In the coming autumn and winter season, temperatures are plummeting, the climate is changing, and our bodies are facing various challenges. From boosting immunity to maintaining physical vitality, NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) may be a powerful assistant in keeping us healthy during this critical period.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is an important coenzyme that exists widely in human cells and is involved in many key physiological processes. It plays a vital role in cell energy metabolism, DNA repair, gene expression regulation and so on.
As people age, the level of NAD+ in the body gradually declines, which is closely related to many age-related diseases and physical decline.
NAD+ supports the immune system during the fall/winter transition
1. Enhance immune cell function
The autumn and winter season is the high incidence period of respiratory diseases such as cold and flu. A strong immune system is key to warding off these diseases.
NAD+ enhances the activity of immune cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells and T lymphocytes.
These immune cells play an important role in recognizing and eliminating pathogens.
When NAD+ levels are adequate, immune cells are able to perform their functions more effectively, quickly recognizing and attacking invading viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of disease.
For example, studies have found that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide can promote phagocytosis in macrophages, making them devour pathogens more rapidly. At the same time, it can also enhance the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes, improve the body’s specific immune response.
2. Regulate inflammation
When the autumn and winter seasons change, the human body is prone to inflammatory reactions, such as throat inflammation and cough. A moderate inflammatory response is the body’s defense mechanism against pathogens, but excessive inflammation can cause damage to the body.
NAD+ can regulate the production of inflammatory factors and maintain the balance of inflammatory response.
It can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory factors, while promoting the production of anti-inflammatory factors, reducing the damage of inflammation to the body.
For example, in some studies of inflammatory diseases, it has been found that by supplementing NAD+, inflammatory markers can be reduced and symptoms relieved.
Promoting effect of NAD+ on energy metabolism
1. Energy needs to cope with cold weather
In autumn and winter, when the temperature drops, the human body needs to use more energy to maintain its body temperature.
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plays a central role in cellular energy metabolism, participating in key metabolic processes such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
It promotes the oxidative breakdown of nutrients such as glucose, fats and amino acids to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy to the body.
When NAD+ levels are adequate, cells are more efficient at energy metabolism and better able to meet the body’s energy needs in the fall and winter.
For example, in a cold environment, the body automatically increases energy expenditure to maintain body temperature.
Supplementing with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide can improve the body’s energy production efficiency, making people feel warmer and more energetic in the fall and winter.
2. Prevent fatigue and fatigue
When the fall and winter seasons change, many people feel tired and weak. This may be caused by factors such as insufficient energy in the body, slowing metabolism, and adjustment of the biological clock.
NAD+ can improve the energy metabolism of cells and increase the production of ATP, thus relieving fatigue and fatigue symptoms.
It can also regulate the expression of genes associated with the body clock, helping the body better adapt to seasonal changes and reducing fatigue caused by disruption of the body clock.
For example, some people who often feel tired report more energy and significantly less fatigue after supplementing with NAD+.
Protective effect of NAD+ on cardiovascular health
1. Maintenance of vascular elasticity
The risk of cardiovascular disease increases in autumn and winter. Cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise, which is prone to cardiovascular events.
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide promotes the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator that dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and maintains vascular elasticity.
Adequate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels help maintain the healthy state of blood vessels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For example, studies have shown that NAD+ supplementation can improve vascular endothelial function, increase NO production, and lower blood pressure and lipid levels.
2. Reduce oxidative stress
In autumn and winter, when the air is dry and pollution is relatively heavy, the human body is vulnerable to oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant systems in the body, resulting in the production of excessive free radicals, causing damage to cells and tissues.
NAD+ has antioxidant effects, it can activate antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), remove free radicals in the body, reduce the damage of oxidative stress on the body.
For example, in some studies of oxidative stress-related diseases, supplementation with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide has been found to reduce oxidative stress markers and protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage.
How to increase NAD+ levels in the body
1. A healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the foundation for improving NAD+ levels. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising moderately, getting enough sleep and reducing stress.
A balanced diet can provide the body with a variety of nutrients, including some precursor substances that can promote the synthesis of NAD+, such as tryptophan, niacinamide, niacin, etc.
Moderate exercise can increase the energy requirements of cells and stimulate the synthesis of NAD+. Adequate sleep and reduced stress can maintain the body’s normal metabolic and endocrine balance, which is conducive to the stability of NAD+.
For example, eat more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as lean meat, fish, vegetables and fruits;
Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, etc.
Keep a regular schedule and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per day;
Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, etc.
2. Supplement NAD+
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, NAD+ levels in the body can also be increased by supplementing with NAD+ dietary supplements.
When supplementing NAD+ dietary supplements, care needs to be taken to choose a regular product and proceed under the guidance of a doctor or professional. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to reasonable dosage and use methods to avoid the adverse effects of excessive supplementation.
During the changing seasons of autumn and winter, it is important to pay attention to your health.
As an important biomolecule, NAD+ plays a key role in immune system, energy metabolism and cardiovascular health.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and properly supplementing NAD+ dietary supplements, we can increase the level of NAD+ in the body, strengthen the body’s resistance, better cope with the challenges of autumn and winter, and keep the body healthy and energetic.
