“The Mighty Molecule: Aging Gracefully with NAD”

You may ask yourself; how do I know if my DNA is damaged? What should I look out for and what causes the DNA to become damaged to begin with. Here is a list of how DNA can become damaged.  Damage can include one or multiple of these:

1. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental agents such as radiation, chemicals, tobacco smoke, and certain viruses can damage DNA. For example, UV radiation from the sun can cause skin damage, and tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can damage the DNA in lung cells.
2. Replication errors: When cells divide and replicate, mistakes can occur in copying the DNA sequence, resulting in mutations.
3. Oxidative stress: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as byproducts of normal cellular metabolism. If not properly neutralized by the body’s antioxidant defenses, ROS can cause oxidative damage to DNA and other cellular components.
4. Inherited mutations: Some individuals may inherit genetic mutations from their parents that increase their risk of developing certain diseases or conditions.

Overall, DNA damage is a natural consequence of cellular processes and environmental exposures, and the body has built-in mechanisms to repair the damage. However, in some cases, DNA damage can accumulate over time and lead to the development of diseases such as cancer.

It can be difficult to tell if your DNA is damaged, as many types of DNA damage may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, here are some signs that could indicate DNA damage:

1. Unusual growths or lumps: DNA damage can sometimes lead to the formation of abnormal growths or tumors, which can be detected through regular medical check-ups and screenings.
2. Changes in skin pigmentation: Some types of DNA damage, such as damage caused by UV radiation, can lead to changes in skin pigmentation or the formation of skin lesions.
3. Increased risk of certain diseases: DNA damage can increase the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and genetic disorders.
4. Chronic fatigue: Chronic fatigue is a symptom of many illnesses, but it can also be a sign of DNA damage, particularly if other symptoms are present.
5. Abnormal blood test results: Some types of DNA damage can affect blood cells, leading to abnormal blood test results.

So what are the benefits of taking NAD you might ask:

1. Increased energy: NAD plays a critical role in cellular energy production, and some studies suggest that increasing NAD levels may boost energy levels, particularly in older adults.
2. Improved cognitive function: NAD is involved in processes that support brain function, and some research suggests that increasing NAD levels may improve cognitive function and memory.
3. Enhanced exercise performance: NAD is involved in energy metabolism, and some studies suggest that increasing NAD levels may improve exercise performance and endurance.
4. Anti-aging effects: NAD is involved in processes that are believed to contribute to aging, such as DNA repair and the regulation of cellular metabolism. Some studies suggest that increasing NAD levels may have anti-aging effects and promote overall health and longevity.
5. Neuroprotective effects: NAD is involved in processes that protect the brain from damage and support neuronal function, and some research suggests that increasing NAD levels may have neuroprotective effects and potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

There are several things you can do to help increase the natural production of NAD in your body:

1. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise has been shown to increase NAD levels in the body, particularly high-intensity exercise.
2. Eat NAD-boosting foods: Foods rich in tryptophan, vitamin B3 (niacin), and other nutrients involved in NAD production, such as milk, fish, poultry, legumes, and leafy green vegetables, can help support NAD production.
3. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can deplete NAD levels in the body, so it’s important to drink in moderation.
4. Manage stress: Chronic stress can deplete NAD levels in the body, so practicing stress-management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may help support NAD production.
5. Consider supplements: NAD supplements, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are available and may help increase NAD levels in the body. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you may be able to naturally support the production of NAD in your body and potentially experience its many benefits. Let’s say you are already experiencing some signs of aging and possible DNA damage and you have decided that supplementing NAD is the right decision for you. In general, most NAD supplements come in doses ranging from 100 mg to 500 mg per capsule. Some supplements also combine NAD with other ingredients, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which may affect the dosage recommendations. Some dosages require a prescription from your healthcare provider so don’t be afraid to have this conversation with your healthcare provider. Knowledge is power.