How Nitric Oxide Affects the Body
How nitric oxide affects the body.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule that is produced naturally within the body. It does so by the conversion of the amino acid L-arginine into nitric oxide by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Nitric oxide is a highly reactive molecule involved in various physiological processes within the body.
One of the primary functions of nitric oxide is to act as a signaling molecule that regulates blood vessel dilation. This same mechanism also helps regulate blood flow. Nitric oxide is produced by endothelial cells lining blood vessels. It supports the relaxing of the smooth muscle cells that surround blood vessels. The relaxation thus causing them to widen (vasodilation) and allowing more blood to flow through. This helps to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues throughout the body. It also can also help to lower blood pressure.
In addition to regulating blood flow, nitric oxide plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is involved in the regulation of white blood cell function. It is also vital for protecting the body against infection and inflammation.
Nitric oxide is also involved in several other physiological processes, including the regulation of neurotransmitter release in the brain. It supports the regulation of insulin secretion, and the modulation of muscle contraction also.
Overall, nitric oxide is a highly important molecule for regulating many processes within the body. Maintaining a balance of nitric oxide production is essential for optimal health and well-being.
How Nitric Oxide Affects the Heart & Muscles
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule crucial in regulating many physiological processes within the human body. In this discussion, we will explore in detail how nitric oxide affects various systems and organs in the body.
Cardiovascular System. One of the primary functions of nitric oxide is to regulate blood vessel dilation and blood flow. Nitric oxide is produced by the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. It acts to relax the smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels as well. This causes them to widen (vasodilation) and allowing more blood to flow through. This helps to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues throughout the body. It can also help to lower blood pressure. Low levels of nitric oxide have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Increased nitric oxide levels can help to protect against heart disease and stroke.
Muscular System. Nitric oxide regulates muscle contraction and blood flow to muscles during exercise. It is produced by muscle cells and helps to promote vasodilation. This in turn improves blood flow to muscles, allowing for increased oxygen and nutrient delivery. Nitric oxide is also involved in regulating muscle contraction, helping to promote relaxation and reduce fatigue during exercise.
How Nitric Oxide Affects the Body
Immune System. Nitric oxide plays an important role in the immune system by regulating white blood cell function. Helping to protect the body against infection and inflammation is part of these cells jobs. Nitric oxide is produced by immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. These can help to destroy invading pathogens by inhibiting their growth and replication. It can also help to modulate the immune response, promoting the healing of injured tissues and reducing inflammation.
Nervous System. Nitric oxide regulates neurotransmitter release in the brain and can affect various aspects of brain function. It is involved in the regulation of learning and memory, as well as mood and behavior. Nitric oxide has also been shown to play a role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, pain perception, and appetite.
Respiratory System. Nitric oxide is also involved in regulating the respiratory system. It is produced by the cells lining the airways and acts as a vasodilator, helping to improve blood flow to the lungs and oxygen delivery to the body. Nitric oxide is also involved in the regulation of airway tone and can help to reduce airway constriction in conditions such as asthma.
Endocrine System. Nitric oxide regulates insulin secretion and glucose uptake in cells. It can help to improve insulin sensitivity, promoting the uptake of glucose into cells. It may also help by reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, nitric oxide plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes within the human body. These incoude cardiovascular function, immune response, nervous system function, respiratory function, muscular function, and endocrine function. Maintaining a balance of nitric oxide production is essential for optimal health and well-being.
Benefits of Nitric Oxide
Vasodilation and improved blood flow are two key physiological effects of nitric oxide in the human body.
Vasodilation refers to the widening or dilation of blood vessels. This widening increases the diameter of the vessels and allows more blood to flow through. Nitric oxide is produced by the endothelial cells. These line blood vessels and act to relax the smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels. Thus causing them to widen (vasodilation). This process increases blood flow to various tissues and organs in the body, allowing for improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Improved blood flow is another important effect of nitric oxide. By causing vasodilation, nitric oxide increases blood flow to various tissues and organs in the body, including the heart, lungs, brain, and muscles. Improved blood flow helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to these tissues, which is essential for proper function and overall health.
Lowering BP
Lowering blood pressure is another important physiological effect of nitric oxide in the human body. Nitric oxide is produced by the endothelial cells that line blood vessels and acts to relax the smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels, causing them to widen (vasodilation). This process increases blood flow to various tissues and organs in the body and helps lower blood pressure by reducing the resistance to blood flow within the vessels.
In conditions where blood pressure is elevated, such as hypertension, the production of nitric oxide is often impaired. This can contribute to increased resistance within blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure. By promoting vasodilation and reducing resistance to blood flow, nitric oxide can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other related health problems.
In addition to its effects on blood pressure, nitric oxide also has other benefits for cardiovascular health. It helps to improve blood flow to the heart and other organs, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nitric oxide also helps to reduce inflammation within blood vessels, which is another important factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Improved exercise performance
Improved exercise performance is another important physiological effect of nitric oxide in the human body.
During exercise, the body’s oxygen and nutrient demands increase, which requires increased blood flow to the muscles. Nitric oxide is critical in regulating blood flow to the muscles during exercise. By promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow, nitric oxide helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which can improve exercise performance and endurance.
Nitric oxide also plays a role in regulating muscle contraction during exercise. It acts as a signaling molecule, facilitating communication between nerve and muscle cells. By improving this communication, nitric oxide helps to enhance muscle contraction, which can further improve exercise performance.
In addition to its effects on exercise performance, nitric oxide has other benefits for muscle health. It helps to reduce muscle inflammation, which is common during exercise and can contribute to muscle soreness and fatigue. Nitric oxide also helps to increase the delivery of amino acids to the muscles, which are essential for muscle growth and repair.
Overall, nitric oxide’s ability to improve exercise performance is an important aspect of regulating muscular function. By promoting vasodilation, improving blood flow, enhancing muscle contraction, and reducing inflammation, nitric oxide is critical in optimizing muscle function during exercise and supporting overall muscle health.
Enhanced immune function
Enhanced immune function is another important physiological effect of nitric oxide in the human body.
Nitric oxide is produced by immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, and acts as a signaling molecule to regulate immune function. It also helps to activate and coordinate immune responses by promoting the activity of immune cells and enhancing the killing of invading pathogens.
Nitric oxide also plays a role in regulating inflammation, which is a critical component of the immune response. Inflammation is an important defense mechanism against infection, but excessive or chronic inflammation can contribute to tissue damage and disease. Nitric oxide helps to regulate inflammation by controlling the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines and chemokines and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules.
In addition to its effects on immune function and inflammation, nitric oxide has other benefits for overall health. It helps to regulate blood pressure, improve blood flow, and support cardiovascular health, all of which are important for optimal immune function.
Overall, nitric oxide’s ability to enhance immune function and regulate inflammation is an important aspect of its role in maintaining overall health and preventing disease. By promoting the activity of immune cells and regulating the inflammatory response, nitric oxide plays a critical role in supporting immune function and protecting against infection and disease.
Improved brain function
Improved brain function is another important physiological effect of nitric oxide in the human body.
Nitric oxide is critical in regulating blood flow to the brain, which is essential for optimal brain function. By promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow, nitric oxide helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which are essential for cognitive function.
Nitric oxide also plays a role in regulating neurotransmitter release in the brain. It acts as a signaling molecule, facilitating communication between nerve cells in the brain. By improving this communication, nitric oxide helps to enhance cognitive function, including memory, learning, and attention.
In addition to its effects on brain function, nitric oxide has other benefits for overall neurological health. It helps to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can contribute to the development of neurological disorders. Nitric oxide also helps to regulate the production of neurotrophic factors, which are essential for the growth and survival of nerve cells.
Nitric oxide’s ability to improve brain function is an important aspect of its role in maintaining optimal neurological health. By promoting vasodilation, improving blood flow, enhancing neurotransmitter release, and protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation, nitric oxide plays a critical role in supporting cognitive function and protecting against neurological disorders.
Improved sexual function
Improved sexual function is another important physiological effect of nitric oxide in the human body.
Nitric oxide is critical in regulating blood flow to the penis and other sexual organs. During sexual arousal, the nervous system releases nitric oxide, which causes the smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels of the penis to relax, allowing for increased blood flow and the resulting erection.
Nitric oxide also plays a role in regulating the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is essential for maintaining an erection. cGMP helps to relax the smooth muscle cells in the penis and increase blood flow, which helps to sustain the erection.
In addition to its effects on sexual function in men, nitric oxide also plays a role in sexual function in women. It helps to regulate blood flow to the clitoris and other sexual organs, which is essential for sexual arousal and satisfaction.
In summary, nitric oxide’s ability to improve sexual function is an important aspect of its role in maintaining overall health and well-being. By promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow to sexual organs, nitric oxide plays a critical role in supporting sexual function and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To recap, nitric oxide has several important physiological effects on the human body, including:
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- Vasodilation and improved blood flow, which can help to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
- Enhanced exercise performance, including improved muscle contraction, reduced inflammation, and increased amino acid delivery to muscles.
- Enhanced immune function, including the activation and coordination of immune responses, regulation of inflammation, and support for overall immune function and cardiovascular health.
- Improved brain function, including regulation of blood flow to the brain, enhancement of neurotransmitter release, protection against oxidative stress and inflammation, and support for overall neurological health.
- Improved sexual function, including regulation of blood flow to sexual organs, enhancement of erectile function in men, and support for sexual arousal and satisfaction in both men and women.
Nitric oxide plays a critical role in maintaining optimal health and well-being by regulating various physiological processes in the body.
While nitric oxide has many important benefits for the human body, it is important to maintain a balance in its production. Both too much and too little nitric oxide can negatively affect health.
You Need More Nitric Oxide
Insufficient production of nitric oxide can have negative effects on health. Low nitric oxide levels have been associated with cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, and other health problems.
Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance in nitric oxide production by supporting its production through a healthy diet and lifestyle while also taking steps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. This can include eating a diet rich in antioxidants, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
In addition, some supplements and medications, such as arginine and nitroglycerin, can increase nitric oxide production in the body. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or medications to ensure they are safe and appropriate for individual health needs.
Future research on nitric oxide
Do Nitric Oxide Supplements Really Work?
Nitric oxide supplements have become increasingly popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people looking to improve their overall health. They are touted for their potential benefits in regulating blood flow, enhancing exercise performance, and improving sexual function. However, some people remain skeptical about their effectiveness. In this article, we will explore the science behind nitric oxide supplements and whether or not they really work.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule that is naturally produced in the human body and has a variety of important physiological functions. It acts as a signaling molecule and helps regulate various processes in the body, such as blood flow, immune response, and neurotransmission. One of its primary roles is to relax and widen blood vessels, which improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to different parts of the body.
Nitric oxide has also gained attention as a dietary supplement due to its potential benefits in enhancing exercise performance, improving sexual function, and supporting cardiovascular and immune health. NO supplements typically contain arginine, citrulline, or nitrates, which the body can convert to NO. However, the effectiveness of NO supplements may vary depending on the individual’s health condition and the specific use case. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in many physiological processes in the human body. As a signaling molecule, it helps regulate various functions, including:
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- Blood flow: Nitric oxide relaxes and widens blood vessels, which increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to different parts of the body, including muscles, organs, and tissues.
- Immune response: NO plays a key role in the immune system, helping to regulate inflammation and fight off infections.
- Neurotransmission: NO acts as a signaling molecule in the nervous system, helping to regulate various functions such as memory, learning, and mood.
- Cardiovascular health: NO helps to regulate blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots, and support overall cardiovascular health.
- Sexual function: NO plays a crucial role in erectile function by increasing blood flow to the genital area.
- Wound healing: NO promotes blood vessel growth and tissue regeneration, which can aid in the healing of wounds.
Overall, nitric oxide is an important molecule that supports many critical functions in the human body.
Nitric oxide (NO) supplements typically contain ingredients such as arginine, citrulline, or nitrates, which the body can convert to NO. When these supplements are consumed, they increase the availability of these precursor molecules, which can lead to an increase in NO production in the body.
Once in the body, NO acts as a signaling molecule, regulating various physiological processes such as blood flow, immune response, and neurotransmission. By increasing the production of NO, supplements can potentially enhance these effects and provide a range of benefits.
Potential Benefits of Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide (NO) supplements can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles by increasing the production of NO in the body. When NO is produced, it causes blood vessels to relax and widen, a process called vasodilation. This increases the diameter of blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow through and deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
NO supplements typically contain l-arginine, l-citrulline, or nitrates from vegetable sources like beets, which are converted to NO in the body. For example, arginine is an amino acid converted to NO through a series of biochemical reactions.
When taken before exercise, NO supplements can increase blood flow to the muscles, which can improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue. Additionally, NO supplements may help support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Lowered blood pressure:
By increasing the production of NO, supplements can promote vasodilation and lower blood pressure. This can be beneficial for individuals with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of NO supplements in lowering blood pressure may vary depending on the individual’s health condition and the specific use case. Much of the NO-boosting activity from nitrates depends on your gut and mouth flora, so antibiotic use may hurt your ability to produce NO.
Enhanced exercise performance:
Nitric oxide (NO) supplements can potentially enhance exercise performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. When NO is produced in the body, it causes blood vessels to relax and widen, which increases the diameter of blood vessels and allows for more blood to flow through.
NO supplements typically contain ingredients such as arginine, citrulline, or nitrates, which are converted to NO in the body. By increasing the production of NO, supplements can promote vasodilation and increase blood flow to muscles during exercise.
This increased blood flow can help provide more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which can improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall exercise performance. In addition, NO supplements may also help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise.
Immune system support:
Nitric oxide (NO) supplements may support the immune system by regulating immune cell function and reducing inflammation. NO plays an important role in the immune system, acting as a signaling molecule that regulates various immune cell functions.
Research has shown that NO can help regulate the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and T-cells, which are involved in the body’s defense against infections and diseases. In addition, NO may also help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Cognitive function support:
Nitric oxide (NO) may play a role in cognitive function by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. NO is a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood vessel dilation and blood flow in the body.
Research has shown that NO may help improve memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility in healthy individuals. In addition, NO may also have neuroprotective effects, helping to protect brain cells from damage and supporting overall brain health.
Cardiovascular health support:
Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in cardiovascular health by regulating blood vessel function and blood pressure. NO is a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood vessel dilation and blood flow in the body.
Research has shown that NO may help lower blood pressure, reduce arterial stiffness, and improve endothelial function, which is the ability of blood vessels to dilate and contract. These effects can be beneficial for individuals with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.
In addition, NO may also have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce oxidative stress, which are both important factors in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
Wound healing support:
Nitric oxide (NO) may play a role in wound healing by promoting blood flow and enhancing the function of immune cells that are involved in the healing process. NO is a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood vessel dilation and blood flow in the body.
NO supplements typically contain ingredients such as arginine, citrulline, or nitrates, converted to NO in the body. By increasing the production of NO, supplements may help improve blood flow to the wound site, which can promote healing.
Research has shown that NO may help enhance the function of immune cells, such as macrophages, which are involved in the initial phase of the wound-healing process. NO can also help regulate the production of growth factors, which are important for the proliferation and differentiation of cells during the later stages of wound healing.
In addition, NO may also have antimicrobial effects, which can help prevent infections that can delay the healing process.
Scientific Evidence of Nitric Oxide and its support of the human body
Nitric oxide (NO) supplements are thought to provide several health benefits by increasing the production of NO, a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood vessel dilation and blood flow in the body.
One of the primary benefits of NO supplements is improved cardiovascular health. Research has shown that NO supplements may help lower blood pressure, reduce arterial stiffness, and improve endothelial function, which is the ability of blood vessels to dilate and contract. For example, a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that NO supplements significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension (1).
NO supplements may also enhance exercise performance by improving blood flow and muscle oxygen delivery. A review of 22 studies found that NO supplements improved endurance performance in trained and untrained individuals, with the greatest benefits seen in activities lasting more than 30 minutes (2).
In addition, NO supplements may also have immune system-boosting effects. Research has shown that NO can enhance the function of immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, which can help the body fight infections (3).
Furthermore, NO may also have a role in wound healing. Research has shown that NO can enhance the proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in the wound-healing process and helps regulate the production of growth factors (4).
Key findings on nitric oxide (NO) supplements suggest they may provide several health benefits by improving blood flow, enhancing exercise performance, boosting the immune system, and promoting wound healing. Scientific evidence shows that NO supplements can lower blood pressure, reduce arterial stiffness, and improve endothelial function in adults with hypertension. They have also improved endurance performance in both trained and untrained individuals.
Moreover, NO supplements have immune system-boosting effects and can enhance the function of immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, which help the body fight infections. Additionally, NO may also play a role in wound healing by enhancing the proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in the wound healing process.
In conclusion, NO supplements show promise in promoting cardiovascular health, exercise performance, and immune function.
Factors that Affect Nitric Oxide Effectiveness
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule for cardiovascular health and plays a role in various physiological processes in the human body. However, certain health conditions and needs may impact the ability of NO to work effectively in the body.
For example, individuals with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases may have impaired NO production, leading to reduced blood flow and increased arterial stiffness. In these cases, NO supplements may help to improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure.
Athletes and individuals engaging in intense physical activity may also benefit from NO supplements, as they can enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, which can improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue.
Moreover, individuals with compromised immune systems or slow wound healing may benefit from NO supplements, as they can enhance immune function and promote the healing of wounds.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of NO supplements may vary depending on individual health status, dosage, and duration of use. It is always important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
The dosage and timing of nitric oxide (NO) supplements can vary depending on the specific product and individual needs. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Typically, NO supplements are taken as arginine or citrulline supplements, which are precursors to NO production in the body. The recommended dosage for these supplements can vary but typically ranges from 3 to 6 grams daily.
Timing of NO supplements can also be important. For example, some studies have suggested that taking NO supplements before exercise may enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue. Other studies have shown that taking NO supplements at bedtime may help to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
It is important to note that NO supplements may interact with certain medications or have side effects such as digestive discomfort. It is always important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
Several lifestyle factors can impact the production and effectiveness of nitric oxide (NO) in the human body. Here are some examples:
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- Exercise: Regular exercise can help to increase NO production and improve cardiovascular health. Moderate-intensity exercise effectively enhances NO production, while excessive or intense exercise may have the opposite effect.
- Diet: Certain foods and nutrients can help to promote NO production in the body. For example, foods high in nitrates, such as beets, spinach, and arugula, can increase NO levels. L-arginine and L-citrulline supplements can also help to boost NO production.
- Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect NO production and cardiovascular health. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help to improve NO production and cardiovascular health.
- Smoking: Smoking has been shown to impair NO production and increase oxidative stress in the body. Quitting smoking can help to improve NO production and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Sleep: Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can negatively affect NO production and cardiovascular health. Getting adequate sleep and practicing good sleep hygiene can help to improve NO production and cardiovascular health.
In summary, lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, stress management, smoking cessation, and adequate sleep can impact the production and effectiveness of NO in the human body. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help to improve NO production and promote cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule produced by the body that plays a crucial role in several physiological processes. Nitric oxide supplements, often in the form of arginine or citrulline supplements, have been shown to provide several health benefits.
Some of the key benefits of nitric oxide supplements include:
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- Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery
- Lowered blood pressure
- Enhanced exercise performance
- Improved immune system support
- Improved cognitive function
- Promoted cardiovascular health
- Enhanced wound healing
However, there are some limitations and uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of NO supplements, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, stress management, smoking cessation, and adequate sleep can also impact the production and effectiveness of NO in the human body. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help to improve NO production and promote overall cardiovascular health.
Overall, there is scientific evidence to suggest that nitric oxide (NO) supplements can provide several health benefits, particularly in improving blood flow and oxygen delivery, lowering blood pressure, enhancing exercise performance, improving immune system support, promoting cardiovascular health, and enhancing wound healing.
However, there are limitations and uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of NO supplements, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. The effectiveness of NO supplements may also be influenced by individual factors such as age, health status, and lifestyle habits.
In summary, while NO supplements may offer some health benefits, it is important to consider the limitations and uncertainties surrounding their effectiveness and to make informed decisions with the guidance of a healthcare provider. Additionally, making healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise, diet, stress management, smoking cessation, and adequate sleep can also play a significant role in improving NO production and overall cardiovascular health.
Recommendations for using nitric oxide supplements
Interested in trying nitric oxide supplements for yourself? Consult a healthcare professional to determine whether they are right for you and to get personalized recommendations.
Refrences:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716158/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4148406/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989479/
Patel, Roshan S., et al. “The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cardiovascular Diseases.” Cardiology in Review, vol. 23, no. 5, 2015, pp. 190-197.
Lee, Joo-Young, and Jin Kyung Park. “Effects of Nitric Oxide on Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review.” British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 121, no. 9, 2019, pp. 987-997.
Lundberg, Jon O., et al. “The Nitrate–Nitrite–Nitric Oxide Pathway in Physiology and Therapeutics.” Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, vol. 7, no. 2, 2008, pp. 156-167.
Flanagan, Erin K., et al. “Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Improves Exercise Performance and Decreases Blood Pressure in COPD Patients.” Nitric Oxide, vol. 48, 2015, pp. 22-30.
Mirmiran, Parvin, et al. “Nitric Oxide and Its Role in Cardiovascular Diseases: An Updated Review.” Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, vol. 20, no. 12, 2015, pp. 1201-1208.
How long does nitric oxide take to work?
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule that plays an important role in various physiological processes. Including the regulation of blood vessel tone, neurotransmission, and immune function. It has been studied for its potential to improve exercise performance, enhance cardiovascular health, and treat various medical conditions. One important question related to NO is how long it takes to work. The answer to this question depends on several factors. Including the method of NO delivery and the specific physiological process being targeted. In this response, we will explore the various factors that can influence how long it takes. For NO to work and provide relevant references to support our discussion. In order to understand how quickly it affects the human body we need to first as:
Why Nitric Oxide delivery is imperative to our survival
Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical signaling molecule that plays various important roles in human physiology. Here are some reasons why humans need NO to survive:
Cardiovascular health: NO promotes vasodilation or the widening of blood vessels. Which helps to increase blood flow and deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body. This is particularly important for cardiovascular health. An adequate blood flow is necessary to prevent hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
Immune system function: NO has been shown to play a role in the immune system. By helping to regulate inflammation and fighting off infections. It also helps to promote wound healing and tissue repair.
Respiratory function: NO is involved in the regulation of breathing and can help to improve lung function. In individuals with respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cognitive function: NO has been implicated in cognitive function, including learning and memory. It may also potentially treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Overall, NO is an essential molecule that plays various critical roles in human physiology. Its ability to promote vasodilation, regulate the immune system, and improve respiratory, cognitive, and sexual function are just a few examples of why humans need NO to survive.
What is Nitric Oxide delivery, and how it affects the human body
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule naturally produced in the body and has several important physiological functions. One of its main functions is to help relax and widen blood vessels. Which allows for improved blood flow and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. NO also affects neurotransmission, immune function, and cellular signaling. In addition to its natural production in the body. NO can also be delivered through dietary supplements or inhaled therapy for various medical conditions. Overall, NO is an important molecule that contributes to several key physiological processes and has potential therapeutic applications.
Nitric oxide (NO) affects the human body in several ways due to its role in regulating various physiological processes. Here are some of the key ways that NO affects the body:
Regulating blood vessel tone: NO is critical in regulating blood vessel tone by causing vasodilation. Which allows for improved blood flow and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. This can have important implications for cardiovascular health. As well as treating conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.
Improving immune function: NO has been shown to play a role in modulating the immune response by regulating the function of immune cells. This can help to improve the body’s ability to fight infections and other diseases.
Regulating neurotransmission: NO is involved in regulating neurotransmission, or the communication between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body. This can affect various functions, including mood, cognition, and movement.
Modulating inflammation: NO has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Which can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to a variety of medical conditions.
Overall, NO affects the human body by regulating key physiological processes such as blood vessel tone. Immune function, neurotransmission, and inflammation. Its effects are important for maintaining overall health and preventing and treating various medical conditions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11306498/
Why and how does nitric oxide delivery work so quickly?
Nitric oxide (NO) works quickly because it can rapidly produce vasodilation. When NO is produced in the body, it relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow. This increased blood flow helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, including muscles, more quickly. This rapid response is because NO is a gas molecule and can diffuse easily across cell membranes. Allowing it to act quickly on target tissues. Additionally, NO is rapidly metabolized by the body, allowing for a quick onset and offset of its effects. Overall, NO’s ability to rapidly produce vasodilation makes it a promising therapeutic target for various medical conditions. Including those related to blood flow and cardiovascular health.
Nitric oxide (NO) works quickly in the body because it is a gas that can rapidly diffuse through cell membranes and enter cells. Once inside cells, NO can bind to and activate various enzymes and signaling pathways. Leading to a wide range of physiological effects.
One of the primary ways that NO works quickly is by promoting vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. When NO is released from the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels). It diffuses into smooth muscle cells in the vessel walls and activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase. This enzyme then produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Which causes the smooth muscle cells to relax and the blood vessels to widen. This process happens very quickly and can result in increased blood flow to tissues throughout the body within seconds.
In addition to promoting vasodilation, NO has many other effects on the body that contribute to its rapid action. For example, it can regulate the immune system, improve respiratory function, and enhance cognitive function, which can happen relatively quickly after NO is released.
Overall, NO works quickly in the body because it is a gas that can rapidly diffuse through cell membranes and activate various enzymes and signaling pathways. Its ability to promote vasodilation and regulate other physiological processes allows it to rapidly affect the body.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716158/
What is vasodilation, and how it helps with your health
Vasodilation is the process of widening blood vessels, which increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule that promotes vasodilation in the body.
In the context of NO and vasodilation, NO is produced by cells lining the inside of blood vessels. Known as endothelial cells. When these cells are stimulated, they release NO into the surrounding smooth muscle cells. Which causes them to relax and widen. This results in an increase in blood flow through the widened blood vessels.
NO-mediated vasodilation is important for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing various diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Additionally, vasodilation can have important implications for exercise performance. It allows for improved blood flow and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
Overall, vasodilation is an important physiological process that is regulated in part by NO. Which has important implications for cardiovascular health and exercise performance.
The time it takes for NO to take effect depends on the mode of administration and the specific physiological process involved.
Here are some examples:
Vasodilation: NO is a potent vasodilator, which relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow. When NO is administered through inhalation or intravenous injection, its effects on blood flow can be seen within minutes. For example, in a study on the effects of inhaled NO on pulmonary hypertension, researchers found that the drug produced significant vasodilation within 5 minutes of administration.
Exercise performance: NO has been studied for its potential to improve exercise performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. One study found that taking a NO supplement (arginine) 30 minutes before exercise improved time to exhaustion and increased blood flow to muscles during exercise.
Wound healing: NO has been shown to play a role in wound healing by promoting angiogenesis (forming new blood vessels) and stimulating collagen synthesis. In a study on the effects of NO on wound healing in rats, researchers found that topical application of a NO-releasing gel improved wound closure and collagen synthesis within five days.
Overall, the time it takes for NO to take effect varies depending on the specific physiological process involved and the mode of administration. In some cases, such as vasodilation, the effects can be seen within minutes, while in other cases, such as wound healing, it may take several days to see a measurable effect.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4550677/
Benefits of Nitric Oxide and its quick delivery
Nitric oxide (NO) has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits, including its ability to deliver therapeutic effects to the body rapidly. Here are some of the potential benefits of nitric oxide’s quick delivery, along with references to relevant studies:
Vasodilation: As mentioned earlier, NO is a potent vasodilator, which relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow. When NO is administered through inhalation or intravenous injection, its effects on blood flow can be seen within minutes. This rapid vasodilation may have therapeutic applications in hypertension, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a severe lung condition characterized by inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to respiratory failure. Inhaled NO has been shown to rapidly improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, possibly by dilating blood vessels in the lungs and improving blood flow to well-ventilated areas of the lungs
Exercise performance: NO has been studied for its potential to improve exercise performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. One study found that taking an NO supplement (arginine) 30 minutes before exercise improved time to exhaustion and increased blood flow to muscles during exercise.
Overall, the quick delivery of NO has potential therapeutic applications in various conditions, particularly those related to blood flow and oxygenation. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these effects fully and to optimize NO delivery methods for clinical use.
Benefits of Nitric Oxide delivery working quickly
Nitric oxide (NO) has been studied for its potential to improve exercise performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. One of the mechanisms through which NO can enhance exercise performance is by promoting vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the working muscles and enhances their oxygen and nutrient delivery.
NO can be delivered quickly during exercise through various methods, including dietary supplements and inhaled or infused NO. One study found that taking an NO supplement (arginine) 30 minutes before exercise improved time to exhaustion and increased blood flow to muscles during exercise.
Timeline of Nitric oxide delivery during exercise
The timeline of nitric oxide (NO) production during exercise can vary depending on the type and intensity of exercise. As well as individual factors such as age and fitness level. However, NO production generally tends to increase rapidly during the early stages of exercise and then plateau or decrease as exercise continues.
During the initial stage of exercise, there is a rapid increase in blood flow and oxygen demand in the muscles. Which stimulates NO production. This increase in NO production leads to vasodilation and improved blood flow to the working muscles. Additionally, as exercise continues, there may be an increase in inflammatory markers that can also stimulate NO production.
However, as exercise continues and fatigue sets in, NO production may begin to plateau or even decrease. This may be due to the accumulation of metabolic waste products, such as lactate, that can interfere with NO production. Additionally, as exercise continues, there may be a shift in energy metabolism from aerobic to anaerobic, which can also affect NO production.
Overall, the timeline of NO production during exercise is complex and can be influenced by various factors. While there is still much to be learned about the specific effects of NO on exercise performance. Its ability to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles suggests that it may have potential as an exercise performance enhancer.
Nitric oxide and its benefits being a quick vasodilator
Vasodilation is one of the key benefits of nitric oxide (NO). It relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, increasing blood flow. NO’s ability to rapidly produce vasodilation has several potential therapeutic benefits, including the following:
Hypertension: NO donors have been used clinically to treat hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure. NO promotes vasodilation, which can help to reduce blood pressure.
Heart failure: Patients with heart failure often have reduced NO production, leading to impaired vasodilation and reduced blood flow to the heart. NO donors have been studied for their potential to improve blood flow and cardiac function in patients with heart failure.
Respiratory disorders: NO can improve lung function in individuals with respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Diabetes: NO has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Neurodegenerative diseases: NO has been implicated in cognitive function and may have the potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Inflammation: NO has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to regulate inflammation in the body.
Overall, the ability of NO to rapidly produce vasodilation has several potential therapeutic benefits. Particularly in conditions related to blood flow and cardiovascular health. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these effects fully and to optimize NO delivery methods for clinical use.
How Nitric Oxide delivery has helped hypertension and heart disease
Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in cardiovascular health and may have the potential to treat hypertension and heart disease. Here is a timeline of how NO helps in these conditions:
Early studies in the 1980s and 1990s identified NO as a key signaling molecule involved in vasodilation or the widening of blood vessels. Researchers discovered that NO is produced by endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels. It promotes the relaxation of the smooth muscle cells surrounding the vessels. Leading to increased blood flow and decreased blood pressure.
In the 1990s, researchers began to investigate the role of NO in hypertension or high blood pressure. They discovered that patients with hypertension had decreased NO production and impaired endothelial function. Leading to decreased vasodilation and increased blood pressure.
Further studies in the early 2000s demonstrated that NO plays an important role in preventing atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart disease. NO helps to prevent the accumulation of white blood cells and other inflammatory molecules in the arterial walls. Which can lead to the formation of plaque.
In the mid-2000s, researchers began investigating the potential of NO-based therapies for hypertension and heart disease. One such therapy is nitroglycerin, a drug that is converted to NO in the body and promotes vasodilation. Nitroglycerin is commonly used to treat angina or chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Improving health one step at a time
More recent studies have focused on the potential of dietary interventions to increase NO production and promote cardiovascular health. Foods rich in nitrates, such as leafy greens and beets, have been shown to increase NO production in the body and improve endothelial function.
Additionally, lifestyle factors such as exercise and stress reduction have been shown to increase NO production and improve cardiovascular health. Exercise promotes vasodilation and increases NO production. While stress reduction techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help to lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function.
Overall, NO plays an important role in cardiovascular health and may have the potential to treat hypertension and heart disease. By promoting vasodilation, preventing atherosclerosis, and improving endothelial function. NO helps to maintain healthy blood flow and prevent the development of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, dietary and lifestyle interventions that promote NO production may have the potential as preventative and therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
Summary final thoughts
In summary, Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that plays an important role in various physiological processes, including cardiovascular health, exercise performance, and overall health improvement. Here are some of the key benefits and functions of NO:
Vasodilation: NO promotes vasodilation, which widens blood vessels and increases blood flow to the muscles. This helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which can improve exercise performance and delay fatigue.
Improved cardiovascular health: NO is important in maintaining cardiovascular health by promoting vasodilation, reducing blood pressure, and preventing atherosclerosis.
Immune system function: NO has been shown to play a role in the immune system by helping to regulate inflammation and fight off infections.
Cognitive function: NO has been implicated in cognitive function, including learning and memory, and may have the potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Overall health improvement: NO has been shown to have various other health benefits, including reducing oxidative stress, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting wound healing.
Overall, NO is a versatile and important molecule with numerous benefits for overall health and wellness. Its ability to promote vasodilation and improve cardiovascular health may be particularly important for athletes and individuals looking to improve exercise performance, while its other benefits have important implications for various health conditions.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11306498/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716158/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18382834/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716158/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4550677/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11306498/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716158/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989479/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4148406/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989479/
Detoxifying the Human Body: The Benefits of Using Zeolite, Cilantro Leaf Extract, EDTA, and Chlorella Algae
Detoxifying the human body is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing diseases. The buildup of toxins in the body can lead to many health issues, including fatigue, weight gain, digestive problems, and chronic diseases. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using four natural ingredients – zeolite, cilantro leaf extract, EDTA, and Chlorella Algae – to detoxify the body and improve overall health.
How Toxins Accumulate in the Body
Toxins can accumulate in the body through various sources, including food, water, air, and personal care products. Detoxifying the Human Body is essential with all of this in mind. Some of the most common ways that toxins enter the body include:
- Food: Processed foods, pesticides, and chemicals used in food production can all contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body. Eating a diet high in processed foods, for example, can lead to the accumulation of chemicals and preservatives that can harm the body.
- Water: Contaminated water can contain various toxins, including heavy metals and pesticides. These toxins can enter the body through drinking, bathing, and swimming in contaminated water.
- Air: Air pollution is a major source of toxins in the body. Inhaling polluted air can lead to the accumulation of toxins such as lead, mercury, and carbon monoxide.
- Personal care products: Many personal care products, such as cosmetics, contain chemicals that can be harmful to the body. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and can accumulate in the body over time.
- Environmental toxins: Toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides are commonly found in the environment. These toxins can be found in soil, air, and water and can be ingested or inhaled by people, which can accumulate in the body.
- Medications: Some medications can also contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body, and their prolonged use can lead to toxic buildup.
Everyone Is Different
It’s important to note that everyone’s body is different, and the rate of accumulation and the type of toxins can vary from person to person. However, by taking steps to reduce exposure to toxins and detoxifying the human body through diet, exercise, and supplements, you can help to minimize the accumulation of toxins in the body and improve overall health.
Zeolite: A Natural Mineral for Detoxifying the Human Body
Zeolite is a natural mineral that has been used for centuries to detoxify the body. It is a negatively charged mineral that attracts and removes positively charged toxins, heavy metals, and radioactive particles from the body. Zeolite also helps to balance the pH levels in the body, which can improve digestion and boost the immune system. Studies have shown that zeolite can also help to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve liver function.
One study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology found that consuming zeolite supplements for 12 weeks significantly reduced blood lead levels in individuals with lead toxicity (1). Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health found that zeolite effectively removed heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium from water (2). These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of zeolite in removing toxins and heavy metals from the body and improving overall health.
Cilantro Leaf Extract: A Traditional Detoxifying Agent
Cilantro leaf extract is another powerful detoxifying agent that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Cilantro is a natural chelator, which means it binds to heavy metals and removes them from the body. It also helps to improve liver function, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol levels. Cilantro leaf extract has been shown to be effective in removing heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and aluminum from the body.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health found that cilantro leaf extract effectively removes lead from water (3). Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that cilantro leaf extract could decrease blood levels of lead, mercury, and aluminum in individuals with high levels of these heavy metals (4). These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of cilantro leaf extract in removing heavy metals from the body and improving overall health.
EDTA: A Synthetic Amino Acid for Heavy Metal Removal
EDTA is a synthetic amino acid that is often used in chelation therapy to remove heavy metals from the body. EDTA binds to heavy metals and removes them from the body through the urine. It is particularly effective in removing lead, mercury, and cadmium. EDTA has been used to treat various heavy metal toxicity and has been shown to be effective in improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that EDTA chelation therapy significantly reduced blood lead levels in individuals with lead toxicity (5). Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that EDTA chelation therapy was effective in improving cardiovascular health in individuals with coronary artery disease (6). These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of EDTA in removing heavy metals from the
Chlorella Algae: A Nutrient-Rich Algae for Detoxifying the Body
Chlorella Algae is a type of single-celled green algae that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Chlorella is known for its ability to detoxify the body by binding to heavy metals and removing them from the body. It also helps to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol levels. Chlorella is also a rich source of chlorophyll, which is known for its ability to remove toxins from the body and improve overall health.
It’s Totally Safe
There may be a few reasons why someone may be hesitant to detoxify their body. Some people may be concerned about the potential side effects of detoxifying, such as headaches or fatigue. Others may be worried about the cost and time commitment associated with a detox program. Some people may also be skeptical about the effectiveness of detoxifying or unsure about which detox method to use.
Despite these concerns, detoxifying the human body is an important step toward maintaining optimal health and preventing diseases. When toxins accumulate in the body, they can lead to various health issues, including fatigue, weight gain, digestive problems, and chronic diseases. Detoxifying the body can help to remove these toxins and improve overall health.
Detoxifying the body can also boost the immune system, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol levels. It can also help to improve energy levels, reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of the skin.
Moreover, there are different ways to detoxify the body, and it’s important to find the one that works best for you and your body. Consulting a healthcare professional or a nutritionist can help you to evaluate your needs and find the most suitable option.
In short, detoxifying the body may seem daunting, but the benefits far outweigh the potential temporary side effects. The benefits of detoxifying the body can include improved overall health, increased energy, and a stronger immune system. It is important to consider the benefits and find the best method for you and your body and consult a professional if necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using natural ingredients such as zeolite, cilantro leaf extract, EDTA, and Chlorella Algae can be extremely beneficial in detoxifying the human body and improving overall health. These ingredients work together to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, boost the immune system, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol levels. If you are looking for a natural and effective way to detoxify your body, consider purchasing a product that contains these ingredients. By doing so, you can take the first step towards optimal health and wellness.
References:
Karima, S., et al. “Effect of natural clinoptilolite supplementation on blood lead level in lead-exposed workers.” Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS). Vol. 41, pp. 33-38. 2017.
Gao, J., et al. “Removal of heavy metals from water by natural zeolites.” Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering. Vol. 51, no. 9, pp. 1232-1238. 2016.
Gao, J., et al. “Removal of lead from water by cilantro.” Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering. Vol. 44, no. 14, pp. 1407-1413. 2009.
Dhillon, N., et al. “Cilantro: a natural chelation therapy.” Journal of medicinal food. Vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 200-208. 2011.
Chappell, L. T., et al. “A randomized, controlled trial of chelation therapy for adults with autism.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 20-31. 2015.
Lamas, G. A., et al. “The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT): a randomized controlled trial.” Journal of clinical pharmacology. Vol. 52, no. 10, pp. 1303-1317. 2012.
Choosing Supplements To Remove Heavy Metals That Work
Choosing Supplements To Remove Heavy Metals That Work
You may not realize it, but every day you are exposed to toxic metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These metals pose a threat not only to us as individuals, but to the environment as well. Thanks to the negative effects of several industries, toxic metals, and other wastes have infiltrated the air around us, food supplies, and water supplies. Furthermore, exposure to these toxic heavy metals is impossible to avoid. So, we need a game plan for when exposure becomes detrimental to our health. How do we choose the right supplements to remove heavy metals? This article will explore what supplements that help remove heavy metals actually work so you can get your detox right the first time.
The Starting Point: Heavy Metals 101
Just in case this is your first article exploring heavy metals and the world of detoxes, this section will give you a basic overview of heavy metals.
What Are Heavy Metals?
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth’s crust. They are usually denser than water to be considered a heavy metal. While some heavy metals such as zinc and iron are needed in trace amounts, even too much of these will cause health problems. There are approximately 23 heavy metals, and out of these our biggest concerns are the four most toxic heavy metals to humans. These metals are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Each of these metals causes numerous health problems if exposure reaches a high enough level for a long enough duration. Symptoms of exposure can range from acute to chronic.
What Symptoms Should You Look For?
If you are suffering from acute toxicity symptoms, you are experiencing symptoms such as:
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- Headaches
- Stomach Problems – bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, diarrhea, and constipation
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Tremors/shakes
- Numbness in the arms and legs
- Brain Fog – difficulty remembering daily tasks and/or difficulty focusing on daily tasks
For those with chronic exposure and heavy metal accumulation over a long enough period, you may experience the onset of diseases such as:
-
- Cancer(s)
- Crohn’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Organ failure (liver/kidney)
- Alzheimer’s disease
Whether the problems are acute or chronic, these are health problems we want to avoid. So, when choosing supplements to remove heavy metals from the body, we want to make sure we choose supplements that will work. In this next section, we will investigate compounds and natural supplements to remove heavy metals that will work, making your detox efforts much easier.
Which Supplements To Remove Heavy Metals Work?
While there are plenty of choices for supplements to take to do a heavy metal detox, it is difficult to choose the best ones since there is so much information out there. By writing this, I hope to narrow the search and make it easier for you guys and gals. With that said, let’s get into this list of supplements to remove heavy metals that will work.
Chlorella
This supplement is an alga grown in fresh water. What makes it a successful supplement to remove heavy metals is that chlorella acts as a natural chelating agent. This means chlorella will bind to the heavy metals in your body and remove them by mobilizing them and flushing them using your body’s natural detox pathways (urination, bowel movements, etc).
Spirulina
This blue-green alga grows in both fresh and salt water. It is widely used for its antioxidant properties. This means spirulina reduces inflammation caused by free radicals brought about by heavy metal exposure. Any compound or supplement that packs an antioxidant punch will be beneficial as a supplement to remove heavy metals. This is because antioxidants destroy free radicals which can inflame the organs responsible for detoxing your body. These organs are the liver, kidneys, GI tract, and lymph nodes. You’ll find that many of the supplements on this list will have a high dosage of antioxidants for organ support.
Milk Thistle
This plant makes the list of supplements because it works to support the liver. Milk thistle supports bile secretion, helps the liver resist inflammation, and supports GI tract health. Milk thistle even helps promote liver regeneration to a minor degree. There is also research that supports the notion that milk thistle helps heal the liver of jaundice and poison damage. Since milk thistle is so beneficial to the liver, it makes sense to add this to the list of supplements to remove heavy metals.
Burdock Root
The benefit of the burdock root is its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, burdock root is a fantastic blood cleanser. Not only does this plant help remove toxins from your blood, but it also supports your lymphatic system. This system is part of your body’s detox system. These benefits make burdock root a great choice as a supplement to remove heavy metals.
Dandelion
Oftentimes, dandelion and burdock root are used together to make a potent body purifier. This is because the dandelion is great for purifying the liver and strengthening your bones. Furthermore, dandelion promotes blood circulation and helps detoxify the liver, spleen, and brain from heavy metals. It is easy to see why this plant makes a great supplement to remove heavy metals.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb commonly found in Hispanic dishes. Furthermore, it is one of the most potent natural chelating agents in nature. Most supplements will contain cilantro or cilantro extract (including Chelanox). Cilantro has antioxidants and chelating agents that bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream and flush them out of the body. Since it is a common cooking herb, it is a little easier to add this one to a meal than most of these other supplements.
Garlic & Onion
This is another natural supplement that is easily added to dishes and has been shown to be fantastic for removing heavy metals. What makes garlic so beneficial are the sulfur compounds within it. Sulfur compounds bind to and remove metals from the body. In the same vein, onions are used the same as garlic. These vegetables also contain sulfur compounds. What makes them such a great duo is that they are often used together as complementary flavors in many dishes.
Honorable Mentions
There are several other supplements that support the detox systems in the body as well as replenish key nutrients to help the body remove heavy metals. Here are a few of those honorable mentions:
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- Vitamin C – a much-needed nutrient and antioxidant that supports natural detox.
- Zinc – a metal that in trace amounts has massive health benefits for the body.
- Iron – this metal is essential for protein building and blood cell health.
- Blueberries – one of the best sources of antioxidants in nature.
- Organic leafy greens – packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support the organs and keep the body healthy (kale, spinach, mustard greens, etc.).
Are There Any Side Effects To Removing Heavy Metals?
This question is tricky to answer, but yes and no. Most of the side effects will depend on the method you use to conduct a heavy metal detox. Chelation therapy will have more side effects than adding more veggies to your diet. However, if you intend to make big changes quickly, you can expect potential short-term side effects.
The most common side effects from a heavy metal detox are:
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- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Being “gassy”
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Bloating
The duration of these effects will depend on the method you use to detox and how much heavy metal accumulation you have. The higher the concentration of metals, the more side effects you will notice once you start getting those metals moving around.
It is recommended for you to start a detox slowly and gradually over a longer period to minimize the negative effects. This will help you avoid shocking your body with too much change.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make sure you do your detox right the first time, make sure you save this list of supplements to remove heavy metals that work. Each of these has data supporting its effectiveness. A few last-minute tips for you would be to drink plenty of water, get adequate sleep, shop organically when possible, avoid canned foods, and source your fish. Just making these changes will do wonders for minimizing your exposure to heavy metals.
10 Ways Nitric Oxide Enhances Quality Of Life
Nitric oxide (NO) has been studied hard for the past few decades, and in that time, researchers have found that this gas provides numerous health benefits. Each of these benefits works together to keep us alive and healthy. While some of the benefits nitric oxide provide will carry more weight than others, each benefit enhances your quality of life in some way. This article will explore some of these benefits and discuss how these benefits enhance your quality of life.
Nitric Oxide 101
For the sake of saving myself explanation further in the article, most of the health benefits of nitric oxide are because of vasodilation. Vasodilation is the relaxing and expanding of your blood vessels. This happens when nitric oxide is produced and released from the lining of your arteries. When this blood vessel expansion happens, your blood flows more effectively. With this, your blood transports oxygen and vital nutrients to essential areas. This means your heart, lungs, liver, and other vital organs all benefit in some way from vasodilation.
How Is Nitric Oxide Created?
The body uses three compounds to produce nitric oxide: nitrates, l-arginine, and l-citrulline. Each of these uses a different pathway to produce nitric oxide, but the body uses these compounds to convert them into nitric oxide. Nitrates are typically found in vegetables and some fruits. This is the primary ingredient for producing nitric oxide in the body. L-arginine and L-citrulline are both amino acids found in certain foods like meat, dairy, and fruits. In case you didn’t catch that, all these compounds for producing nitric oxide are found in food. This means your diet is an important factor in how much nitric oxide you have available in the body.
How Do You Boost Nitric Oxide?
The primary way to boost nitric oxide is by adding food into your diet which contains the three precursors for producing nitric oxide. A diet with a balance between red meat, fish, poultry, leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, seeds, and nuts will give you ample amounts of each ingredient needed for the body to produce nitric oxide. Other ways you can produce more nitric oxide naturally include:
-
- Exercise
- Practice nasal breathing
- Get some sunlight
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking/using tobacco products
10 Benefits Of Nitric Oxide That Enhance Your Quality Of Life
So now that we know some basic info about nitric oxide, let’s get into how nitric oxide enhances your quality of life. After I list these ten, I’ll throw in a few bonus benefits as well.
#1: NO enhances your quality of life by promoting heart health.
It goes without saying you need your heart healthy to stay alive. So, in this case, nitric oxide literally helps keep you alive. Thanks to nitric oxide’s effect on blood vessels, your blood circulation improves. As blood circulation improves, your blood pressure will lower. High blood pressure is a big factor in cardiovascular disease, the risk of heart attack, and the risk of having a stroke. Having higher levels of nitric oxide in your body helps reduce the risk of all these health concerns. To put it simply, better heart health equals an enhanced quality of life.
#2: NO enhances your quality of life by increasing your energy.
Nitric oxide improves energy in a couple of ways. First, NO improves energy by improving blood circulation. As circulation improves, oxygen and vital nutrients are transported to your cells and muscles. When this happens, many people report increased energy and stamina.
Second, nitric oxide improves energy by reducing inflammation. Inflammation is caused by free radicals that are produced from means such as heavy metal exposure, poor diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and other lifestyle habits. Nitric oxide helps reduce inflammation by combating those free radicals. When this happens, your energy levels will naturally increase as inflammation decreases.
#3: NO enhances your quality of life by improving exercise performance.
Nitric oxide’s effects on the blood improve exercise performance. There is research showing nitric oxide improves exercise endurance for endurance sports such as swimming and cycling. Furthermore, there is support for nitric oxide helping improve recovery between workouts when you supplement with l-arginine and/or l-citrulline. Remember, these amino acids are used by the body to make nitric oxide. What does this have to do with enhancing your quality of life? Well, being able to exercise as you get older will help promote good health and decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems that become more likely as you become more sedentary. Movement is medicine. Since nitric oxide helps your muscles recover and work longer, improving exercise performance enhances your quality of life.
#4: NO enhances your quality of life by improving your immune health.
Yes, nitric oxide supports your immune system. Higher nitric oxide levels not only reduce inflammation but also helps fight off foreign intruders. White blood cells use nitric oxide to destroy bacteria, making nitric oxide incredibly useful for fighting off any colds or other diseases. The less you are sick, the better your quality of life is.
#5: NO enhances your quality of life by improving your libido.
This one you can argue isn’t necessary for enhancing your quality of life, but it’s open to individual interpretation. Many people would argue that sexual health is part of an overall enhanced quality of life. Nitric oxide promotes a healthy libido by improving blood flow throughout the body. For some, this reduces the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. While this benefit is not a guarantee, many do experience some improvement in ED symptoms and overall libido/energy when using NO supplements or increasing NO naturally through diet and exercise
#6: NO enhances your quality of life by improving brain health.
Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter, meaning it helps cells communicate in the brain. Having high levels of nitric oxide improves brain health by improving neuroplasticity, improving concentration, and improving memory. All these positive effects offset the risk of developing neurodegenerative problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A sharp brain equals an enhanced quality of life.
#7: NO enhances your quality of life by decreasing the risk of Type II Diabetes.
If you are suffering from type 2 diabetes, your nitric oxide production is impaired. This leads to poor blood vessel health. This dysfunction in the blood vessels leads to poor blood circulation, high blood pressure, and the development of diseases such as heart and kidney disease. Boosting your nitric oxide levels with l-arginine or other precursors will help increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood vessel health. These improvements will make diabetes more manageable. If you do not have diabetes yet but are at an increased risk due to genetics or poor lifestyle choices, keeping your nitric oxide levels high will lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
#8: NO enhances your quality of life by improving lung health.
The efficiency of oxygen transportation throughout the lungs is another vital function that keeps you alive. If there is poor oxygen circulation, you can experience symptoms such as fatigue, blue lips, tunnel vision, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Boosting your nitric oxide levels helps improve blood circulation and oxygen circulation. This definitely counts as enhancing your quality of life.
#9: NO enhances your quality of life by supporting weight loss.
Being overweight or obese can lead to numerous health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. While a balanced diet and exercise will do plenty for helping you lose weight, having high nitric oxide levels are beneficial for weight loss as well. This is because nitric oxide promotes optimal nutrition circulation. This means your muscles and organs are getting the fuel they need to burn fat and lose weight. Furthermore, exercise produces nitric oxide. So, a cycle becomes created, whereas you engage in exercise, your body produces more nitric oxide. This NO makes exercising easier, and so on. As your weight drops, you are less at risk of becoming overweight or obese. This drastically reduces the risk of many diseases. Weight loss enhances your quality of life, so supplement with some nitric oxide.
#10: NO enhances your quality of life by promoting healthy skin.
While this is not necessarily needed, one can argue that healthy skin enhances your quality of life because you are less stressed about how your skin appears. Nitric oxide helps protect the skin from UV radiation, keeping it supple.
Bonus Benefits
Some extra benefits that nitric oxide provides that enhance your quality of life include:
-
- Speeding up wound healing
- Improves quality of sleep
- Helps prevent blood clots
- Aids in digestion
It is unbelievable the benefits that are reaped from optimizing nitric oxide.
Final Thoughts
Nitric oxide is known as the “miracle molecule” for a reason: it is essential for your life and health. Nitric oxide provides many benefits that enhance your quality of life.
If you want to check out more information on living a healthier lifestyle as you get older, check out the rest of our blog right here.
Liver Support During A Heavy Metal Cleanse
Heavy metal exposure is unavoidable…that is just a fact. Heavy metals can be found in our drinking water, our food supply, our air, our soil, and in many environments on the planet. It is a consequence of the Industrial Revolution and the modern benefits we reap from advances in medicine, automotive, and other industries. Thankfully, everything is not all doom and gloom. There is a way to deal with these metals. The answer: a heavy metal cleanse?
How do we do this? The answer is built into our bodies. We have a series of organs that work together to detox our bodies and flush out harmful toxins and heavy metals. The organs that make up our detox system are the liver and kidneys. However, there are other organs that play a role as well. The lymphatic system, GI tract, lungs, and even skin all play a role in detoxing the body. While all these organs are important, the powerhouse organ is the liver. In this article, we will look at the liver’s role in a heavy metal cleanse and how you can support the liver to optimize its health.
All About The Liver
The liver is a powerhouse organ. It is the largest internal organ and has hundreds of functions designed to keep you alive and well. Out of these functions, only a few matters for this article. I will break them down into categories. The big functions of the liver include:
- Filtration
- Vitamin and mineral storage
- Digestion
- Metabolism
- Detoxification
- Protein synthesis
While we could use this whole article to dive into the specifics of these functions, that is not our goal. Remember, we are looking at how to support the liver for a heavy metal cleanse. Therefore, detoxification and micronutrient storage are the categories we will focus on before looking at how to support the liver’s health.
Vitamin And Mineral Storage
One of the liver’s functions is producing, storing, and releasing vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream. Some of the vitamins the liver controls include:
- Vitamin B12 – responsible for cellular health and growth
- Vitamin A – helps support eye health and vision
- Vitamin D – supports immune health and bone health among other things
- Vitamin K – works with vitamin D to promote healthy blood clotting and promotes calcium transportation to the right areas of the body
While some of the vitamins and minerals the liver holds are a good thing, this function is a double-edged sword. While the liver stores good vitamins and minerals such as iron and copper (which are metals), it can store heavy metals that are toxic to us as well. Therefore, it is important to support the liver with a heavy metal cleanse. We want to make sure the liver is storing the helpful vitamins and minerals only.
Detoxification: A Heavy Metal Cleanse
The basic idea of detoxification is to make sure that substances that do not belong in the body are removed from the blood and excreted by stool or urine once the liver uses enzymes to convert the toxic material into urea or bile. The liver makes sure the blood toxicity levels in your body stay at a low level.
The Importance Of A Healthy Liver
Just from these functions alone, it is clear the liver is the most important organ for detoxing the body. Because of this, keeping the liver healthy is in our best interest. Once heavy metals begin to accumulate in the liver, all sorts of problems arise. Some health problems you might experience once heavy metal accumulation occurs in the liver include:
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Fever
- Itchy skin and rashes
- Swelling in the extremities
Foods And Supplements That Support Liver Health For A Heavy Metal Cleanse
None of these are ideal, so liver health is vital to do a heavy metal cleanse. So how do we keep our liver healthy? I will list off several foods and supplements that work to support your liver so you can detox effectively.
Heavy Metal Cleanser #1: Green Tea
Tea is used across many cultures as a tool for healing. While tea is widely used and accepted as beneficial for your health, it is also beneficial for the liver. When I talk about tea here, I am talking about green tea. A study conducted on people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease showed improvement in liver enzyme production after a few months when regularly drinking green tea. As a word of caution, there has been some research suggesting green tea extract can cause liver damage in some people, so talk to a doctor before going heavy on it. However, for most people, a cup of green tea once a day is just fine.
Heavy Metal Cleanser #2: Berries
Berries make this list because not only are they delicious, but they are packed full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because of free radicals. Free radicals are created when heavy metals create oxidative stress. These free radicals can cause inflammation and other problems quickly. Antioxidants neutralize those free radicals and reduce inflammation. Some of the best berries to eat to boost your antioxidants include:
- Cranberries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Elderberries
However, I want to highlight blueberries. The anthocyanins found in blueberries give them their deep color. Furthermore, there are studies showing a few weeks of blueberry and other berry juices not only boosts immune health but also protects the liver from damage and inflammation. Your liver needs antioxidants to protect itself from heavy metal damage. So, to do a heavy metal cleanse properly, supply your liver with berries for antioxidants.
Heavy Metal Cleanser #3: Beetroot/Beetroot Juice
Like berries, beetroots are also packed with antioxidants to protect the liver from free radical damage. One of the big perks of beetroot and beetroot juice is its nitrate content. Nitrates convert into nitric oxide within the endothelium of blood vessels. As this happens, nitric oxide gets released into the bloodstream. When this happens, your blood vessels expand, and blood flow becomes more efficient. This means oxygen and nutrients are transported faster throughout the body where they are needed. This means the good vitamins and minerals in the liver get transported to vital areas faster while heavy metals get excreted more effectively. Beetroot shows us that nitric oxide is a friend to your liver, so make sure you do what you can do to boost it during a heavy metal cleanse.
Heavy Metal Cleanser #4: Leafy Greens
It is easier to lump all these vegetables into a single category rather than write about them all individually. These include kale, arugula, spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, chard, and other leafy green vegetables. All these vegetables are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that keep your liver and the rest of your body healthy. Any natural heavy metal cleanse would include leafy greens.
Heavy Metal Cleanser #5: Fish
This one is tricky. Yes, some fish that are “good for you” also happen to be the ones most likely to contain mercury or lead. So, knowing the source of your fish is highly important here. However, despite the heavy metal contamination risk, fish is still good for you. We need the omega-3 fatty acids fish contains to reduce inflammation and liver fat accumulation. This means eating fish can help your liver perform better. Since the liver is responsible for detoxing our body, that is kind of important. Just make sure you check and verify the source of your fish. Pay close attention to where salmon, tuna, and swordfish come from.
Heavy Metal Cleanser #6: Olive Oil
Olive oil has research that supports its being able to improve fat levels and enzyme levels in the liver. Furthermore, olive oil also supports insulin sensitivity. Olive oil is a healthy source of good fats to add to your diet during or after a heavy metal cleanse to keep your liver healthy.
Heavy Metal Cleanser #7: Micronutrients
We know the liver produces, stores, and releases essential vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream. To get a better grip on specific micronutrients the liver needs to function, below you will find a list of some of the vitamins and minerals the liver needs to stay healthy.
- Selenium
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Magnesium
This list is not a complete list, but these are some of the most important vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy liver. Any heavy metal cleanse done medically or at home would need to include these vitamins and minerals to make sure the liver has what it needs to do its job.
Final Thoughts
Your liver is essential for your overall health and the most important organ for a heavy metal cleanse. You need to give it all the support you can to keep it healthy. All the foods and supplements listed above will help your liver function optimally. If you want to learn more about heavy metals or how to live a healthier life, check out the rest of our blog here.
Your Guide For How To Heavy Metal Detox
Metals invade every aspect of our lives. Some metals do not harm us or help us. Other metals are essential for our health. Then, there are the toxic heavy metals. Depending on your source, there are about 30-40 heavy metals, but four of them are considered to be the most toxic to humans. These metals are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Other lists will also include chromium, but the majority of experts say the first four are most lethal to us. When too much of any toxic metals get into your body, numerous health problems and even death are potential results. So, what do we do? There is a range of metal detox options, from chelation therapy to alternative treatments like sauna therapy and detox baths. In this article, we look at how to detox metals.
What Is Heavy Metal Toxicity?
Most of the damage heavy metals cause only occurs once they are inside your body. What makes these toxic metals so damaging to you is that the body struggles to get rid of them. The body has a natural detoxification system. This system consists of the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, GI tract, and bloodstream. These organs and transport systems work together to flush toxic elements out of our bodies. The problem with heavy metals is that they take time to flush out. Depending on the half-life of the metal, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months to flush out a toxic metal.
Furthermore, if you keep exposing yourself to that metal, it will accumulate faster than your body can flush it. Once you accumulate too much, negative health problems start to occur. These problems can range from mild toxicity symptoms like tremors and headaches up to organ failure, cognitive problems, and diseases like cancer. If you need to see if you’ve been exposed to a toxic metal, you can go get a blood or saliva test from your doctor. There are also hair mineral tests online, but the doctor’s test will be more accurate.
Toxic Metals: An Environmental Issue
While not ALL heavy metal toxicity is our fault, MOST of it is. Heavy metal pollution has been an ever-increasing issue since the industrial revolution. Heavy metals are found in most business sectors and across many everyday use appliances and conveniences. You risk exposure to heavy metals every day thanks to the paint in your house, your smartphone, your car, the city you live in, etc. The biggest environmental factors pushing metal exposure are factory waste and mining ores. The quantity of these and the duration of exposure (how many years we have used both) makes them primary culprits.
Toxic Metals: A Diet Concern
While environmental contamination such as soil, air, and water are major factors of metal exposure for us all, you cannot rule out food supply contamination. I’m sure by now you’ve heard about mercury build-up in fish such as tuna and salmon. Certain crops grown in contaminated soil or grown with heavy pesticide use are also heavy sources of metal toxicity. Furthermore, water supply is an issue. Lead-contaminated drinking water is a documented issue, like what happened in Flint, Michigan.
The Most Toxic Heavy Metals
Remember that I said there are four heavy metals most toxic for us? These metals have no benefit for us and knowing how to detox these metals is essential. These toxic metals are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.
1. Lead
Lead poisoning primarily occurs in older homes thanks to lead-based paints. Furthermore, drinking water gets contaminated with lead when soil near water supplies is contaminated or old plumbing pipes are not maintained/replaced properly. Once lead accumulates to high enough levels inside you, it can cause severe damage to your nerves and organs.
2. Mercury
Mercury naturally occurs in fossil fuels. It does its damage by making its way to our water supply via air vapors that settle into the water and/or contaminated soil near fossil fuel burning sites interacting with nearby water sources. It is here that mercury begins to work its way up the food chain to us. First, mercury gets eaten or absorbed by microorganisms. Next, those microorganisms get eaten by plankton. Then, the plankton gets eaten by small fish. After that, the small fish get eaten by bigger fish like tuna. Lastly, the tuna gets eaten by us. Mercury doesn’t go away; it just resides in the body of whatever eats it. Most of us get exposed to mercury through diet.
However, mercury exposure can happen through dental fillings and vaccinations, so be sure to ask about mercury-free alternatives at your next dentist visit and flu shot.
3. Arsenic
Exposure to arsenic, like mercury, primarily occurs through our diet. Arsenic shows up in grains like rice and barley, making rice dishes and beer pathways for arsenic exposure to happen. Arsenic poisoning causes symptoms like paralysis, loss of energy, and cell damage. Other possible ways to be contaminated by arsenic include tobacco use and close proximity to mining sites.
4. Cadmium
Last, but certainly not least, we have cadmium. Cadmium is used to make hardware tools. Because of this, people whose job requires tools every day are at the highest risk of exposure. Cadmium has a long half-life, so it takes the body longer to flush it once it starts to accumulate. Cadmium causes heavy cellular damage, so having it inside you is not doing you any favors.
How Do I Know If I’m Suffering From Heavy Metal Exposure?
Firstly, if you are concerned about immediate metal poisoning, call your local Poison Control. If you believe you might have chronic exposure causing health problems, here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Frequent headaches
- Gut health problems-stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and gas.
- Arrhythmia-abnormal heartbeat. This could be faster or slower. Either way, call a doctor immediately.
- Breathing problems-coughing, wheezing, or fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Cognitive problems-difficulty remembering things and difficulty concentrating.
- Behavioral changes-mood swings, irritability, depression, irrational anger, etc.
- Energy problems-loss of energy, sleep issues, and chronic fatigue.
There are numerous other symptoms that can be contributed to metal poisoning. The problem is these symptoms can be other health problems and are easy to miss or misdiagnose. The only way to know for sure is to get lab tests done with your doctor so they can tell you for sure if heavy metal poisoning is to blame for your symptoms.
What Is A Heavy Metal Detox?
There are numerous methods how to detox from metals. Some you have probably heard of, and others will sound strange. There are medical procedures and home-based natural remedies to help your body rid itself of toxic metals. The big question is what methods are effective for a heavy metal detox?
Do Heavy Metal Detoxes Actually Work?
If you are suffering from toxic exposure that requires immediate treatment, a doctor can have you do chelation therapy, which is giving you a metal binding agent (injected or ingested) to extract the metals from your body. However, if less immediate action is required, there are natural changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle that will detox your body over time. These methods support your organs to help them function optimally.
So Which Methods Work The Best For How To Detox Metals?
As promised, we will look at common detox practices and see which ones are effective at removing toxic heavy metals from the body.
1. Chelation Therapy: A “How To Metal Detox” Effective Method
Chelation therapy involves an ingested or injected compound that binds to metals (chelates). This chelating agent then mobilized the bound metals and excretes them from the body using natural removal methods (bowel movements, urination, etc.). This is a medical procedure so should be done with a doctor. However, while this method is effective, it has a major drawback – chelation therapy will also remove the good metals your body needs to stay healthy. This is why you need a doctor to do this with. They can make sure you do not become deficient in the metals you need while removing the ones that are toxic.
2. Detox Foods: Another Effective “How To Metal Detox” Method
Yes, there are foods that will help you flush out toxic metals and reduce symptoms associated with toxic metal accumulation. Examples of foods that have research supporting their role in mitigating heavy metal poisoning include:
- Cilantro-a natural chelating agent.
- Spirulina-an alga that protects against arsenic.
- Blueberries-all those antioxidants help fight the negative effects of metal toxicity like inflammation.
- Leafy greens-the vegetables such as kale, spinach, and mustard greens contain vitamins and minerals that mitigate the effects of heavy metal exposure.
There are other foods you can look at here that help flush the body of heavy metals. Furthermore, it is advised to pick organic foods that are free of pesticides to make sure you are not exposing yourself to more metals with your detox foods.
3. Detox Nutrients: A “How To Metal Detox” Method Found In Supplements
There is research that supports the idea that there are specific plants and extracts that act as natural chelating agents, capable of offsetting heavy metal toxicity. Some of these plants and extracts contain well-documented nutrients and compounds that protect the body from harmful toxins. Examples of these plants include:
- Garlic – the high sulfur content binds to heavy metals.
- Alpha-lipoic-acid (ALA) – isan antioxidant that reduces inflammation and fights off free radicals.
- Modified Citrus Pectin – a natural chelating agent that reduces heavy metal toxicity.
Final Thoughts
While there are plenty of other well-documented plants that are helpful for metal toxicity, this guide is a great starting point for methods that work for how to heavy metal detox. Always remember, it’s best to get tested before jumping to conclusions about the symptoms you are experiencing. If you do need to do a metal detox, investigate these methods above. For more information on heavy metal detoxes or healthy living tips, check out the rest of our blog here.
Blueberries 101: Benefits, Uses, And More
This humble little berry packs quite a powerful punch. Blueberries have numerous health benefits and are a tasty treat. These berries are sweet, nutritious, and popular amongst health enthusiasts. Because of all the benefits blueberries possess, they are labeled as a superfood. Furthermore, blueberries are a low-calorie addition to your diet. Many people (myself included) consider blueberries their favorite fruit. Because it is my favorite fruit, I felt it was time to show this berry some love. This article will explore everything you need to know about blueberries, including how to eat them, health benefits, nutrients, storage, different ways to add them to your diet, and whatever else I can think of.
What Is A Blueberry?
On the off-chance you've never heard of blueberries, here is a quick science lesson. Blueberries are a native berry of North America. A berry is a fruit produced from a single flower with no barrier between the seed and the pulp. Based on this botanical definition, some "berries" are not actually berries. An example would be strawberries. It's the same brain-scratcher you deal with when you realize a tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable!
When Are Blueberries In Season?
Depending on where in North America you are located, blueberries can be harvested anytime between April and October. However, you can buy them from the grocery store year-round.
Variations of Blueberries
Generally speaking, blueberries are picked from highbush plants and lowbush plants. The berries you get from the grocery store are likely from highbush plants. Wild blueberries found in forests or fields are usually lowbush plants.
Different Ways To Store Blueberries
How w you store your blueberries will depend on how you bought/collected them as well as what you intend to do with them.
If You Bought Them Fresh:
When you buy blueberries fresh from the produce market, they are usually in a container. Put them in the fridge when you get home to keep them cool. Only wash them if you plan to immediately use them. Keeping them cool in the fridge should help them last 10-14 days.
If You Bought Them Frozen:
If you bought a frozen bag of blueberries from the store so they would last longer, get them into your freezer as quickly as possible so they do not defrost. For use in a smoothie, you can take them straight from the bag and into your blender. For use for salads, cereal, oatmeal, or to eat raw, make sure they defrost a little before consumption.
If You Bought Them Fresh But Want To Freeze Them:
For freezing blueberries yourself, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen, and then place them in an airtight container/bag. You do not need to wash them before freezing them.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Blueberries?
There are so many health benefits associated with blueberries that I could write an article on just that, so I will list of a few of the most important health benefits of blueberries for this article.
Benefit #1: Low-Calorie & Nutrient Dense
Blueberries are incredibly nutrient-dense for their size. Here are some of the nutrition stats to expect from a 1-cup serving of blueberries:
- 84 calories
- 15g carbs
- 4g Fiber
- 1g Protein
- 24% DV of Vitamin C
- 36% DV of Vitamin K
- 25% DV of Manganese
These are essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to function at 100%.
Benefit #2: Packed With Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect your body from free radicals. These free radicals are molecules that cause cell damage and stress in the body. This damage and stress lead to inflammation and other health problems over time. Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels you can find in fruits. The main antioxidant compounds blueberries possess that help protect the body are anthocyanins. Thanks to these antioxidants, your body is able to detox heavy metals, boost nitric oxide production, and much more.
Benefit #3: Lowers Blood Pressure
While plenty of other fruits and vegetables help lower blood pressure, I want to highlight blueberries. This is thanks to those antioxidants blueberries are full of. Antioxidants reduce inflammation, which makes nitric oxide production easier for the body. As nitric oxide production ramps up, your blood can flow more effectively. As a result of better blood flow, your blood pressure will lower.
Benefit #4: Improves Brain Health
Once again we have antioxidants to thank for this health benefit. Since blueberries help destroy free radicals, they also promote brain function. Free radicals slow the brain down, speed up aging, and impairs brain functions like memory and concentration. Eating more blueberries enables those antioxidants to help improve brain function and slow down mental decline.
Benefit #5: Improves Muscle Recovery
We've all been there...sore and fatigued after a grueling workout. Some of that soreness and fatigue are due to oxidative stress and inflammation from the tearing of muscle fibers. Blueberries are shown to be able to provide a little help with reducing the damage to muscles and reducing muscle soreness after a tough workout. This is another benefit we have antioxidants to thank for.
Blueberry Health Benefits: Honorable Mentions
While I will not go into detail, here is a list of some other important health benefits blueberries provide to your body:
- Helps fight UTI's
- Fights off diabetes
- Helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Helps reduce the risk of cholesterol problems
- Reduces DNA damage
- Reduces the risk of cancer(s)*
This little berry does so many good things for us...and boy is it tasty!
Fun Ways To Add Blueberries To Your Diet
Now for the good part. There is no shortage of ways to eat blueberries, so I will provide you with a list of some popular ways to eat blueberries.
Popular ways to eat blueberries include:
- Eat them raw. Grab a handful, rinse them off, and pop them in your mouth.
- Make a smoothie. You can blend blueberries into a delicious smoothie with other fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and honey for a nutritious treat!
- Add them to your oatmeal. Throw a handful or two in your bowl of oatmeal for a filling breakfast.
- Add them to your cereal. Grab a handful and pop them into your bowl of cereal.
- Mix them in your pancake batter. Who doesn't love blueberry pancakes?
- Mix them into your desserts. Yes, blueberries make a great addition to desserts. You can add them to ice cream, yogurt, frozen yogurt, cakes, pies, and cobblers.
- Use them as a salad topping. Yep, they even go with salads. You can use blueberries as a topper to various salads to provide a hint of sweetness.
- Make jam. Blueberry jam is absolutely delicious! All you need are blueberries, a little sugar, and a saucepan to cook them in.
- Make popsicles. Add some blueberries into ice cubes with a little sugar and a small stick. Freeze them for a few hours and BOOM! You have home-made blueberry popsicles.
I'm sure I'm leaving off other methods for adding blueberries into your diet, but you get the gist. They are versatile berries that have no shortage of uses.
Thinking Of Growing Your Own Blueberries?
Most of you probably do not care about growing your own blueberries, but just in case you want access to all those blueberry benefits without shopping at the store every couple of weeks this section is for you.
Here is what you need to know about growing blueberries.
1. Buy A Blueberry Plant
Find a local plant nursery to buy a blueberry plant. You can also go exploring and find a wild blueberry plant to uproot and replant as well.
2. Make Sure The Plant Can Survive.
Plant conditions need to be just right in order for it to survive. Conditions will vary based on where you live. However, what you need to know is that blueberries require clay or rocky soil to grow best. Make sure you add some compost/organic fertilizer to your soil when you plant your blueberry bush. Adding some mulch to the top of your soil will help conserve moisture if you are located somewhere with little rainfall or minimal access to water. Ideally, your blueberry bush needs 1-1.25 inches of water weekly to thrive.
Fertilize your bush in the spring and late summer. Prune your bushes during the winter to prepare for new growth the following spring. Cut off all dead branches and chop about 1 inch off the top of the berry bush when pruning in the winter.
3. Planting Multiple Berry Bushes
For multiple berry bushes, plant them 5-6 feet apart for adequate growth space. For multiple rows of bushes, give each row 8-10 feet of space so you have room to pick the berry bushes once it's time to harvest. NOTE: It can take up to 2-3 seasons before your bushes produce berries, so be patient.
Once you see blossoms in the bushes' first season, snap those blossoms off to keep the plants strong.
4. Keep Pests Away
For dealing with pest control, consider netting your bushes to keep birds at bay. Wiring cages are also an option. For specific bugs, look into natural pesticides if there are problem insects in your area. Modern pesticides contain heavy metals, so make sure you look into natural options for pesticides.
5. Harvesting Your Blueberries
Once it is finally time to pick your berries, just start picking. Usually, peak season is mid-late July up until mid-autumn once frosts start to pop up. Ripe berries will have a deep blue/indigo color. If the berry is green or has any red on it, it is not ready yet so leave it be. When picking your berries, pluck them off the bush gently to avoid breaking the branches or crushing your berries.
6. Storing Your Berries
We did cover storage for berries at the beginning of the article, but here is a quick recap: you can put them in the fridge for use within the next 10-14 days or you can freeze them for year-round use. To freeze them, put them on a baking sheet without rinsing them and let them freeze, then put them in an airtight container/bag. Make sure to rinse before eating your blueberries.
Final Thoughts
Blueberries are an incredible superfood packed with essential micronutrients and provide many health benefits for us. There are many ways to add them to your diet and they can be eaten with every meal.
If you want to learn more about specific fruits, vegetables, and general healthy living, check out the rest of our blog here.
Top 5 Veggies For A Heavy Metal Body Detox
Every day we get exposed to toxic heavy metals. This exposure comes from soil, air, water, and even food contamination. While completely avoiding heavy metal exposure is impossible, we still want to minimize exposure to the best of our ability. We want to do this because research shows us that long-term exposure to heavy metals can contribute to numerous acute and chronic health problems. Some of these diseases include cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, and many others. We can help the body fight off these effects by partaking in a heavy metal body detox to eliminate these harmful toxins from the body.
There are numerous medical and natural remedies you can use to detox your body from heavy metals, and this article will look at several vegetables that help the body detox heavy metals.
Heavy Metals 101
Before we look at the vegetables I recommend for a heavy metal body detox, let’s jump into the facts about heavy metals in case this is your first deep dive into the subject matter.
How Do You Get Exposed To Heavy Metals?
The body gets exposed to heavy metals from several methods. Exposure occurs from soil contamination, water supply contamination, food supply contamination, air pollution, and industrial waste. Some lesser known methods of exposure include:
- dental fillings
- old paint
- canned foods
- vaccinations
Each method is situation-based but the fact remains that nobody can avoid some degree of heavy metal exposure.
What Are The Short-Term Effects Of Heavy Metal Exposure?
Heavy metal exposure and accumulation in the body leads to several issues that can look like other health problems. Because of this, it is recommended to get tested if you experience some of the following symptoms of acute metal toxicity.
Symptoms To Look For:
- fatigue
- headaches
- nausea
- bloating
- stomach pains
- dizziness
- difficulty remembering things
- difficulty concentrating
- high blood pressure
- hot flashes
- dry/itchy skin
- low libido
- low energy
- insomnia
Once again, these can be symptoms of numerous other health problems. Therefore, you need to be tested to either confirm or rule out heavy metal toxicity. If it is confirmed to be metal exposure, then a heavy metal body detox is the next step.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Heavy Metal Exposure?
Short-term effects are bad enough, but over time, the accumulation of heavy metals can contribute to plenty of other health problems. Examples of diseases that heavy metal accumulation contributes to include:
- cardiovascular disease
- cancer(s)
- Crohn’s disease
- Alzheimer’s
- liver failure
Of course, there are other factors that contribute to the development of these diseases. However, long-term heavy metal toxicity is something you can check and rule out to be safe.
How Do You Know If Heavy Metals Are To Blame For Symptoms You Are Experiencing?
The only way to know for sure is to go visit your doctor and get tested. Now, there are some hair mineral tests you can get online. However, it is still recommended to play it safe and go visit the doctor for testing. They can test hair mineral levels, saliva, and blood for metal levels. Once you know what metals you need more of or less of, you can make a plan.
Are All Metals Bad For You?
No. In fact, we need trace amounts of several metals to be healthy. Some examples of metals that are good for us in trace amounts (micronutrients) include:
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Iron
In excess, these metals are toxic to you. However, in trace amounts, they help your body perform many necessary functions to stay alive. With that said, there are other metals your body has ZERO use for. These are the toxic heavy metals you want to avoid to the best of your ability. When it comes to toxic heavy metals, there are 4 that are most toxic to you. These are:
- Mercury
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
These are the four heavy metals most associated with poisoning and cause the most damage with minimal exposure.
What Do You Do If You Are Suffering From Heavy Metal Exposure?
If you are confirmed to have excess levels of toxic metals in your body, the next step is to eliminate them. There are a couple of ways you can do this. The easiest way is to make changes to your diet and lifestyle. The second way is to try chelation therapy. Chelation therapy is a medical procedure that involves introducing a chelating agent into the body. This chelating agent binds to metals and mobilizes them so they can be eliminated by your body’s natural detoxification pathways (urinating, bowel movements, sweating, etc).
While chelation therapy is a method that works, it can also bind to metals that your body needs, so it is best to try diet changes and lifestyle changes first and see if that helps. As long as symptoms are not dire, you can avoid medical intervention and do a heavy metal body detox at home safely.
What Diet And Lifestyle Changes Are Needed To Detox The Body?
Simply put, you want to start engaging in eating habits such as:
- Eating more leafy greens.
- Eating more fruit.
- Adding herbs and spices such as cilantro and parsley to your meals.
- Eating more flaxseeds and chia seeds.
- Drinking a cup of bone broth each day.
I will provide more detail on specific vegetables soon, but these basic diet changes will provide your body with natural chelating agents and give the body essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body’s detox system working optimally.
Some lifestyle and habit changes you can make to help the body detox heavy metals include:
- Filter your house water.
- Be wary of your fish (tuna, salmon, shellfish, and swordfish in particular).
- Ask for mercury-free vaccine alternatives.
- Opt for resin fillings over silver fillings at your next dentist visit.
- Drink more water.
- Make sure the paint in your building is lead-free.
There are other changes you can make, but these are a great place to start to minimize heavy metal exposure.
The 5 Vegetables For A Heavy Metal Body Detox
I will start off by saying there are more than 5 vegetables that will detox the body from heavy metals. However, these 5 vegetables I am listing are in my opinion the most versatile vegetables for a diet. Furthermore, these vegetables will provide other health benefits, such as boosting nitric oxide and providing essential micronutrients to keep you healthy. Now, let’s get into it.
Heavy Metal Body Detox Veggie #1: KALE
Kale is one of the most widely known healthy leafy green available. Not only does it contain numerous vitamins and minerals your body needs, but it also contains antioxidants your body uses to fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation caused by heavy metal exposure. Some of the nutrients kale contains include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Copper
- Manganese
Heavy Metal Body Detox Veggie #2: SPINACH
The next leafy green to add to your diet for a heavy metal body detox is spinach. Spinach is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals just like kale. Also, spinach can be added to any meal of the day, making it a versatile food. Some of the nutrients you will get from spinach include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Folate
- Iron
- Potassium
Furthermore, you can combine kale and spinach together in a salad or smoothie for a powerful meal designed to detox the body from heavy metals on top of numerous other health benefits.
Heavy Metal Body Detox Veggie #3: MUSTARD GREENS
While this heavy metal body detox veggie is fine to eat raw, in my experience these are best eaten boiled or stewed with seasonings. These greens are packed with numerous micronutrients such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
These greens make an excellent side dish for various types of meat, particularly beef and chicken dishes.
Heavy Metal Body Detox Veggie #4: BEETROOT
While beetroot has tons of health benefits, we are looking at what makes it good as a heavy metal body detox food. Unlike some of the other vegetables on this list, beetroot is a substantial standalone meal for those who like the taste or need a filling meat-free meal. Furthermore, beetroot contains essential micronutrients the body needs to detox heavy metals optimally. Some of these nutrients include:
- Folate
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Iron
Heavy Metal Body Detox Veggie #5: GARLIC
While I have discussed garlic before, it needs just as much love as leafy greens. This is because garlic specializes in eliminating heavy metals. Garlic contains sulfur compounds such as allicin that bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream and organs. This makes garlic a natural chelating agent. Furthermore, garlic contains other key nutrients to help the body detox heavy metals. These key nutrients include:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Fiber
- Selenium
- Potassium
Garlic is most helpful when it is chopped or diced. Also, add garlic to numerous meals as a flavor enhancer. Furthermore, garlic is useful as an ingredient in spreads and sauces.
Final Thoughts
You can add all of these veggies listed above to your daily diet in many ways. There are plenty of other vegetables you can add to your diet, and I will cover several others in a later article. Take this information and use it to conduct a safe and tasty heavy metal body detox.
To learn more about heavy metals and living a healthier life, check out the rest of our blog here.