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The Importance of NAD

Updated: Jun 8, 2023

Do you want to crank up your energetic power, feel healthy, more youthful and lengthen your lifespan? You can! And, you will, when you add Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) to your healthy toolbox!   Does this sounds too good to be true? Have we really discovered the fountain of youth? Yes, it seems we have! I have never been this excited about a single molecule and treatment in my professional career. If you are struggling with low energy, foggy mind, Neuro-degenerative disease, Addiction, Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions, or you simply want to boost your performance and continue to feel amazing for many years to come; the transformative benefits of using NAD+ in your life will benefit you. My desire is that each of you feel energized in your mind, body and spirit so that you may enjoy this abundant life and opportunity to be living life fully, with purpose and with love. What is it in your life that brings you such joy that you want to make sure to have the energetic power to keep doing it year after year? I came home from a beautiful day of snowboarding on the mountain with my friends and in my complete happy place and I said to myself, “I am going to do this until I am 80 years old!” I believe that by adding NAD+ to my life regimen, it is completely possible. “You could argue NAD+ I the most important molecule in the body, maybe with the exception of ATP. But without either of them, you’re dead in about 30 seconds” – David Sinclair ( leading scientist from Harvard recharging NAD+ regulation and repair) What is NAD+ ? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme present in most cells in your body. The compound is a dinucleotide, because it consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups. One nucleotide contains an adenine base and the other nicotinamide (Vitamin B3).  Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide exists in two forms: an oxidized and reduced form abbreviated as NAD+ and NADH respectively. The ratio of these two forms are important and are a dynamic process. NAD+’s main purpose is to covert nutrients into cellular energy, which is essential for health and functioning. NAD+ is the fuel for all metabolic reactions, similar to gas in your car. Without NAD+, your cells won’t be able to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and amino acids which create ATP (cellular energy). NAD+ also plays a significant role in gene expression linked to age-related diseases. With age, NAD+ levels steadily decrease and research suggests that an increase in NAD+ can help with age-associated diseases by protects tissue, inducing DNA repair, increasing brain functionality and lengthen life-span. NAD+ can help people detoxify from addictive substances, such as Opioids, alcohol, stimulants and Benzodiazepines, as well as reduce Anxiety, Depression, stress intolerance AND MUCH MORE. When NAD+ levels decline, energy transfer in cells breaks down, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and that results in many of the physical symptoms of aging. Cells relay on NAD+ to carry out hundreds of metabolic functions, including a vast array of processes ranging from energy creation to maintaining healthy DNA. Therefore, the recent attention on NAD+ and on how it can improve health span and longevity is well deserved. NAD+ was originally described more than 100 years ago by Sir Arthur Harden but not, until the past few years, has it become a profound discovery in how to prevent and protect against aging. In the past, researchers hadn’t figured out how to get NAD+ as a molecule absorbed properly into our bodies because studies indicated that ingested NAD+ was hydrolyzed in the small intestine by brush border cells and it was negatively affected by food processing and cooking, therefore administration of NAD+ has been notoriously ineffective. With the addition of new liposomal, subcutaneous and intravenous preparations, this is all changing and revolutionizing cellular changes. Researchers have looked into taking Nicotinamide Riboside “NR”, which  is an NAD+ precursor, but because it has no phosphate group and it needs to put on a phosphorus before making NAD+, this doesn’t make for a good replacement. Recent research conversely found that Nicotinamide mononucleotide “NMN” does has a phosphate group, and is therefore a direct precursor to NAD+ and has proved to increase NAD+ levels and is now being implemented into new bioavailable supplementation forms we can actually absorb. The traditional way of supporting the NAD+ pathway was through taking Resveratrol, CoQ 10 and supporting the methylation pathway with B Vitamins (because the process of metabolizing NAD+ stresses the “methyl pool” of molecules that donate methyl groups so you typically require more methylgroups to create better methylation which adds to more ATP=energy). While those nutrients are important and I still recommend them, I am moving NAD+ to the forefront. It is a good idea to increase Niacin rich foods in your diet, which are eggs, fish, dairy, whole grains, meat and some vegetables. NAD+ levels decline with age, with reduction as much as 50% between ages 20 years and 50 years!! By the age of 80, NAD+ levels drop to about 15% of what they were in youth. Let’s bring up your Power! Is your brain foggy and your thinking is slower than it used to be? Cognitive decline is a trademark symptom of aging!

Reverse Age by Replenishing NAD+. There are three major pathways in which NAD+ is influenced, which are; Sirtuin, PARP and AMPK Activation.

One of the most important function of NAD+ is that it fuels the activity of Sirtuins (SIRT). Sirtuins are proteins which induce the formation of new mitochondria, keeps them running smoothly and contribute to longevity (also contributing to lengthening your telomeres which will be in another newsletter). SIRT1 directly regulates mood and behavior through something called a NHLH2 transcription factor. Sirtuins (SIRT) protect organisms from deterioration and disease by turning on other genes. There are seven different sirtuin enzymes that mainly function to “turn on” and “turn off” certain genes like a light switch. Sirtuins arrive at broken chromosomes, especially  SIR1, which helps remodel DNA so it’s ready for repair proteins. Many of these genes are linked to regulating inflammation, along with enhancing energy metabolism and cell vitality. SIRT1 & SIRT3 enhance cell survival in various stressful conditions and moreover promote the growth of neurons. They are also linked to longevity. However, over time the accumulation of DNA damage distracts sirtuins from doing there job of regulating gene expression and the more DNA damage, the more distracted sirtuins will be, moving away from genes they should silence and in turn temporarily turn them on and cells start to lose their functionality and identity which causes aging. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that NAD+ availability decreases over age and with excessive stress, reducing sirtuin activities. This ultimately leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and the ill effects that come with it such as, cellular damage and death. Neurodegeneration describes the loss of structure or function of the neurons. Research is emerging about the neuroprotective effects of sirtuins in the brain. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the hippocampus has been linked with an increase in memory and learning in mice. Additionally, SIRT1 can protect against amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. SIRT1 is dependent on NAD+ and acts to protect your brain and neurons. SIRTs respond to how much you are eating and are activated when you are hungry and fasting. in 2005 Dr. Sinclair and team from Harvard showed that levels of SIR1 were increased 5-10fold in liver and muscle tissue of a calorie-restricted fat diet. NAD+ levels drop after a big meal and do cycle up and down throughout the day. Therefore, practicing time restricted eating is a great way to support your own SIRT and NAD+ activity. Another important function of NAD+ is associated with PARPs. PARP Enzymes require NAD+ to repair damaged DNA which is associated with cancer and aging. There are 17 poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) enzymes that participate in repairing damaged DNA. Most DNA damage occurs from oxidative stress or inflammation. PARP enzymes bind to the broken DNA strand and acts as a signal to recruit other repair enzymes. PARP enzymes are crucial to cellular health, but over expression of excessive DNA damage has its consequences. In order for PARP enzymes to repair DNA effectively, NAD+ is a necessary ingredient. Available NAD+ is significantly depleted within the cell from excessive PARP expression and without available NAD+, the macronutrients cannot be converted into cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) leading to reductive metabolism and decreased ability to detoxify from free radicals. Therefore, supporting NAD+ levels can help prevent cancer by supporting more PARP repair. Another key pathway in which NAD+ is important to support AMPK Activation AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, is known as a master regulator of metabolism, which plays a role in cellular energy homeostasis, largely to activate glucose and fatty acid uptake and oxidation when cellular energy is low. Cells activate AMPK when they are running low on energy and AMPK enhances SIRT1 activity by increasing cellular NAD+ levels. Therefore, if your NAD+ reserves are already low, this AMPK pathway doesn’t work optimally. AMPK is also activated in tissues throughout the body following exercise or during calorie restriction. Have I mentioned fasting? Time restricted fasting can be a great way to support your own body's SIRTs and NAD+ activity The take home message is that by improving DNA repair with NAD+ support by activating Sirtuin, PARP function and AMPK Activation, you will slow cellular aging, reduce persistence of cancer-causing mutations, reduce inflammatory conditions, lengthen and improve your quality of life.

  1. Bring up your power! Highlights on NAD+ function

Improves Mitochondrial function = ENERGYImproves Neurodegenerative diseaseImproves Insomnia by regulating Circadian Rhythm, especially Deep Sleep cycleReduces InflammationSupports DNA Repair, Cell division and signalingFixes “leaky gut” by improving tight junctionsImproves Addiction by reducing cravings, depression, and boosting energy levels associated with detoxing from alcohol & opiate withdrawalReduces Anxiety & Stress DisorderReduces Depression, PTSDChronic FatigueReduces Chronic Pain (A 2014 study on mice found that administering NAD+intravenously helped reduce pain up to 2 days after the last injection)Improved balance Increases Endurance and strengthIncreased Concentration, Memory, Mental Clarity, FocusProfound impact on these organ system



Brain & Nervous system, especially neurodegenerative diseases because NAD+Liver (through improved glucogenesis and fatty acid oxidation)Vasculature and endothelial function (think blood vessels)Heart and cardioprotection and myopathiesVision and hearingLymphoid TissueLiver disease, both Non-alcoholic fatty liver or alcoholic liver diseaseReproductive TissueKidney ProtectionPancreas and Insulin secretionMuscle repairAdipose “fat” reduction through Lipogenesis (burning of glucose stores )Insulin sensitization to improve Insulin Resistance or Diabetes Type II (with Diabetes, when your body doesn't have enough NAD or an overload of NAD, it won’t be able to activate the superhero enzymes sirtuins. Studies have shown that mice with elevated sirtuins were less likely to become diabetic, and were at a decreased risk of fatty liver disease.)How can I boost my own NAD+ levels? “We recently showed that raising NAD levels in mice can reverse aspects of aging within just one week of treatment.” said David Sinclair, Ph.D., professor of genetics at Harvard University. You can boost your own NAD through regular exercise, calorie restriction and fasting, but if you are older than 50years, you will likely need additional daily NAD+ boosters and support. We are recommending “The Longevity Bundle” by Quicksilver Scientific (QS) for your daily support and are offering if for 15% off of it's 200.00 price! This bundle has 1 NAD+ Gold which is NMN and Trimethylglycine, 1  “The One” which has PQQ, CoQ10, Resveratrol, Phospholipids, Vitamin E, and Adaptogenic herbs and 1 MethylB12 bottle Dosing – 2-4 pumps NAD in am, B12 1-2 pumps (1 pump per 2 pumps of NAD+ ) and The One- 1 tsp daily It is ideal to balance NAD+ with  methyldonar such as  Trimethylglycine “TMG” and MethylB12, which is why this product package packs a punch. TMG is normally $21.99 and this month will also be 15% off. For added Neuro-protection support-  add Glutathione and CBD supplements to your regimen as well. Why QS? Quicksilver Delivery System is a liposomal system where the smaller, more stable single-layer spheres, small enough to pass between cells and enter the bloodstream directly, optimal bio-availability. If you don’t use the QS product, you can find other brands for support. NMN directions are to take 1 gram daily in morning. Resveratol (benefits Sirtuins activation  take 1 gram daily in morning) TMG 500-750mg daily in morning Methylated B12 1000mcg or 1 gram daily in morning *Tip* Keep cool or the products can degrade into nicotinamide which inhibits sirtuins, which interferes with DNA repair. Even more potent than a liposomal preparation are injections! Boulder Integrative Health is the only Medical Grade IV clinic in Boulder offering NAD+ and because you are valued clients you are the first ones to hear the news! Series of 4 NAD+ Subcutaneous injections$800.00 (Best to do in succession or once per week.) (Normally priced at $300 each injection. Save $400.00 with this deal, which is more than 30% off!) IV NAD+ : $849.00 per IV (Packages available in the future) *NAD+ IV Therapy Available upon special request and booking only. *You must first inquire with Carrie due to limited space at the IV clinic. IV NAD+ sessions typically run typically 2-8 hours depending on current health state and tolerance to IV. This IV will require an appointment with Carrie for 15 min. The effects of NAD+ can be experienced immediately and may last from 2-4 weeks but for two months after an infusion research has showed patients experience an increase in measured NAD+ levels. •    IV NAD+ does come with challenges in tolerance due to the remodeling of the mitochondria. Symptoms one might experience during treatment are; chest pressure, lightheadedness, headaches, abdominal cramping, muscle excitability and tension. Most of these symptoms are brief and resolve quickly by slowing or stopping the IV. This is why the IV takes many hours to complete. •    For someone battling addiction, 10-15 consecutive treatments of IV NAD+ for example •    You may NOT BE A CANDIDATE for NAD+ if you have active cancer or if you are an over-methylator since it’s associated with the B3 “niacin” family.


“May you all feel healthy, youthful and energetic!” – Carrie

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