NO2 RED tablets from GNC

[Litehiker]

Having trouble huffin' and puffin' up them thar mountains above 7,000 ft. Bucky? Wheezing' and coughing and scaring all the game away in the nearby counties? IS that yer problem Bucky? Well heres a little something to help put some pep in yer step.

Back in 2000 I began using the then-new NO2 tablets for weight training. The were were merely tablets of time-released L-Arginine, an amino acid that releases Nitric Oxide (Nitric, not Nitrous) into the bloodstream.

The effect is to open up your capillaries, veins and arteries. This permits better blood flow in muscles and also better O2 uptake in the alveoli capillaries in your lungs. At altitudes above 7,000 feet the good effect is noticeable. Also it helps your circulation system get rid of lactic acid more quickly, reducing fatigue and the possibility of muscle cramping.

I use it for high altitude skiing, backpacking and hunting. As a geezer it makes a difference even though I had a good O2 uptake as a former XC ski racer and bicycle racer in my 30's and 40s.

NO2 RED is the type I prefer. The NO2 BLACK upset my stomach a bit. The new RED formulation is better than the original back in 2000 and the bottle will explain why. It's mainly that it initially releases the NO2 faster and in greater quantities.

Eric

Oh, yes, for inquiring minds, NO2 does have the same effect as Cialis, etc., just a bit milder and far less 'spensive. Jus' saying'... ;o)

 

[Laelkhunter]

I usually take Gingko Biloba (sp?), and ibuprofen which I think does the same thing. What dosage do you use, and I guess I wouldn't take the Gingko and ibuprofen if I take the NO2 ?

 

[Litehiker]

L.hunter,

Ibuprofen, like aspirin, is in the drug group classified as N-SAIDs. It is an analgesic and reduces inflammation, usually better than aspirin. It is a blood thinner as well, preventing platelets from clumping together.

Ibuprofen is known to help prevent and/or lessen the effects of "mountain sickness".

NO2 is a vasodilator, just like Viagara and Cialis but not as strong when taken at the recommended dosage. All three release dissolved Nitric Oxide gas into the blood and this dilates all vessels in the circulatory system making better blood flow to the lungs' alveoli air sacs and to muscles.
BTW, as we age we lose lung function by a small percent every year, making NO2 more necessary for us geezers.

NO2 is not an N-SAID but will prevent or lessen muscle cramping due creating increased blood flow to carry away lactic acid, a waste product of the muscles and the major cause of muscle cramping.

For me the main advantage of NO2 at altitude is better oxygen uptake
(less "sucking wind"). Oximeter tests of O2 uptake have proven NO2 works to increase O2 uptake i.e. oxygenation of the blood.

Ginko Biloba's efficacy for mountain sickness prophylaxis is not scientifically proven but there are numerous anecdotal accounts of it helping.

Diamox, a prescription drug, does absolutely lessen the effect on altitude illness but when symptoms appear the climber MUST descend or at the very least not climb any higher until symptoms cease. It should be carried on trips above 8,000 ft.

For some reason (healthy) geezers like me have fewer problems at altitude than young people. This seems counter-intuitive but it is true, people over 50 are less prone to developing mountain sickness.

COMMON MOUNTAIN SICKNESS:-> loss of appetite, headaches, and a feeling of lethargy and generalized illness.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS):
1. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema->(HAPE[/B)] cellular fluid leaks into the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) and this leakage prevents good oxygen uptake, further increasing the problem.
2. High Altitude Cerebral Edema->(HACE) The most deadly form of AMS and a medical emergency! Happens on 3% of people climbing over 9,000 ft. HAPE is caused by the brain swelling and creating high intra-cranial pressure. DESCEND IMMEDIATELY! Either via walking or rescue helicopter.

Preventing Common Mountain Illness and AMS-:
1. climb high, sleep lower
2. Stay well hydrated with electrolyte drinks.
3. Climb SLOWLY, and if symptoms begin to appear REST FREQUENTLY.
4. If all fails then DESCEND! It is the best cure.

As a former ski patroller who has seen common mountain sickness I am well versed in these symptoms and treatments. Hope this helps.

Eric B.