Welcome, fellow longevity enthusiasts! Today, we embark on an exhilarating journey into the depths of the human body, exploring a remarkable molecule that holds the potential to unlock the secrets of a longer, healthier life: NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). Join me, Peter Kahler from Longevity Code, as we delve into the fascinating world of NAD and its role in activating our body's longevity genes.
The Basics of NAD+
NAD, a crucial coenzyme found in every living cell, plays a pivotal role in cellular energy production. It is so crucial in fact, that without it, we would all be on a fast decline to death. NAD+ is essential to life because it initiates reactions in over 400 enzymic processes and is directly involved in producing our daily energy for life through the glucose/ATP cycle.
This wonderful molecule is the pivotal factor for cell generation – the genesis of cell creation, fuelling all the essential cellular functions, and managing effective disposal at the end of a cell’s life.
Simply put, the more NAD you have in your cells the healthier and more vital you feel – lower levels, the more sickly and tired you feel.
Our NAD levels decline little by little as we age, leading to a decline in cellular function and increasing the risk of age-related diseases. Unfortunately, this decline is accelerated in most of us living in Western Societies – stress, inflammation, infections, pollution exposure, nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, sleep disorders, and many more factors – all causing rapid declines in our cellular NAD levels, leading to cell dysfunction and very poor cellular repair.
However, emerging research suggests that supplementing with NAD may hold the key to rejuvenating our cells and activating longevity genes.
Activating Longevity Genes with NAD
One of the most exciting aspects of NAD lies in its ability to activate a family of longevity genes known as sirtuins.
Sirtuins, including SIRT1 and SIRT3, are involved in numerous cellular processes, such as DNA repair, inflammation regulation, and mitochondrial function.
In fact, NAD is such an amazing and versatile molecule, that it has direct impacts on at least 6 of the Nine Hallmarks of Ageing:
- Genetic Instability and DNA repair
- Epigenetic alterations
- Loss of proteostasis
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Cellular senescence
- Deregulated nutrient sensing
You can read more about the Nine Hallmarks of Ageing on the link below –
https://www.longevitycode.com.au/pages/science
By nurturing NAD levels, we can unleash the potential of these longevity genes and promote cellular rejuvenation.
NAD and Mitochondrial Health
Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of our cells, play a crucial role in energy production and overall cellular health. Declining NAD levels can impair mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy output and increased oxidative stress.
If our Mitochondria are not functioning or are dying in excessive numbers, not only do we experience more fatigue and loss of vitality, but we also start to see more and more chronic diseases progress – diabetes, cancer, heart disease, frailty – all of which lead to an early demise.
Fortunately, studies have shown that increasing NAD levels can restore mitochondrial function and enhance overall cellular vitality – giving back our healthy vitality and powerfully enhancing the repair mechanisms of our bodies to restore much of our youthful vigour.
NAD and DNA Repair
Our DNA constantly faces threats from various sources, including environmental factors and normal cellular processes.
NAD, through its activation of sirtuins, facilitates DNA repair mechanisms, by helping FOXO transcription factors to bind to DNA helping them express antioxidant enzymes and other crucial Nrf2 defence mechanisms. This ensures the integrity and stability of our genetic material – the CODE.
We also have enzymes called PARP (Poly-ADP-ribose polymerases), that are responsible for preventing genetic instability (another hallmark of ageing). These PARP enzymes also play an important role in improving our telomere length by activating the enzyme telomerase. PARPs are reliant on NAD to perform their many genetic roles.
This crucial role of NAD in DNA repair can help combat the ageing process and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
Here are some more Potential Benefits of Optimal NAD –
- Increased cellular energy (ATP).
- Improved endurance and strength.
- Improved DNA repair.
- Reduced oxidative stress.
- Greater ability to fight inflammation.
- Improved bone density.
- Better prevention of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases.
- Reduced cellular senescence.
- Better immune health.
- Improved brain-cell repair and protection.
- Improved glucose intolerance and insulin sensitivity.
- Improved blood plasma lipid profiles.
- Improved nerve-tissue generation.
- Improved circadian rhythm and intracellular calcium release during sleep.
Boosting Your NAD Levels
Now that we understand the importance of NAD, let's explore the various strategies to boost its levels.
Supplementation
While NAD can be obtained from dietary sources like milk and certain vegetables, supplementation with precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has gained significant attention over the last decade.
Studies and trials show that food sources of NAD are often not adequate enough alone to boost intracellular NAD levels to make up for its rapid decline. There are a multitude of factors that cause NAD to be depletion – simply – living our unhealthy western lifestyle with all its excesses, processed foods, stresses, and toxin exposures.
NR and NMN precursors are readily converted into NAD in the body, replenishing its levels in our mitochondria and activating our longevity gene pathways. (Another powerhouse molecule that boosts NAD levels is our old favourite – Resveratrol)
Lifestyle Factors and NAD
While supplementation can be an effective method to boost NAD levels, it's important to note that certain lifestyle factors can also influence NAD production.
Regular exercise has been shown to be one of the most potent stimulants of NAD production in our cells. Mild to moderate exercise such as brisk walking, squats, push-ups, Pilates, and swimming, are all good forms of movement to stimulate your NAD production. Interestingly, I have found that high exercise levels can deplete NAD levels possibly due to the excessive inflammation being caused in tissue after intense exercise. So, don’t think that you have to become an exercise addict or super athlete – just be consistent with exercise every day to get the NAD boosting benefits.
A healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, such as the Mediterranean Diet, can boost NAD levels. This is a diet providing a huge variety of coloured foods that are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and B vitamins – all precursors to NAD. Consider shifting over to the Mediterranean Diet, which has been shown to be the most researched and effective for Longevity (and tasty if you ask me).
Stress management techniques and improved sleep also contribute to maintaining optimal NAD levels and supporting overall longevity. Meditation, deep breathing, grounding, and a healthy circadian rhythm, all help our cells to regenerate and preserve NAD in our mitochondria.
Embrace the NAD Revolution
As we conclude this extraordinary journey into the world of NAD, it's clear that this remarkable molecule holds immense potential in the quest for longevity. By understanding the vital role of NAD in activating our body's longevity genes, repairing DNA, and enhancing mitochondrial function, we can take proactive steps to optimise our NAD levels.
Whether through supplementation, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of both, the path to a longer, healthier life lies in embracing the NAD revolution.
So, join me on this exciting adventure, as we unlock the fountain of youth and harness the extraordinary power of NAD for a vibrant and fulfilling life!
NAD Plus – my Premium Clinical Formula containing NAD, Nicotinamide Riboside, Citrulline, Resveratrol, Nicotinic Acid.
https://www.longevitycode.com.au/products/nad-plus
Intracellular NAD Test Kit – test your NAD levels to see how young (or old) your cells are.
https://www.longevitycode.com.au/products/intracellular-nad-test
References
Emerging therapeutic roles for NAD+ metabolism in mitochondrial and age-related disorders
https://clintransmed.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40169-016-0104-7
Review of Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Mechanisms of Action and Rationale for Targeting in Cancer and Other Diseases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4806654/
Regular exercise effectively protects against the aging-associated decline in skeletal muscle NAD content
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S053155652300030X#s0070
The Impacts of Short-Term NMN Supplementation on Serum Metabolism, Faecal Microbiota, and Telomere Length in Pre-Aging Phase
An open-label, non-randomized study of the pharmacokinetics of the nutritional supplement nicotinamide riboside (NR) and its effects on blood NAD+ levels in healthy volunteers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29211728/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare