Nitric oxide (NO) plays several key roles in your body. It widens your blood vessels, helps your nerve cells communicate, and supports your immune system. However, too much of a good thing can sometimes be a problem.
When nitric oxide levels get too high, it can lead to a variety of health issues. The tricky thing is that the symptoms of high nitric oxide aren’t always obvious, and they can vary from person to person.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the common symptoms of high nitric oxide so you can better understand what to look for and when to seek medical attention.
Cardiovascular Symptoms of High Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that helps blood vessels relax. It’s vital for healthy blood flow, but too much can cause problems, specifically with your cardiovascular system.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
Excessive nitric oxide causes vasodilation, which means the blood vessels widen too much. This widening can lead to a drop in blood pressure (hypotension). When blood pressure is too low, not enough blood reaches your organs, and that can cause:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
Increased Heart Rate (Tachycardia)
When blood pressure drops too low, your body tries to compensate. One way it does this is by increasing your heart rate (tachycardia). The heart beats faster to try to pump more blood and maintain blood flow to vital organs.
The excess nitric oxide contributes to this effect because it causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. The body then tries to counteract this by increasing heart rate. It’s a delicate balance, and too much nitric oxide can throw it off.
Neurological Symptoms of High Nitric Oxide
High levels of nitric oxide can cause a range of neurological symptoms. Because nitric oxide functions as a neurotransmitter and impacts blood vessels in the brain, imbalances can trigger various issues.
Headaches and Migraines
One potential effect of elevated nitric oxide is headaches and migraines. These headaches are often characterized by throbbing pain and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
Dizziness and Vertigo
Nitric oxide-induced vasodilation, or widening of blood vessels, can affect blood flow to the brain. This can lead to dizziness and vertigo, creating a sensation of spinning or imbalance. The inner ear and its balance mechanisms can be particularly affected.
Cognitive Impairment and Fatigue
High nitric oxide levels can also impact cognitive function. You might experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mental fatigue. This may contribute to chronic fatigue symptoms, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted.
Gastrointestinal symptoms of high nitric oxide
When nitric oxide levels are too high, it can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Here are some of the gastrointestinal symptoms you might experience:
Nausea and vomiting
High nitric oxide levels can disrupt the normal functioning of your gastrointestinal system, potentially leading to nausea and vomiting. Nitric oxide plays a role in regulating gut motility and inflammation. When there’s too much of it, these processes can go haywire, causing you to feel sick to your stomach.
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Excess nitric oxide can also contribute to abdominal pain and discomfort. This may be due to increased intestinal permeability or inflammation. When the gut lining becomes more permeable, substances that wouldn’t normally pass through can leak into the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response.
Diarrhea
Nitric oxide can stimulate fluid secretion in the gut, leading to diarrhea. If you’re experiencing frequent, loose stools, it could be a sign that your nitric oxide levels are too high.
Immune-Related Symptoms and Considerations
High nitric oxide levels can affect your immune system in surprising ways.
Inflammation and Autoimmunity
Nitric oxide’s relationship with inflammation is complicated. In some cases, NO can reduce inflammation, but in other cases, it can make it worse.
Because of its effect on inflammation, high levels of nitric oxide may also play a role in autoimmune conditions. Some people with autoimmune disorders find that their symptoms worsen when nitric oxide levels are elevated.
Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities
High NO might also increase your chances of having allergic reactions or sensitivities.
One reason is that nitric oxide plays a role in mast cell activation and histamine release. Mast cells are immune cells that release histamine and other substances that cause allergy symptoms, and dietary factors can also affect this, making you consider understanding estrogen levels in your diet.
Increased Susceptibility to Infections
While nitric oxide can help your body fight off infections, high levels of NO can sometimes impair immune function, making you more susceptible to infections.
Other Possible Symptoms and Things That Might Be Contributing
High nitric oxide levels might also show up in other ways:
- Skin flushing and redness: Nitric oxide widens your blood vessels, so your skin might look more flushed.
- Nasal congestion and runny nose: Some think there’s a connection between high nitric oxide and increased mucus.
- Sleep problems: Nitric oxide could be messing with the balance of neurotransmitters that help you sleep.
Keep in mind that these symptoms could also be caused by other things. It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor to figure out what’s going on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What depletes nitric oxide in the body?
Factors that can deplete nitric oxide levels include aging, a diet lacking in nitrates and antioxidants, smoking, lack of exercise, and certain medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Some medications can also interfere with nitric oxide production, and certain foods, especially those high in estrogen, might also have an impact, so consider foods to avoid for males.
Does nitric oxide mess with your heart?
Generally, nitric oxide is beneficial for heart health. It helps relax blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. However, excessively high levels of nitric oxide, especially in the context of certain inflammatory conditions, could potentially have adverse effects on the heart.
What increases nitric oxide the most?
Consuming nitrate-rich foods like beets, leafy greens (spinach, arugula), and garlic can significantly boost nitric oxide production. Regular exercise, especially activities that promote cardiovascular health, also helps. Supplements containing L-arginine or L-citrulline are other options.
Does nitric oxide give you a hard on?
Yes, nitric oxide plays a crucial role in erectile function. It helps relax the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing increased blood flow and resulting in an erection. This is why some erectile dysfunction medications, like Cialis, target the nitric oxide pathway.
What causes high levels of nitric oxide?
High levels of nitric oxide can be caused by inflammatory conditions, infections, and certain genetic disorders. Some medications can also increase nitric oxide production. In some cases, the body may overproduce nitric oxide as a response to cellular damage or stress.
Closing Thoughts
As you’ve learned, high nitric oxide levels can be associated with a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can vary a lot from person to person, which makes it hard to know if nitric oxide is the culprit.
If you’re concerned about your nitric oxide levels, the best thing to do is talk with a healthcare professional. They can run the right tests and help you create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Nitric oxide plays a complicated role in the body, and it’s an area that researchers are still working to understand better. The more we learn, the better we’ll be able to manage conditions associated with nitric oxide imbalances.