Nasal Nitric Oxide: The Essential Roles in Breathing
by Joe Somodi, Mental Performance Coach
Nasal nitric oxide (NO) has been gaining attention in recent years due to its potential benefits for athletes. From vasoregulation to immune defense, NO plays a crucial role in several physiological processes.
Nitric oxide is a gas that is naturally produced by the body. It plays a vital role in several physiological processes, including vasoregulation, neurotransmission, and immune defense. The nitric oxide that is produced in the nasal cavity facilitates a significantly more efficient balance of blood flow to ventilation. Nitric oxide is carried into the lungs after a breath is taken through the nose to help redistribute the blood more equally, thus counteracting the negative effect of gravity on blood flow in the lungs (Sanchez Crespo, Hallberg, Lundberg, Lindhal, Jacobsson, Weitzberg & Nyren, 2010).
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A Brief but Meaningful History Nitric Oxide
For years many considered nitric oxide a toxic gas, associating it with environmental pollution and the dirty smog often experienced in overpopulated cities. Nasal nitric oxide (NO) was first discovered in 1991 by a team of researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. They found that the gas was present in the nasal cavity and could be detected by a simple test using a chemiluminescence analyzer.
According to Jon Lundberg, professor of Nitric Oxide Pharmacologics at the institute in Sweden, large amounts of nitric oxide are constantly being released in our nasal airways as we breathe. As a breath is taken in through the nose, nitric oxide will follow that airflow down into the lungs for the purpose of increasing the amount of oxygen uptake in the blood.
In the following years, researchers began to investigate the physiological function of nasal NO. It was found that it plays an important role in regulating blood flow, immune function, and respiratory function in the nasal cavity.
One of the most significant discoveries was made in 1997, when it was found that people with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) have low levels of nasal NO. PCD is a rare genetic disorder that affects the cilia, the tiny hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract and help to move mucus and bacteria out of the lungs. The low levels of nasal NO in people with PCD provided a simple diagnostic tool for the condition.
Since then, nasal NO has been extensively studied in a wide range of respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. In these conditions, it has been found that levels of nasal NO are often elevated, and can be used as a biomarker of airway inflammation.
Today, measurement of nasal NO has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, and is used in both clinical and research settings. Ongoing research continues to explore the many functions and potential applications of this fascinating gas.
How Nasal Nitric Oxide Benefits Athletes
Nasal nitric oxide has several benefits for athletes, including:
Improved Oxygen Uptake: When you inhale through your nose, NO follows the airflow down into your lungs, where it increases the amount of oxygen uptake in the blood. This can help improve endurance and reduce fatigue during exercise.
Improved Blood Flow: NO also plays a role in vasoregulation, which is the opening and closing of blood vessels. This can help improve blood flow to the muscles, which can help improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Improved Immune Defense: NO is also involved in immune defense. It helps to protect against bacteria and viruses, which can help reduce the risk of illness and infection in athletes.
Other benefits of nasal nitric oxide include:
Maintenance of stable physiological balance (homeostasis)
Prevention of high blood pressure
Lowering cholesterol
Improved health of the arteries
Redistribution of blood throughout the lungs
The benefits of maintaining a stable physiological balance, or homeostasis, are numerous and critical to overall health. One important aspect of homeostasis is the prevention of high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Lowering cholesterol is also important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, as high levels of cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. In addition, improved health of the arteries can lead to better blood flow and distribution throughout the body. Within the lungs, redistribution of blood can improve oxygen exchange and overall respiratory function, promoting optimal health and wellness. Overall, maintaining homeostasis through these benefits is vital for a healthy and functioning body.
How Athletes Can Harness the Power of Nasal Nitric Oxide
There are several ways that athletes can increase their production of nasal nitric oxide:
Breathe Through Your Nose: The best way to increase your production of nasal nitric oxide is to breathe through your nose. When you inhale through your nose, the NO follows the airflow down into your lungs, where it can provide its benefits.
Use Nasal Strips: Nasal strips can help open up your nasal passages, which can increase your production of nasal nitric oxide. This can help improve your oxygen uptake and blood flow during exercise.
Use Nasal Sprays: There are several nasal sprays on the market that are designed to increase your production of nasal nitric oxide. These sprays can be particularly useful for athletes who are training at high altitudes, where the air is thinner.
Practice Breath Control Techniques: Breath control techniques, such as those taught in the Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown, can help increase your production of nasal nitric oxide. These techniques involve slowing down your breathing rate and focusing on breathing through your nose.
Nasal nitric oxide is a powerful gas that can improve oxygen uptake, blood flow, and immune defense. NO can help athletes improve their performance and reduce their risk of injury and illness. Athletes can harness the power of nasal nitric oxide by breathing through their nose, using nasal strips and sprays, and practicing breath control techniques.
Research
Lundberg, J. (2008). Nitric Oxide and the Paranasal Sinuses. The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology, 291(11), pp.1479-1484.
Lundberg, J. and Weitzberg, E. (1999). Nasal nitric oxide in man. Thorax, 54(10), pp.947-952.
Sánchez Crespo, A., Hallberg, J., Lundberg, J., Lindahl, S., Jacobsson, H., Weitzberg, E. and Nyrén, S. (2010). Nasal nitric oxide and regulation of human pulmonary blood flow in the upright position. Journal of Applied Physiology, 108(1), pp.181-188.
