Want Normal Blood Pressure? Boost Your Body's Nitric Oxide Production

Nitric oxide is produced in the body and is necessary for relaxing and expanding the arteries to achieve normal blood pressure.

According to LiveStrong, normal blood pressure is often the result of a healthy amount of nitric oxide in the body. This powerful molecule relaxes the arteries which naturally expands them and increases blood flow to the entire body. Blood pressure naturally decreases when the heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump blood through constricted or clogged arteries.

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Psychology Today explains that nitric oxide is produced in the endothelial cells, which line the arteries, and signals the arterial walls to expand and relax, ultimately lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow in the arteries.

There are several ways to naturally boost production of nitric oxide in the body.

1. Diet
To maintain normal blood pressure, says LiveStrong, certain foods may help the body produce increased levels of nitric oxide. Foods don’t contain nitric oxide but rather assist with increasing the production of this molecule. Healthy nitrate-containing foods such as dark leafy vegetables, beets, celery, watercress, endive, fennel, leek, and parsley can help increase nitrate consumption, which in turn increases production of nitric oxide in the body to lower blood pressure. Fruits that assist with producing the highest levels of nitric oxide include strawberries and melons. Raspberries, cherries, bananas, raisins, prunes, and figs help produce small amounts of nitric oxide.

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Nitrates found in processed meats should be avoided as they contain cancer-causing compounds.

Arginine is a natural amino acid that also converts into nitric oxide to lower blood pressure, says Healthline. Arginine comes from protein sources such as red meats, poultry (especially turkey), fish, dairy products, seeds, nuts, beans, and whey. Arginine is also found in dark leafy vegetables and fruits.

2. Exercise
Physical activity requires increased oxygen in the muscles. Therefore, exercise initiates the release of nitric oxide, which increases blood flow and oxygen levels and lowers blood pressure, according to Dr. Julian Whitaker, a well-known alternative medicine physician and founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute. Regular exercise should help maintain healthy levels of nitric oxide production and normal blood pressure.

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