Can we increase our health and longevity with a supplement?
If we could turn back the hands of time….how many of us would say no? I am of the belief that we are given everything we need to achieve optimal health within us especially when we make the healthiest diet and lifestyle choices. However as life has it, cellular activity degenerates over time and well we die.
Have you ever wondered what controls this process within us other than just “age”? What is the key ingredient that deteriorates over time? Our bodies function as a system so the more harmony within us the better BUT according to scientists, researchers and doctors alike, there truly is one chemical in particular involved in every aspect of this game we call life.
NAD is the answer….Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
It’s a chemical within our bodies naturally derived from Vitamin B3. It’s found in every single cell that we have. NAD is needed to regulate cell metabolism and REGENERATE the tissues involved. Long story short NAD is the essential ingredient controlling our LIFESPAN and preserving our youth!
There is a lot of info out there on NAD and NAD therapy but it can be confusing. Most of us are article“skimmers”, so I would like to keep this blog informative but direct enough for you guys to read it from start to finish. I’m going to give you a short list of definitions so you can truly understand what NAD is as well as it’s cheerleaders NMN and NR. This way you are empowered with the knowledge before speaking with your doctor about possible supplementation.
Enzyme- a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Coenzyme - a small molecule NEEDED by an enzyme to function but cannot catalyst a reaction on their own.
Precursor- a term applied to an inactive substance converted to an active one, such as an enzyme, vitamin or hormone.
Bioavailability - relates to the proportion of a substance entering blood circulation when administered to the body which has an active effect.
NMN- (Nicotinamide Mono-nucleotide ) a precursor to an essential molecule for metabolism of NAD….digestable
NR- (Nicotinamide Riboside) another precursor for NAD
Sirtuin Proteins- a family of proteins that regulate cellular health…in layman’s terms they are responsible for aging. THEY CAN ONLY FUNCTION IN THE PRESENCE OF NAD
Now let’s get to it! NAD plays a critical role in maintaining DNA integrity ( OUR YOUTH) by assisting with the function of the generator cells.
It is an essential coenzyme that plays important roles in various metabolic pathways. By increasing its overall content, it’s been scientifically confirmed as a valuable strategy for treating a variety of health conditions.
The levels of NAD in our body determine the speed of our aging process. Read that again…
In younger cells and tissues, the levels of NAD are higher. As a result younger people tend to have stronger physical activity, cognitive function and potential for better cell repair and regeneration.
It would be impossible to bring up NAD research without talking about Harvard genetics professor David Sinclair. https://sinclair.hms.harvard.edu/ He was first known for his research on Resveratrol …..everyone knows as the healthy ingredient in red wine. I also must mention MIT’s Leonard Guarente, Ph.D, the scientist behind https://www.elysiumhealth.com/ Elysium has quite celebrity following. The company is vey careful to not tout the words “anti-aging rather use terminology like “cellular health” Their most popular supplement Basis is made with NR a digestible precursor for NAD.
I am only the messenger here! Wording is crucial with this technology when there are blurry lines between what is considered to be a drug versus a supplement.
“ It’s about prolonged vitality. Not just more years but ones that are active, healthy, and happy.”
David Sinclair…quoted in the article Can We Reverse Aging? INSTYLE June 2021
What the top research has proven.
NAD plays a key role in anti-aging due to the action on Sirtuins Proteins. They have an ability to “switch on and off’ the genes that facilitate the aging process.
It’s possible to reverse mitochondrial decay with supplements that increase NAD.
Studies as far back as 1905 prove that boosting NAD levels can extend the lifespan on yeast, worms and mice.
Supplementation with NAD’s precursors NMN and NR has gained momentum over the years in raising NAD levels.
Lets talk about options…..injections, IV’s, supplements and natural ways of boosting your NAD!
NAD injections- subcutaneous shots that are either administered by a functional medicine practitioner or purchased from a reliable doctor. A small dose into the tissue just below your skin. (NAD is Not very bioavailable through oral capsules.) They cost around $100-150. They last around 7 to 14 days depending on the person. It’s typically referred to as NAD therapy because (sorry) they don’t last a long time so you need more than one shot.
NAD IV therapy- You are getting a higher dose that will last much longer depending on the person. Starting around $300. FYI…the IV session can take up to 4 hours. You feel it going through your body and let me tell ya, it’s intense!!! So NAD must be administered slowly.
NMN or NR capsules- These are the precursors to NAD. They have higher digestible bioavailability and therefore can be taken orally. You need to speak to your doctor about dosage!!! The debate is still out which precursor is more effective.
Niagin https://www.chromadex.com/ingredient/niagen/ https://www.truniagen.com/ ( check these resources out…note Chromadex is the only patented company that supplies NR
For those local to southern California, I go to http://www.vitalifemd.com/ ( I also purchase my NMN capsules from their website)
Follow my journey on instagram https://www.instagram.com/jenlutritious/?hl=en
Although, I have gotten NAD injections in the past, I just started again. I’m going to stay consistent along with NMN supplements so I can inform you guys of how I feel and if I start getting carded for my kombucha.
Naturally boosting NAD
Exercise forces our muscles to produce more mitochondria which inadvertently boosts NAD levels.
While sunlight is good for many reasons including Vitamin D, too much direct sunlight can deplete the body of NAD.
Shifts in extreme temperatures. Saunas are great but studies show periods of very cold temperatures increase NAD levels at higher levels. Think cryotherapy and read up on the king of cold…https://www.wimhofmethod.com/
Fasting…..(I’m just the messanger :) Reducing your calorie intake proves to be an excellant method for boosting NAD. HOWEVER, drastic reduction over long periods of time have a counteractive effect.
Foods that boost NAD production
Dairy milk- cows milk has gotten a pretty bad rap over the years for a lot of reasons but if you can tolerate organic non GMO milk here and there it’s chock full of NR the precursor for NAD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27052539/
Fish like wild caught tuna, salmon and sardines
Nutritional yeast
Green vegetables
Organic whole grains
Mushrooms…especially cremini
Cut back on alcohol because is reduces the efficacy of NAD
Please reach out to me with any questions you may have about this article or my coaching practice!
Sincerely , Jennifer Lucas
