When it comes to performance, vitality, and longevity, few things are more important than nitric oxide for men’s health. This small but mighty molecule impacts nearly every system in your body—from your cardiovascular health and energy levels to your focus, recovery, and sexual function.
On an episode of the Women Want Strong Men Podcast, Victory Men’s Health CEO Amy Stuttle sat down with nitric oxide expert Dr. Nathan Bryan to unpack what nitric oxide really does, why your levels decline as you age, and how to naturally restore balance for better health, energy, and performance. Save the full episode below, and let’s dive in.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas naturally produced by the lining of your blood vessels. Think of it like a signal your body uses to help blood flow efficiently throughout your system. Dr. Bryan explains it like this:
“Nitric oxide acts like a hormone—it tells your blood vessels to relax and open up so more oxygen and nutrients can reach your muscles, brain, and organs.”
That means better blood flow, sharper focus, and more energy. Nitric oxide also helps your immune system fight off viruses and bacteria, supports healthy brain communication, and plays a key role in sexual function by improving circulation where it matters most.
The problem? As you age (or if you live with certain lifestyle habits) your body’s ability to produce nitric oxide declines. That can set off a chain reaction affecting everything from your endurance to your heart health.
What Causes Low Nitric Oxide Levels?
You might be doing everything “right” on paper—exercising, eating well, managing stress—but still struggle with fatigue, poor circulation, or low libido. Often, the missing piece is low nitric oxide. This isn’t something your doctor usually checks for, yet it’s one of the earliest signs that your blood vessels aren’t functioning as they should.
Certain habits, medications, and even seemingly harmless routines can interfere with nitric oxide production. According to Dr. Bryan, these are the top causes of low nitric oxide levels:
- Endothelial Dysfunction
- Poor Nutrition
- Mouthwash and Toothpaste Use
- Antacid or PPI Use
Endothelial Dysfunction
The endothelium—the thin layer of cells that lines your blood vessels—is responsible for making nitric oxide. When it becomes damaged or inflamed (often from poor diet, lack of exercise, or chronic illness), nitric oxide production plummets. This dysfunction is directly linked to heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems.
Poor Nutrition
Your body needs the right building blocks to create nitric oxide, and those building blocks come from nitrate-rich vegetables. Without enough greens and beets in your diet, production slows down.
Mouthwash and Toothpaste Use
Believe it or not, many antiseptic mouthwashes destroy the beneficial bacteria in your mouth that help convert nitrates into nitric oxide. Dr. Bryan recommends using a fluoride-free, non-antibacterial toothpaste and avoiding harsh mouthwashes whenever possible.
Antacid or PPI Use
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are common heartburn medications that can completely block nitric oxide production by reducing stomach acid. Without stomach acid, your body can’t convert nitrates into nitric oxide.
How to Naturally Boost Nitric Oxide
Now, for the good news: your body can bounce back. Even if nitric oxide production has dipped with age or lifestyle, there are proven ways to restore it naturally. Supporting nitric oxide doesn’t mean just taking a single supplement and calling it a day—it’s about helping your body work the way it was designed to.
Here’s how to naturally boost nitric oxide levels:
- Eat More Nitrate-Rich Foods
- Get Moving
- Protect Your Oral Microbiome
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Eat More Nitrate-Rich Foods
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, and beets are your best friends here. Try buying from local farmers’ markets where produce tends to have higher nutrient and nitrate content.
Get Moving
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to increase nitric oxide production naturally. Regular physical activity helps your blood vessels stay flexible and responsive.
Protect Your Oral Microbiome
Skip the fluoride and antiseptic rinses. Instead, use gentle, fluoride-free toothpaste and let your body’s natural oral bacteria help maintain nitric oxide balance.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Sleep, hydration, and stress management all play a role in maintaining nitric oxide levels. If you’re chronically stressed or sleep-deprived, your nitric oxide levels will likely suffer too.
Why Nitric Oxide for Men’s Health Matters
For men, nitric oxide plays a role in how you feel every day. When your nitric oxide levels are optimized, you think clearer, move easier, recover faster, and perform better in every sense of the word. It’s the foundation for feeling strong, confident, and capable—no matter your age.
Here’s how nitric oxide supports men’s health across the board:
- Heart health – Better blood flow means lower cardiovascular risk.
- Sexual function – Stronger erections and improved performance.
- Workout recovery – Faster oxygen delivery to muscles.
- Energy and focus – Enhanced oxygenation to the brain.
Nitric Oxide Supplements: What to Know
While there are countless nitric oxide supplements online, not all are effective or even scientifically backed. Dr. Bryan has patented several nitric oxide products supported by research, including lozenges and formulas used in clinical trials. We often recommend daily nitric oxide support as part of a larger plan to improve circulation, cardiovascular health, and overall energy.
“When you restore nitric oxide production, you’re improving blood flow everywhere—from your heart and brain to your muscles and sexual organs,” says Dr. Bryan.
If you’re considering nitric oxide supplements, it’s best to talk with a men’s health provider who understands how they fit into your broader health goals.
FAQs About Nitric Oxide for Men’s Health
What Are the Symptoms of Low Nitric Oxide?
Fatigue, brain fog, high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction are common indicators.
Can Low Nitric Oxide Cause ED?
Yes. Nitric oxide is essential for blood flow, and low levels can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
What Foods Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally?
Spinach, arugula, kale, beets, and radishes are nitrate-rich foods that help boost nitric oxide.
Are Nitric Oxide Supplements Safe?
High-quality, clinically tested supplements are considered safe for most people. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.
How Quickly Can You Increase Nitric Oxide Levels?
You can start improving nitric oxide production in as little as a few days through dietary changes, exercise, and proper supplementation.
Reclaim Your Energy, Strength, and Drive
At Victory Men’s Health, we know how interconnected nitric oxide is with everything else: your heart, hormones, workouts, and even your mood. When nitric oxide levels drop, it can feel like your drive and stamina disappear with it. But you can restore it.
Our providers specialize in helping men rebalance their nitric oxide production through customized treatment plans, lifestyle changes, and medical therapies tailored to your goals. If you’ve been feeling sluggish, foggy, or just not like yourself, it’s time to uncover whether low nitric oxide could be part of the problem.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward optimizing your blood flow, performance, and vitality.
