NAD+ is everywhere. Everyone from podcasters to celebrities and, even, your coworkers are touting the benefits of NAD+ transfusions. As the popularity of NAD+ continues to climb across digital spheres—and IRL—the messaging around NAD+ could get murky, especially when it comes to conversations on how NAD+ and detoxification. To give you some clarity, we’re breaking down how NAD+ can be a powerful tool for people struggling with addiction.
What is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ plays a crucial role in our existence. As a coenzyme found in all cells, it has the power to regulate processes like energy conversion, DNA repair, and immune system response.1,2 Over time our natural NAD+ levels diminish, ushering in age-related conditions and health concerns. While more and more people are seeking out NAD+ for its longevity-boosting benefits, demand for NAD+ as a detoxification tool is also growing.
Since the 1960s researchers have touted the potential benefits of utilizing NAD+ supplementation to support individuals fighting withdrawals and recovering from substance abuse.4 Here’s how it can help:
Restores depleted levels of NAD+
It’s not just age that can impact our NAD+ stores. Substance abuse, especially compounded over long periods of time, can deplete NAD+ levels by contributing to more oxidative stress and inflammation, which leads to cellular dysfunction and cellular death. Without adequate levels of NAD+ it’s increasingly difficult for body systems to operate at optimal levels.
Protects against neurotoxicity
Neurotoxicity refers to natural or man-made toxic substances that cause damage to the brain or nervous system. Substances like alcohol are proven neurotoxins and especially damaging to brain health and function.5 NAD+ has been shown to protect against neurotoxicity by activating enzymes involved in DNA repair and reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
Ameliorates painful withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal periods result in physical and mental anguish, but NAD+ supplementation may abate this discomfort. Pioneering studies from 1961 showed the positive effects of NAD+ on withdrawal symptoms, and more recent studies are confirming reductions in craving, anxiety, and depression.4,6 During withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, the body is often under significant physiological stress, and the demand for ATP production increases. ATP is the primary energy source for cells and is critical for maintaining cellular function and survival. If ATP levels are depleted, it can contribute to the symptoms of withdrawal, including fatigue, weakness, and cognitive impairment.7
Ready to experience the power of NAD+ for yourself. Schedule your NAD+ infusion here.
References:
1.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 Jul 7;22(1):31-53. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.023. Epub 2015 Jun 25. PMID: 26118927; PMCID: PMC4487780.
2.Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, Verdin E. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021 Feb;22(2):119-141. doi: 10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x. Epub 2020 Dec 22. PMID: 33353981; PMCID: PMC7963035.
3. Braidy N, Villalva MD, van Eeden S. Sobriety and Satiety: Is NAD+ the Answer? Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 May 14;9(5):425. doi: 10.3390/antiox9050425. PMID: 32423100; PMCID: PMC7278809.
4. O’HOLLAREN P. Diphosphopyridine nucleotide in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of drug addiction. A preliminary report. West J Surg Obstet Gynecol. 1961 May-Jun;69:213-5. PMID: 13730082.
5. 10th Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health. National Institutes of Health, June 2000, https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/10report/chap02e.pdf.
6. Blum K, Han D, Baron D, Kazmi S, Elman I, Gomez LL, Gondre-Lewis MC, Thanos PK, Braverman ER, Badgaiyan RD. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) and Enkephalinase Inhibition (IV1114589NAD) Infusions Significantly Attenuate Psychiatric Burden Sequalae in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Fifty Cases. Curr Psychiatry Res Rev. 2022 Jul;18(2):125-143. doi: 10.2174/2666082218666220527114427. Epub 2022 Jun 21. PMID: 36118157; PMCID: PMC9474872.
7. Cuenoud B, Ipek Ö, Shevlyakova M, Beaumont M, Cunnane SC, Gruetter R, Xin L. Brain NAD Is Associated With ATP Energy Production and Membrane Phospholipid Turnover in Humans. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020 Dec 16;12:609517. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.609517. PMID: 33390929; PMCID: PMC7772416.
Many researchers are determined to pinpoint how common it is to experience lingering symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. Some have found that up to 76 percent of patients have at least one lingering COVID-19 symptom six months after their initial illness, according to a study published in The Lancet medical journal in January 2021.
When it comes to neurologic symptoms that linger, one recent study found that in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and then evaluated an average of 110 days after their hospital admission, 34 percent were struggling with memory problems, and 28 percent reported difficulties with concentration. Another recent study published in March 2021 echoed these findings, stating that up to 30 percent of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease suffered cognitive impairment still present months after their discharge.
Even though these studies have focused on patients hospitalized for COVID-19, researchers believe that even mild cases of COVID-19 can result in lingering symptoms, including brain fog.
What to Do If You Suspect Brain Fog
Brain fog can be a maddening and discouraging experience. At Hudson Medical + Wellness, we are committed to using the most innovative and promising new technologies to help our patients get back to a place of wellness.
When it comes to brain fog, the main modes of assessment are medical history, physical exam, and MRI.
What to Do About COVID-19 and Brain Fog
If you’re worried that you have brain, memory, or neurological issues after a COVID-19 infection, our BrainCheck platform can help you achieve an accurate assessment and diagnosis, while saving you time and energy.
To learn more about BrainCheck assessments, schedule a consultation with one of our medical providers today.
If you are having neurologic symptoms and you think you may have an acute COVID-19 infection, we offer COVID-19 testing at our Tribeca location.
References:
Ellul MA, et al. Neurological associations of COVID-19. Lancet Neurol. Sep 2020;19(9):767-783.
Fotuhi M, et al. Neurobiology of COVID-19. J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;76(1):3-19.
Garrigues E, et al. Post-discharge persistent symptoms and health-related quality of life after hospitalization for COVID-19. J Infect. 2020;81(6):e4-e6.
Hellmuth J, et al. Persistent COVID-19-associated neurocognitive symptoms in non-hospitalized patients. J Neurovirol.2021 Feb;27(1):191-195.
Huang C, et al. 6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study. Lancet. 2021 Jan 16;397(10270):220-232.
Long-term effects of Covid-19. Retrieved March 31, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects.html
Nakamura ZM, et al. Neuropsychiatric Complications of COVID-19. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2021;23(5):25.
Paterson, Ross, et al. The emerging spectrum of COVID-19 neurology: clinical, radiological and laboratory findings, Brain, Oct 2020;143(10)3104–3120.Weir, K. How COVID-19 attacks the brain. Monitor on Psychology, Nov 2020;51(8).
Tips to help you stay focused from Hudson Wellness Chiropractor Kaitlyn Clarke, DC, CNS.
Claim your home workspace:
Set aside a dedicated space for you to work from, ideally free from distractions. If you don’t have this space, you will lose focus, end up working from your couch or off your coffee table. Sure this might seem comfy for now, but over the extended period of time that you will be working from home, can be detrimental to your body, causing you to lose energy and focus.
Set your space up for success:
Make sure you are in as ergonomically friendly position as possible. Your chair should support you in an upright position. Situate yourself all the way back so that your back is fully against the chair, and your hips are at a 90 degree angle. Your feet should be resting comfortably on the floor, if not then make sure to get a footrest to prop them up on! Pull your chair close and pull your mouse and keyboard towards you so that you are not reaching forward. Adjust your monitor so that the top half of the screen is eye level.
Take breaks and keep moving!
Try the stretches below every 1-2 hours. With all stretches, make sure you practice mindful breathing! Using the following calming technique: breath in through your nose for a count of 4, then exhale through your nose or mouth slowly, for a count of 8. Make sure to breathe as deep down into your belly as possible!
- Neck: Hold onto the side of your chair with your right hand. Tilt your head to the left and reach your right ear up towards the ceiling until you feel a stretch on the side of your neck and into the top of your right shoulder. Repeat on your left side
- Arms & torso: Reach hands overhead and interlace fingers. Lean to your right side, being mindful of your breath; sending it as far down as possible to feel a stretch on the left. Repeat on the right side!
- Legs & Back: Stand up behind your chair, hold onto the back of the chair while you step your body back and hinge at your hips to create an upside down “L”. You should feel a nice stretch in those hammies and in your back!