Who would have thought that beetroot can protect you from a virus? Actually, it is the end-product, nitric oxide, made from nitrates from food like beets that are antiviral. 

A couple of studies seem to point to nitric oxide as protective against certain viruses. Corona is one of them. 

Now, I love nitric oxide (NO) boosters for heart health. They open up blood vessels, decrease blood clotting, and lower inflammation. For my blog on nitric oxide and heart health, click here. 

But antiviral effects against corona? This is super-exciting for all us. 

How NO Works to Fight Viruses

One study that you can find here discovered the following: 

1. Nitric oxide or its derivatives can reduce viral spike protein which affects the fusion of the virus and its receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme 2. (this receptor appears to be increased in users of ACE inhibitors, who are at a 300% higher risk of viral pneumonia death or intubation. 
2. Nitric oxide or its derivatives cause a reduction in viral RNA production in the early steps of viral replication.

The same authors published another article on the topic as well. You can read more here. Here is a 3rd study you can review about nitric oxide and virus control.  

Boost Nitric Oxide Naturally

The body makes nitric oxide in three different ways. 

1. Nitrate-rich foods
2. Amino acids like arginine, citrulline, and taurine
3. Sunshine. 

Nitrate-rich foods- Nitrates (NO3) from foods like beets and green leafy vegetables are converted to nitrite (NO2) by oral bacteria and then to NO by stomach acid. Two problems here: People have low levels of good oral bacteria AND have decreased amounts of stomach acid. This is why we need probiotics and digestive enzymes. (Read on for my product recommendations for both of those.) Aside from eating the beets and greens, I suggest organic beetroot powder and an organic greens powder. (Read on for my product recommendations for both of those.) Alert- We need acid to kill viruses. Users of acid blockers have an 82% higher risk of pneumonia according to this 2018 study. 

Amino acids- These are building blocks for proteins. Amino acids such as arginine, citrulline and taurine plug into the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. This enzyme converts the amino acids to nitric oxide (hence the name…synthase, i.e. synthesize). Genetic abnormalities and nutrient deficiencies like magnesium etc. can affect this pathway. 

Sunshine- If you know me, you are probably sick about hearing me talk about the glories of the sun. I can (and eventually will) write a book about the glories of the sun. But in the case of NO, the sun hits stored skin nitrates (NO3) and converts it to NO. 

Three mechanisms of NO production confirm how important the molecule is. 

Crank Up Your NO for Viral Protection and More

Eat beets and leafy greens. Consume protein rich foods like liver and seafood for amino acids. Get sunshine whenever possible. Everyone should follow these steps. 

But you can also supplement with food-based nutrients and here is my plan for viral protection, heart health and SO much more. 

1. Heart Beet– 1 heaping teaspoon daily
2. Daily Greens– 1 heaping teaspoon daily
3. Vessel Support– 1 level teaspoon daily. Vessel Support is arginine, citrulline and taurine plus grapeseed extract to prevent the breakdown of nitric oxide
4. Heart Helpers is a top quality probiotic. Take one capsule daily.
5. Digest is our digestive enzymes. Most people need more than 35 digestive enzymes for immune system health and Digest delivers. Take two caps daily.

I take the powdered drinks and mix them in 8-12 ounces of water or add them to a smoothie. 

I have packaged these 5 products together in our Nitric Oxide Viral Protection Kit. You save 20% when you buy them as a kit. Ordering information and more details here.

Why Wolfson Products?

You can buy supplements just about everywhere these days. But why trust your health to just anyone? Don’t take the risk.

Dr. Jack has been named one of America’s top 50 functional medicine doctors. His book, The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health was a # 1 Amazon best-seller. And we have a ton of positive patient reviews.

Wolfson products are all natural and personally developed by The Drs. Wolfson. They are whole food based. They are made in America from premium ingredients. They are used every day by The Drs. Wolfson, their family and their patients.

If you already own and are using any of the products in our Nitric Oxide Viral Protection Kit, you can buy what you don’t have. See the links below for details.

1. Daily Greens
2. Heart Beet
3. Vessel Support
4. Heart Helpers (Virus Killers)
5. Digest

Stay Healthy Now and Forever

If all the above sounds difficult and you need a helping hand, grab a FREE call with a Wolfson health coach. Just click this link to get on the schedule and on the path to health and wellness.