Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is a coenzyme found in all living cells. In general, NAD+ is used by the body to transfer electrons during the electron transport chain. These electrons are required to produce energy from food. It is necessary for the repair of DNA damage and the replication of DNA and has many other uses too. You can get more NAD+ through your diet by eating specific foods like meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and nuts. There are also many supplement products that contain NAD+ if you aren’t getting enough from the food you eat. If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out about the role of NAD+ in aging and longevity.
What role does NAD+ play in aging and longevity?
NAD+ is found in two forms in the body, each of which has a unique NAD+ structure. NAD+ is found in its oxidized form, NADH. NADH is converted back to NAD+ in the body by the enzyme NAD+ reductase. The levels of NAD+ decline with age, leading to reduced energy production and increased cell damage. Some experts believe that increasing the levels of NAD+ can improve health and support healthy aging. A popular option for increasing NAD+ levels is to take nicotinamide riboside as a supplement, a form of vitamin B3 that converts into NAD+.
One mechanism by which NAD+ may promote longevity is through its role in sirtuin activation. Sirtuins are a family of proteins that regulate gene expression and play a role in aging and metabolism. NAD+ binds to sirtuins, activating them, and this may contribute to an increased lifespan. Additional research is needed to determine how NAD+ supplements can effectively treat or prevent age-related cognitive decline, but the data that has been produced so far is promising. It is likely we will see further developments in the coming years.
You can increase NAD+ levels by eating certain foods high in NAD+, like beef liver, yeast, salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, Brazil nuts, avocados, bananas, and dark chocolate. If you decide to use a supplement, just remember to check with your doctor to find out how it may affect any health conditions you have or interact with the medications you’re currently taking.
How else can you stay healthy as you age?
There is no question that getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, including during the aging process. Unfortunately, many people do not get the recommended amount of sleep each night, which can have a negative impact on overall health and lead to health issues. Some health problems linked to sleep deprivation include high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and an elevated risk of developing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Talk to your doctor right away if you’re having trouble sleeping.
Although as we age, our bodies slow down and we are not able to do the things we used to do, this does not mean that we have to sit around the house all the time. It is actually extremely beneficial to stay active, both for our physical and mental health. Regular exercise can improve our mood and mental health, and can even alleviate common symptoms associated with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. If you’re not currently active, find an activity you like and try to incorporate it into your routine as much as you can.
NAD+ is a vital molecule that plays a role in many cellular processes, including energy production, DNA repair, and cell death. NAD+ levels decline with age, and this has been linked to age-related diseases and frailty, which is why many people take steps to boost their levels of NAD+, particularly as they begin to get older. You can also take other steps to protect yourself from the premature effects of aging, especially through making healthy lifestyle choices like getting the rest you need and staying as physically active as you can. Follow the tips in this article and you’ll be able to have the best possible experience with aging.
