“The Molecule of Youth”
Naturally occurring Nicotinamide molecules have recently seen a huge surge in scientific interest. Growing bodies of research have discovered some truly extraordinary effects of the Coenzyme Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH). The most notable being Harvard Medical School’s discovery that the NAD+ molecule appears to be the only molecule known to science that is able to reverse and not just delay aging. This may seem like a fantastical claim but more and more evidence is being uncovered regarding NAD+’s anti-aging properties. We have known for some time that NAD+ levels in the body decrease dramatically as we age, especially after the age of 40. We also know that low levels of NAD+ have some quite harmful effects on our bodies, such as:
Suffocating our bodies cells
Increasing risk of sunburns and skin cancer
Associated with fatigue
Quickens Aging
Worsens weight gain and metabolic syndrome
Decreases Cellular Antioxidants
May worsen Cardiovascular Diseases
May contribute to Multiple Sclerosis
Can Impair Brain Function
Harms Immune Balance/Function
Increases Inflammation
Decreases metabolism along with Thyroid Hormones
Many of the harmful symptoms of low NAD+ can be likened to the symptoms of aging itself. Other health factors can also cause low levels of NAD+ such as chronic illness, chronic inflammation, disrupted circadian rhythm, overeating, high blood sugar and insulin levels, and DNA damage. It is quite evident that one wants to avoid the effects of low NAD+ in order to maintain a healthy disposition.
Why is NAD+ so Important?
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential molecule found in every cell of the human body. It is a coenzyme of Niacin (Vitamin B3), which acts as a helper molecule that binds to a protein in order to activate an Enzyme reaction. Enzymes are responsible for 1000s of different biochemical reactions throughout the body and NAD+ partakes in more reactions than any other vitamin-derived molecule. A few of the fundamental biological reactions NAD+ facilitates are:
Energy Production: NAD+ assists your cells in converting food to energy by operating as an electron transporter during cell metabolism
Gene Expression: Certain enzymes can turn off genes that promote aging, such as those that are involved in inflammation, fat synthesis and storage, and blood sugar management. The more levels of NAD+ increase in the body the more active these beneficial enzymes become.
Repair DNA: A steady supply of NAD+ is fundamental for the activation of biological processes which detect and repair damaged DNA.
Cell Signaling: NAD+ is able to be released from the intracellular to the extracellular space for communication. One aspect of this cellular communication is to alert the immune response when a cell is under stress or in cases of inflammation.
Therapeutic Benefits of NAD+
When you increase your levels of NAD+, your cells are able to produce more energy, your DNAis repaired, your “good genes” are turned on, it protects the brain, and many other health functions are improved. The effects of this can be quite astounding, and the fact that NAD+ is such a powerful and prolific molecule its supplementation can be helpful for many different conditions. Some conditions that are especially benefited by increasing NAD+ levels are:
See list of conditions benefitted by NAD+
- Substance Abuse
- Depression
- Addiction
- Chronic Pain
- Sleep Disorders
- Brain Injury
- Autism
- Mitochondrial Disease
- Lyme Disease
- Chronic Fatigue
- Improving Physical Performance in Athletics
- Anxiety
- Neurodegeneration
You will notice that many of the conditions mentioned involve suboptimal functioning of the brain and nervous system. The reason NAD+ is so beneficial for these conditions is due to its neuroprotective properties and ability to promote regenerative healing in the brain. There are several clinics in the United States who solely practice IV NAD therapy as an Addiction and Mental Health treatment with great success.
Methods of Administration
NAD+ therapies should be custom tailored to the patient’s specific needs. All individuals, healthy or otherwise, can benefit from oral dosing of NAD+ precursors such as Nicotinamide Riboside. Oral supplements of NAD+ itself are ineffective at raising levels in the body due to malabsorption unless they are liposomal versions. This being said, the most successful and therapeutic way to increase NAD+ levels is through intravenous injection. An individual’s type and severity of condition greatly determines the dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment when it comes to NAD Intravenous Therapy. Some patients may benefit from a monthly injection, where as others will benefit from much more intensive treatment plans. Often for conditions such as addiction or chronic illness intensive slow drip IV sessions over the course of several days is recommended to achieve more dramatic and lasting results. Intravenous NAD Therapy can have some really remarkable effects on energy, cognitive performance, mental health, and overall health. After an NAD Therapy session patients often report feeling increased energy, mental clarity, and focus. As well as an enhanced sense of purpose, improved mood, and lower levels of pain. This special molecule is truly revolutionizing the way we address healing and aging intoday’s world.
If you are interested in learning whether IV NAD+ Therapy may be right for you, please call our clinic to book a free consultation. We are dedicated to educating our patients and only recommend specific treatments when we firmly believe they are the right course of action for improving patient health and wellbeing. Our main concern is doing everything within our means to help you find your healthiest self.