Nitrate levels in body fluids are determined by the amount of
protein you digest and metabolize. The body takes protein from our food and
breaks it down to individual amino acids which is used by the body to make
connective tissue such as collagen for joints and skin, keratin for hair and
nails and elastin for healthy arteries and veins. The biochemistry of the body
is performed by enzymes that are composed of amino acids, vitamins and
minerals. The cells of the body also use these amino acids as building blocks
for other important components of the body such as lipoproteins and
neurotransmitters. These important components may or may not require the amine
group that is attached to the amino acid and so it is cut off the molecule and
released as ammonia.
People who are on the Atkins diet or some other high protein
diet, force their body to burn fat and protein for energy. When you burn amino
acids for energy, ammonia is converted to nitrate. The excess amino acids are
also converted to glucose through the process of gluconeogenesis. This process
also has ammonia released as a byproduct.
Too much ammonia, nitrate and urea can be toxic to the liver and
kidneys as well as other tissues in the body. These are waste products of
metabolism so drinking enough water for excretion is extremely important.
Exercise and massage are also important for the excretion of these toxic
byproducts. High levels of nitrates and ammonia have been shown to increase
chemical sensitivities and allergies. It is important to monitor your protein
intake to make sure that your ammonia and nitrate levels are safely within the
normal range.
If your nitrate concentration is too low then your protein
intake is too low or your digestion is poor. Good sources of protein are fish,
chicken, small amounts of red meat, eggs, nuts, soy, legumes, cheese and other
dairy products. If you have digestion problems then a digestive enzyme
supplement may be necessary to help assimilate the protein you are consuming.
Low protein intake can lead to muscle wasting, poor healing and impaired
immunity. Other symptoms of poor protein metabolism are brittle hair and nails
and thin and splotchy looking skin.
Nitrate and nitrous oxide are also important as a
neurotransmitters and sufficient nitrous oxide is necessary for erection and
sexual enjoyment for both men and women. Nitrous oxide helps the arteries and
capillaries to expand so that blood flow and retention is increased. This makes
it possible for an erection as well as maintaining proper blood flow and
oxygenation of the tissues. This is why people take Viagra for sexual enjoyment
and nitroglycerine for angina. Both are metabolized to release nitrous oxide.