How Nitric Oxide Controls Blood Flow, Energy & Hormone Function with Cathy Eason, MS, BCHN

If you’ve got a cupboard full of supplements you bought with good intentions but never used, this episode is for you. Cathy Eason, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life, talks about nitric oxide, a molecule that affects almost every body system, including blood flow, blood pressure, digestion, energy production, and sexual arousal. She explains why nitric oxide production declines in your 30s and how it’s linked to perimenopause. Eason also discusses the research behind using dietary nitrates (like beets and leafy greens) to support nitric oxide production and when supplementation might be necessary. This episode covers practical aspects like testing nitric oxide status at home, the connection between oral health and nitric oxide, and how the protocol differs for daily energy needs versus intense training. Eason also advises caution with nitric oxide supplementation, especially for those on blood pressure medication, and why she moved away from arginine/citrulline supplements. Go to https://drstephanieestima.com/berkeleylife and use code BETTER20 for 20% Off. 🎤 EPISODE OVERVIEW (0:00) Intro/Teaser (05:33) How Nitric Oxide Opens Blood Flow (Vasodilation 101) (11:04) Blood Pressure, Arterial Stiffness & the Research (15:49) Digestion, Gut Motility & Hypertension Safety (24:01) Oral Health, Fluoride & the Nitrate Recycling Pathway (29:34) Dietary Nitrate Sources: Beets, Ferments & Histamine Considerations (34:19) Arousal, Desire & Blood Flow to the Genitals (39:48) Closing the Research Gap: Female Sexual Function Data (41:08) Performance & Recovery: From the Soccer Field to the Gym (46:43) Muscle Force, DOMS & Timing Your Dose Around a Workout (51:10) Testing Your Own Nitric Oxide & Finding Your Pattern (59:28) Choosing a Supplement: The Ophelia & Emily Protocol (1:19:48) After-Party: Final Thoughts with Dr. Stephanie 📎 RESOURCES MENTIONED - https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep485 📦 OUR SPONSORS QUALIA CREATINE+ - If you want to feel stronger, sharper, and more resilient, Qualia’s Creatine+ is my recommendation.Go to https://qualialife.com/better and use code BETTER to save. PIQUE LIFE - Experience Transformative Results. Start your daily ritual today and elevate your morning and evening routine at https://piquelife.com/better TIMELINE - Timeline’s clinically proven formula is now available at a great price when you go to https://timelinenutrition.com/better with code BETTER. JUST THRIVE HEALTH - Your gut runs the show — mood, immunity, energy, all of it. Save on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/better with code BETTER. **************************** P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you: Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife. Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.