By the time Alfred Nobel was 17 years of age, he was already speaking and writing in Swedish, Russian, French, English and German. As an adult, he invented dynamite. This invention, along with others, allowed him to have mass production in 90 different factories in more than 20 countries. By the time of his death, he had 355 patents and the wealth that would translate into approximately 250 million U.S. dollars today. In his last will and testament, Nobel stipulated that most of his estate should be converted into a fund to grant scientific prizes to those who have done their best for humanity in the field of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The Nobel Prizes are five separate prizes that, according to Alfred Nobel’s will of 1895, are awarded to “those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind.” In 1901, the very first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
Fast forward to 1998. It was then that major discoveries surrounding a miracle molecule, nitric oxide (NO), led to three US scientists, Robert Furchgott, PhD; Louis Ignarro, PhD; and Ferid Murad, MD, PhD, to receive the Nobel Prize. In 1998, the President of the American Heart Association, Valentine Fuster, M.D. stated, “The discovery of nitric oxide is one of the most important discoveries in the history of cardiovascular medicine.” Since its discovery there have been more than 114,000 scientific papers published about this remarkable molecule.
What’s amazing about NO is that in the atmosphere it is a common air pollutant chemical that is formed when nitrogen burns. In the body, though, in small controlled doses, it is extraordinarily beneficial. It is unlike any other molecule. The NO molecule was found to be so extraordinary that, in 1992, six years prior to the Nobel prize being awarded for its advancements, it was named the molecule of the year.
Nitric oxide (NO), the miracle molecule, is naturally produced inside each one of us. Its functions are key in many physiological aspects of your health. When NO is produced by the innermost cell layer of the arteries, it rapidly spreads through the cell membranes, causing the arteries to dilate. When this occurs, NO controls the blood pressure and blood circulation. It also prevents blood clots. The benefits to the cardiovascular system are astounding and far more reaching than even yet known.
Increased production of NO in the human body has been shown to help aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol and circulatory deficiencies. Peripheral neuropathy is one major circulatory condition. Peripheral neuropathy happens when there is a nutrition deficiency to the nerves of the body. That’s why NO is crucial in helping reverse the damaging effects of neuropathy.
NO is a natural vasodilator. It causes arteries to dilate and increase the blood flow to the damaged nerves. In the case of neuropathy, increased blood flow allows for new blood vessel growth around the myelin sheath of the nerves. The increased microcirculation allows for more nutrients to feed the nerves and allows for healing to occur.
Your diet plays a major role in your body’s production of nitric oxide. Eating foods high in sugar and starchy carbohydrates will reduce your nitric oxide production.
Areas where Nitric Oxides can help your body:
•Cardiovascular System: relaxing the blood vessels (lowering blood pressure), vasodilation (increasing circulation throughout the entire body), healthy circulating blood cells, heart function, nutrient exchange.
•Respiratory Tract: increasing blood flow through the lungs, relaxing airways (helping with asthma).
•Musculoskeletal System: more oxygen to your muscles, improved energy and endurance.
•Immune System: helps regulate inflammation and infection-fighting ability.
•Sexual Health: helps with male and female performance.
•Gastrointestinal Health: helps with metabolism, GI motility and nutrient absorption.
•Cellular Function: increased angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation – vital for treating neuropathy), reducing cellular death.
•Nervous System Function: promotes a more homeostasis (resting state), pain management and improved memory.
Ways to Naturally Increase Nitric Oxide in Your Body:
•Eat foods high in nitrates: Nitrate-rich foods (celery, cress, lettuce, beets, spinach and arugula) help to increase nitric oxide production.
•Increase your level of antioxidants: Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals (which contribute to the short life of nitric oxide.) Important antioxidants are: glutathione (sometimes referred to as the “mother of all antioxidants”) is a vital antioxidant and detoxifier; vitamin C; vitamin E, Polyphenols (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, red raspberries, black currants, plums, sweet cherries, apples, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, dried peppermint, cloves and star anise.)
•Exercise: Gets your blood pumping and helps improve endothelium function.
•Supplement with Amino Acids L-Arginine and L-Citrulline: These two amino acids can be instrumental in improving your body’s ability to produce more nitric oxide. Studies have proven they are effective at improving circulatory blood flow.
With all the benefits of nitric oxide, it is no surprise it was named the miracle molecule and led to the Nobel Prize. NO is an essential molecule for your overall health. Increase your body’s production and reap the rewards of this amazing miracle molecule.
-by Brandon Crouch, DC
About the Author: Dr. Brandon Crouch is a Chiropractor with Crouch Family Chiropractic (www.crouchfamilychiro.com). If you have questions or comments, Dr. Crouch can be reached at 270-842-1955 or via email at: office@crouchfamilychiro.hush.com.
Disclaimer: This article is used for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any specific condition. If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your doctor. Do not start any new supplement regimen without first talking with your health care provider.
