My NAD+ Journey
June 2, 2025
I started taking NAD+ religiously in November 2024… so it has been about 6 months of taking 100mg weekly! To say I’m obsessed and grateful is an understatement! I have energy & a clear mind, I sleep great, I feel rejuvenated, and my skin is GLOWING! I have also lost about 10 pounds (along with eating a diet of strictly only real foods with no processed things from bags or boxes except the occasional rice & pasta!)
Here’s a little about NAD+…
How Does NAD⁺ Therapy Work?
Whether it’s through an IV or Injection, NAD+ Therapy provides higher bioavailability compared to oral supplements. By replenishing NAD+, the body activates a repair process known as mitophagy, clearing out damaged mitochondria and enhancing the function of healthy ones. This mitochondrial optimization supports the generation of ATP, the essential energy currency of the cell.
Top 10 Benefits of NAD⁺
1. Enhanced Cognitive Function
NAD⁺ is essential for mitochondrial health in brain cells, supporting energy metabolism and guarding against oxidative damage. Both preclinical and clinical research indicates that increasing NAD⁺ can reduce neuroinflammation, improve learning and memory and counteract cognitive deficits related to aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.⁵,⁶
2. Anxiety and Depression Support
NAD⁺ contributes to mood regulation by influencing neurotransmitter balance and reducing inflammatory markers linked to mood disorders.⁷ Early studies and anecdotal clinical use suggest that NAD⁺ Therapy may ease symptoms of anxiety and depression without the side effects commonly associated with traditional antidepressants.⁸
3. Improved Sleep Quality
NAD⁺ helps regulate circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles.⁹ As NAD⁺ levels drop with age, sleep disturbances become more common.
4. Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation plays a major role in aging and various diseases. NAD⁺ supports cellular processes that reduce pro-inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α¹. Restoration of NAD⁺ has been associated with decreased systemic inflammation, which may help relieve symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and fatigue.
5. Increased Energy Levels
As a critical coenzyme in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, NAD⁺ is fundamental to energy metabolism.² Enhanced NAD⁺ availability improves mitochondrial function and ATP production, helping to combat fatigue and restore vitality at the cellular level.
6. Enhanced Skin Health
NAD⁺ supports the skin’s natural regeneration processes, aiding in the repair of DNA damage and reducing oxidative stress.³ It enhances keratinocyte function, which can lead to improved skin tone, texture and resilience. Regular NAD⁺ Therapy may help reduce visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and discoloration.
7. Protection Against Degenerative Diseases
NAD⁺ activates sirtuin proteins that help defend neurons against oxidative stress and DNA damage.⁵ These protective mechanisms are being explored for their potential to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, supporting healthy brain aging.⁶
8. Cardiovascular Health
By supporting endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress, NAD⁺ Therapy contributes to improved circulation and vascular health.⁴ Preclinical studies show potential benefits, including lower blood pressure, enhanced blood flow and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
9. Weight Loss & Maintenance
NAD⁺ promotes metabolic efficiency by enhancing mitochondrial activity and regulating appetite-related hormones.⁷ This can translate into increased fat-burning capacity and reduced cravings, factors that support sustainable weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.
10. Addiction Recovery
NAD⁺ is increasingly used in addiction recovery protocols for its ability to restore neurotransmitter balance and replenish depleted cellular energy.⁸ Individuals in treatment may experience fewer cravings, improved mental clarity and better emotional regulation, making it easier to stay on track and avoid relapse.
Citations
The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine1.
NAD+ improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation2.
NAD+ and Anxiety and Depression3.
Can NAD+ Supplementation Improve Your Sleep Quality?4.
The Clinical Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside on Inflammatory Markers5.
NAD+ metabolism: pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential6.
NAD+-Increasing Strategies to Improve Cardiometabolic Health7.
Yang Y, Sauve AA. NAD+ metabolism: Bioenergetics, signaling and manipulation for therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016;1864(12):1787-1800.
Cantó C, Menzies KJ, Auwerx J. NAD+ metabolism and the control of energy homeostasis: a balancing act between mitochondria and the nucleus. Cell Metab. 2015;22(1):31-53.
Verdin E. NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208-13.