By the team at Lygon Everyday Chemist — Here for Good

As a pharmacist with almost four decades of experience, I’m often asked about nitric oxide - sometimes confused with nitrous oxide, but they’re very different. Nitric oxide (NO) is a natural gas molecule made by our own body. It acts as a powerful messenger that controls blood flow, nerve communication, and energy production. Getting the right balance is vital for heart, brain, and sexual health.

How Nitric Oxide Works in the Body

Nitric oxide helps relax the inner muscles of your blood vessels, allowing them to widen and improve circulation. This process, called vasodilation, supports the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to every cell.

It’s especially important in:

• Brain and memory function
• Immune system activity
• Energy and recovery
• Male sexual performance and erections

Nitric Oxide and Male Erections

For men, nitric oxide is the chemical spark that triggers an erection. When the brain receives sexual stimulation, it signals nitric oxide release in the penile blood vessels. This widens the arteries, increases blood flow into the erectile tissue, and allows it to become firm.

If nitric oxide levels are low, the blood vessels don’t open properly, and erections can become weak or short-lived. This is one reason erectile issues are often linked to poor circulation, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and even stress - all of which lower nitric oxide production.

Medicines such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil work by enhancing the nitric oxide pathway, allowing more blood to stay in the erectile tissue longer. However, lifestyle and nutrition are just as critical in maintaining natural nitric oxide levels.

Conditions Linked to Too Little or Too Much Nitric Oxide

Too little nitric oxide can contribute to:

• High blood pressure
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue and poor recovery
• Cognitive decline
• Depression and anxiety
• Cold hands and feet
• Heart disease risk

Too much nitric oxide (often from chronic inflammation or certain infections) can lead to oxidative stress, cell damage, and inflammation in the brain or arteries. Balance is everything.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Foods that Help

Boost nitric oxide naturally with:

• Leafy greens such as spinach, rocket, and beetroot — rich in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide
• Citrus fruits for vitamin C, which helps protect and recycle nitric oxide
• Nuts and seeds for arginine, the amino acid your body uses to make nitric oxide
• Fish and olive oil for omega-3s, improving vessel health
• Dark chocolate (in moderation) for flavonoids that support nitric oxide activity

Avoid or reduce:

• Processed meats with chemical nitrates that can form harmful compounds
• Excess alcohol and smoking, both of which damage the blood vessel lining
• High sugar and refined carbohydrates, which lower nitric oxide and raise inflammation

Medicines and Prescription Interactions

Certain medications can affect nitric oxide balance:

• Nitrates (like glyceryl trinitrate) increase nitric oxide and can dangerously interact with Viagra-type medicines - never use both together without medical guidance.
• Beta-blockers and some antidepressants may blunt nitric oxide release and cause sexual side effects.
• Metformin and proton-pump inhibitors may reduce vitamin B12 absorption, which indirectly affects nitric oxide metabolism.

A medication review with your pharmacist can help optimise both heart and sexual health safely.

Lifestyle and Breathing to Boost Nitric Oxide

Simple breathing techniques can increase nitric oxide naturally. Try nasal breathing, which activates nitric oxide release in the sinuses.

A great daily method is the 4-7-8 breathing technique:

• Inhale through the nose for four seconds
• Hold your breath for seven seconds
• Exhale slowly through the mouth for eight seconds

Doing this two to three times a day calms the nervous system, supports nitric oxide production, and improves circulation.

Regular exercise, good sleep, sun exposure, and relaxation also boost natural nitric oxide. Aim for brisk walking, cycling, or resistance training at least five times a week. Meditation or gratitude journaling can reduce stress hormones that interfere with blood flow and sexual function.

When to See Your Pharmacist or Doctor

If you notice fatigue, poor stamina, or changes in sexual performance, talk with your pharmacist or doctor. A simple blood test for vitamin B12, folate, and cardiovascular health markers can help find the cause early.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we can discuss natural nitric oxide support, vitamin and foods , and safe use of medicines that enhance circulation and sexual function in a private consultation.

Final Thoughts

Nitric oxide is your body’s natural “flow” molecule - it keeps your brain sharp, your heart strong, and your body connected. Supporting it through food, movement, breathing, and healthy habits can transform your energy, mood, and confidence at any age.

If you’d like to know how to naturally boost nitric oxide or discuss prescription options safely, visit Lygon Everyday Chemist for a friendly chat with our pharmacists - we’re here to help you feel your best, inside and out.