Better Blood Pressure with Nitric Oxide

Michael Ventresca • February 2, 2023

In 1998, a Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of nitric oxide (NO), a gas produced in the body that can regulate immune, bone, brain, lungs and heart activity. Since 1998, nitric oxide (not to be confused with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas) has been the subject of more than 140,000 research articles making it one of the most studied molecules to date. Today, I’d like to focus on one of the major ways nitric oxide enhances health called vasodilation, as well as share how I think it’s helped me.


Vasodilation is the relaxing and expanding of blood vessels. When blood vessels relax and expand, your blood flows more effectively. This can bring a whole host of benefits including reduced blood pressure and risk of heart disease, better athletic performance and improved sexual function. 



The body uses three compounds to produce nitric oxide: nitrates (found in vegetables like beets, arugula and some fruits), and the amino acids l-arginine and l-citrulline (found in meat, dairy and fruits).


A quick word on beet supplements - if you’re using a beet supplement to increase your nitric oxide, be sure to look for the amount of nitrates on the label. While beets can be a good source of nitrates, the amount of nitrates, and thus results, can vary widely.


My favorite product and the one I take daily is called M3 Ultimate Nitric Oxide Nutrition from Bionox. This comprehensive formula mixes easily in water and provides a combined 7grams of l-arginine and l-citrulline, with a potent blend of beets and other vegetables, fruits and herbs, to help maximize the production of NO along several different pathways. M3 also includes a good dose of vitamins D3 and K2. Personally, after taking M3 for roughly 6 weeks, I have seen a dramatic reduction in my systolic blood pressure, something I have struggled with for years.


If you’d like to learn more, please stop in today.


Mike Ventresca is owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton. The phone number is 440-885-9505. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.



References:

Hermann M, Flammer A, Lüscher TF. Nitric oxide in hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2006 Dec;8(12 Suppl 4):17-29. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2006.06032.x. PMID: 17170603; PMCID: PMC8109558.

Walsh T, Donnelly T, Lyons D. Impaired endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability: a common link between aging, hypertension, and atherogenesis? J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009 Jan;57(1):140-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.02051.x. Epub 2008 Nov 14. PMID: 19054194.

Romero MJ, Platt DH, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Therapeutic use of citrulline in cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2006 Fall-Winter;24(3-4):275-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3466.2006.00275.x. PMID: 17214603.

Barassi A, Corsi Romanelli MM, Pezzilli R, Damele CA, Vaccalluzzo L, Goi G, Papini N, Colpi GM, Massaccesi L, Melzi d'Eril GV. Levels of l-arginine and l-citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology. Andrology. 2017 Mar;5(2):256-261. doi: 10.1111/andr.12293. Epub 2017 Feb 8. PMID: 28178400.

By Michael Ventresca February 11, 2026
Supporting your body’s stress response can lead to more consistent energy. 
Woman in teal sweater holding her right side, possibly experiencing abdominal pain.
By Michael Ventresca January 14, 2026
Supporting the liver in January can help improve digestion, energy levels and overall balance heading into the new year. 
Snowy path along a lake, person with umbrella walks past trees and streetlights.
By Michael Ventresca December 30, 2025
The winter blues: It’s not depression, but a normal response to reduced daylight and a disrupted internal rhythm.
Couple at table with wreath, Christmas tree behind; they appear disgusted.
By Michael Ventresca December 30, 2025
Digestive enzymes aren’t a license to overeat, but they can help you enjoy the season more comfortably. 
Couple adjusting helmets, laughing, bicycles nearby in a park with autumn foliage.
By Michael Ventresca October 13, 2025
If you’re watching your blood sugar, there are natural ways to help keep it in check—without feeling deprived. 
Variety of mushrooms on a wooden cutting board, with a lemon slice and sage.
By Michael Ventresca September 19, 2025
One of the most exciting areas of research in recent years is the role functional mushrooms play in supporting the body’s defenses.
Silhouette head with arrows swirling outward, representing thoughts and ideas on a green background.
By Michael Ventresca September 19, 2025
Once thought of as just a muscle-building supplement, creatine is now gaining attention for its surprising brain-boosting benefits.
Bottle of True Grace Daily Men's multivitamin. Light green container with blue and white label.
By Michael Ventresca July 7, 2025
Over the years, I’ve tried just about every type of multivitamin out there: tablets, capsules, raw food blends, fermented formulas, you name it. And while many are a clear step above your big-box brands, it’s rare I come across one that actually makes me want to switch. Recently, I started taking the True Grace 50+ Multi , and I’ve been genuinely impressed. First, it checks all the right boxes for me. It’s made with fermented, whole-food-based nutrients that are easier on the stomach and better absorbed. It’s free of synthetic fillers, artificial colors, GMOs, and gluten. What makes this formula stand out is what it offers beyond the basics. This isn’t just another multivitamin with the usual laundry list of nutrients. True Grace 50+ is designed with targeted support for four key areas of healthy aging. You’ll find Lion’s Mane mushroom for brain health, CoQ10 for heart and cellular energy, and MenaQ7 (a patented form of vitamin K2 ) to guide calcium to the bones instead of the arteries. It also includes antioxidants to support long-term vision, which is a growing concern for many of us over 50. What really caught my attention, though, is ergothioneine , a naturally occurring amino acid often referred to as the “longevity vitamin.” It helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports brain, heart, and skin health. Most multivitamins leave it out entirely or include only a token amount. This formula delivers a full 5 mg per serving, a dose that actually makes a difference. While the 50+ formula is what I personally use, True Grace offers a full line including Men’s and Women’s core multis , 40+ versions , plus a prenatal for moms-to-be. All with the same focus on clean, effective nutrition. Do I still believe in other whole-food-based multis? Absolutely. But this is the first time in a long while I’ve actually made a switch. And I’m glad I did. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Brown poodle dog wearing a collar, resting on a park bench. Green grass background.
By Michael Ventresca May 9, 2025
Whether it’s separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms or trips to the vet, watching your furry friend feel overwhelmed is never easy. Just like in humans, chronic stress can take a serious toll on a dog’s emotional and physical well-being. Over time, anxiety can negatively impact digestion, heart health, and behavior, affecting your dog’s overall quality of life. The good news is some of the same natural remedies that help humans manage stress can also be incredibly beneficial for dogs. Of course, the dosages and formulations must be carefully tailored to meet a dog’s unique needs. Today, I would like to discuss a few natural remedies that can help support a calmer, more relaxed dog. Research shows that L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, stimulates alpha wave activity in the brain, promoting a relaxed yet alert state. This helps dogs stay calm without feeling sedated, since sedation can sometimes upset and confuse dogs, making their anxiety worse. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is another valuable tool. Often called the “feel-good neurotransmitter,” GABA helps calm nervous system activity and promotes a balanced, stable mood. Calm by Vital Planet combines both L-Theanine and GABA with additional soothing herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm and valerian, along with a unique blend of flower essences, to help anxious dogs feel more secure and relaxed. It is available in both chewable tablets and soft chews. Finally, Calm, along with all Vital Planet’s pet products, is certified by the National Animal Supplement Council, ensuring exceptional quality and safety. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
By Michael Ventresca January 14, 2025
When it comes to supplements for weight loss, I often tread carefully. The market is flooded with unrealistic claims promising effortless transformations—and let’s be honest, those simply don’t exist. That said, natural products can enhance your weight loss efforts, but they’re tools in the toolbox—not magic solutions. Today, I’d like to share a few of my favorite places to start. First, it’s important to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to find the right option is to identify your greatest obstacle: appetite control, fat burning, or metabolism. While we can’t cover all the options in one column, the key takeaway is that there are options, and we’re happy to help you find one that’s right for you. With that said, I’d like to briefly discuss one of my favorite formulas for increasing metabolism, burning fat, and balancing blood sugar: BerberTrim from Source Naturals. At its core, BerberTrim is powered by berberine, a compound found in plants like barberry. Research shows that berberine regulates blood sugar and insulin levels effectively. In addition, berberine activates AMPK, often called the body’s “metabolic master switch.” AMPK promotes fat breakdown while also inhibiting fat storage. To further support healthy blood sugar levels, BerberTrim includes chromium, cinnamon, and alpha-lipoic acid. To enhance fat burning and metabolism, the formula contains green tea and cayenne. Green tea promotes weight loss through caffeine, which boosts energy and metabolism, and EGCG, a compound that enhances fat burning and thermogenesis—the process by which the body generates heat by burning calories. Like EGCG, cayenne has also been shown to increase thermogenesis. To learn more or to discuss other options to support your weight loss goals, I invite you to stop in today. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
More Posts