NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in the human body that plays a critical role in various cellular energy functions. Although abundant in the body, as an individual ages, NAD levels fall, reducing the amount of metabolic energy the body can produce. Regular NAD therapy sessions can increase the bioavailability of NAD in the body, which may further accentuate NAD’s regenerative potential in the body. This article highlights seven principal benefits of receiving NAD therapy.
Potential benefits of receiving regular NAD therapy
Since all cellular functions rely on energy, less of it has an overall negative impact on the body, a factor scientists believe contributes to the aging process. NAD therapy replenishes declining NAD levels in the body, supplying cells with the energy they need to repair, regenerate, and heal faster.
1. May slow signs of aging
Scientists have found that as we age, NAD levels decline, which reduces the bioavailability of NAD at a cellular level. When this happens, mitochondria (the cell’s batteries) lose power, slowing down critical functions like waste removal (e.g. free radicals) and regeneration. When this happens, cellular death outpaces cellular generation, which accelerates the aging process.
Regular NAD therapy replenishes NAD levels in the body so that as the body ages and natural NAD levels fall, the body has a supplementary source to rely on. This extra NAD helps cells rejuvenate and regenerate, which may slow down the aging process. NAD therapy may also have a positive impact in slowing down the onset of age-related conditions.
2. Supports metabolic function and assists in weight loss
Age-related and weight-related metabolic disorders have one thing in common: they are influenced, in part, by an insufficient supply of NAD. In addition, low NAD levels have been linked to other metabolic disorders like diabetes and fatty liver disease.
NAD therapy is thought to be helpful in weight loss as weight gain suppresses the production of NAD. This suppression hinders cells from properly metabolizing fat for energy. Regular NAD therapy elevates NAD levels, providing cells with the catalytic factors they need to utilize fat cells for energy and support weight loss.
3. May aid addiction recovery
Addiction recovery can be a challenging process, especially when dealing with withdrawal symptoms. NAD therapy might be useful in aiding addiction recovery because its signaling and metabolic functions may affect how the body fights addiction.
According to one scientific paper, increasing NAD levels in the brain through IV therapy reduced cravings and helped cells regulate withdrawal side effects in participants.
4. May help reduce chronic pain
Many experience some form of chronic pain. NAD therapy may help manage chronic pain because it contains vital bio-signaling factors called sirtuins that modulate the inflammatory response at a cellular level. When supplemental NAD is introduced to the body, these signaling factors increase, telling the affected cells to switch off the inflammation response. This function may help reduce symptoms of chronic pain.
5. Supports cognitive function
As brain cells age, they lose plasticity (the ability to adapt to a changing environment) and neuronal stress resistance. As this happens, the cells begin failing at passing on brain impulses, which results in declining cognitive function.
Scientists believe NAD plays a critical role in helping brain cells retain their plasticity. Regular NAD therapy IV infusions increase the bioavailability of NAD to brain cells, supporting cell renewal and regeneration signaling. Although the mechanism is not yet fully understood, individuals who undertake regular NAD therapy may experience improvements in cognitive function, including better concentration, faster learning, and improved reaction times.
6. Boost energy and reduce fatigue
Low energy and chronic fatigue are linked to a reduction of metabolic energy at a cellular level. Although other factors may influence low energy and fatigue, one common underlying determinant is the ability of mitochondria to generate energy, a process directly influenced by NAD levels.
One study explored the link between NAD and energy and found it directly linked to ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, the body’s energy-carrying molecule. Low NAD levels are tied to low ATP levels, resulting in fatigue and low energy levels.
Regular administration of NAD therapy may catalyze an increase in ATP production, ultimately supporting elevated energy levels.
7. May help manage anxiety and depression
Anxiety, depression, and similar disorders are thought to be associated with a destabilization of neurotransmitter levels, such as those of serotonin and noradrenaline. NAD has been found to have an anti-depressant effect as it modulates these and other neurochemicals to correct imbalances, promoting better mood regulation.
The effects of NAD on the brain extend to brain physiology, helping the brain form new cells in damaged areas, an important aspect in the long-term management of depression. Regular NAD therapy may help elevate mood, reduce anxiety, and manage depression.
What type of NAD therapy is right for me?
There are several ways you can supplement NAD and restore normal levels of this essential coenzyme. Read on as we review your options.
IV NAD supplementation
NAD IV therapy is the intravenous delivery of IV fluids and NAD into the body. NAD is combined with IV fluids that are stored in sealed bags, which are suspended above the head of the individual receiving treatment. A long thin tube connects the bag to a needle and catheter, which is inserted into a vein. The IV solution and NAD flow through the tube straight into the bloodstream. Additional ingredients, like vitamins and select medications, can also be added for additional benefits.
IV therapy offers many benefits over other delivery methods of supplementation. The delivery of ingredients directly to the bloodstream ensures none are lost in the digestive process, which can break down up to 50% of medications or nutrients.
In addition to higher absorption rates, IV therapy ingredients can benefit the body right away, allowing you to feel the effects of treatment faster. IV fluids also keep you fully hydrated, enabling your body to flush toxins that can impact body function.