Episode Details

In Episode 202 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with clinical nutrition practitioner and Chief Science Officer of Berkeley Life, Cathy Eason, to explore one of the most overlooked molecules in women's health after 40: nitric oxide.

By the time you hit midlife, your body has already lost up to half of its ability to produce this essential signalling molecule — and most women have no idea.

Dr. A and Cathy break down exactly why nitric oxide levels decline with age, what that means for your energy, blood pressure, circulation, metabolism, and brain focus, and most importantly, what you can do about it starting today.

From the best nitrate-rich foods to breathing practices, supplement strategies, and simple daily habits, this episode delivers a practical playbook for rebuilding your nitric oxide levels and protecting your heart health for the long haul.

Rate & Review — If this episode opened your eyes to something you've never heard before, please take 60 seconds to rate and review the Fit Mother Project Podcast. Your review helps more women over 40 find the science-backed guidance they deserve.

Join the Fit Mother Community — If you want support putting this into action, come join the Fit Mother community. You'll find practical guidance, encouragement, and a group of women committed to building strong, healthy lives together.

Fit Mother Project Key Takeaways:

• Nitric oxide production drops by up to 80% between your 20s and your 60s — making it a critical piece of the midlife health puzzle
• Two pathways produce nitric oxide: the endothelial (in-body) pathway and the dietary nitrate pathway — and most women are struggling with both
• The top nitrate-rich foods to eat daily: arugula, spinach, kale, beets, celery, bok choy, and rhubarb — the darker the green, the better
• Your oral microbiome plays a surprising role in converting dietary nitrates into nitric oxide — which is why mouth breathing and mouthwash can quietly undermine your health
• Nitric oxide signals mitochondrial biogenesis and angiogenesis — meaning it directly supports your daily energy and your body's ability to build new, healthy blood vessels
• A Berkeley Life clinical trial in midlife adults showed a 12.5 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 28% increase in circulation from dietary nitrate supplementation
• L-arginine and L-citrulline supplements can backfire — especially if your endothelial enzyme pathway is already compromised or if you have any immune dysfunction
• Nasal breathing and the 4-7-8 breath technique are free, daily tools that directly boost nitric oxide production and tone the vagus nerve
• Nitric oxide supports better sleep, clearer thinking, improved insulin sensitivity, and even stubborn belly fat reduction — all areas that matter deeply for women over 40
• Testing your own nitric oxide levels with salivary test strips is a simple, inexpensive way to biohack your energy, track your habits, and optimize your daily routine

Try Berkeley Life

Want to try Berkeley Life's nitric oxide products? Visit berkeleylife.com and use code FATHER20 for 20% off your first order. Their starter pack includes a 60-capsule supply of Nitric Oxide Support plus 50 salivary test strips — everything you need to understand and begin improving your levels.

Breakthrough In The Desert LIVE Event 2026!

Come experience the energy of Breakthrough In The Desert, Live in person this August 7–9 in Phoenix. You'll enjoy transformational teaching, nourishing meals, and the kind of real community that leaves you feeling recharged, inspired, and deeply connected.