087 - NAD: The Secret Miracle Molecule Behind Health and Vitality

In this episode we’re discussing how the body works and why nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, might be a miracle molecule. You may have heard of NAD before and be aware that it has benefits, but feel unclear about what those actually are. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident in discussing this topic.

The human body is very complex—we have about 78 organs that keep us alive. The brain has 86 billion nerve cells, and then our bodies produce 50 hormones and thousands of enzymes crucial for various processes. But what would it look like to replenish a universal essential molecule to optimal levels? That’s where NAD comes in.

If we can naturally or artificially improve NAD levels, it is possible we can improve health, wellness, and even lifespan. It’s primarily known in substance abuse and addiction recovery, having been used to help minimize cravings. It can also help with neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Due to NAD’s ability to speed up metabolism, it can also be used to help chronic fatigue. 

NAD can be made in the body from scratch using tryptophan. There is another pathway using niacin, as well as a third pathway—called the salvage pathway—which is the most efficient. Lifestyle changes and supplementing with substrates can also help increase natural production of NAD. It can also be injected into the body, but each type (IV, intramuscular, and subcutaneously) has their own benefits and downsides.

An adequate dose of highly bioavailable NAD can have significant impacts on your cellular function, helping you feel less tired and sharper cognitively. It can also improve your mood. That said, NAD is relatively new in the supplement space, so you may be choosing a manufacturer with a lot of unknowns.

 

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