WELLNESS COLUMN
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n December 1992, Science Magazine announced nitric oxide (NO) as its Molecule of the Year. Several years after that, three scientists won the Nobel Prize for their work identifying NO as a signaling molecule in the body. The press release read: “Nitric oxide protects the heart, stimulates the brain, kills bacteria, etc. It was a sensation that this simple, common air pollutant, which is formed when nitrogen burns, for instance in automobile exhaust fumes, could exert important functions in the organism.” Here are a few additional things to know about NO. Nitric oxide is made in the body in two ways. One is in the lining of blood cells and the other is when nitrate-rich foods are eaten. Once circulating in the body, research by Nobel laureates shows NO signals blood vessels to expand. This, in turn, increases blood and oxygen flow to organs and tissues resulting in decreased blood pressure, increased muscle power and a cascade of impacts throughout the immune system, brain and much more. Additionally, NO has been shown to stimulate the release of certain hormones, such as insulin to help manage sugar’s circulation in the blood and human growth hormone that manages the life cycle of cells. Production of NO from blood cells decreases about 50% after age 40. Increasing intake of dietary nitrates can help assure NO continues moving oxygen around the body and especially into our aging brains. Research from the Medical Research Council’s Toxicology Unit at the University of Leicester shows that NO can change the computational ability of the brain. This can potentially make it a 8 Marine Log // May 2021
viable source of power in staving-off neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia that tend to plague the aging. A little bit of crafty plant-based eating can raise levels of NO in the blood. Red beets can contribute the most available nitrate, followed by vegetables, such as leafy greens, celery, broccoli, cucumber, carrots,
Research now shows that even a small amount of processed meats eaten daily can significantly increase risk for colorectal cancer. cauliflower, oranges and bananas. Additionally, delectable treats like dark chocolate, tea and coffee add polyphenols and antioxidants to the mix, which studies show boost NO production. Not all nitrates assimilate into the body in the same way. One food group that contains nitrates and nitrites to avoid is that of processed meats or meats that are smoked, salted, cured, fermented, or otherwise preserved in some way. The nitrates that naturally occur in fruits and veggies convert more easily into NO rather than a molecule
called nitrosamines, the direct result of processed meats. The World Health Organization says nitrosamines are cancer causing. Kate Allen, executive director of science and public affairs at the World Cancer Research Fund said that the difference in veggie vs. processed meat nitrates. “It’s not so much nitrates/ nitrites per se, but the way they are cooked and their local environment that is an important factor,” says Allen. “For example, nitrites in processed meats are in close proximity to proteins. When cooked at high temperatures this allows them to more easily form nitrosamines, the cancer-causing compound.” Research now shows that even a small amount of processed meats eaten daily can significantly increase risk for colorectal cancer. There are a few other NO boosting activities or degrading activities that are worth a mention. First, decreasing the use of antiseptic mouthwash may be worth a consideration. A 2013 study looked at the use of antiseptic mouthwash in relationship to blood pressure. Researchers found an increase in blood pressure with an increase in the use of antiseptic mouthwash, ultimately raising one risk factor (high blood pressure) of cardiovascular disease. The bacteria that convert nitrates into NO start their hard work in the mouth and antiseptic mouthwash is killing them off. Without these bacteria, nitric oxide production from your greens can get derailed. An activity that can help tinker with cellular production of NO levels is exercise. Exercise increases blood flow around the body and increases antioxidant production. These antioxidants help to protect cells from breaking down due to oxidative stress. When cells stay intact, so too does their production of NO. Understanding NO can bring valuable insight with which we can hone our cardiovascular and brain health. With a little wise use of plants and exercise, NO can help support efforts to decrease the risk factors of dementia, heart disease and cancer. Nothing in this article constitutes medical advice. All medical advice should be sought from a medical professional.
EMILY REIBLEIN
Director-Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Crowley Logistics
Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Sohel Parvez Haque
Being in the “NO”
