You Holistic - What is NAD?

August 29, 2023

CommunityEducationGeneral News ArticleHuman InterestPress Release

You may have noticed that our newsletters the past few weeks have been on the topic of longevity. We are continuing the theme this week and will be discussing NAD!

Have you heard of NAD? It is short for Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. NAD is a coenzyme that is present in every cell in the body.

It plays a crucial role in converting food into energy and metabolic functioning. New research shows that NAD can protect our bodies from aging and disease.

It does so by directly silencing or turning off genes of enzymes that accelerate aging, inflammation, fat storage, and blood sugar control. These enzymes that regulate the genes of aging are called sirtuins and rely on NAD to function. Studies show that supporting NAD levels result in extended lifespan, increased energy, improved physical performance, and enhanced cognition.

When NAD levels decline, the transport of energy between cells breaks down.

Factor That Decrease NAD:

Chronic Inflammation
Inadequate Sleep
Overeating
High Blood Sugar
Alcohol

Low levels of NAD cause metabolic dysfunction which is associated with a cascade of conditions detrimental to health.

Low Levels of NAD Can Result in:

Accelerated Aging
Fatigue
Sunburn/Skin Damage
Weight Gain
Cardiovascular Disease
Oxidative Stress
Slow Metabolism
Impaired Brain Function
Poor Immune Response

There are ways to mitigate decreasing NAD levels and to support the production of NAD. Typically anything that promotes mitochondrial function or sirtuin activity will have a positive impact on NAD.

How to Increase NAD Levels: