The Made to Thrive Show sits down with Dr. Nathan S. Bryan, PhD—one of the world’s leading experts in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry—for a deep, accessible, and surprisingly practical exploration of nitric oxide and why it may be the missing link behind so many modern chronic diseases. Dr. Bryan was the first to identify nitrite and nitrate as essential nutrients for cardiovascular health, and his decades of research have reshaped how clinicians and health optimizers understand inflammation, circulation, mitochondrial function, and long-term disease prevention.
In this episode, Dr. Bryan explains what nitric oxide actually is, how the body produces it, why production drops with age and lifestyle habits, and the real-world signs that you may already be deficient. He shares how food, breathing patterns, supplements, mouth microbiome health, and even eating speed influence nitric oxide levels. The conversation dives into surprising areas—like why mouthwash and fluoride can suppress nitric oxide, how breathwork impacts endothelial function, and why strengthening the oral microbiome may be more important than most people think.
Listeners of the Made to Thrive Show will learn approachable strategies to improve nitric oxide naturally, including nutrition habits that boost NO, how to protect healthy oral bacteria, and why slow eating amplifies nitric oxide signaling. Dr. Bryan also offers his take on binders and detox, sauna use, sunscreen, statin drugs, and other tools people use in pursuit of better wellness.
With more than 18 years of research, highly cited publications, and multiple books, Dr. Bryan brings both authority and clarity to one of the most important but misunderstood molecules in human health. This episode provides a grounded, science-based roadmap for anyone looking to improve energy, longevity, and overall resilience—from the inside out.