Key takeaways
- NO helps blood vessels relax.
- It supports oxygen delivery to muscles.
- The body makes it from L-arginine and nitrates.
- Exercise itself boosts NO.
- Check interactions with heart medicines.
That full, "pumped" feeling during a workout is largely down to nitric oxide. Here is what it does and how to support it.
Nitric oxide at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A gas-signalling molecule made in blood vessel walls |
| What does it do? | Helps blood vessels relax and widen |
| Made from | L-arginine and dietary nitrates |
| Declines with | Age, inactivity, smoking, poor diet |
How to support nitric oxide naturally
Exercise regularly
Blood flowing faster over vessel walls during exercise stimulates NO production.
Eat nitrate-rich vegetables
Beetroot, spinach, rocket and celery are excellent sources.
Get enough L-arginine and citrulline
Found in nuts, seeds, meat, fish and watermelon.
Don't smoke
Smoking damages the vessel lining that produces nitric oxide.
Watch your mouthwash
Mouth bacteria help convert dietary nitrates; strong antibacterial mouthwash may reduce this.
Supplement support
TitanTransform includes L-arginine to promote healthy blood flow, together with moomiyo for endurance and recovery and gymnema for healthy sugar metabolism.
Sources
- Lundberg J.O. et al. – "The nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway in physiology and therapeutics," Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2008.
- Jones A.M. – "Dietary nitrate supplementation and exercise performance," Sports Medicine, 2014.
- NIH MedlinePlus – "L-arginine."
Common questions
What does nitric oxide do?
It helps blood vessels relax and widen, supporting blood flow.
How can I increase nitric oxide naturally?
Exercise and eat nitrate-rich vegetables such as beetroot and spinach.
Is L-arginine safe with heart medicines?
Not with nitrates or PDE5 inhibitors unless your doctor approves.