Nitric oxide (NO) for Improved Oxygen Profusion. NO is a key signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes, including vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), neurotransmission, immune response, and regulation of inflammation and blood pressure. Changes in NO production can impact cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. NO is naturally produced in the body. Unfortunately, NO production decreases by about 85% between age 25 and age 60. NO is mainly produced by endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Endothelial function decreases with age contributing to a decrease in NO. To offset the effects of aging, Regenesis offers its patients Nitric Oxide Support to supplement natural NO production in the body. While COVID-19 and its associated Spike protein have been implicated in endothelial dysfunction, research on the action of Spike on NO production is ongoing. None the less, due to its manifold benefits, NO supplementation can potentially benefit most patients including those suffering from long COVID. Here's how NO may be beneficial:
1. Vasodilation: Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator, meaning it relaxes blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. Long COVID patients often experience symptoms related to impaired blood flow and oxygenation, such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Oxygen is vital for cellular respiration in which cells break down glucose to produce energy for various cellular processes, including cellular growth, repair, and maintenance. Without sufficient oxygen, energy production is reduced leading to fatigue and reduced physical and mental performance. Inadequate levels of oxygen delivery to the brain can result in reduced cognition, concentration and brain-fog. Inadequate profusion of oxygen to organs impairs tissue repair and healing. Increased NO levels have the potential to help alleviate these symptoms by enhancing blood flow to affected tissues.
2. Anti-inflammatory: NO has anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate the immune response. In long COVID, where chronic inflammation often results, NO may help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. By dampening excessive immune activation, NO can potentially alleviate symptoms such as joint pain and malaise.
3. Antiviral Activity: Nitric oxide exhibits direct antiviral activity against a wide range of pathogens, including respiratory viruses like coronaviruses. By inhibiting viral replication and spread, NO may help control persistent viral infections associated with long COVID and prevent disease progression.
4. Improved Respiratory Function: Nitric oxide is also involved in regulating pulmonary function and can enhance lung function by relaxing smooth muscle in the airways and improving oxygen exchange in the lungs. Long COVID patients with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough may benefit from NO supplementation to improve pulmonary function and alleviate respiratory distress.
5. Neuroprotective Effects: NO plays a crucial role in neuronal signaling and neuroprotection. Long COVID patients frequently report neurological symptoms such as brain fog, memory problems, and neuropathic pain. By promoting neuroplasticity and neurotransmitter balance, NO may help alleviate these symptoms and support cognitive function and mental well-being.
To offset the natural decline in NO production men and women exhibit as they age, we recommend that individuals over 40 add a Nitric Oxide supplement to their daily diet and that individuals of all ages minimize their use of antibacterial mouthwash. At Regenesis we stock Berkeley Life Nitric Oxide Support which is long acting in the body as compared with other supplements.
Impact of Antibacterial Mouthwash on Nitric Oxide Production. While antibacterial mouthwash is effective at reducing harmful oral bacteria, its indiscriminate action also eliminates beneficial bacteria critical for nitric oxide production. This can negatively impact cardiovascular health, blood pressure regulation, and overall systemic health. Antibacterial mouthwashes can disrupt the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway, which depends on specific oral bacteria to convert dietary nitrate into nitrite and subsequently into nitric oxide. This disruption has several negative effects:
1. Reduction in NO Bioavailability: Antibacterial mouthwash kills beneficial oral bacteria necessary for nitrate reduction, leading to decreased salivary nitrite and systemic nitric oxide levels.
2. Elevated Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that using antibacterial mouthwash can result in small but significant increases in systolic blood pressure due to reduced NO production.
3. Cardiovascular Risk: Long-term inhibition of NO production may contribute to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues, as NO is crucial for vascular health. Reduced NO levels may impair insulin signaling and contribute to metabolic diseases like diabetes. Lower NO availability can hinder muscle oxygenation and performance during physical activity.
At Regenesis our focus is upon harnessing your body’s natural healing processes. We offer a range of supplements, oxygen therapies, therapies to regain normal function of the autonomic nervous system, and to foster repair of damaged tissues. To learn more, schedule a consult with Dr. Charles Lee.
