What Works Better To Boost Nitric Oxide, Arginine, Citrulline or Beets?
Boost Nitric Oxide Today!
Arginine, how it works to boost nitric oxide
Arginine is an amino acid found in many foods that we eat and boosts nitric oxide. When we consume arginine, our body uses it to produce a molecule called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important because it helps to relax the blood vessels in our body, which allows more blood to flow through them.
Think of your blood vessels like straws – if they are narrow, it’s harder for the liquid to flow through them. But if the straws are wider, the liquid can flow more easily. Nitric oxide helps to widen the blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow through them.
When we have more blood flowing through our blood vessels, it delivers more oxygen and nutrients to our muscles and organs. This is why athletes use arginine to improve their performance.
Arginine is an amino acid that our body uses to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to widen our blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow through them and deliver oxygen and nutrients to our muscles and organs.
As we age
Your arteries can lose elasticity over time due to a process called arteriosclerosis. This happens when substances such as cholesterol and fat build-up. This occurs in the walls of the veins, forming a plaque. Over time, the plaque can harden and cause the walls of the arteries to become stiff and less flexible.
Arteriosclerosis is a gradual process with various factors, including a poor diet and lack of exercise. Smoking, high blood pressure, and high-stress levels can also cause it. These factors can damage the inner lining of the arteries. This causes inflammation and makes it easier for plaque to build up.
The Arteries
As the arteries become less elastic, it can become more difficult for blood to flow through them. This increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. That’s why it’s essential to maintain the health of your arteries by eating a healthy diet. Exercising regularly and not smoking also play an important role.
Why may arginine not work for some people?
Arginine may not work for some people because our bodies can have different levels of effectiveness in converting arginine to nitric oxide. Also, the optimal dose of arginine varies from person to person. Some individuals may not be taking enough to see a noticeable effect. If you have been taking a cheap, low-dose arginine and noticed no effects, that could be the case for you.
Dosage
The beginning dose for effective arginine supplementation starts at 5000 mg for some.
What do most studies conclude about nitric oxide and arginine?
Most studies conclude that arginine can potentially increase nitric oxide levels in the body. This can improve blood flow, exercise performance, and cardiovascular health. However, the results of studies have been mixed, with some studies showing significant benefits and others showing no effect. Why is this?
What about the studies that show that arginine doesn’t boost nitric oxide?
Mouthwash, antibiotics, and antacids can hurt nitric oxide production in the body.
There are hundreds of published studies on arginine and its effects on human health. Studies include researching potential benefits for cardiovascular health, exercise performance, and erectile dysfunction, among other areas.
The results of these studies are mixed, with some showing a net positive result and others being inconclusive or negative.
Is It Good Science?
Regarding antacid use or mouthwash use in these studies, some take these factors into account, while many others do not. When these factors are not taken into account, it can potentially skew the results of the study. This is because of the absorption of the supplement and the conversion of nitrates to nitric oxide in the body. The use of certain chemicals can negatively influence the effectiveness of arginine.
For example, if people in a study are using antacids, it could reduce the acidity of the stomach and potentially reduce the absorption of arginine in the body. Thus making it more difficult to see the supplement’s effects. Similarly, if people in a study are using mouthwash, it could potentially reduce the production of nitric oxide from the nitrates in their diet. Again making it more difficult to see the effects of the arginine supplement.
Therefore, it is important for researchers to control for these factors and other potential confounding variables in their studies. Participants must be screened for usage to get an accurate picture of the effects of arginine supplementation on health. Many so-called studies showing that arginine is not useful are guilty of not properly controlling the intake of these substances by participants in the study.
Citrulline as a Nitric Oxide Booster
The kidneys convert citrulline into arginine, which the body then uses to produce nitric oxide. While citrulline does not directly convert into nitric oxide like arginine, it can increase arginine levels in the body more effectively than taking arginine supplements. This effectiveness comes from the liver breaking down much of the orally taken arginine before it reaches the bloodstream. In contrast, the liver does not break down citrulline as much, allowing it to raise arginine levels in the body more efficiently.
Time Released
The time frame for citrulline to boost nitric oxide levels in the body may be slightly longer than for arginine. This is because it takes time for the kidneys to convert citrulline into arginine. The effects of citrulline may last longer than arginine due to its slower absorption and longer half-life in the body.
Some studies have suggested that citrulline may be more effective than arginine at improving exercise performance, while others have suggested that arginine may be more effective for certain cardiovascular conditions.
Many studies have suggested that taking both supplements together may be more effective at increasing nitric oxide levels in the body.
One study that has shown promise for citrulline and human health is a 2017 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The study found that citrulline supplementation was effective at improving exercise performance and reducing muscle soreness, with no reported adverse effects.
Boost Nitric Oxide With Beetroot
Beetroot contains high levels of inorganic nitrate, which is converted in the body into nitric oxide. NO is a signaling molecule that helps to regulate blood flow, blood pressure, and vascular function. Nitric oxide works by relaxing the smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels. Thus allowing them to dilate and improve blood flow. This, in turn, can help to reduce blood pressure, improve oxygen delivery to tissues, and support cardiovascular health.
Several studies have investigated the effects of beetroot supplementation on cardiovascular health. For example, a study of 22 randomized controlled trials found that beetroot juice consumption was associated with significantly reducing blood pressure. This was in healthy individuals and those with hypertension (Siervo et al., 2018). Another study found that beetroot juice improved endothelial function in patients with heart failure (Gheibi et al., 2019).
Beetroot For Exercise
In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, beetroot supplementation may also improve exercise performance. Several studies have reported that beetroot supplementation can increase time to exhaustion. They also show improved running and cycling performance in trained and untrained individuals (Jones et al., 2018). One mechanism for this effect may be the ability of nitric oxide to improve blood flow to the muscles. This then increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the body.
Bodybuilders may also benefit from beetroot supplementation due to its potential to enhance muscle growth and recovery. A study by Cermak et al. (2012) found that beetroot juice supplementation increased muscle protein synthesis in healthy men following exercise.
Timeframe For Boosting Nitric Oxide
The effects of beetroot on nitric oxide production and cardiovascular function may last for several hours following consumption. The exact duration of the effect may vary depending on the individual and the dose. In contrast, the effects of arginine and citrulline on nitric oxide production may be more prolonged. This is because they are involved in synthesizing nitric oxide within the body.
Beetroot supplementation appears to be generally safe, with few reported adverse effects.
There is indeed much evidence to suggest that combining beetroot with arginine or citrulline is beneficial. The combo may enhance the effects on nitric oxide production and cardiovascular function. A study by Lidder et al. (2019) found that combining beetroot juice and citrulline supplementation improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure in healthy adults compared to either supplement alone.
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:
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- 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:
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- 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.
Bionox is the Proud Sponsor of SOHO Expo 2021
The SOHO EXPO is a Natural Products Industry Trade Show and Convention. The convention offers a perfect mix of natural products industry along with speakers ranging from professors, doctors, health food store owners, and more. Our founder and formulator, Dr. Jay Wilkins, even had the opportunity to present on Nitric Oxide: Your Body’s Best Medicine.
Bionox had the honor of sponsoring the SENPA Expo 2021. It was a pleasure to see everyone’s smiling faces in person in sunny Orlando, Florida. We even had professional golfer, Chris DiMarco, come out and host a training session for the lucky guests that we able to join!
“It was wonderful to see everyone out and about. I enjoyed getting on the golf course with the golf legend, Chris DiMarco. I know the fans enjoyed it as well. Overall it was a great weekend filled with golf and learning. We had numerous people come to our booth to learn about the miracle molecule, nitric oxide, and to putt a few holes!” -Dr. Jay Wilkins
If we missed you this year, make sure you are subscribed to our email newsletters so you can come next year. We have multiple opportunities to come out and have some fun. We hope to see your smiling faces soon!
Special Guest Mark Valenti
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 16 and 17
Check out our first personal trainer, Mark Valenti of Powered Up Systems. Mark coaches personal fitness classes via zoom and in person. His unique approach to personal training has created multiple results for numerous people. Tune into both episodes to see how Mark brings education to deliver results. Dr. Jay and Mark Valenti discuss all things body composition, favorite service offered, and much more! Stay tuned for a special clip of Dr. Jay’s personal training session.
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
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Special Guest Dr. Tobi Jeurink
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 12 and 13
We our first ever female guest this week, please welcome Dr. Tobi Jeurink! Dr. Jeurink grew up battling arthritis and autoimmune conditions , she learned at a very early age that the most effective forms of medication are the ones that not only deal with symptoms, but truly improve your overall health. Dr. Jeurink graduated from college and shortly after went on to purchase her own chiropractic clinic. She believes in combining chiropractic and gut health together. From firsthand personal experience, Dr. Jeurink is able to treat her clients to the best of her abilities, to ultimately have great success! Join Dr. Jay and Dr. Jeurink as they explore how chiropractic ties into nutrition, the root cause of health issues, and much more!
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
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LinkedIn: Bionox
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaOfXNwkN4th2FBpgCKZtrvkoA0YHBFZn
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Special Guest Dr. Adam Boender
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 10 and 11
This week we have Dr. Adam Boender of Regenerative Treatment Centers in Kansas City! Dr. Boender is a former college athlete turned personal trainer and eventually a pioneer for regenerative medicine and certified chiropractor! He has a passion health and life to those around him. His practice focuses on making the client feel comfortable and welcome. Each new client he meets he makes sure to make a special connection. Join Dr. Boender and Dr. Jay as they discuss what regenerative healthcare means, and how Dr. Boender got into his practice through his very personal health journey with his family. We dive deep into emotions with personal family stories and heart-wrenching success stories. Dr. Boender’s journey is sure to put a smile on your face.
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bionoxnutrients
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BioNoxNutrients
LinkedIn: Bionox
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaOfXNwkN4th2FBpgCKZtrvkoA0YHBFZn
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Special Guest Vaughn Lawrence
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 8 and 9
Introducing our very first naturopath. Vaughn Lawrence is the owner of Spirit of Health in Kansas. In 2000 Lawrence relocated to Las Vegas where he earned his Doctor of Naturopathy. He then proceeded to work as a health food store manager, educator, practitioner, and consultant before returning to Kansas in 2010 to open up his own practice. Since then Lawrence has received a certification as a colon hydro therapist, nutrition response testing practitioner, dietary supplement specialist, and iridologist. Now you may be wondering what does all that mean. Well, don’t worry we got you covered, in this episode Dr. Jay and Vaughn Lawrence cover what it means to be a naturopath, the GAPS diet, and numerous heart-touching success stories. Lawrence’s ultimate goal is to make natural health educations, tools, resources, and products available to people around the world. You don’t want to miss the heart-warming stories and belief in faith told by Vaughn Lawrence, click the link below to watch!
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bionoxnutrients
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BioNoxNutrients
LinkedIn: Bionox
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaOfXNwkN4th2FBpgCKZtrvkoA0YHBFZn
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Special Guest Dr. Nathan Bryan
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 5-7
We are thrilled to introduce the Bionox family to, Dr. Nathan Bryan. Dr. Nathan Bryan is one of the world’s top experts in nitric oxide. He is an international leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry, along with the author of Functional Nitric Oxide Nutrition: Dietary Strategies to Prevent and Treat Chronic Disease (purchase now on our website)! In the next few episodes Dr. Jay and Dr. Nathan Bryan discuss opinions on nitrates, how many nitrates the average American consumers, chronic diseases, vegetation in different parts of the world, and much more. Dr. Bryan gives us details on what he thinks when he thinks about nitrates. The deep dive into the mind of a nitric oxide expert gives us a better understanding of how we can optimize our health to live life to the fullest.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bionoxnutrients
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BioNoxNutrients
LinkedIn: Bionox
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaOfXNwkN4th2FBpgCKZtrvkoA0YHBFZn
Spotify @ Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay