Dr. Nathan Bryan, a biochemist, discusses the pivotal role of nitric oxide in human health, emphasizing its impact on blood flow, brain function, and longevity. He highlights nitric oxide's deficiency as a precursor to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, erectile dysfunction, and high blood pressure. Bryan stresses the importance of avoiding factors that inhibit nitric oxide production, such as mouthwash and sugar, and advocates for lifestyle changes to maintain optimal levels. He also critiques the medical industry's focus on treatment over prevention and underscores nitric oxide's potential in revolutionizing healthcare.
Nitric Oxide and Its Role in Human Health
- Nitric oxide is a crucial signaling molecule in the human body that regulates blood flow and oxygen delivery.
- Loss of nitric oxide production is the earliest event in the onset and progression of age-related chronic diseases such as erectile dysfunction, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and high blood pressure.
- Dr. Nathan Bryan's research emphasizes the importance of nitric oxide in preventing and curing diseases, particularly in the context of cardiovascular health.
"Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule in the human body which regulates things like blood flow and oxygen delivery, and the loss of nitric oxide production is the earliest event in the onset progression of age-related chronic disease."
- This quote highlights the critical role of nitric oxide in maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing chronic diseases.
Importance of Nitric Oxide Awareness
- There is a general lack of awareness about nitric oxide and its health benefits among the public.
- Dr. Bryan's mission is to educate people on the importance of nitric oxide and how to maintain its levels in the body.
- Understanding nitric oxide's role can empower individuals to take control of their health and prevent age-related diseases.
"My mission is to inform and educate the global population on how important number one what nitric oxide is, how it's produced in the human body, what goes wrong in people that can't make it, and then perhaps most importantly, how do we prevent that age-related decline in nitric oxide production."
- This quote underscores Dr. Bryan's commitment to spreading knowledge about nitric oxide to improve public health.
Decline of Nitric Oxide Production with Age
- Nitric oxide production declines with age, starting around the age of 30.
- This decline is associated with various age-related health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline.
- Dr. Bryan emphasizes that this decline can be mitigated through lifestyle changes and awareness.
"The older we get, the less nitric oxide we naturally produce, and now today that's recognized as the earliest event in the onset and progression of age-related chronic disease."
- This quote illustrates the connection between aging, nitric oxide decline, and the onset of chronic health conditions.
Symptoms and Diseases Linked to Nitric Oxide Deficiency
- Erectile dysfunction is often the first symptom of nitric oxide deficiency, followed by high blood pressure and metabolic diseases.
- Nitric oxide deficiency is linked to a range of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's, due to its role in blood flow and cellular function.
- Addressing nitric oxide deficiency can potentially reverse or prevent these conditions.
"The first sign and symptom of nitric oxide deficiency is usually erectile dysfunction... it's recognized that it's a symptom of loss of nitric oxide and really an accelerated form of cardiovascular disease."
- This quote highlights erectile dysfunction as an early indicator of nitric oxide deficiency and its connection to broader cardiovascular issues.
Personal and Professional Journey of Dr. Nathan Bryan
- Dr. Bryan's interest in nitric oxide was sparked by a lecture from Nobel Prize winner Lou Ignarro and personal experiences with his father's health challenges.
- His professional journey includes significant academic contributions and a shift towards developing practical applications for nitric oxide research.
- Dr. Bryan's work aims to translate scientific discoveries into actionable health interventions.
"A Nobel Prize had just been awarded for the discovery of nitric oxide... Lou Ignarro made a very poignant statement to me, 'If the scientific community can figure out how to restore the production of nitric oxide, it'll change the world and it'll change the landscape of medicine.'"
- This quote captures the pivotal moment that inspired Dr. Bryan's dedication to nitric oxide research and its potential impact on global health.
Measuring and Maintaining Nitric Oxide Levels
- Various methods exist to measure biological age and vascular health, including carotid intima-media thickness and endothelial function tests.
- Maintaining nitric oxide levels involves lifestyle interventions and understanding individual health metrics.
- Dr. Bryan advocates for proactive health management to prevent the decline of nitric oxide production.
"We can certainly affect our biological age... by age 40, we have lost about 50% of our ability to produce nitric oxide in our blood vessels."
- This quote emphasizes the importance of monitoring and maintaining nitric oxide levels to manage biological aging and related health risks.
Potential of Nitric Oxide in Treating Alzheimer's
- Dr. Bryan believes that nitric oxide can eradicate and cure Alzheimer's by addressing its physiological root causes.
- Nitric oxide improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and prevents protein misfolding, which are all factors in Alzheimer's pathology.
- Early intervention with nitric oxide therapy could halt or reverse the progression of Alzheimer's.
"I'm absolutely convinced this will eradicate and cure Alzheimer's because it addresses every physiological root cause of Alzheimer's."
- This quote reflects Dr. Bryan's confidence in nitric oxide's potential to transform Alzheimer's treatment and prevention strategies.
Clinical Study Design in Medicine
- Clinical studies aim to either stop disease progression or show disease regression.
- Goal: Understand disease mechanisms to treat, prevent, reverse, and cure diseases.
"At the absolute worst, we want to stop progression; at the absolute best, we want to show that we can regress disease."
- Highlights the dual goals of clinical studies: halting disease progression and achieving disease regression.
Traditional Medicine vs. Alternative Views
- Traditional medicine often lacks holistic approaches, focusing on isolated symptoms.
- There's a belief that scientific discoveries aren't adequately translated into patient care due to systemic issues.
"Western medicine is siloed... if you have a heart problem, you go to a cardiologist... but what if we're looking at the exact same root cause?"
- Critiques the compartmentalization in Western medicine, suggesting a more integrated approach to disease treatment.
The Business of Medicine
- Medicine is seen as a for-profit business, prioritizing customer retention over curing diseases.
- Pharmaceutical companies influence scientific journals and regulatory bodies.
"Medicine is a business... it's the largest business and economic model in the world... acquire a customer and keep that customer as long as you can."
- Describes how the business model of medicine focuses on long-term customer retention rather than curing diseases.
Challenges in Medical Practice
- Doctors are constrained by economic models that prioritize diagnoses and prescriptions.
- The system limits doctors' ability to explore root causes due to time and financial pressures.
"Most physicians have to see 60, 70, 80 patients a day to pay the bills... it's a factory."
- Illustrates the pressure on doctors to see a high volume of patients, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive care.
U.S. Healthcare System Shortcomings
- Despite high healthcare spending, the U.S. ranks poorly in health outcomes compared to other high-income countries.
- There's a focus on healthspan over lifespan, emphasizing quality of life.
"Despite spending nearly 20% of the United States GDP on healthcare, the US ranks last overall on health outcomes among high-income countries."
- Highlights the inefficiency of the U.S. healthcare system despite significant financial investment.
Nitric Oxide and Longevity
- Nitric oxide is considered the "molecule of longevity" due to its role in stem cell mobilization, telomere maintenance, and mitochondrial function.
- It is crucial for cellular repair, preventing telomere shortening, and enhancing mitochondrial efficiency.
"Nitric oxide is the foundational longevity molecule because nitric oxide is the signal in the body that tells our stem cells to mobilize and differentiate."
- Explains the critical role of nitric oxide in promoting longevity by enhancing cellular repair and function.
Critique of Biohacking and Influencers
- Concerns about non-scientific influencers providing misleading health advice.
- Emphasis on verifying the scientific validity of health recommendations.
"Before you go and follow any influencer or biohacker, number one, look at their credentials... make sure that what they're giving you is scientifically valid."
- Advises caution when following health advice from non-experts, emphasizing the importance of scientific credibility.
Risks of Excessive Nitric Oxide
- Overconsumption of nitric oxide can lead to health risks such as unsafe blood pressure drops and methemoglobinemia.
- It's essential to maintain appropriate levels to avoid adverse effects.
"If you take too much nitric oxide, you're going to get an unsafe drop in blood pressure... and it can be deadly."
- Warns about the potential dangers of excessive nitric oxide intake, emphasizing the need for moderation.
Nitric Oxide and Telomere Length
- Nitric oxide impacts the telomerase enzyme, which is crucial for maintaining telomere length and cellular longevity.
- Shorter telomeres are associated with reduced lifespan, making nitric oxide's role vital.
"Without nitric oxide, you have less telomerase enzyme, and that telomerase enzyme isn't functional."
- Explains the importance of nitric oxide in maintaining telomere length, which is crucial for cellular health and longevity.
Oral Microbiome and Health
- The oral microbiome plays a significant role in overall health, influencing systemic diseases.
- Using antiseptics and antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome, leading to health issues.
"If you use antibiotics or antiseptics to kill the bacteria that live in and on our body, you get human disease."
- Highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome for preventing systemic diseases.
Hygiene Hypothesis and Disease
- The hygiene hypothesis suggests that excessive cleanliness can lead to immune dysfunction and disease.
- Exposure to diverse bacteria in early life is linked to better long-term health outcomes.
"Kids need to be dirty... those kids are the healthiest people and... have lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes."
- Supports the idea that early exposure to diverse bacteria can lead to better health outcomes later in life.
Oral Microbiome and Systemic Health
- The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining systemic health, particularly in regulating blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.
- Mouthwash use can destroy the oral microbiome, leading to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
- Diverse oral bacteria are essential for converting dietary nitrates into nitric oxide, which is crucial for blood pressure regulation.
"We created what's called an association so people who had the healthiest and most diverse bacteria in their mouth had the best blood pressure."
- This quote highlights the association between a diverse oral microbiome and optimal blood pressure levels.
"If you use mouthwash within seven days your blood pressure goes up."
- Demonstrates the negative impact of mouthwash on blood pressure due to its effect on the oral microbiome.
Mechanism of Nitric Oxide Production
- Humans rely on oral bacteria to convert dietary nitrates into nitrite and nitric oxide, as humans lack the enzyme to perform this conversion.
- Nitric oxide is vital for blood vessel dilation and blood pressure regulation.
"Nitrate is what's found in green leafy vegetables... we rely on the bacteria to metabolize this molecule into a usable form where we can make nitric oxide."
- Explains the dependence on oral bacteria for converting dietary nitrates into nitric oxide.
Oral Health and Cancer Link
- Oral infections, such as dental infections and root canals, may be linked to cancer development and proliferation.
- There is a notable correlation between oral infections and the presence of solid tumors in cancer patients.
"People with primary tumors... without fail 100% of them have dental infections."
- Illustrates the observed correlation between oral infections and cancer, though causation is not established.
Traditional Medicine and Oral Health
- Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine recognize the connection between oral health and systemic health.
- Teeth are connected to organ systems via acupuncture meridians, affecting the body's electrical system.
"Every tooth in the body is connected to an organ system... these are the meridians, the acupuncture meridians."
- This quote emphasizes the holistic view of oral health in traditional medicine systems.
Fluoride and Oral Health
- The use of fluoride in oral care products is questioned due to potential health risks, including neurotoxicity and thyroid suppression.
- Non-fluorinated toothpaste is recommended to avoid these risks.
"Fluoride... there's no benefit of fluoride and it's all risk it lowers IQ in kids by as much as seven points."
- Highlights the potential adverse effects of fluoride on health, supporting the recommendation to avoid it.
Tongue Scraping and Oral Hygiene
- Tongue scraping is an ancient practice that can improve oral microbiome diversity and overall oral health.
- It is recommended as part of oral hygiene to maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
"People who do tongue scraping have a more diverse oral microbiome and they seem to have better oral health."
- Suggests the benefits of tongue scraping on maintaining a healthy and diverse oral microbiome.
Impact of Mouthwash on Exercise Benefits
- Using mouthwash can negate the cardioprotective benefits of exercise by disrupting nitric oxide production.
- Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is essential for reaping the full benefits of diet and exercise.
"If you use mouthwash you lose the cardioprotective benefits of exercise."
- Indicates the detrimental effect of mouthwash on the benefits of exercise due to its impact on nitric oxide production.
Hormones and Nitric Oxide Production
- Hormones like testosterone and estrogen stimulate nitric oxide production, contributing to cardiovascular health.
- Hormone replacement therapy can enhance nitric oxide production if the enzyme system is functional.
"In men testosterone activates nitric oxide production... in women estrogen activates and stimulates nitric oxide production."
- Explains the relationship between sex hormones and nitric oxide production, highlighting its importance for cardiovascular health.
Dietary Considerations for Nitric Oxide Production
- Avoiding sugar and high glycemic index foods is crucial as they can impair nitric oxide production.
- The focus should be on what not to eat to maintain healthy nitric oxide levels.
"You have to avoid sugar and high glycemic index foods because sugar is a toxin."
- Emphasizes the negative impact of sugar on nitric oxide production and overall health.
The Impact of Sugar on Health
- Sugar binds to proteins and enzymes, affecting their function and contributing to various health issues.
- Hemoglobin A1C is a marker of long-term glucose control; levels above 5.7 indicate diabetes.
- Sugar impairs nitric oxide production by binding to enzymes, leading to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other health complications.
"Sugar is an absolute poison and it kills many enzymes and binds to everything and it lowers nitric oxide production."
- The quote highlights sugar's detrimental effects on enzyme function and nitric oxide production, which are crucial for various bodily functions.
"That's why diabetics have a 10 times higher incidence of heart attack, stroke, all-cause mortality."
- The quote explains the increased risk of severe health issues in diabetics due to impaired nitric oxide production caused by sugar.
Nitric Oxide's Role in Healing and Health
- Nitric oxide plays a critical role in wound healing, cellular turnover, and infection control.
- Applying nitric oxide serum can stimulate blood flow and improve healing processes.
- Sugar consumption disrupts the oral microbiome and nitric oxide production.
"Nitric oxide's playing a healing role in wounds and scars."
- The quote emphasizes nitric oxide's importance in the body's healing processes.
"The sugar destroys the oral microbiome and completely changes the ecology of the bacteria."
- The quote describes how sugar consumption negatively affects the oral microbiome and nitric oxide production.
Dietary Recommendations
- A balanced diet with high-quality proteins and fats, and minimal carbohydrates, is recommended.
- Elimination of sugar and carbohydrates can lead to health benefits, as seen in ketogenic or vegetarian diets.
- Beetroots have been historically valued for their health benefits, particularly in enhancing athletic performance.
"I think you've got to eat a balanced diet in moderation."
- The quote underscores the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining health.
"The benefits of beetroot juice on enhancing athletic performance."
- The quote highlights the historical and scientific recognition of beetroots in improving athletic performance.
Challenges with Beetroot Products
- Many commercial beetroot products do not provide the expected nitric oxide benefits.
- Effective beetroot products should contain adequate nitrate and nitrite levels.
- Misinterpretations about beetroot consumption have led to misconceptions about its health effects.
"Most of the bead products, the desiccated bead powders, provided zero nitric oxide benefit."
- The quote points out the ineffectiveness of many beetroot products in delivering nitric oxide benefits.
"Years ago we would do randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials."
- The quote describes the use of ineffective beetroot products as placebos in clinical trials to highlight their lack of benefits.
The Role of Antacids and Their Impact
- Antacids inhibit stomach acid production, which is essential for nutrient absorption.
- The widespread use of antacids has led to nutrient deficiencies, impacting overall health.
- Different classes of antacids have varying effects on stomach acid and nutrient absorption.
"I can't think of nothing more damaging than to inhibit stomach acid production."
- The quote stresses the critical role of stomach acid in nutrient absorption and the potential harm caused by antacids.
"Most Americans 75% of Americans are deficient in magnesium."
- The quote highlights the widespread nutrient deficiencies resulting from inhibited stomach acid production.
Nasal Breathing and Nitric Oxide Production
- Nasal breathing activates enzymes that produce nitric oxide, benefiting respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- Mouth breathing bypasses nitric oxide production pathways and alters the oral microbiome.
- Deep breathing and humming can stimulate nitric oxide production, depending on the individual's enzyme function.
"Nasal breathing activates that enzyme to make nitric oxide."
- The quote explains how nasal breathing enhances nitric oxide production, improving health.
"Mouth breathing completely shuts down nitric oxide production."
- The quote describes the negative impact of mouth breathing on nitric oxide production and overall health.
Improving Nitric Oxide Levels
- Reducing sugar intake, avoiding fluoride and mouthwash, and stopping antacid use can improve nitric oxide levels.
- Moderate exercise, sunlight exposure, and light therapy can also enhance nitric oxide production.
- Compliance with lifestyle changes is crucial for maintaining adequate nitric oxide levels.
"Get rid of fluoride, get rid of mouthwash, stop using antacids, stop eating sugar."
- The quote lists actions to improve nitric oxide levels by eliminating factors that disrupt its production.
"20 to 30 minutes of sunlight a day."
- The quote highlights the importance of sunlight exposure in stimulating nitric oxide production.
The Future of Medicine and Nitric Oxide
- Nitric oxide technology is seen as a crucial aspect of future medicine and healthcare.
- Educating people on lifestyle changes and nitric oxide's importance is essential for improving health outcomes.
- Compliance with health recommendations remains a significant challenge.
"The future of medicine and health care around the globe is going to be dependent upon nitric oxide product technology."
- The quote emphasizes the potential of nitric oxide technology in revolutionizing healthcare.
"Compliance is an issue; people don't do that."
- The quote addresses the challenges in encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyle habits.