What Is NAD?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme for redox reactions, making it central to energy metabolism. In addition to energy metabolism, NAD+ is used as a cofactor used by hundreds of enzymes.
“...decline in NAD+ levels is linked causally to numerous ageing-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, cancer, metabolic disease, sarcopenia and frailty. Many of these ageing-associated diseases can be slowed down and even reversed by restoring NAD+ levels.” source
NAD is like the backstage manager in the cellular theater, handling critical tasks like energy production, DNA repair, and overall cell function. It's the unsung hero present in every cell, making sure everything runs smoothly.
How does NAD support energy?
Think of NAD as the energy conductor in your cells' power station, the mitochondria. It converts nutrients into usable energy, ensuring your cells have the fuel they need to keep you going strong. Without NAD, it's like having a party with no music – a bit dull.
What Depletes NAD?
It's crucial to recognize the signs of NAD depletion, like a low fuel warning in your car, to address potential energy issues before they escalate.
Factors include:
- Stress
- Aging
- Some medications
- Pollutants
- Mycotoxins
NAD acts as a shield against toxins, but sometimes it’s overpowered. Environmental toxins, pollutants, and certain medications can deplete NAD, disrupting cellular functions and compromising your energy levels.
A quiet but potent environmental toxin comes from toxic mold- mycotoxins. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins causes inflammation and oxidative stress.
“Mold toxins, also known as mycotoxins, disrupt cellular processes and disrupt the balance of NAD within cells. This interference inhibits NAD synthesis, decreasing NAD levels and impairing cellular function.
Additionally, mold toxins induce oxidative stress, wreaking havoc on the balance between free radicals and antioxidants. This oxidative stress can result in DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, further compromising cellular health. The depletion of NAD in the presence of mold toxins exacerbates these cellular damages.” Source
While NAD supplements are a potential solution, absorption can be a hurdle. The body's ability to absorb and use NAD efficiently is crucial, and scientists are exploring innovations like patches to enhance bioavailability.
Symptoms of Low NAD
While symptoms can come from a variety of sources, these are some symptoms of low NAD:
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Cognitive decline
- Mood swings
- Poor sleep
Having gone through mold illness myself, I can attest to the feeling of complete drain and no desire to workout. As I learned more and more about mold, cellular disruption of mitochondria seemed to be behind many of my symptoms.
Ways to Get NAD
Practical solutions include incorporating niacin-rich foods like poultry, fish, and legumes into your diet. Couple that with intermittent fasting (as tolerated…can look like an 8-hour feeding window) and regular exercise, and you've got a winning formula to boost NAD production and maintain steady energy levels.
Ion Layer's NAD patches
Enter Ion Layer's NAD patches – a high-tech solution to supplementing NAD. These patches offer a straightforward way to sidestep traditional absorption challenges, delivering a steady release of NAD over 24 hours for enhanced energy and overall health benefits.
Ion Layer's NAD patches simplify the process, ensuring efficient NAD support that seamlessly fits into your daily routine. Stick it on, forget it, and let the patches do the work for your energy and overall health. Simple, efficient – NAD at its finest!
10% off Ion Layer NAD+ patches with us
Ready to supercharge your NAD levels with Ion Layer's patches? Click here to grab your supply and enter this promo code DETOX100 ($100 off the first kit) to experience the streamlined, efficient way to support your energy and overall well-being. Stick it on, forget the fuss – it's NAD support made simple!
I have tried one round of these patches and I really enjoyed it. My energy has not been this good since before mold and motherhood! Make sure you follow directions and apply first thing in the morning. You will have a form to fill out for a physician so that you know it’s a good fit for you.
Since NAD is hard to absorb it often comes in a very expensive IV form. You might get a little sticker shock at this NAD but it’s very reasonable in comparison to IVs and you get $100 off with my code DETOX100.
Recently I have discovered both NAD and peptides and I’m feeling great. I wish these had been available when I was sick with mold some years back.
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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP
