The marvel role of Nitric Oxide in the body – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
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Walking is anti-inflammatory Walking is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy weight, keep your joints strong, and potentially live longer. The health benefits of walking are extensive, and experts agree that adding walking to your daily routine can significantly improve your physical and mental health.
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High light: Endogenous Production: The body naturally produces nitric oxide in the endothelium from L-arginine, a process that is essential for maintaining vascular health.
Regular walking as exercise has many benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving blood circulation to the entire body, including the coronary vessels, reducing blood sugar, and preventing cancer.
The ‘marvel’ behind these health benefits lies in Nitric Oxide. This molecule is synthesised from the amino acid Larginine by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in endothelial cells. Once produced, Nitric Oxide (NO)- diffuses into the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel walls, stimulating the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This, in turn, leads to the relaxation of smooth muscle cells, causing the blood vessels to dilate (expand).
The inner lining of blood vessels, composed of endothelial cells, serves as a protective barrier against vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, a natural ageing process, and thrombosis.
A significant weapon of endothelial cells to fight vascular disease is endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme that generates the Vaso protective molecule nitric oxide (NO·). However, many of us unintentionally mistreat our endothelial cells. We expose them to risk factors such as cigarette smoke, high blood pressure, high glucose, or high lipids.
Despite this abuse, our endothelium maintains Nitric Oxide (NO) production and preserves vascular protection.
One benefit of Nitric Oxide (NO) is the dilatation of blood vessels. By reducing vascular resistance, NO ensures adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues.
This is how Nitric Oxide maintains a good blood supply through the coronary vessels to maintain the health of the heart muscles.
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Lowering of Blood Pressure:
The vasodilatation caused by endothelial NO maintains healthy blood pressure.
The corollary is that walking over 20,000 steps daily at intervals alone can reduce one’s BP without the need for antihypertensive medication.
The benefits of exercise on endothelial health and nitric oxide production can be seen in as little as ten weeks when exercise is done for 30 minutes at least three times a week.
Prevents Atherosclerosis By atherosclerosis, we mean the thickening and narrowing of blood vessel walls and plaque formation in the inner lining. Nitric Oxide inhibits the adhesion of white blood cells to the endothelium and reduces the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, which helps prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, Nitric Oxide promotes vasodilatation, reducing the peripheral resistance of the blood vessels, thus releasing additional pressure on the heart to pump blood under more pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Nitric oxide reduces inflammation within the blood vessels, protecting against atherosclerosis.
Platelet Function and Blood Clotting:
Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation: Nitric Oxide prevents platelets from sticking together and forming clots, reducing the risk of thrombosis (blood clots).
Benefit: This action is crucial in preventing heart attacks and strokes, which can result from blocked blood vessels.
Endothelial Function:
Maintenance of Vascular Homeostasis: Nitric oxide supports the health and function of endothelial cells, ensuring they can effectively regulate vascular tone and blood flow.
Protection Against Vascular Injury: Nitric Oxide helps protect the blood vessels from damage caused by high blood pressure and other stressors.
Dietary Sources: Foods rich in nitrates, such as leafy greens (spinach, arugula), beets, and certain fruits, can enhance Nitric Oxide production.
Conclusion
Nitric oxide is vital for cardiovascular health. It plays a key role in vasodilation, blood pressure regulation, and the prevention of blood clots and atherosclerosis. Its production and function are essential for maintaining the overall health of the vascular system.
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