Nitric Oxide

Nitric Oxide, abbreviated NO, naturally occurs in our body and is very important to many biochemical pathways in our bodies. These pathways include:

• Cardiovascular regulation of blood pressure
• Relaxation of important vessels of the heart
• Prevention of platelet aggregation and development of blood clots
• Neurotransmitter for cell to cell communication
• Increasing blood flow to the brain
• Improving erectile dysfunction
• Dilating lung vessels
• Regulating the control of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system
• Increasing blood flow to the kidneys
• Modulating t-cell immune system

It’s important to note this is nitric oxide and not the laughing gas called nitrous oxide.  Thus, there are very few systems in our body that are not dependent upon nitric oxide.  As we age, however, a naturally occurring enzyme called Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) decreases and we slowly lose the ability to convert the amino acid L-Arginine to nitric oxide. The result is a steady decline of nitric oxide in our bodies as we age and the development of specific disease states. These effects may include:

• Hypertension
• Angina and Heart Attacks
• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots
• Dementia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Constipation
• Kidney failure
• Chronic infections

The above list is an accurate description of what happens as many people age. One could hypothesize that the deficiency of nitric oxide may be one of the most important causes of these problems of aging.  In fact, one of the most common drugs prescribed to elderly patients include nitroglycerin tablets and Viagra™, and they work because they correct the deficiency of nitric oxide in our bodies.

We also suggest using nitric oxide supplementation for the first three months after any stem cell therapy, due to evidence that nitric oxide may have a positive effect on progenitor stem cells which are found in abundance in bone marrow stem cell treatments.⁽⁶⁾ 

Nitric Oxide can be naturally increased in our bodies through:

• Moderate regular exercise
• Avoidance of antibacterial mouthwashes since normal bacteria in our mouth help convert foods into nitric oxide
• Avoidance of smoking
• Increase of foods with inorganic nitrates such as kale, beets, and spinach

However, despite living healthy with regular exercise and healthy green diets, individuals may still have continued reduction in the production of nitric oxide as they age every day.  Not all kale and spinach or even beets have a reliable and continued source of nitrates.

Not everyone has a deficiency of nitric oxide; in fact, a simple saliva test can prove if you are deficient.  Thus, as a prospective patient, you will be assured that you actually have a deficiency prior to investing in a deficiency treatment program. The same test can be used after correcting the deficiency to determine if the therapy is working.  We normally suggest taking the free test in our office and repeating this in about three months after taking the nitric oxide supplements.

We use the only professionally developed nitric oxide supplement, called Neo-40™.  Dr. Nathan Bryan at the University of Texas Health Science Center helped to develop this product with numerous physiologic tests to ensure the purity and effectiveness of this supplement. During the first month of treatment, this professional quality supplement sells for $99 and after the first month, the cost is $50/mo.   If you would like to be tested for nitric oxide or if you would like to learn more, schedule a CONSULTATION.