Health line nitric oxide
Though focus since 2020 has been primarily on deaths from Covid, cardiovascular disease by far remains the leading cause of death in the world. There are many reasons people develop cardiovascular disease: poor diet, obesity, sleep apnea, unmanaged stress and many more things.
What I like to focus on is what we can do to prevent heart disease naturally, and most of them are the exact opposite of the causes of cardiovascular disease. But one idea you may not be familiar with that is essential for a healthy heart, a happy mind, good overall circulation and healthy sexual function is a molecule called nitric acid.
According to Healthline, Nitric Oxide promotes blood flow throughout the body and helps prevent red blood cells from sticking together which can create blockages. Its most important function is vasodilation, meaning it relaxes the inner muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to widen and increase circulation. That increased circulation lets blood, nutrients and oxygen move more freely through the body.
5 ways to Increase your Nitric Oxide Naturally
As with most things that might benefit your health, there are always medications or supplements that say they’ll do the work. but in many cases your body knows what to do if given the right material. Here are 5 actions you can take that will increase your body’s production of this vital molecule:
Eat vegetables
Yes, we always hear about vegetables, but in this case, there are certain vegetables that are especially good at stimulating the production of nitric oxide. They are the vegetables with natural nitrates in them, and include lettuce, arugula, spinach, watercress and celery.
Antioxidants
These help extend the viability of your nitric oxide. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains have them. Some antioxidants are Vitamins C and E, polyphenols and glutathione.
Avoid mouthwash
Mouthwash is antibacterial, and when used regularly will destroy the good bacteria in your mouth that protects your teeth and gums. Mouthwash can prevent the production of nitric oxide for as long as 12 hours after use.
Exercise
Exercise promotes the production of nitric oxide which in turn opens blood vessels for better flow through the body, including the heart.