A healthy brain is an indispensable component of a healthy life. If you’re experiencing occasional memory problems, you could chalk it to normal aging. Still, other symptoms could indicate low levels of a helper enzyme (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) driving many biological functions, including how your brain works.
What Is NAD+?
“Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It serves both as a critical coenzyme for enzymes that fuel reduction-oxidation reactions, carrying electrons from one reaction to another, and as a cosubstrate for other enzymes such as the sirtuins and poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerases. Cellular NAD+ concentrations change during aging, and modulation of NAD+ usage or production can prolong both health span and life span.” But there are NAD+ alternatives.
Which Minerals Support Brain Health?
Science and medicine have taught us specific vitamins have an essential role in keeping the human brain and heart strong. A combination of the right vitamins can better your cognitive function, safeguard your brain, help defend against memory loss, lower blood pressure, and lessen your risk of suffering a stroke or developing heart disease.
Vitamins that foster brain health
- Thiamine (B1). Vitamins from the B group are essential for good brain health. According to The Journal of International Medical Research, it has a part in the transmission of nerve impulses. Low B1 levels may put you at risk of chronic memory disorders, like the kind observed in alcoholics or those with diseases like AIDS.
- Folic Acid (B9) refers to various compounds called folates and can be sourced from foods like asparagus, spinach, and lentils. Half of your body’s supply of this vitamin resides in the liver, which explains why liver damage can result in a deficiency of numerous essential B vitamins. It also helps produce amino acids and grow nerve tissue.
- Your brain, particularly the pituitary gland, stores the highest concentration of vitamin C anywhere in the body (about 400mg/kg). When this powerful antioxidant begins running low, you can restock the supply with citrus fruits and green vegetables. Vitamin C is critical in dopamine synthesis, but it also defends the brain from oxidative stress.
What Does NAD+ Therapy Do For Your Brain?
NAD+ therapy is delivered intravenously or via a needle inserted into your arm or hand vein. The needle is connected to a line, which dispenses vital nutrients – in this case, a mixture of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and minerals – directly into your bloodstream.
Someone worried about maintaining cognitive function and overall brain health may choose NAD+ therapy to boost the body’s natural levels. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a potent organic coenzyme that can help better your brain health through restoration, protection, and enhancing a person’s neurological function.
Suppose you’ve noticed signs of decreased brain function – such as tiredness, memory loss, lack of focus, among other bad warning signs. This could be an indicator of lower-than-normal NAD levels which can restrict brain cells from working at optimum levels.
Besides NAD+ therapy, frequently, people experiencing trouble concentrating or tiredness may benefit from ketamine therapy. There is evidence that low doses of ketamine, frequently dispensed in IV form, help foster and restore brain health.
Is NAD+ therapy good for you? Its benefits are worth exploring as it’s believed to aid overall brain health. Specific questions about how it works should be taken to your medical professional, but clinical studies into its efficacy are ongoing.
Side effects of NAD+ therapy
Like other forms of therapy, NAD+ has potential side effects that you should be aware of, including nausea, brain fog, cramps while undergoing treatment, redness, soreness, bruising, or swelling where the IV needle has been injected; infection; and other problems.
Diagnosis & Treatment
“Problems in the brain can be hard to diagnose. Often, the symptoms of a brain condition show up in another part of the body because of the complex pathway of your nervous system. When an issue with your brain health is suspected, your doctor will begin with an initial evaluation and then move on to more complex neurological diagnostic tests.” Specific tests may include balance tests, a biopsy, blood tests, different imaging scans, memory screening, etc.
Depending on overall health, symptoms of cognitive decline, and other factors, your medical professional may recommend NAD+ therapy or even ketamine.
Final Thoughts
Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, but other symptoms of declining brain health aren’t and need to be diagnosed and treated sooner rather than later. If you have other symptoms (tiredness, lack of focus) and they affect your quality of life, talk to your healthcare professional for more information.