In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, host Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with Cathy Eason, Clinical Director at Berkeley Life, to explore the often-overlooked yet vital molecule: nitric oxide. Cathy shares her fascinating journey from massage therapy to nutritional therapy, a path sparked by a personal mission to address chronic inflammation and promote deeper healing. Together, they unpack the critical role nitric oxide plays in cardiovascular health, blood pressure regulation, and athletic performance—and how we can naturally boost its production through dietary nitrates found in foods like beets and spinach.

Dr. Steph and Cathy dive deep into the science behind nitric oxide, explaining how the body produces it through both enzyme-driven pathways and nitrate-rich foods. They highlight the importance of the oral microbiome in this process, discussing how proper oral health—including something as simple as chewing gum—can help convert dietary nitrates into usable nitric oxide. Cathy shares real-life success stories of patients who have seen remarkable improvements in energy, circulation, and blood pressure thanks to nitric oxide supplementation.

The conversation also touches on broader themes in functional medicine, such as the impact of EMF exposure, the role of oxalates and soil quality in nutrition, and how a balanced, whole-foods-based diet can support overall wellness. Cathy and Dr. Steph emphasize that effective health optimization requires more than just supplements—it involves understanding nutrient interactions, maintaining gut and oral health, and tuning into the psychological and emotional aspects of healing. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance performance or someone navigating chronic health challenges, this episode offers empowering insights into how nitric oxide and nutrition can support your journey to better health.

More on Cathy: Cathy Eason, MS is a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner with 20+ years of clinical experience in functional medicine-based nutrition practice. In her role as Clinical Education Director at Berkeley Life, Cathy enjoys breaking down the science of how the body's 'miracle molecule', Nitric Oxide, plays a role in signaling every body system -- starting with the vagus nerve.  

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