In this powerful episode of The Primal Podcast, host Rina Ahluwalia sits down with nitric oxide expert Dr. Nathan Bryan to explore how one tiny molecule may sit at the root of most modern chronic diseases. On The Primal Podcast, Dr. Nathan Bryan explains that nitric oxide is a gas our body makes to regulate blood flow, blood pressure, oxygen delivery, mitochondrial energy, immune defense, and brain function. When nitric oxide production drops—as it does with aging, stress, poor diet, mouthwash, fluoride, PPIs, statins, and environmental toxins—the result is reduced blood flow, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction.
During this episode of The Primal Podcast, listeners learn about the two main pathways the body uses to make nitric oxide, why so many people unknowingly shut these pathways down every morning, and the six zero-cost ways to naturally restore nitric oxide production. Dr. Nathan Bryan goes deep on nasal breathing, tongue scraping, sunlight, red light, exercise, and nitrate-rich foods—and explains why antiseptic mouthwash, antacids, and certain medications can silently increase the risk of dementia, heart disease, and metabolic problems by destroying nitric oxide.
The Primal Podcast episode also covers nitric oxide’s critical role in the immune system and COVID-19, why people with low nitric oxide had worse outcomes, and how supporting nitric oxide may help improve long-COVID symptoms. From brain health and cardiovascular protection to insulin sensitivity and erectile function, this episode of The Primal Podcast makes a compelling case that supporting nitric oxide is one of the most powerful, overlooked levers for long-term health and disease prevention.