Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, or NAD+, has been touted as a key player in everything from cellular energy to DNA repair, the buzz around NAD+ is undeniable. With the potential to unlock a more vibrant, energetic, and even youthful you, let’s dive into the science to discover how it works…
What Is NAD+ and Why Is It So Important?
If we imagine our cells as tiny powerhouses, constantly working to keep us alive and thriving; NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every single one of these cells, acting as a crucial helper molecule for hundreds of enzymatic reactions. Its primary roles include:
- Energy Production: NAD+ is absolutely vital for converting the food that we eat into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of our cells. Without sufficient NAD+, our cells simply can’t generate the energy needed for basic functions, leading to fatigue and sluggishness.
- DNA Repair: Our DNA is constantly bombarded by damage from environmental toxins, UV radiation, and even normal metabolic processes. NAD+ plays a critical role in activating proteins called sirtuins, which are essential for repairing this damaged DNA and maintaining genomic stability. When NAD+ levels are low, this repair system falters, accelerating the ageing process.
- Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Our body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, heavily relies on NAD+ for proper function. This biological timekeeper regulates everything from sleep-wake cycles to hormone production and metabolism timing. Restoring NAD+ levels has been linked to improved sleep quality and more consistent energy throughout the day.
- Metabolic Health: NAD+ is involved in regulating metabolism, including blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels. Boosting NAD+ offers protection against metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The Inevitable Decline: Why Our NAD+ Levels Drop with Age
NAD+ is undoubtedly fundamental, but its levels naturally decline as we age. This decline is considered a hallmark of ageing and is linked to various age-related conditions including cognitive decline, metabolic dysfunction, and reduced cellular repair capabilities. Factors beyond age, such as sedentary lifestyles, high-fat/sugar diets, excessive alcohol intake, and chronic inflammation, can also contribute to our NAD+ depletion.
Therefore, given the crucial roles that NAD+ plays and its age-related decline, the idea of boosting our NAD+ levels through supplementation has gained significant traction over the past few years.
- Combating Age-Related Decline: By replenishing our NAD+ levels, supplements aim to counteract the natural decline that occurs with age, supporting healthier ageing and healthspan.
- Enhanced Energy and Reduced Fatigue: With improved cellular energy production we can experience increased energy levels, reduced fatigue and better overall vitality.
- Improved Cognitive Function: The role of NAD+ in brain health and neurodegenerative diseases is a strong area of research. Boosting NAD+ helps to protect against cognitive decline and support sharper mental function.
- Metabolic Support: By aiding in metabolic processes, NAD+ precursors contribute to better blood sugar regulation and a healthier metabolism.
- Cellular Repair and Resilience: By supporting DNA repair mechanisms, NAD+ helps our cells to withstand daily stressors and maintain their integrity.
Beyond Supplements: Natural Ways to Boost NAD+
While supplementation is an option, it’s worth remembering that our body can naturally produce NAD+, as our lifestyle choices play a significant role:
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity, particularly high-intensity exercise, helps to stimulate NAD+ production.
- Healthy Diet: Foods rich in NAD+ precursors such as tryptophan and niacin (Vitamin B3) can contribute to your body’s natural NAD+ synthesis. These include nuts and vegetables.
- Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting: Some research suggests that these dietary approaches can help to optimise NAD+ levels.
- Quality Sleep: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule supports our natural circadian rhythm, which is closely linked to NAD+ fluctuations.
For those looking to optimise their cellular health and proactively address age-related decline, particularly as they get older, NAD+ precursor supplementation offers a compelling avenue. However, supplements are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but instead work hand in hand to maximise results and benefits.
Bio Nutrica DeCod NAD+
A NAD+ supplement that I personally love is the DeCod NAD+ by Bio Nutrica, which protects my cells from oxidative stress, contributes to normal DNA synthesis, supports normal energy-yielding metabolism and the normal functioning of the immune system. Effortlessly boosting daily NAD+ levels, along with its revolutionary anti-ageing and longevity benefits, it’s incredibly reassuring to know that all ingredients used are backed by experts from Harvard Medical School and Stanford University.
Containing β-NMN, Trans-Resveratrol, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate and Croscarmellose Sodium in a concise vegetable capsule made from hypromellose, you simply take one per day with plenty of water to reap its many rewards.
Use code “TK15” at Bio Nutrica for 15% off!
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