What is Nitric Oxide

Before we begin to answer the various questions related to nitric oxide, let's first understand this chemical. Nitrogen monoxide or nitric oxide is a chemical compound with a formula of NO. It is a gas which plays an important part in the development of the human body, and is an extremely important compound in the world of chemicals. It is also an air pollutant produced by cigarettes, automobile engines and power plants. Nitric oxide plays an important role in many of the physiological and pathological processes of the body. The body requires minimum levels of nitric oxide for protecting various organs against health ailments. However, excess nitric oxide can cause life-threatening conditions such as septic shock and excess liver damage.

Nitric Oxide Uses

As I said before, it is a gas found in the human body which plays the role of a neurotransmitter. This simply means it transmits information from one place to another. Nitric oxide has many medical uses. Doctors say that inhaling low doses of nitric oxide can decrease the risk of various lung diseases which nearly kill one-quarter of premature babies. Some medical facts also say that nitric oxide prevents bleeding in the brain and loss of brain tissue. For Africans Americans, nitric oxide supplements are a boon because it saves them from various cardiovascular diseases which are very common in them. Research also claims that nitric oxide provides us with a healthy immune system by widening the blood vessels so that there is proper blood circulation in the body.

Nitric Oxide Therapy

Critically ill or premature babies are unable to breathe properly due to high blood pressure in their lungs. Such babies are given early doses of nitric oxide. Inhaling nitric oxide in many cases has saved the lives of these babies. Top medical researchers across the US have studied the effects of nitric oxide on maintaining a regular blood flow in the lungs of animals also. This research provided a lot of help in understanding the various lung diseases seen in infants, such as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN). Many doctors have tried nitric oxide therapy and observed that this therapy has greatly helped in increasing the amount of oxygen in infants suffering from PPHN. The FDA approved the use of nitric oxide for newborn babies in 1999, thus laying the foundation of nitric oxide therapy in years to come.

Nitric Oxide Supplements

Nitric oxide supplements play an important part in regulating blood circulation, and are associated with pain thresholds and message transmissions between nerve cells. The ability of nitric oxide to increase blood flow makes its supplements a hit with bodybuilders and teens. When you consume nitric oxide supplements, more nutrients flow to the muscles. Thus, nitric oxide supplements help in muscle enlargement and in regular physical training. Pain, which is caused by weightlifting, is minimized by the consumption of nitric oxide supplements that allow the athletes to train for a longer time. The effects of these supplements include a well-defined body and overall increase in muscle shape and strength. Effects of nitric oxide supplements stay longer in your body, thus providing you with muscles that look and feel rock hard. Consuming these supplements also ensures a fast gain in lean body mass.

Foods High in Nitric Oxide

Besides taking these supplements, your daily diet should also contain some natural nitric oxide foods. Nitric oxide food sources consist of a balanced diet which has fish, beans, soy products, and lean cuts of meats. You should be having foods that have high content of L-Arginine. Meat sources give you L-Arginine. Start including foods and fruits such as peppers, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, oranges and kiwi fruits, that are rich in vitamin C and E. These two vitamins help in preserving nitric oxide levels in the body.

Benefits of Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is a gas produced in the human body and has many health benefits which have been agreed by doctors all around the world.

• Nitric oxide controls blood pressure. Blood vessels in the body get relax due to the presence of nitric oxide. It causes blood vessels to enlarge which helps in providing more nutrients throughout the body.
• Nitric oxide protects our immune system. The cells of the immune system discharge nitric oxide to protect them from bacteria and various other viruses.
• Nitric oxide also helps in curing muscular rheumatism and inflammation. Inflammation is a big concern for bodybuilders as they put stress on their muscles regularly.
• Nitric oxide helps in losing muscle fat and helps in muscle-building.
• According to some doctors, nitric oxide helps in better functioning of the brain.
• Lastly, nitric oxide is also known to treat erectile dysfunction. Properties of nitric oxide are also found to be in Viagra tablets.

I hope this article has answered your question, what is nitric oxide good for? As you see, it's good for a lot of things and helps in the development of the body and promotes healthy living. However, there are also some side effects that you should be aware of before consuming nitric oxide in large doses.