How Tongue Scraping Can Improve Muscle Pumps

This might sound strange, but cleaning your tongue can help improve your muscle pumps during workouts —and science backs it up.

A study from the University of Texas, published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, found that people who scrape their tongues once or twice a day have more of the good bacteria that convert nitrate into nitrite—the first step in creating nitric oxide (NO). 

And if you know anything about performance supplements, you know how critical nitric oxide is for vasodilation and blood flow.

The Science of Tongue Scraping and Nitrate Conversion

In the study, researchers compared people who regularly cleaned their tongues to those who never did. 

What they found was fascinating:

• Tongue scrapers had more nitrate-reducing bacteria on their tongues.
• These bacteria convert dietary or supplemental nitrates into nitrite, which is then converted into nitric oxide (NO) in the body.
• NO causes vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels—which improves blood flow, supports cardiovascular health, and delivers bigger pumps during workouts .
• Non-scrapers had more bacteria that converted nitrate into ammonia instead of nitrite, short-circuiting the process and lowering potential NO levels.
• Non-scrapers also had higher blood pressure.

In short: scraping your tongue may optimize the nitrate-to-nitrite-to-NO conversion pathway. 

That means better blood flow, better performance in the gym, and yes, even better "pumps" below the belt (helping bedroom performance), particularly if you supplement with nitrates or consume a nitrate-rich diet.

What This Means If You Take Pre JYM Plus

If you use Pre JYM Plus , this study has major implications. One of the standout features of Pre JYM Plus is the inclusion of 600mg of NO3-T® nitrates, a potent nitric oxide booster.

Your ability to convert those nitrates into nitric oxide is what ultimately determines the strength of your pump and your performance benefits. If your oral microbiome isn’t optimized—and you’re unknowingly reducing nitrate to ammonia instead of nitrite—you may be leaving serious gains on the table.

The fix? Start scraping your tongue daily. It’s a simple habit that supports the NO pathway and helps you get the most out of your nitrate-rich supplements like Pre JYM Plus.

Why This Matters for Your Gains

This isn’t about oral hygiene—it’s about maximizing performance. 

Tongue scraping could be the missing link between a good workout and a great one.

So if you’re using Pre JYM Plus (or eating a nitrate-rich diet), make sure you’re also supporting your nitrate conversion with daily tongue cleaning. Your heart, your muscles, and your pumps will thank you.

FAQ: Tongue Scraping and Nitric Oxide

1. How does tongue scraping increase nitric oxide levels?

Scraping your tongue helps increase the concentration of bacteria that convert nitrate to nitrite—a key step in nitric oxide production.

2. What kind of tongue scraper should I use?

Metal tongue scrapers (like stainless steel or copper) are often more effective and durable than plastic ones, but any scraper is better than none.

3. How often should I scrape my tongue?

Once or twice a day is ideal. Most people do it after brushing their teeth in the morning.

4. Can this really affect my gym performance?

Yes. If you supplement with nitrates (like those in Pre JYM Plus ), optimizing your body’s ability to convert them into nitric oxide can enhance vasodilation and muscle pumps.

5. Is this only for people using supplements?

No. Even if you consume nitrate-rich foods like beets or leafy greens, tongue scraping can help maximize their benefits.

Reference

Tribble, G. D., et al. Frequency of tongue cleaning impacts the human tongue microbiome composition and enterosalivary circulation of nitrate. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 9:39, 2019.

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