Nitric Oxide (NO) is a molecule produced by most cells in your body and is essential for your health. In your body NO works to widen your blood vessels (vasodilation) which lowers your blood pressure and increases your flow of blood. NO has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and it plays a key role in cell metabolism and cardiovascular health.
A NO deficiency can cause cell senescence (growth cessation), inflammation, blood vessel injury, clots, cardiac dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction. NO deficiency often occurs as a byproduct of a poor diet characterized by high fat, high sugar, low fiber, and low fruit intake.
Treatment for NO defiencies is a diet that is lowers the consumption of processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats and increases the intake of multi-colored fruits and vegetables. Specific foods that are NO rich include Beets, Pomegranates Citrus Fruits, and yes dark chocolate. Also, exercise is effective in the release of NO and its beneficial effects.
If you are interested, on your next visit, I will evaluate your salivary NO which takes only a matter of seconds.
