All About NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)

ABOUT


Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) occurs naturally in the body, it is the coenzyme of Niacin, also called Vitamin B3. It plays a major role in the chemical process of generating energy. NAD+ is a prevalent cellular electron transporter, coenzyme, and signaling molecule found in all cells of the body and is vital for cell function and viability. Simply put, NAD+ transforms the energy we eat from food into the energy our cells need for chemical reactions. Put it this way: without NAD+, we wouldn’t metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.


NAD+ is probably the most important co-factor for improving mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are intracellular organelles (a.k.a. “Energy powerhouses”) where micronutrients are converted to energy-rich ATP molecules for the cell. NAD+ helps the liver break down fats that are essential to provide energy for the body.


In addition to metabolism regulation, “NAD+ is a major player in skeletal muscle development, regeneration, aging, and disease,” describes an article in the journal Skeletal Muscle. Also according to the journal article, “The vast majority of studies indicate that lower NAD+ levels are deleterious for muscle health and higher NAD+ levels augment muscle health.”


The highest NAD+ levels are found in neonates and our NAD+ levels deplete as we age, unfortunately. They are around half of what they are in younger persons after age 50. As our levels decline, our metabolism changes. During metabolic activities, NAD+ is consumed by NAD+-dependent enzymes and which leads to the depletion of NAD+ levels over time. The age-related drop in NAD+ levels is caused by rising levels of CD38, a membrane-bound NADase that degrades both NAD+ and its precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide, according to a 2016 study in mice, which exhibit age-related declines in NAD+ levels similar to those seen in humans. The study also demonstrated that human adipose tissue from older adults (mean age, 61 years) expresses the CD38 gene at higher levels than that of younger adults (mean age, 34 years). Other research in mice, however, has shown that oxidative stress and inflammation brought on by aging lowers NAD+ production. Therefore, it is likely that a number of mechanisms work together to cause individuals to lose NAD+ as they age.


With suboptimal NAD+ levels, we may become prone to increased DNA damage, age-related illnesses and diseases, and mitochondrial malfunction. In fact, low NAD+ levels have recently been associated with a variety of age-related ailments and diseases linked to increased oxidative/free radical damage, including diabetes, heart disease, vascular dysfunction, ischemic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, and vision loss. 

An article published in Cell Metabolism discusses studies that suggest that increasing NAD+ levels, “hold the promise of increasing the body’s resilience, not just to one disease, but to many, thereby extending healthy human lifespan.” Optimizing NAD+ levels has shown to increase cell vitality and enhance energy metabolism which may in turn support: anti-aging, cognition, health recovery, sports injuries, fatigue, mental clarity, mood, sleep, immune health, protection against oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and more.


IS THERE HOPE?


Fortunately, it is possible to replenish our NAD+ levels which may help manage a wide spectrum of diseases, ranging from diabetes to cancer, age-related changes, inflammation, fatigue and more. IV therapy may be used to infuse NAD+ directly into the bloodstream which, by bypassing your digestive system, may quickly restock the NAD+ levels in your body. In animal models, NAD+ repletion significantly increased lifespan, delayed the beginning of accelerated aging, and increased the number of proliferating stem cells in the germ line. 


When it was recognized that pellagra, a condition marked by diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and mortality, could be treated with foods containing NAD+ precursors, particularly vitamin B3, the clinical significance of maintaining NAD+ levels was established in the early 1900s. Notably, the skin does not flush with NAD+ injection, in contrast to vitamin B3 (niacin) intake, which also causes this negative effect. 


Since a 1961 report by Paul O’Hollaren, MD, of Shadel Hospital in Seattle, Washington, NAD+ IV infusion has been widely utilized for the treatment of addiction. In more than 100 instances, Dr. O’Hollaren detailed the effective use of IV-infused NAD+ for the prevention, relief, or treatment of acute and chronic symptoms of addiction to a range of substances, including alcohol, heroin, opium extract, morphine, dihydromorphine, meperidine, codeine, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, and tranquilizers. NAD+-replacement therapy may encourage optimal mitochondrial function and homeostasis, genomic stability, neuroprotection, long life, and may help with addiction treatment.


Case studies of the use of NAD+ to treat drug addiction offered early information on side effects and safety. According to a 1961 study, patients with addiction who got NAD+ at a moderate IV drip rate (no more than 35 drops per minute) reported “no distress” but those who received it at a quicker drip rate complained of headache and shortness of breath. In this study, the dosage was 500–1000 mg per day for 4 days, then two injections every week for a month, and then one injection every two months as a maintenance dose. One of the two patients who had therapy reported experiencing constipation. In a 2019 study, a cohort of healthy male participants (n=11; NAD+ n = 8 and Control n = 3) aged 30-55 years had their safety of IV infusion of NAD+ evaluated using liver function tests (serum, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransfer. Neither the NAD+ cohort nor the placebo (saline) cohort experienced any negative side effects throughout the 6 hour infusion. 


SAFETY/INTERACTIONS


At the time of writing, there are no other reported contraindications/precautions for NAD+ injection. Individuals with known allergy to NAD+ injection should not use this product. 


The safety of NAD+ injection has not been evaluated in pregnant women. Due to this lack of safety data, pregnant women should avoid NAD+ injection. The safety of NAD+ injection has not been evaluated in women who are breastfeeding or children. Due to this lack of safety data, women who are breastfeeding and children should avoid NAD+ injection. 


At the time of writing, there were no reported interactions for NAD+ injection. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. 


WHAT TO EXPECT


Clients have reported feeling flushed, anxious, headache, nauseated, light-headed, sinus pressure or congestion, shortness of breath, chest pressure and mild cramping. These side effects are very common and can best be explained by vasodilation and increased mitochondrial activity. Damaged cells are being repaired down to the mitochondrial level. Those with higher blood pressures and those of older age may experience more of the symptoms during infusion. Younger people seem to be less symptomatic during infusions and intrinsic NAD+ levels decrease with age which explains those of older age experiencing more symptoms. 


During infusion, the rate can quickly and easily be adjusted and/or paused briefly if needed which will lessen the symptoms and/or make them go away. Typically, symptoms decrease with regular, consecutive NAD+ infusions. Symptoms typically go away after infusion is complete and clients report feeling more energized, more clear-minded and other benefits soon after their infusion. Our main concern is your comfort. We can adjust your drip to infuse as slowly as needed to maintain your comfort.



References:


Goody MF, Henry CA. A need for NAD+ in muscle development, homeostasis, and aging. Skeletal Muscle. 2018 Mar;8(1):9. DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0154-1.


iDrip Therapy Reference Manual


Schultz MB, Sinclair DA. Why NAD(+) Declines during Aging: It's Destroyed. Cell Metab. 2016;23(6):965–966. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.05.022.

By site-scbl9g December 27, 2022
If you frequently experience the triggers of professional pressures, competitiveness, and social obligations, you’ll get stuck in the stress response; Epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine cause your brain to feel “fight or flight” mode 24/7. This keeps you tense, anxious, and ready to run away from danger. It’s normal, but it’s hard to manage when there isn’t a physical threat. ● A racing heart. ● Heightened senses. ● Tightened muscles. ● Quickened breaths. ● Constricted blood vessels. You evolved to live with some amount of stress. But if you experience chronic stress, it will affect your bodily systems, especially your immune response. Signs You Are Stressed Chronic stress affects cognitive ability, emotions, physical health and behaviors including: ● Achy or painful muscles ● Anxiety ● Appetite changes ● Clenched jaw or grinding teeth ● Depression ● Feeling overwhelmed ● Headaches ● Insomnia ● Irritability ● Poor focus ● Reduced energy ● Upper respiratory infections ● Upset stomach Chronic stress can lead to these health problems: ● Cognitive dysfunction ● Depression ● Digestive problems ● Heart disease and hypertension ● Insulin resistance ● Mood disorders ● Reproductive disorders ● Sexual dysfunction ● Skin and hair problems ● Unwanted weight gain or obesity At-Home Treatments for Stress It is important to try home remedies to help deal with chronic stress. Here are some tips on how to do so. ● Exercising: Regular exercise reduces your chances for anxiety and lowers your stress hormones while releasing endorphins. It also improves body confidence and sleep quality. ● Reducing your caffeine intake: Since caffeine is a stimulant, high doses can increase anxiety. If caffeine makes you feel anxious or jittery, cut down on your consumption. ● Journaling: Writing your thoughts down helps you work through your problems, and noting what you’re grateful for relieves anxiety and stress. ● Socializing with family and friends: Social support gives you a sense of self-worth and belonging and releases oxytocin, a natural stress reliever. Hanging out with your loved ones — or “tend and befriend” — is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response. ● Spending time with your pet: Playing with your pet releases oxytocin, which creates a positive mood. A pet is also a companion who gives you purpose while keeping you active, which reduces anxiety. How does IV therapy work to relieve stress? When there is a lot of chronic stress, a certain neurotransmitter causes the fight-or-flight response. However, other neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin encourage people to be calm and stress free. IV wellness therapy may help in: ● Reducing anxiety. ● Boosting your immune system. ● Relaxing your bodily systems. ● Elevating your mood. ● Promoting productive sleep. ● Enhancing focus. The correct nutrients encourage the production of these helpful neurotransmitters so that they work better; so giving your body these nutrients will boost the production of these chemicals. Although IV therapy for stress management uses vitamin and nutrient combinations to balance your body and boost your mood, the method of directly delivering the mixture to your bloodstream means most people feel the benefits immediately or shortly after the infusion is complete. These are some of the ingredients we offer in our IV blends that reduces the symptoms of chronic stress. ● B complex: B vitamins convert dietary energy into the form of energy the body needs to combat fatigue and low-energy feelings. It also improves mental health and decreases stress. ● Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is essential for your body’s metabolism, which is necessary for creating energy. It also helps your body produce blood and nerve cells that reduce fatigue. ● Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports the adrenal gland, which modulates stress responses and reduces fatigue. As an antioxidant, it improves energy and immune function. ● Magnesium: Magnesium boosts your energy while reducing your chances for headaches, migraines and chronic pain ● Glutathione: Glutathione plays a role in tissue building and repair and chemical and protein creation. It also boosts your immune system.  ● NAD+: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme that turns nutrients into energy for metabolism. ● Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that boosts immune function and reduces depression. Stress Relief Drip IV Therapy from Thurston For Wellness While at-home treatments may be effective, you may need something more to reduce your chronic stress symptoms. Perhaps a regular IV therapy is the best option for you. Check out our Signature and Premium IV blends which all contain amazing vitamins and nutrients to assist with stress management. Our best-seller is the Myers’ Cocktail ! We understand that your stress symptoms may be keeping you from getting out of your house. So we’re offering mobile infusion services that will let our nurses come to you to administer intravenous therapy, relieve your stress symptoms, and get you feeling lively and energetic again. Schedule your stress-relief drip with Thurston For Wellness now!
December 26, 2022
Vitamin D is a powerhouse that your body needs to function properly. Because of its nature, however, it’s difficult to know if you’re getting enough of it in your diet. Therefore, it’s important to get regular injections of vitamin D when you don’t consume enough of it naturally in your diet. What Is Vitamin D? Although vitamin D is technically not a vitamin, it is a type of fat-soluble hormone that our bodies produce by converting the rays of the sun into vitamin D. To get enough vitamin D from the sun, you need to expose your skin to the sun for long periods of time. When you wear sunscreen, though, it blocks out the sun’s rays. This prevents the sun’s rays from converting to vitamin D, and so it is harder to get enough vitamin D from sunlight. People who don’t get enough vitamin D in their diets may supplement with a vitamin D tablet. Those who work outdoors or live near large bodies of water may benefit from sunlight, which is the best source of vitamin D. There are two types of vitamin D supplements: ● Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) ● Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) Vitamin D3 is often used as a supplement, because it does a better job of raising the blood levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in many forms including oral pills, tablet or liquid and IM injections. However, one of the easiest ways to obtain Vitamin D is through a Vitamin D injection. What are vitamin D3 shots? When injected into muscle, vitamin D3 quickly enters the bloodstream for maximum absorption. It’s not surprising that the intramuscular injection is the most common way to take vitamin D3. We begin by cleansing the injection site, which is typically the deltoid muscle in your arm. Then, we rapidly inject vitamin D, and then apply light pressure to the site before covering it with gauze or a bandage. Some people may feel slight discomfort after the shot, but it should go away soon, and you can still go about your normal activities. With this injection, though, the majority of people react by saying "that was it?!" It's a very well-tolerated injection as it is just a small amount of fluid injected into the muscle. Vitamin D3 Injection Benefits and Uses Injections can improve your well-being because Vitamin D is so important to the body. Among the benefits are: Strong bones - Vitamin D helps prevent brittle, weak bones, and helps prevent osteoporosis, because it helps the body absorb calcium. It’s also important for muscle strength and healthy bones. If you don’t get enough vitamin D, it can cause bone pain and muscle weakness. A healthy heart - Vitamin D may play a role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and lowering cholesterol to prevent atherosclerosis, which may lead to heart disease. A responsive immune system - Although Vitamin D is helpful with immune support, it may also be helpful with easing the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and others. Elevated mood - Some researchers believe that Vitamin D helps people who struggle with mood disorders, such as depression, because low blood levels of vitamin D have been associated with symptoms of depression. Cognitive health - Researchers have discovered that the brain has many vitamin D receptors, and it’s crucial not just for developing babies’ brains in-utero but also for maintaining cognitive function throughout life. Diabetes and weight loss support - Studies show that people who have lower levels of vitamin D tend to have higher rates of diabetes and obesity. It’s suggested that the removal of a vitamin D deficiency may help people manage diabetes and weight loss. There are a lot of health benefits to taking a vitamin D shot, and some people are better equipped to take advantage of these benefits than others. Those with a vitamin D deficiency may: ● Lack of sun exposure to naturally produce vitamin D ● Be of advanced age, as the ability to make vitamin D decreases as we get older ● Have fat absorption disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease ● Have darker skin tones, which don’t naturally produce as much vitamin D Injections vs. Supplements IM injections are better than the typical oral supplements, as pills, tablets, and liquids must first be digested before they enter the bloodstream and injections get absorbed right away. When you take supplements orally, you do not actually absorb all of what you take, whereas when you supplement via injection, you are getting full and immediate absorption! Should I Get an injection of Vitamin D? Although getting injections of vitamin D may be wise if you have risk factors for a vitamin D deficiency, you may also want to get an injection if you experience symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as: ● Fatigue ● Weak bones ● Weight gain ● Sleep issues ● Headaches ● Depression symptoms ● Digestive problems Talk to your doctor before getting a vitamin D shot. Make sure you tell the injection provider if you are taking any medications that may affect your ability to take a vitamin D injection.
By site-scbl9g December 26, 2022
Everyone wants to feel their best. In the midst of recent events and the resulting upheaval, people are increasingly looking for ways to improve their overall well-being. Whether you’re suffering from a chronic illness that makes you feel sicker every day or you just want to feel more energetic and healthy, this cocktail can help. What is the Myers' Cocktail? The Myers' Cocktail IV therapy was developed in the early 1960s by Dr. John Myers. He designed this protocol to provide patients with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential to the proper functioning of their bodies. Through this treatment, people suffering from chronic health concerns such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, recurring migraines, and sleep disturbances receive a high dose of B and C vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and other nutrients. These high doses of nutrients are delivered directly to the mitochondria in their cells. For decades, the Myers' Cocktail IV therapy protocol has been an essential part of treatment for millions with health concerns and chronic conditions. Now, this breakthrough therapy can help almost anyone seeking a holistic sense of health and well-being. Speedy delivery of nutrients, vitamins and minerals at a far higher level than could ever be achieved orally can and often does lead to life-changing results. Where to Get the Myers' Cocktail IV Drip Therapy We offer an extensive variety of services to ensure you receive the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to keep your body healthy. We proudly provide you with the Myers' Cocktail which is listed as "For Overall Wellness" on our menu.
December 20, 2022
THE BASICS...
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