How To Increase NAD Levels Naturally?

In the 16th century, Juan Ponce de Leon set out on a mission to find a mythical water source known as the fountain of youth. It was believed that whoever drank from this water source will remain youthful forever. We don’t know if he was ever able find the fountain of youth. However, scientists have nowadays discovered a modern fountain of youth; Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), chemical compound which is found in virtually every cell of the body.

NAD and our Body

NAD is derived from Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). The levels of NAD in our body determine the speed of aging process. In younger cells and tissues, the levels of NAD are higher. As a result, younger people tend to have better physical activity, cognitive function and potential for cell repair and regeneration. As we grow, the levels of NAD in our body start to decline. This is reflected in the form of slowed cognitive response, loss of memory and reduced agility.

Naturally Boosting NAD Levels

But there is good news. If you want to remain youthful and enjoy a long and healthy life, then there are ways in which you can naturally enhance the levels of NAD in your body. Continue reading to find out how:

1. Fasting
   Fasting is practiced in many religions throughout the world. In addition to its spiritual benefits, fasting is also beneficial for our health. Fasting, or reducing your calorie intake is an excellent method for indirectly boosting the body’s NAD levels. Fasting has been shown to increase the levels of NAD+ and surtuins; the proteins which have been found to slow the aging process. While fasting is effective in increasing NAD+ levels, drastic reduction in calorie intake or fasting can have a counterproductive effect. There is also some speculation that intermittent fasting or adopting a low ketogenic diet may also provide similar positive results.
2. Nicotinamide Riboside Dietary Supplements
   Nicotinamide Riboside has recently been discovered in Vitamin B3. No one really paid attention to this molecule until research showed that our bodies could use NR to metabolize NAD+! After this discovery, several NR supplements became available in the market. Various studies have shown that NR supplements are beneficial in boosting the levels of NAD+ in the body.
3. Exercise
   Exercise is one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods for boosting NAD+ levels. When we exercise, our bodies need energy, which comes from NAD+. Basically, exercise forces our body muscles to produce more mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of cells. The increased production of mitochondria results in a natural boost in NAD+ levels in the body.
4. Too Much Sunlight May Not Be Good!
   Research has shown that too much direct sunlight exposure can deplete the body’s NAD+ levels. This is because our body uses NAD+ to repair cells which get damaged as a result of direct UV rays exposure from the sunlight. In case you feel that excessive sunlight exposure is inevitable for you, then you should wear sunblock, sunscreen or sunglasses.
5. Foods that Boost NAD Levels
   There are certain foods that can boost NAD levels in the body. Some of them include:

• Dairy Milk – research has indicated that cow’s milk is a good source of Riboside Nicotinamide (RN). A liter of fresh cow’s milk contains about 3.9µmol of NAD+. So while you’re enjoying a refreshing glass of milk, you’re actually getting younger and healthier!
• Fish – here’s another reason for you to enjoy fish! some varieties of fish like tuna, salmons and sardines are rich sources of NAD+ for the body.
• Mushrooms – many people like mushrooms and them as a regular food item in their regular diet. But did you know that mushrooms, especially the crimini mushrooms, also help in naturally boosting NAD levels? Yes, that’s true. So, enjoy eating the mushrooms and continue to look and younger and more youthful!
• Yeast – yeast is an ingredient that is used to make bread and other bakery products. Yeast contains Riboside Nicotinamide (RN), which is a precursor of NAD. Here’s another reason for you to enjoy your favorite pastries or buns whenever you visit the bakery! Enjoy your favorite food while boosting NAD levels. How cool is that!
• Green Vegetables – green vegetables contain all sorts of nutrients in them which are beneficial in a variety of ways. Recently, it has come to light that green vegetables are also a good source of NAD for the body. Some of these vegetables include peas and asparagus.
• Whole Grains – as discussed earlier, Vitamin B3 also contains RN, the precursor for NAD. However, when vegetables, food items, or grains are cooked or processed, they lose their nutrition as well as their vitamin source. Therefore, it is recommended that you also eat raw vegetables and whole grains instead of processed foods.
• Cut Down on Alcoholic Beverages – NAD is responsible for maintaining the overall metabolic processes of the body. Alcohol tends to interfere with these processes and reduce the efficacy of NAD. Therefore, you should avoid excessive intake of alcoholic drinks since they are also not good for your health.

NAD is the molecule which is responsible for carrying out virtually all the redox and metabolic reactions in the body. In addition, it is also involved in cell repair and slowing down the speed of ageing. If you want to remain youthful and healthy as you age, then you can use the natural methods discussed in this article to boost your NAD levels. NAD is the new fountain of youth! It can also help with substance use disorders! For more information, contact Springfield Wellness Center today!