And what can we do about it?
Humans have always been obsessed with aging and how to prevent it. From Ponce De Leon’s search for the Fountain of Youth to the concept of time machines, people always want to look and feel younger. In the past, these hopes were based on either fantasy or science fiction. Today, however, there are real treatments that can help reverse the effects of aging. And NAD is one of them. World-renowned scientist David Sinclair even told Time magazine that “NAD is the closest we’ve come to a Fountain of Youth.”
And, as more of us live longer, the need for these types of treatments has only grown. In addition, the skyrocketing increase in cases of Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, and Parkinson’s, has reinforced the public’s desire to maintain cognitive functioning for as long as possible.
NAD and the Aging Process
It’s easy to recognize the outward signs of aging. The skin starts to dry out and wrinkle, hair turns gray or white, muscles start to shrink, and so on. But what is really going on inside the body that drives these changes? The answer to that question is at the cellular level. As a person grows older, the very structure of their cells begins to change.
Numerous factors play a part in this change. Exposure to sunlight, toxins in the diet, and carcinogens from tobacco are just a few examples of external factors that can negatively affect a person’s cells as they age. The body’s metabolism also produces byproducts that may damage the cells over time.
One of the main parts of the cell is the mitochondria. These structures help turn the energy from food into energy the cell can use. Damage to the cells can decrease the effectiveness of the mitochondria, thus reducing the amount of energy the cells have to repair themselves, communicate with other cells, and clear out dead or damaged cells.
NAD is a molecule found in all living cells. NAD is a vital cellular resource, as it is a coenzyme that facilitates many of the processes that turn carbohydrates and fatty acids into energy for living cells. The level of NAD in a person’s body can have a dramatic effect on their cells’ ability to function. However, as a person gets older, their NAD levels can drop significantly, with people 80 years old having only around 10% of the NAD they had in their youth.
Aging is a natural process, an expected part of the cycle of life. Thus, we use the term “anti-aging,” not as a way to “stop the clock,” but to support your body’s ability to heal and function for as long as you live. And there is a lot that can be done to minimize the deleterious effects of aging. Proper nutrition, good sleep, regular exercise, and mental stimulation all play a role in maintaining quality of life as you age!
What is NAD Therapy?
While other anti-aging therapies may help counteract the visible effects of aging, NAD therapy aims to address the damage at a cellular level. As noted, NAD is naturally present in all of a human being’s cells, where it plays a large role in the cellular processes that convert food to energy and repair the DNA. However, because the levels of NAD naturally drop with age and other factors (primarily stress in its many forms), the body’s ability to repair cells and produce energy also declines.
The goal of NAD therapy is to restore the optimal amount of NAD in the body. Some of the benefits of NAD therapy include:
- Boosted energy levels
- Improved DNA repair
- Stronger immunity
- Better anti-inflammatory response
- Increased muscle strength and recovery
- Improved cardiovascular function
- Reduced blood pressure
- Protection of mitochondria
- Improved cognitive function
- Increased elasticity of skin
Can NAD Help With Aging and Memory?
A number of studies have suggested that NAD is effective in improving cognitive and sensory functions, as well as providing other anti-aging benefits. NAD accomplishes this in a couple of ways:
- As a neurotransmitter – Neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass along signals between brain cells. They help in regulating mood and stress levels. NAD has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various nervous disorders and in treatment of addiction.
- As a sirtuin activator – Sirtuins are a group of proteins that are involved in regulating cellular aging. They help guide functions such as DNA repair and inflammation response. They also have a large influence on whether a cell dies or whether the cell enters a replication cycle. NAD is required for sirtuins to function.
Here are the five main benefits of NAD that are supported by scientific evidence so far (and we anticipate more as research continues):
1. NAD slows aging
Although there is no stopping the aging process, NAD supplementation can alter the cellular processes that lead to physical and cognitive decline. Scientists have observed that reduced NAD+ levels in the body are linked to age-related disorders, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, cancer, and sarcopenia—loss of muscle mass with age. Scientists have also observed that NAD supplementation can lengthen telomeres—key longevity indicators.
2. NAD increases energy
NAD is the fuel mitochondria use to produce cellular energy. Because energy is required for every physiological process, adequate NAD levels are essential to health and well-being. In addition, boosted NAD levels may enhance and sustain athletic performance, protect muscles from degradation over time, and assist in muscle recovery after workouts.
3. NAD improves cognitive function
As noted reduced levels of NAD are linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While most of this research thus far has occurred in mice and rats, researchers believe that NAD+ supplementation may play a similar role in addressing cognitive impairment in humans, as well. Indeed, our own clinical results at Springfield Wellness Center document NAD’s ability to address the symptoms and slow the progression of both of these diseases.
4. NAD reduces cholesterol
Both NAD+ and the NAD precursor, niacin, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol. Specifically, niacin has been shown to lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”), both of which are crucial for lowering your risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
5. NAD reduces cancer risk
Because NAD plays a critical role in cellular health, the benefits of NAD+ may include the prevention, treatment, and arrest of certain types of cancer through NAD’s role in DNA repair and epigenetics signaling.
Get NAD Treatment and Supplements at Springfield Wellness Center
As you age, you may experience changes in your overall health that you aren’t happy with. NAD treatments and supplements can help re-energize both your body and your mind. Springfield Wellness Center was the first and remains the most prominent research and treatment center for NAD in the United States. We have trained doctors all over the world on how to administer our protocols.
At Springfield Wellness Center, patients benefit from professional help to control symptoms and improve their quality of life. Proper care makes it possible to live an active, healthy life.
If you or someone you know is interested in the possibilities of NAD therapy, then look no further than Springfield Wellness Center. Our staff is well-versed in NAD treatment programs for a variety of conditions, as well as for general wellness. We have extensive knowledge of NAD supplements as well, which means we can help you with proper dosage and purchasing advice. If you’d like to learn more about NAD therapy options contact us at 844.334.4727 and we can get you started on your path to wellness.