With all the newest supplements in the world today, different diets, nutritional advice, the latest trends and fads, it can get overwhelming trying to decide what supplements you should take! I remember there being a time when I was taking around 50 supplements per day just to function, and that is not an exaggeration! Now that I’ve gotten my degree as a naturopathic doctor and have experienced different modalities, diets, supplements, programs etc. I feel like I can share some of the best supplements that I have come across and NADH happens to be one of them.
So why NADH and what is it?
According to Wikipedia: “Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme central to metabolism. Found in all living cells, NAD is called a dinucleotide because it consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups. One nucleotide contains an adenine nucleobase and the other nicotinamide” (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide_adenine_dinucleotide)
There are also two types; NAD is the oxidized version and NADH is the active form that is broken down, it also contains hydrogen.
NADH is a part of your body’s metabolic process and helps the body in a process called redox, which is basically “carrying electrons from one reaction to another” (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide_adenine_dinucleotide)
The process is a little complicated to explain in this article here, so if you want all the deets go here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide_adenine_dinucleotide
Why do we need it?
As part of our metabolism and energy process, NADH basically is a main component taking the food that we eat and turning it into useable energy.
The energy that is created is then kept in the body as ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
This ATP is where our cells get our energy from- not enough NAD- not enough ATP- not enough ATP and the cells start to deteriorate and “can eventually lead to cell death." (https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/)
Where do we get NADH?
Primarily NADH comes from our diet, with food sources such as different types of meat (fish, beef, poultry). Vegetables are unfortunately not a good source of NAD, which can be a struggle for those adopting a vegetarian diet. Also, much of NADH will be lost by the cooking process.
Benefits of NADH?
The benefits of NADH are many such as in the list below:
Protect brain cells. NADH repairs cell and DNA damage. And stimulates your immune system. NADH boosts the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) which relaxes blood vessels in your brain increasing cerebral blood flow. And NADH acts as an antioxidant helping to eliminate free radicals that can damage brain cells.[ii]
Brain energy. NADH provides electrons for ATP synthesis in your mitochondria. Low levels of NADH result in brain fog, slow mental processing, and cognitive decline.
Neurotransmitters. NADH affects cognitive function by stimulating the production of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.[iii] These neurotransmitters are involved in learning and memory, cognition, recall and mood.
List from: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/
NADH has also been shown to help those with chronic fatigue syndrome with studies showing benefits “in decreased anxiety and maximum heart rate” (https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/)
There have also been studies that show that NADH also helped to increased natural levels of L-Dopamine by activating tyrosine hydroxylase, which in turn helped those dealing with Parkinson’s symptoms with
“improvements in motor function, walking, pushing, posture and speech. They also experienced improvements in cognition and mood” (https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/)
Another exciting benefit was that a majority of these individuals were able to reduce or “even eliminate their other Parkinson medications.” (https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/)
Unfortunately, as we age, our body’s produce less NADH and as mentioned getting this from our diet alone is not a good option, so it’s important to supplement. NADH is a natural substance that the body recognizes so the side effects if any should be minimal.
NADH, where to buy?
There are many different types of brands of NAD and NADH on the market to buy and NADH is even available in an IV format.
However, the one I suggest is the NAD recharge, which provides NADH at an affordable price within a quality tested supplement.
This product not only contains the active form of NAD (NADH) but also contains some great ingredients such as: Broccoli Seed Extract, NADH, Astragalus, Tocotrienols, Fisetin, and Spirulina all made bioavailable in a time released gel capsule. You can read more about what each of these ingredients do here: https://tonkin.isagenix.com/en-us/shop/daily-nutrition/recharge-nad?pid=c9178a7685684f3da974207cc7966f07
NADH plays a vital role in our body’s metabolism and the cell’s energy production. With many benefits from DNA repair to brain health, supplementing NADH can prove to be a beneficial and supportive supplement for most people.
It’s also highly recommended for those suffering from any energy related or brain cognition issues such as chronic fatigue or Parkinsons.
Help keep your cells functioning at their best with NADH!
References:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/
https://tonkin.isagenix.com/en-us/shop/daily-nutrition/recharge-nad?pid=c9178a7685684f3da974207cc7966f07
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide_adenine_dinucleotide