We hear the terms often.
Turn back the years. Anti-aging. The fountain of youth. Reverse your biological clock.
But what if there’s some truth to these? What if, as amazing as it sounds, there are actual remedies, supplements, and natural products out there that can improve vitality and longevity like never before?
Enter NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme hailed by some as the “fountain of youth.” If you haven’t heard of NAD+, you’re not alone. Basically, it’s a part of our bodies that can be found in every living cell, playing a critical role in energy production, DNA repair, and overall health.
Now, of course, as we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline – but that doesn’t mean we have to settle! If you’re dealing with fatigue, cognitive fog, and inflammation, there may be hope.
Let’s explore five compelling reasons to consider NAD+ supplementation, and the best versions you can find affordably and reliably.
Why NAD+ Matters
When it comes to fueling basic cellular processes, few things compare to NAD+.
Unfortunately, research shows that NAD+ levels drop by about 50 percent every 20 years, accelerating age-related decline. When compounded by factors like chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise, this decline speeds up even faster.
According to one study in Nature Communications, low NAD+ levels lead to increased inflammation and metabolic issues, which are both already more prevalent in Black communities. The good news is, by boosting NAD+, you can counteract many of these effects.
The benefits speak for themselves…
1. Boosts Cellular Energy
When you’re juggling demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and the general emotional toll of ‘adulting,’ it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and fatigued. Fortunately, this is where NAD+ comes in. With higher levels of NAD+, you’ll produce more ATP, the energy currency of your cells, within your mitochondria, the energy factories of your cells. Although the increase in energy varies from person to person, many people may notice a significant increase. And it’s not just due to lost energy from aging. Some individuals also have genetic predispositions that prevent their mitochondria from working as effectively as they could.
With increased NAD+, this problem can be largely addressed.
RELATED: Black Can Crack: 5 Ways We Prematurely Age Our Skin
2. Enhances Memory and Cognitive Function
We all struggle with cognitive difficulty from time to time. Whether you’re low on sleep, overwhelmed with tasks, or simply don’t feel your best, memory and thinking can get a little… murky.
But what happens when natural causes are worsened by age-related cognitive decline?
If you find yourself having more brain fog and memory lapses, especially when stressed, you should definitely consider the uses of NAD+ for boosting your brainpower! The way NAD+ works is by fueling something called sirtuins, which are proteins that protect neurons and enhance cognitive function.
Whether you’re a high-powered professional navigating a challenging career or you’re getting older and finding it harder to think and remember like you used to, NAD+ might just be a game-changer.
3. Reduces Age-Related Fatigue
Fatigue is one thing. But age-related fatigue is something else. It’s not just about feeling tired; it’s about the body’s declining ability to repair and regenerate. Thankfully, because NAD+ supports mitochondrial function, you can power up your cellular repair rate and reduce this fatigue in due time. For Black individuals facing higher levels of diabetes, maintaining mitochondrial health is crucial to staying active.
Want quicker recovery, less exhaustion, and an overall higher level of mood and well-being? NAD+ may just be the answer.
4. Lowers Systemic Inflammation
We all try to manage inflammation as best we can. And in many cases, inflammation is just a part of life. After all, what is the whole point of working out? Essentially, you’re breaking down your body so that it builds back better with proper recovery.
But what happens when inflammation doesn’t subside? What happens when it’s not just chronic, but systemic, affecting your entire body?
If you didn’t know, chronic inflammation drives many age-related diseases, including heart disease and arthritis, both of which disproportionately affect Black Americans. This is where NAD+ becomes useful. It helps by reducing inflammation through its support of sirtuins and CD38, proteins that regulate inflammatory pathways.
5. Enhances Muscle Repair and Physical Performance
One of the main components of healthy aging is maintaining healthy muscle mass. When we get older, many of us deal with something called sarcopenia, which is age-related muscle loss. Amazingly, NAD+ combats this as well, allowing for better muscle repair thanks to enhanced mitochondrial function. As a result, you enjoy improved tissue regeneration, fewer aches and pains, and a better appearance overall.
If you want to look your best and feel your best, try incorporating NAD+ boosting supplements as part of your health & wellness regimen.
The only question is: which supplements are best?
Making Smart Purchasing Decisions
Numerous NAD+ supplements are flooding the market, so it can be pretty hard knowing which one to choose. If you’re worried you might be wasting your money on a product that is overhyped or ineffective, don’t be!
Here’s how to make informed decisions:
- Choose Proven Precursors: NAD+ itself is unstable in oral form, so what you really want are precursors such as NMN or NR. These then work by converting to NAD+ in your body and maximizing your levels. For solid brands, consider Nuchido TIME+ or Core Med Science’s liposomal NAD+, which are clinically studied for bioavailability.
- Check for Clinical Evidence: Speaking of clinical evidence, you always want to avoid products with vague claims. Make sure you choose supplements backed by studies, like the aforementioned Nuchido TIME+, which has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in just 7 days. And also, make sure to avoid high-dose precursors like niacin, which can cause flushing or liver issues.
Always consult a healthcare provider to make sure you’re getting what your body needs.
- Consider Delivery Methods: Aside from supplementation, one of the most direct ways to get NAD+ to your cells is through IV therapy. Although costly and less accessible, IV therapy is superior to oral NMN or NR supplements. If you’re suffering from serious health conditions that NAD+ can address, consider IV therapy as a powerful option.
- Integrate with Lifestyle: Supplements aren’t a cure-all! NAD+ works best when you’re also eating a nutrient-rich diet, such as one with eggs, salmon, and avocados. You also want to stay consistent with your exercise, even if it’s very moderate. Taking simple, daily steps to live healthier can help supercharge your supplement’s effects.
At the end of the day, NAD+ isn’t some magic bullet, and it won’t necessarily have massive impacts for everyone. However, it does have potential to boost energy, sharpen memory, reduce fatigue, lower inflammation, and enhance muscle repair, which are all pretty amazing.
So, are you looking to change things up because you feel like you’re lacking? Talk to your doctor, do your own research, and start simple and small with a consistent NAD+ protocol. Side effects such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, flushing, and dizziness are all possible, so keep a diary of any issues, and don’t forget to tell your healthcare provider.
With boosts in your NAD+, your life may just dramatically improve.
But then again, the only way to know is to try, so give it an earnest effort! Enjoy the process of promoting better health and wellness, starting today.