Blood is much more than the simple liquid it appears to be. Not only does it consist of a fluid, but also of cells and specialized cell fragments called platelets. The fluid portion of the blood (the plasma) is a major body fluid, suspended in which are blood cells and cell fragments, also referred to as formed elements.

Blood is a complex transport system that performs vital delivery and pickup services for the body. For example, it picks up nutrients and oxygen from the digestive and respiratory systems and delivers them to the cells while picking up the wastes for delivery to excretory organs like the kidneys. Blood also transports enzymes, hormones, buffers and other biochemical substances that serve crucial functions. It is not widely understood that blood is a keystone of the body’s heat-regulating mechanism. Thus, it is uniquely suited to absorb heat without any appreciable increase in its own temperature and to transfer it from the core of the body to its surface for ready dissipation.

All organs and systems of the body require blood to perform its many functions. Blood would be useless, however, if it did not continually and rapidly flow throughout the whole body. Along with the lymph system, which runs counter-current to it, blood maintains the fluid balance and homeostasis in the internal milieu of the body.

It is easy to see, then, that if blood flow is sluggish, it could foretell many health problems. A hypothetical scenario would perhaps help explain the point. If the blood flow is less than optimal, in the first instance, all the various organs of the body are less likely to receive nutrients and oxygen to function properly. This, in turn, would mean that various deleterious substances would not be cleared, and substances such as cholesterol would more readily stick to the arteries. This gradual plaque formation may give rise to increased blood pressure, which then increases metabolic load on the kidneys and the liver and in fact, make an individual prone to a stroke.

Likewise, ordinary dietary sugars would dwell longer in the bloodstream, modifying various proteins, and substantially spiking the incidence of syndrome X and diabetes. As these conditions fester, they would contribute to obesity, and ultimately compromise quality of life drastically. This also means that blood flow will also be restricted to the pelvic floor muscle, and cause conditions including prostate and bladder problems including erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, a substantial percentage of people suffering from ED have restricted blood flow. It is not surprising, therefore, that a greater emphasis is being placed now on improving blood flow throughout the body.

Many different approaches can help to foster robust blood flow, such as dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, physical exercise, and a socially nurturing environment. Such changes may not bring about the requisite results quickly enough and, hence, additional measures may be taken. One of the nutritional approaches for blood flow is the intake of the amino acid citrulline. Found naturally in relative abundance in watermelon, citrulline is efficiently converted into arginine, which then induces a small substance called nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide essentially promotes healthier blood flow throughout the body, but notably also in the pelvic floor muscle. As such, many individuals experiencing ED found it quite helpful.

While the urban legends on blood may wax and wane, it is clear that robust blood flow throughout the body is one way to ensure good health.

Dr. Ahmed is director of Scientific Affairs and Business Development with Marlyn Nutraceuticals, Inc., Phoenix, AZ.