

Ready to see if you’ve been led astray? Keep reading—because some doctors say certain forms of nitric oxide might do more harm than good in the wrong person. You’ll be shocked when you discover which supplement is best for you, your loved ones, or your clients.

Inside Nitric Oxide: The Contrarian View

Quick Nitric Oxide 101

Nitric oxide (NO) is a tiny molecule that helps your blood vessels relax. A relaxed blood vessel means better circulation, lower blood pressure, and more oxygen to muscles and organs. While that sounds simple, the ways we get NO into our bodies aren’t all created equal.

“Think of nitric oxide like a bridge. If your body can’t build it, traffic jams happen in your bloodstream,” says Dr. Middleton, Ph.D. (Nutritional Biochemistry).

But here’s where it gets controversial. People often say you should just load up on beets or pop some amino acid capsules and call it a day. According to the experts, that’s a very one-size-fits-all approach—and your size might not be the same as your neighbor’s.

Beets vs. Amino Acids: The Great Debate

If you’re new to the conversation, you’ve probably heard about two ways to boost nitric oxide:

1. Beetroot Supplements (like powders or capsules)

• High in nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide via oral bacteria.

2. L-Arginine / L-Citrulline (amino acids)

• Converted into NO by an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS).

According to Dr. Peters, Ph.D. (Exercise Physiology), beets can be a straightforward way to get nitrates. But if you have cardiovascular disease or hypertension, you might need a more robust approach—like pairing beets with specific amino acids.

Meanwhile, Dr. Fair, M.D. (General Practice), often sees good patient results when patients combine L-citrulline with a healthy diet. She warns that if someone already takes blood pressure medication, they should consult a doctor before taking heavy beet supplementation—their blood pressure could drop too low.

“People with pre-diabetes might handle beets better than they think,” notes Dr. Gavalas, Naturopathic Doctor. “But they should always watch their sugar intake. Even natural sugars count.”

Dr. Habib, M.D. (Family Medicine) adds that for diabetic patients, amino acids are typically a safer bet if you’re worried about carb spikes from beet products.

Who Should Take Which Route?

Let’s break this down. Remember, this is general info, not medical advice:

No Hypertension, No Diabetes:

• Beet Supplements: Great for energy, stamina, and everyday blood pressure support.

• L-Arginine/L-Citrulline: Excellent for gym performance, stamina, and mental focus.

With Hypertension:

• Beet Supplements: Excellent for lowering blood pressure (check with a doctor).

• L-Arginine/L-Citrulline: Helpful too, but might be less effective if heart health is significantly compromised.

No Hypertension, but Pre-Diabetic:

• Beet Supplements: Watch sugar content, but offers potential vascular benefits.

• L-Arginine/L-Citrulline: A good option to avoid extra carbs and can improve blood flow.

With Hypertension and Diabetes:

• Beet Supplements: Nitrates can help blood pressure, but watch carbs and consult a doctor.

• L-Arginine/L-Citrulline: A more controlled approach with fewer carbs, depending on endothelium health.

Voices from the Medical Field

• “L-arginine can help, but it needs a healthy endothelium,” says Dr. Trevisan, D.C. (Chiropractic Medicine).

• “For advanced diabetes, you might need a more robust approach that includes lifestyle changes,” adds Dr. Lemmon, N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor).

• “Blood sugar spikes from sweetened beet powders are a concern, but sugar-free versions can be a great alternative,” notes Dr. Usman, M.D. (Internal Medicine).

• “When your body’s under stress—like from a tough workout or mental burnout—nitric oxide can be a game changer for recovery and focus,” says Dr. Eastlick, Psy.D. (Clinical Psychology).

Nature’s Pure Blend Products

1. Nature’s Beets (Beet Capsules) or Liquid Beets (Beet Powder)

• Delivers concentrated nitrate from beets

• Great for those looking for a natural source of antioxidants and nutrients

• Helpful if you want to support blood pressure and get that gentle, day-long energy

2. Nitric Oxide Flow or Liquid Nitric Oxide

• Nitric Oxide Flow: Combines 250 mg of L-citrulline, 250 mg of L-citrulline malate (1:1), 500 mg of L-arginine, and 500 mg of L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate per serving

• Liquid Nitric Oxide: Combines

  L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 1,500 mg, L-Arginine Hydrochloride 1,500 mg, L-Citrulline 1,000 mg, L-Citrulline Malate 1,000 mg per serving

• Perfect for pre-workout or anyone wanting a steady pump and stamina boost

• A good choice if you have to watch your sugar/carb intake (like in pre-diabetes or diabetes)

  
  

Dr. Fair, M.D. reminded me, “If you’re on multiple heart medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before stacking too many nitrate sources.” Even something as healthy as beets can become an issue if combined with certain medications.

Recommendations and Next Steps

1. Start Slowly and Monitor

If you’re healthy (no hypertension, no diabetes):

• Nature’s Beets or Liquid Beets once daily can help with mild blood pressure and steady energy levels.

• Nitric Oxide Flow is great for heavier workouts or extra stamina.

If you’re dealing with hypertension:

• Nature’s Beets or Liquid Beets may offer more pronounced blood pressure support.

• Consider adding Nitric Oxide Flow if your doctor approves, especially to help with workouts.

If you’re pre-diabetic or diabetic:

• If your blood sugar is well-controlled, you might safely use beet products—but keep track of total carbs.

• Nitric Oxide Flow has no added sugar, so it might be the safer bet for consistent NO production.

2. The Power of Self-Experimentation

The key is to test, observe, and adjust. If your energy spikes or your blood pressure is too low, dial down the dosage.

If you’re feeling good but want more stamina, consider combining a small dose of beets with your amino acids for a dual-pathway NO boost.

About the Author: Steve Moreland

I’m Steve Moreland, your curious explorer in the world of natural health and wellness. I’ve spent over a decade examining how simple nutritional tweaks can lead to big changes in energy, vitality, and longevity. I’m not a doctor—I’m a researcher, an author, and the host of The Natural Upgrade podcast. My mission? To cut through the noise and bring you science-backed insights in a way that’s easy to understand.

Along the way, I’ve interviewed a range of doctors and researchers:

• Dr. Middleton, Ph.D. (Nutritional Biochemistry)

• Dr. Peters, Ph.D. (Exercise Physiology)

• Dr. Fair, M.D. (General Practice)

• Dr. Trevisan, D.C. (Chiropractic Medicine)

• Dr. Gavalas, N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor)

• Dr. Habib, M.D. (Family Medicine)

• Dr. Lemmon, N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor)

• Dr. Usman, M.D. (Internal Medicine)

• Dr. Eastlick, Psy.D. (Clinical Psychology)

My conversations with these experts have inspired new product lines at Nature’s Pure Blend, including Nature’s Beets, Liquid Beets, and Nitric Oxide Flow. Each formula is designed to address your unique health goals—whether you’re managing blood pressure, boosting athletic performance, or supporting healthy blood sugar.

I believe in direct, no-nonsense communication. If something’s too complex to explain to a sixth-grader, it needs rethinking. I keep everything honest, approachable, and, most importantly, actionable.

Thank you for reading. Remember: with a bit of curiosity, you can truly upgrade your health naturally.

Click this link to get more detailed information at Nature’s Pure Blend.

If you have more questions, check out the tips, tricks, and techniques to unleash your best self naturally. Tune into our podcast, where we interview medical professionals, wellness coaches, and fitness experts. Check out The Natural Upgrade on YouTube or Spotify. You might find the answer that saves your health... and maybe your life.

Disclaimer:

This article is based on experiences, research, and transcripts from interviews with healthcare professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are being treated for cardiovascular or other health issues, talk to your doctor before making changes to your supplements or diet.

(© 2024 Nature’s Pure Blend. All rights reserved.)

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