NAD+ has been identified as a critical molecule for cellular health. The decline of NAD+ with age is a cause of the cellular aging process and is linked to all the hallmarks of aging. Studies show that NAD+ levels decline by around 50% every 20 years, however the rate of this decline is impacted by more than just age, with lifestyle factors having a major impact on NAD+ levels.

This article will look at how lifestyle influences cellular NAD+ and how to increase NAD+ levels with the support of NAD+ supplements.

 

Alcohol depletes NAD+

When alcohol is consumed it is broken down and metabolized in the liver, this is an energetically expensive process. The reactions which do this use a substantial amount of NAD+ and cellular energy.
The use of cellular NAD+ in the breakdown of alcohol means other important functions like energy production and circadian rhythm regulation are impacted, which can cause disrupted sleep patterns and depleted energy levels.  

 

 

Excessive food intake depletes NAD+

NAD+ production is decreased during excessive food consumption and when eating a high fat diet. The input of extra energy from food is sensed by cells and in response NAD+ production is turned down. This means constant eating and snacking is harmful to your cells. Furthermore, high-fat diets have been shown to increase inflammation in the body which further decreases NAD+ levels.

 

In the opposite manner, fasting has been shown to increase NAD+ levels. This is because the lack of external energy from food creates energy stress within the cell. This stimulates NAD+ production which is used to produce extra energy in the mitochondria.

 

Lack of sleep reduces NAD+ production

NAD+ production is linked to the circadian rhythm, the internal body clock which regulates several biological functions including sleep/wake cycles, NAD+ production, hormone production, energy production and metabolism. This means NAD+ levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day.

The functionality of your circadian rhythm is impacted by several factors, particularly sleep habits. Therefore, periods where sleep quantity and quality are reduced, contribute to declining NAD+ levels.

 

Smoking damages DNA

One of the most important functions of NAD+ is powering DNA repair, as excessive DNA damage can accelerate cellular aging. Therefore, excessive DNA damage can deplete NAD+ levels leaving other important functions without sufficient NAD+. Many factors can damage DNA including alcohol, smoking, pollution, and extreme UV exposure. Trying to limit DNA damage where possible can increase NAD+ levels.

 

Lack of exercise depletes NAD+

Exercise is one of the best ways to boost NAD+. This is because exercise creates a beneficial type of energy stress within the cells which activates vital repair pathways.

During exercise muscles signal that they need more energy and this in turn increases NAD+ production (as NAD+ is critical for energy production by the mitochondria) to keep up with the energy demand. Therefore, a sedentary lifestyle doesn’t stress the cells enough to enhance NAD+ production.

 

Stress increases inflammation

Short periods of stress such as a cold shower or exercise are good for your cells and NAD+ levels, as they stimulate repair pathways. However, long term chronic stress can be damaging to your cellular health. This is because continuous stress increases inflammation in the body, which can accelerate aging, damage tissues and waste huge amounts of NAD+.

 

NAD+ supplements can support a healthy lifestyle

Supporting your cellular health and NAD+ levels with an NAD+ boosting supplement can be very beneficial for your cells. Particularly, during periods of high stress in which you know your lifestyle habits will be impacted e.g. during travelling, preparing for exams or celebrating the holidays.

While creating habits that enhance your NAD+ levels are very beneficial, age will always mean that NAD+ levels are declining. Therefore, supporting NAD+ production with a supplement such as Nuchido TIME+ which has been shown to increase NAD+ levels and increases your body’s own ability to make NAD+ naturally, can support your cellular health so that you can feel your best.