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Writer's pictureElisse Evans, ND

Navigating NAD+: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: Mar 8, 2022


We offer NAD+ as a vitamin injection. Let’s discuss why we love NAD+ and why you should consider getting it for your next shot or add it to your IV infusion.

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD for short, is a coenzyme found in all the cells of your body. Coenzymes are the “helper” molecules for enzymes and other molecules involved in metabolic pathways. These coenzymes can be used and reused several times when paired with its enzyme partner, allowing your body to function at its optimal capacity. In other words, without these helpers, reactions in the body would not be able to occur.

Why is NAD+ important?

Mitochondria play an important role in your body: they break down sugars and turn it into energy in the form of ATP! ATP is the body’s main form of energy and many different pathways are involved to make it. But how exactly do mitochondria make ATP? With the help of NAD+! Without it, our cells wouldn’t be able to function properly.

How can I benefit from an NAD+ injection?

NAD+ supplementation has been shown to have many benefits including:

Boost Metabolism

Since NAD+ is a key component in our bodies’ energy cycles, having more NAD+ along with a group of enzymes called sirtuins allow our cells to be more metabolically efficient. With plenty of NAD+ available, the more energy readily used by our bodies throughout the day! Plus, with more energy, the less fatigued we feel, the more likely we are to go out and exercise, which in the end promotes weight loss.

Improve Brain Function and Mental Clarity

NAD+ has an interesting impact on our brain cells and nerves because it promotes neuroplasticity, or rather, the brain cells’ ability to adapt to changes in the environment. This function of the brain is crucial because it allows our brain to mature and become stronger. In addition, we all have those days when we feel fuzzy and tired in the head where no amount of caffeine can seem to cure us. With all the extra energy that NAD+ helps make, we can say goodbye to brain fog and allow our brains to get the energy it needs!

Boost Liver Function

We have a lot of important cells in our bodies. We already talked about brain cells (which do basically everything for us all the time, even when we sleep), but another very crucial group are liver cells. Our liver has two main functions: to metabolize and detoxify. When we support these liver cells, we support processes like the metabolism of hormones and neurotransmitters, the detoxification of endo- and exotoxins, as well as help prevent the build-up of fat on the liver. Plus it supports a normal inflammatory response and the breakdown of insulin and cholesterol!

Aid in Addiction Recovery

Studies have shown that NAD+ therapy is beneficial for individuals undergoing withdrawal symptoms from addictions. NAD+ works to bind to opiates which inhibits people from experiencing cravings and risking relapse. Plus, NAD+ role on the brain helps with the rewiring process, a crucial process a recovering individual must go through.

Promote Healthy Aging

As we age, our bodies naturally stop working at their optimal potential. Our DNA becomes damaged, our skin loses its elasticity, and our hair turns gray among so many other things, but this is where NAD+ comes into the equation. NAD+ plays a huge role in the repair of damaged DNA and preventing the damage from happening in the first place!

Unfortunately, our body naturally produces less NAD+ as we age, so therapy to increase our levels has many benefits as we have discussed. So come on in to see us at Origins Integrative Medicine and give it a try!

This blog is not intended to provide a health diagnosis, treat a medical condition, or provide medical advice. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes. All posts and information provided within this blog is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this blog. Please consult your doctor or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and well-being or on any opinions expressed within this blog.

References

Drip Hydration (2019). NAD IV treatment, a closer look: benefits, science, & who it helps. Retrieved from https://driphydration.com/nad-iv-treatment-a-closer-look-benefits-science-who-it-helps/

Martens, C.R., Denman, B.A., Mazzo, M.R., Armstrong, M.L., Reisdorph, N., McQueen, M.B., Chonchol. M., and Seals, D.R. (2018). Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in health middle-aged and older adults. Nature Communications, 9(1286), 1-11. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7.

Miller, A. (2018, April 4). Five ways you can benefit from supplementing from nicotinamide riboside (NR). Retrieved from https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/five-ways-you-can-benefit-from-supplementing-with-nicotinamide-riboside-nr

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