Food sources high in NAD+ and niacin are poultry, dairy, beef, leafy greens, broccoli, avocado, cucumbers and cabbage.
Maintaining the proper balance of NAD+/ NADH ratio to promote the anti-inflammatory effects is key in reducing the effects from depletion during aging. Reduction in NAD+ has been shown in aging tissues of the brain, skin, liver, skeletal muscle, fat cells and macrophages – immune cells that can result in increasing age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, skin laxity, metabolic diseases, diabetes, insulin resistance and weight gain.
How it Works
NAD+ production has multiple precursors involved to synthesize NAD+. NAD+ depletion/consumption is accelerated if DNA damage is present. Some precursors are tryptophan, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and niacin B3 supplements. The precursors are best absorbed in food sources versus oral supplementation. NAD+ in an IV or injectable form is the best way to increase levels, along with diet.
Eating more foods high in NAD+ may also be helpful, as they contain many of the natural precursors (Vitamin B3, niacin, tryptophan, NMN ) to produce more NAD+ in the tissues, but many people may need high concentrations of it to see marked results. Food sources seem to be better absorbed than taking niacin – vitamin B3 supplements.
Food sources high in NAD+ and niacin are poultry, dairy, beef, leafy greens, broccoli, avocado, cucumbers and cabbage.
Other ways to increase NAD+ production are exercise, short durations of far infrared heat, sauna or cold plunges and intermittent fasting (16-hour fast, 8-hour eating time), as they all reduce inflammation. During the aging process, NAD+ gets more depleted and has a harder time filling the NAD+ pool to reduce inflammation.
Signs of Low NAD+
Fatigue, skin aging, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, weight gain, brain fog, cognitive decline or visible signs of aging can all be caused by low NAD+.
NAD injections are designed to replenish these levels, offering a host of benefits. They can:
- Boost energy levels
- Improve metabolism and increase weight loss
- Reduce chronic pain and inflammation
- Decrease anxiety and depression – NAD has been shown to increase serotonin
- Lower neuroinflammation in TBI, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease
- Boost cognitive function, general focus and memory
- Improve insomnia and jet lag
- Help fight DNA damage, reducing age-related diseases
- Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis
- Improve NASH (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
- Improve athletic performance
How it is Administered
NAD+ injections are the most effective and easiest way to administer the coenzyme. Injections really are the ideal delivery system as oral NAD+ or precursors like NR (nicotinic ribose) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) do not work efficiently, as they are broken down by the digestive system. NAD+ delivered through an IV has several drawbacks, including side effects like nausea, discomfort and the time commitment of the IV treatment. Injections can be administered three to five times per week, depending on your goals.
Can This Be Used Alone or With Other Treatments?
While there can be benefits to standalone therapy, NAD+ injections work best as part of a complete plan to optimize your health. Co-factors are helpful to make the NAD+ effective, along with diet and lifestyle changes for optimal health.
NAD Therapy Side Effects?
NAD+ injection therapy is usually well tolerated. Side effects that patients report are from rapid IV infusion and not injection therapy, such as a flushing sensation, nausea, stomach pain, headaches and dizziness.
Aging is inevitable. As we evolve and discover more research on the benefits and ways to slow the aging process, it is so exciting and fascinating to see how it all unfolds. We can make a difference by doing basic tweaks in our lives, such as eating more whole foods, exercising regularly, taking care of our mental and spiritual health and fully utilizing the tools to help us age optimally. FBN
By Christina Kovalik
Dr. Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc, The Vitality Doctor, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in hormone optimization, optimal health and vitality. She is a new Flagstaff resident, practicing since 2004, and opened her second location in Doney Park in 2020. For more information, visit thevitalitydoctor.com or call 928-863-6086.
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