Can NAD+ Therapy Slow Down Aging?
There are a few molecules in the body that are specifically linked to longevity, and NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is one of them.
NAD+ was discovered in 1906, as a coenzyme in the body that converts nutrients into energy and helps proteins that are responsible for other cellular functions in the body. Since then, the scientific community has continued to learn about its role in human health and longevity.
In the last few decades, the scientific community has started to recognize NAD+ infusion therapy, due to the vital role it plays in human longevity.
What is NAD+ and why is it important?
NAD+ is a coenzyme that regulates metabolism, repairs DNA, and supports the immune system. When NAD+ levels are imbalanced in the body, this can trigger aging, metabolic diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
All parts of the body serve a specific purpose in keeping the body alive and thriving; however, NAD+ specifically dictates whether cells survive or die. It's a fundamental molecule our bodies need to run optimally, but it's in limited supply. As we age, the decrease of NAD+ levels affect our body's ability to repair damaged DNA.
Studies on animal models have been promising, showing that nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) or nicotinamide riboside (NR), both of which are precursors to NAD+, can extend healthspan and offset premature aging. Human trials also show great potential – NAD+ supplementation has been shown to improve exercise performance, increase insulin sensitivity, and promote anti-inflammation.
What are the benefits?
Health concerns such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging in general can negatively impact the body's reserve of NAD+, which makes NAD+ infusion therapy an incredible technology.
NAD+ IV therapy is shown to:
- Promote anti-inflammation: Studies show that NAD+ helps to regulate the immune system and inflammation in our bodies. As mentioned, NAD+ improves the function of our mitochondria. Because inflammation and mitochondrial damage are closely associated with one another, the improvement of mitochondria is also directly correlated to the anti-inflammatory properties of NAD+.
- Decrease oxidative stress: Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that can cause cell damage. Long-term oxidative stress can lead to health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Fortunately, studies have shown that NAD+ regulates DNA repair, stress resistance, and cell death. The oxidative stress caused by lowered NAD+ in our bodies can be offset through NAD+ supplementation.
- Offset neurodegenerative diseases: NAD+'s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties prove beneficial against neurodegenerative diseases such as vascular dementia. It also protects nerves against demyelination (damage to the protective coating), which also helps improve memory and cognitive function.
- Improve mitochondrial function: Studies show that NAD+ increases mitochondrial sirtuin 3 activity and improves mitochondrial function, which decreases mitochondrial DNA damage. Mitochondria is important because it creates energy to drive cellular function and basically all of our biological processes.
- Fight anxiety and depression: Sirtuins are enzymes in our bodies that help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain and reduce anxiety and depression. Without NAD+, sirtuins don’t work as well as they should, and NAD+ has been shown to help sirtuins function optimally, helping to alleviate mood disorders.
- Strengthen cardiovascular function: Oxidative stress has been shown to lead to cardiovascular disease, but as we mentioned, NAD+ can help offset oxidative stress. It helps to prevent heart failure, hypertension, and other heart conditions that occur in part due to the loss of NAD+ over time. Optimal NAD+ levels are vital to keeping the heart healthy.
- Boost metabolism: We like to think that metabolism is how many calories we burn, and that’s certainly a part of it. But overall, metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that take place within our bodies and how optimal our bodies are at driving those processes. NAD+ ensures that the chemical reactions in our body occur the way they should, to include the “best” part of metabolism – breaking down fat to use as energy. Additionally, NAD+ increases our insulin sensitivity!
- Help with addiction: A study showed that NAD+ therapy significantly reduced substance use disorder by lowering the cravings, anxiety, and depression associated with the addiction. In fact, NAD+ IV therapy has been an “underground” treatment addiction for decades.
- Boost energy: The ripple effects of the ability of NAD+ to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction are countless, and one of them is the boost in energy you receive from NAD+ treatment. By improving the way your body functions, boosting your body’s supply of NAD+ can provide mental clarity, increase energy, and alleviate fatigue.
- Regulate circadian rhythms: Sirtuins also regulate the body’s internal clock and fine-tune the expression of genes that control our circadian rhythms. By restoring NAD+ levels through NAD+ therapy, sirtuins can function more effectively, which improves sleep patterns, wakefulness, and other biological processes tied to the circadian rhythm.
NAD+ and longevity
Because NAD+ therapy can assist the body in repairing DNA, regenerating cells, and extending longevity, it's safe to say NAD+ can slow or even reverse signs of aging.
This coenzyme can help your cells return to their younger state, which in effect turns back your epigenetic clock. By continually replacing NAD+ in your body as you age, you have a chance at undoing the dysfunction that occurs in the body due to aging and illness.
When searching for NAD+ treatments, it’s important to know that you’re looking for treatments with NAD+ precursors, which boost NAD+ throughout the body. Niacin, niacinamide, NMN, and NR have been all shown to increase NAD+ levels.
Various ways to get NAD+ supplementation?
NAD+ infusion therapy is one of the most popular ways to get NAD+ supplementation, but there are other methods of supplementation available, as well.
Nasal NAD+ Treatment: One of the quickest ways to absorb NAD+, nasal sprays make NAD+ more bioavailable by "circumventing" the digestive system, which can slow and hamper the effectiveness of the molecule. This has proven to be an effective way for people to experience higher energy levels, improved cognitive function, and better health all around.
Oral NAD+ Treatment: The most common way to get NAD+ treatment is orally, as this is the most convenient and accessible method. With oral NAD treatment, NAD precursors such as NMN and NR are taken and converted into NAD. This has proved to be an effective way to increase NAD+ in the body.
Intravenous (IV) NAD+ Treatment: Similar to nasal NAD treatment, NAD+ IV therapy can be delivered quickly and effectively, "avoiding" the digestive system in the process.
Topical NAD+ Treatment: There are also creams, lotions, or skin patches that contain NAD+. The skin has been shown to be effective in absorbing substances such as NAD+. Research is also being developed around targeted NAD treatment helping specific areas, such as aging skin or wounds.
Other Approaches: Because NAD+ is shown to be so promising for longevity, there's extensive research into different means of delivering NAD to make it easier to use and digest. A few examples are: soluble forms dissolvable under the tongue, controlled-release transdermal patches, and intranasal drops.
Can I boost NAD+ in my body by other means?
With NAD+ being a naturally occurring molecule, there are ways to increase NAD+ in the body naturally.
Exercise: Of the countless benefits exercise provides to your health and longevity, it’s also one of the natural ways you can enhance your NAD+ levels. Because NAD+ is used during workouts, your body will respond by producing more of it.
Limit sun exposure: Although short-term exposure to the sun is great for your health, excessive exposure can deplete your NAD+ levels. Your body uses NAD+ to repair the damage the sun causes to your skin. Staying covered while in the sun or limiting your sun exposure can help to preserve your NAD+ levels.
Deliberate heat exposure: It sounds counter to the point of limiting sun exposure, but sources of deliberate heat exposure, such as hot tubs and saunas promote the production of NAD+ in your body. The heat causes your heart to pump faster, and in turn, your body needs more energy to keep cool. NAD+ provides the energy your body needs and will produce more of it.
Nutrition: Foods naturally rich in NAD+ have B vitamins and tryptophan. Here are a few foods you can incorporate to increase your natural NAD+ levels:
- Tuna
- Anchovies
- Salmon
- Dairy milk
- Pork
- Beef
- Turkey
- Whole grains
- Avocado
- Peanuts
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
Take these recommendations within the context of your existing diet and what types of foods work best for your health goals.
Fasting: Studies show that fasting increases NAD+ levels in mice. Although researchers are unsure if these results are transferable to humans, studies do suggest that intermittent fasting can help to fight aging. Even just an 8-hour feeding period can help stave off metabolic diseases. The theory is that fasting triggers a shock to your body, a controllable stressor which can boost your natural supply of NAD+
Where can I get NAD+ IV therapy near me?
You can usually find IV therapy in many locations that provide integrative or alternative health services, wellness clinics, weight loss clinics, and gyms.
Here are a few franchises that offer IV therapy:
Recommendations to find the best NAD+ IV therapy near you
Before selecting a place to get NAD+ IV therapy, follow these guidelines:
- Choose a provider with at least a few years of experience (e.g. registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or nurse practitioner)
- Ensure the location you choose is clean
- Inquire about the source of NAD+, ensuring it is US-based
- Ask how long a session takes. It should take anywhere from two to four hours. Anything less than two hours, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as racing heartbeat, nausea, and anxiety.
- Ask if NAD+ is given on its own or combined with other infusions. Because NAD+ reacts with other medications, it is typically given by itself. If you’re looking for other drugs, they will likely need to be given secondarily.
- Ask if the staff helps you to titrate doses. NAD+ is something that requires a build up of tolerance over time, so the staff should understand why you’re asking this and have a clear plan of how they intend to help you titrate.
NAD+ IV therapy cost
NAD+ IV therapy is significantly more expensive than vitamin IV therapy. NAD+ IV therapy can run anywhere from $200 to $1,500, depending on the location, provider, product quality, and protocol you choose. You should start to see positive results from NAD+ IV therapy within one to two weeks.
NAD+ risks
The risks associated with NAD+ IV therapy are low. However, there are some, and it’s helpful to know what might happen along the way:
Warm Sensations
In the process of getting NAD+ IV treatment, you may experience flushing, where your skin turns red and feels warm. This is because your blood vessels are dilating quickly, due to the release of prostaglandins. However, this is completely normal.
Nausea and Stomach Issues
You might experience nausea or stomach pain during or after your NAD+ IV treatment. This is also normal and usually resolves itself. Hydrating on your end will help alleviate this symptom, but additionally, the staff should be mindful as to how they are titrating the dosage for you.
Headache
Another common symptom you might experience during your NAD+ IV therapy is a headache. These are also temporary and typically mild in nature. Hydrating before and after will help alleviate this discomfort.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Lastly, although it’s rare to feel dizzy or lightheaded, it may happen. For most people, these symptoms fade quickly. As with anything, communicate with the staff treating you if you don’t feel great. You also want to make sure you’re in a comfortable position throughout your treatment.
Who should consider getting NAD+ IV therapy?
For all of us, our NAD+ levels drop over time, which is linked to the aging process. Research shows that boosting NAD+ levels can help our bodies work better and help counteract the ravages of time.
If your primary care physician gives you the green light to explore alternative approaches to health such as NAD+ IV therapy, it may be something for you to try.
However, NAD+ infusion therapy can be a game-changer if you’re struggling with specific health issues:
Substance Abuse Disorder: NAD+ treatment has been shown to curb cravings, ease withdrawal, and improve the detox process when recovery from substance abuse and addiction.
Cognitive Decline & Neurodegenerative Disorders: The scientific community has been hard-pressed to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but NAD+ treatment may help. It’s been shown to slow cognitive damage, protect neurons, and facilitate improved mental processing.
Chronic Fatigue: As previously discussed, NAD+ improves the function of mitochondria, which provides the energy stores our cells and bodies as a whole need to operate. This can help you feel less tired and alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue.
Age-Related Eye Conditions: Studies on NAD+ treatment have shown that it has the potential to provide therapeutic benefit for those dealing with age-related eye conditions such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition to the inherent benefits NAD+ provides by lowering oxidative stress and improving your mitochondria, it also protects your retinal cells.
If you struggle with low energy levels, want to fight signs of aging, or are dealing with more specific medical conditions like the ones above, consider NAD+ infusion therapy. With its ability to improve mitochondrial function, lower inflammation, and decrease oxidative stress, NAD+ therapy can replenish your NAD+ levels to help increase longevity.
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