How do I increase nitric oxide naturally? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

How do I increase nitric oxide naturally?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Before starting any supplement or exercise program you should first do your research and consult a physician or pharmacist.
  • Certain foods help with the release of nitric oxides more than others.
  • Foods high in vitamins C and E can help to increase nitric oxide naturally.
  • Exercise is great for producing nitric oxide as it helps to stimulate cells so that they can continuously produce nitric oxide.

There are many ways to increase nitric oxide (NO) naturally. Many people prefer a nutritional approach route instead of using nitric oxide supplements. While the supplements tend to have a power-packed recipe that not only includes nitric oxide, but other energy boosting products, the natural route can prove to be safer.

Before starting any supplement or exercise program you should first do your research and consult a physician or pharmacist.

According to SelfGrowth.com, nitric oxide is essential when it comes to the body’s circulation. Not only does nitric oxide regulate a person’s blood pressure, but it helps to dilate blood vessels, which in turn prevents blood clots.

Another great benefit to healthy circulation is the lack of arterial plaque buildup.

Of course, supplementation is only part of a healthy lifestyle. You need to move your body, too. To get the most out of your workouts, go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!

What Are Some Natural Ways of Increasing Nitric Oxide?

Certain foods help with the release of nitric oxides more than others. For example, oranges are very high in vitamin C.

Vitamin C also acts as a “protector” of sorts in maintaining nitric oxide levels. Because of this, oranges can help to make nitric oxide more available during your workouts.

Other foods that help with the production of nitric oxide are those that contain L-arginine. This amino acid is found in grains, fish and meats. It passes from these foods to the intestine, which then passes it into the blood.

From there, L-arginine enters the body’s cells and is used to make nitric oxide. People who eat foods with L-arginine or take supplements have shown improvement in their cell function and blood flow versus those who don’t.

Vitamin E rich foods are also great for promoting high levels of nitric oxide production. According to Net Doctor, the following are some great vitamin E rich foods:

  • Blackberries
  • Mangoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Avocados
  • Salmon
  • Nuts
  • Soft Margarine
  • Wholemeal and other wholegrain products

On top of eating the above healthy foods packed full of essential vitamins, exercise is great for producing more nitric oxide. If you do some sort of cardio activity for 20 minutes or more, three-to-five days a week, you’ll increase your nitric oxide naturally.

Exercise helps to stimulate cells so that they can continuously produce nitric oxide and even on days you don’t exercise.

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Is Natural Better Than Supplementation?

As with most things, the natural way is usually the better way. Sometimes when it comes to over-the-counter vitamins and other dietary supplements, they can give you more than what you might be able to consume on any given day.

While vitamins and supplements aren’t natural in comparison to food, they can help deliver the essentials to help your body naturally produce nitric oxide.

For those who are considering supplementing with nitric oxide it’s important to keep in mind some of the short term side effects such as the following:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Increased heart rate
  • Water retention
  • An increase in herpes virus outbreaks
  • Vasodilation

Nitric oxide is still a fairly new product in terms of dietary supplements. Because of this there have not been very many studies done on potential long term side effects.

There are concerns that nitric oxide supplementation can cause liver and kidney harm. Much of that centers around people who overdose, load, take other prescription medication, and don’t use the supplements correctly.

Most of the side effects of nitric oxide supplements, such as headaches, nausea and water retention, can be prevented by ensuring that you consume proper amounts of water. Make sure to choose a supplement that is manufactured in the United States, since the manufacturer will be required to follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) required by the FDA.

What Does an Increase in Nitric Oxide Do?

Nitric oxide causes muscles to contract and the blood vessels to dilate. Nitric oxide settles into the cells of the smooth muscle making it easier for blood to pass through. With all the extra blood going through the muscles it gives them a feel of “puffiness.”

This process occurs naturally as well. However, the more nitric oxide you have in your system the longer the muscles will feel pumped up. Also, with more nitric oxide in one’s body, the quicker the muscle can recover from the strains of a workout.

Whether you decide to use more natural remedies or supplementation, nitric oxide is very beneficial. Exercise is a great way to naturally increase your nitric oxide content. Get more out of your workouts today by going PRO for access to workout plans, goal trackers, and more.

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