The micro vessels in the body, which make up 74% of the entire vascular system, rely on nitric oxide to deliver oxygen and nutrition to the heart and the rest of the body.
When there isn’t enough nitric oxide, circulation decreases and results in the symptoms mentioned earlier.
Next, let’s look at the vitamins that improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels.
We use the word vitamins broadly to include natural compounds like amino acids and antioxidants.
Let’s begin with our Number 7. L-arginine.
As mentioned previously, l-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide in the body. When you increase the amount of l-arginine available to cells that produce nitric oxide, they produce more.
However, l-arginine alone may not be enough to have sustained effects in dilating blood vessels. After you turn 45, your digestive system has a harder time converting l-arginine into nitric oxide.
So, just taking an l-arginine supplement, or eating protein-rich foods that contain l-arginine, like fish, red meat, poultry, soybeans, whole grains, beans, and dairy products, may not have much effect on nitric oxide levels. The solution is to combine this amino acid with the next nutrient.
Our Number 6 is L-citrulline.
L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that is efficiently turned into L-arginine in the kidneys. This makes it a good supplementation choice for increasing nitric oxide synthesis in the body.
L-citrulline supports healthy blood pressure, promotes sharper memory and focus, and boosts your libido. Studies show that l-citrulline works well, even if you’re in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond.
L-citrulline is a byproduct of l-arginine production and is recycled back to l-arginine. Studies show that when you combine l-arginine and l-citrulline, nitric oxide is produced more effectively at a lower dose, than if you used more of either amino acid.
Watermelon is the king of citrulline-rich fruits. The word citrulline comes from “Citrullus,” which is the Latin word for watermelon. Other citrulline-rich fruits include Casaba Melons, Cucumbers, and Cantaloupe.
Coming up next is Number 5. Beetroot Extract.
Beetroot is an excellent source of dietary nitrates. When you eat foods high in nitrates, bacteria in your saliva convert them into nitrites, which are then converted into nitric oxide. Other nitrate-rich foods include spinach, lettuce, carrots, arugula, cabbage, garlic, broccoli, kale, and celery.
Supplementing with concentrated versions of these foods can help improve vasodilation and blood flow. Beetroot extract helps to boost your energy and endurance, plus it can help you walk longer and think more quickly on your feet.
Next up is Number 4. Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to improve nitric oxide synthase activity. When Vitamin C is combined with dietary nitrates, it helps to increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide.
Getting into our top 3, Number 3 is Hawthorn Berry.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berry is one of the most commonly used foods to treat high blood pressure. This small, red fruit is packed with antioxidants that help open up your arteries to stimulate blood flow. Not only can hawthorn berry increase nitric oxide levels, but it also helps your body absorb significantly more el citrulline and beetroot extract when you take these nutrients together.
Our Number 2 is Glutathione.
Glutathione is a molecule that helps with detoxification, cell repair, and immune system function. This powerful antioxidant helps increase nitric oxide levels by getting rid of free radicals that damage nitric oxide molecules. To keep glutathione levels high as you age, eat plenty of sulfur-rich foods like mushrooms, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables. Or supplement with glutathione precursors like N-acetyl-cysteine or glutamine.
And at Number 1, we have Trans-resveratrol.
Trans-resveratrol is a type of polyphenol that is found in grapes, red wine, and berries.
This antioxidant helps increase the activity of enzymes that are involved in nitric oxide synthesis. It has also been shown to increase the half-life of nitric oxide, allowing it to remain active for a longer period. Trans-resveratrol may help to improve blood flow and circulation.
Other than these 7 nitric oxide nutrients, consume anti-inflammatory whole foods and nitrate-rich foods to support healthy blood flow.
Last but not least, here are two simple ways you can release more nitric oxide and improve blood flow: exercise regularly and breathe through your nose.
As always, this video is educational and does not constitute medical advice; we are not doctors.
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Your body can only be as healthy as your blood flow. Don’t let poor circulation become a silent killer—take action today.
