For Higher Levels of Nitric Oxide. Let the Sun Shine In!

Chalk another one up for Mother Nature’s infinite wisdom.

While unprotected sun exposure is still actively discouraged by many health care professionals, scientific researchers continue to document—in rapidly increasing numbers—its many benefits (discussed in a previous post).  Lower blood pressure, a decreased risk of both heart attack and stroke, a heightened sense of well-being, and improved athletic performance were among the powerful and healing benefits.

Many active, health-minded people now understand that getting the appropriate dose of sunlight is critical for optimal health and performance because it fuels the skin’s ability to produce an adequate supply of vitamin D3.  But the positive consequences don’t stop there.

It turns out that the skin acts as a storage depot for nitric oxide (NO).  And that sunlight plays a critical role in activating the physiological processes that convert stored forms of NO (from dietary nitrates found in green vegetables and red beets) into the bio-available form of NO that can actually be used by the body. 

Greater Energy, Better Endurance, More Muscle: Why More Protein is Not the Answer

If you are interested in maintaining or gaining muscle or even just supporting muscle recovery, you know that protein is important—not only for energy, but for physical growth and repair.  It seems logical, then, to think that more protein is better.  But this simply isn’t the case.   

You don’t need more protein, they need more amino acids.   

The body requires access to a total of 22 different amino acids, which play a role in its ability to produce energy and maintain optimum, physical function.  Eight of the 22 amino acids are defined as ‘essential’ because they are not manufactured by the body; they must be derived from dietary proteins and/or an essential amino acid supplement.   Without an adequate supply of essential amino acids, the body cannot build muscle, develop stamina or recover well from strenuous, physical activity. About 75% of all athletes are deficient in at least one essential amino acid and, as a result, fail to recover quickly or completely...

Nitric Oxide: The Key to Unlocking Your Health and Performance Potential

One of the most powerful features of the Core 4 Nutrition Program is its measurability.  The use of nutritional supplements can contribute to significant, long-term health and fitness improvements.  But to be useful, these results must be measurable.  Otherwise, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to know if you are taking the correct amount of the right nutrients.

In assessing the nutritional status of hundreds of active men and women, we have learned about the critical importance of nitric oxide or NO—a powerful molecule that promotes, protects, and preserves cellular health.  In fact, nitric oxide is the key player responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to every cell, tissue, and organ system in the body.  Low NO levels have been linked to poor performance and the onset of many chronic diseases.