EP 1302
1302. Why Big Pharma Hates Nitric Oxide (And How to Use It Anyway)
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey uncovers one of the most overlooked molecules in biohacking: nitric oxide. Joined by nitric oxide pioneer Dr. Nathan Bryan, Dave explores how this tiny gas molecule plays a massive role in blood flow, metabolism, brain function, sexual performance, and mitochondrial health. Dr. Bryan breaks down why nitric oxide disappears with modern habits like mouthwash, PPIs, sugar, and fluoride—and how to restore it with targeted biohacks. They dive into stacking nitric oxide with nootropics, red light, ketosis, and fasting for upgraded cognition, recovery, and energy. This episode is a masterclass in nitric oxide optimization, functional medicine, and smarter not harder human performance.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
If you care about longevity, brain optimization, sexual performance, or metabolism, this molecule changes everything. Host Dave Asprey sits down with nitric oxide pioneer Dr. Nathan Bryan to reveal why this overlooked molecule controls your blood flow, mitochondrial energy, neuroplasticity, insulin response, and even your libido. You’ll learn how nitric oxide acts as a master switch for human performance and why the medical system has ignored it for decades.
Dr. Nathan Bryan is a world-renowned expert in nitric oxide biochemistry with over 20 years of clinical research, multiple patents, and collaborations with Nobel Prize-winning scientists. His groundbreaking work forms the foundation for modern functional medicine protocols targeting blood flow, metabolism, cognitive enhancement, and mitochondrial upgrades.
You’ll learn:
- How nitric oxide drives mitochondria, metabolism, and human performance
- Why most nitric oxide supplements fail and how to spot real ones
- The critical role nitric oxide plays in brain optimization, libido, and insulin signaling
- How poor oral health, statins, and PPIs can kill nitric oxide production
- What nitric oxide has to do with sleep optimization, aging, and disease prevention
- How to stack nitric oxide with fasting, ketosis, nootropics, red light, and supplements
- Why “Smarter Not Harder” starts with nitric oxide fueled upgrades
This episode is essential listening for anyone into biohacking, cold therapy, functional medicine, or RFK-style medical freedom. You’ll walk away with practical tools to boost nitric oxide naturally, prevent dysfunction, and optimize your biology whether you’re on a carnivore diet or just looking for an edge.
Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing.
Get Nitric Oxide products for 10% off with code ‘Dave’: https://bit.ly/Nitric-Oxide-Product
SPONSORS:
- Leela Quantum Tech | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off.
- Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order.
“Half the people taking Viagra don’t respond. That’s not an erection problem. It’s a nitric oxide problem.”
Nathan Bryan
- 00:00 Trailer
A high-impact preview of what you’ll learn about nitric oxide, health optimization, and why this episode matters.
- 01:03 Intro
Host Dave Asprey sets the stage for a deep dive into nitric oxide and its role in biohacking and longevity.
- 01:15 Why Medicine Ignores Nitric Oxide
Dr. Bryan explains why mainstream healthcare avoids this powerful molecule despite decades of research.
- 01:59 What Nitric Oxide Does in the Body
Explore how nitric oxide drives blood flow, mitochondrial function, brain health, and metabolism.
- 04:46 How the Body Makes Nitric Oxide
The two main pathways of nitric oxide production, and how lifestyle blocks or supports them.
- 07:12 Diet’s Impact on NO Levels
Learn why sugar wrecks nitric oxide production and what foods help or hinder it.
- 13:28 Why Most NO Supplements Fail
Why beet powders and amino acids often don’t work, and how to spot effective products.
- 19:32 Personalized Biohacking with NO
Dave and Dr. Bryan break down how nitric oxide fits into smarter, personalized biohacking stacks.
- 22:33 How Medicine Misses the Mark
A look at how standard care fails to address root causes tied to nitric oxide dysfunction.
- 30:40 Oral Health and Nitric Oxide
Why your mouth bacteria matter for nitric oxide production and overall health.
- 31:30 Mouthwash Kills Your Microbiome
The shocking effects of antiseptic mouthwash on nitric oxide and blood pressure.
- 32:28 The Problem with Fluoride
How fluoride in toothpaste and water disrupts nitric oxide pathways and thyroid health.
- 33:25 Better Toothpaste for NO
Dr. Bryan shares the science behind the nitric oxide-supporting toothpaste he developed.
- 33:49 NO’s Role in Energy and Healing
How nitric oxide boosts recovery, cellular energy, and regenerative capacity.
- 34:17 Blood Pressure and NO
Why nitric oxide is a natural, effective solution for managing blood pressure.
- 35:29 NO and Sexual Performance
How nitric oxide drives libido and erections better than most pharmaceuticals.
- 37:09 NO and COVID Recovery
The role of nitric oxide in fighting respiratory viruses and reducing long COVID symptoms.
- 40:50 Brain Fog and NO Deficiency
Linking low nitric oxide to reduced blood flow, brain fog, and poor cognitive function.
- 49:01 Carnivore, Sugar, and NO
Discussion on how different diets help or harm nitric oxide production and metabolic health.
- 50:11 Why You Still Need NO Supplements
Even with a clean diet, most people need targeted supplementation to keep NO levels optimal.
- 54:19 Final Takeaways
Dr. Bryan and Dave wrap up with key insights and the biggest actions listeners can take today.
Resources:
- Nathan’s Website: www.n1o1.com
- Nathan’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtftGy8e0r9DO8ActcyGi4w
- Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/DAVE15
- Dave Asprey’s BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com/
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com
Enjoy the show!
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