TAKE A DEEP BREATH #124 Nitric Oxide Expert: How to Naturally Enhance Blood Flow & Vascular Health
Aug 26, 2025
Dr. Nathan S. Bryan, biochemist and 30-year nitric oxide researcher, explains why NO matters for blood flow and whole-body function. He discusses nasal vs mouth breathing, how humming and red light can mobilize NO, the harms of modern life (chlorine, mouthwash, microplastics), topical NO therapies and lozenges, and why many people may be NO deficient.
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Nitric Oxide Is A Core Vascular Signal
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a fundamental signalling gas that relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels.
- Nobel-winning research showed NO explains how nitroglycerin and endothelium-derived relaxing factor work systemically.
Nasal NO Boosts Airway Function — If Enzymes Work
- Nasal epithelial cells produce NO via nitric oxide synthase to dilate bronchioles and improve oxygen uptake.
- If NOS enzymes become uncoupled by oxidative stress, nasal breathing no longer produces NO effectively.
Protect Your Oral Microbiome For NO
- Avoid long-term nasal steroids, fluoride toothpaste, and antiseptic mouthwash because they suppress NOS expression or kill nitrate-reducing bacteria.
- Switch to non-fluoride toothpaste, stop mouthwash, and restore oral microbiome to support NO production.
