Prenuvo and Galleri early-detection cancer tests can offer peace of mind or time to proactively plan.
With cancer diagnoses on the rise, early detection cancer tests are more vital than ever. A recent cancer report from the American Cancer Society projects a record-breaking 2 million diagnoses in the U.S. in 2024. Even more confounding than the case count is the uptick in cases that will impact the under 50 population.
For the first time, people under the age of 50 are seeing an increase in diagnoses, while the percentage of cases stemming from the 65 and up population is on the decline. And because younger generations are not accustomed to being at such high risk, they may not be as vigilant about screenings. It is important to note that while incident rates are on the rise, the risk of dying from cancer is not rising alongside incident rates.
Which types of cancers are on the rise?
According to the ACS, incidence cases for six of the most common types of cancer are growing across age demographics.
- Breast
- Prostate
- Endometrial
- Pancreatic
- Kidney
- Melanoma
Additionally, there is a spike in specific types of cancers across sub-demographics (based on gender, age, and pre-existing conditions):
- Colorectal cancer in people younger than age 55
- Liver cancer in women
- Oral cancers associated with HPV
- Cervical cancer in women ages 30 through 44
While incident rates spike, there are currently only five recommended and widely accessible cancer screenings:
- Breast (Starting at 45, younger for those at higher risk)
- Cervical (Starting at 25, every 5 years)
- Colon (starting at 45, younger for those at higher risk)
- Prostate (starting at 45, younger for those at higher risk)
- Lung (starting at 50 for those who smoke or used to smoke)
According to studies, 70% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers without recommended screenings.1
Are early detection cancer tests necessary?
For anyone who may be at higher risk due to family history or lifestyle, early detection cancer tests may be life-preserving. Finding signs of cancer as early as possible (before the cancer has time to spread) creates the best chances survival, with some studies indicating a 5 year survival rate at 4x higher than when cancer is detected at later stages.2
Today, advancements in early detection cancer tests and scans have made it possible for younger people who may be at high risk to identify cancer cells and get ahead of treatment. Prenuvo’s Full-Body MRI Scan and Galleri’s multi-cancer early detection test are two of the most sophisticated detection options available.
What’s the difference between Galleri and Prenuvo?
Galleri Multi-Cancer Detection Test
The Galleri blood test analyzes over 1,000,000 DNA methylation sites in your blood sample to detect a specific signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer.
What can Galleri detect?
| Bone cancer | Prostate cancer | Stomach cancer | Leukemia |
| Melanoma | Lung cancer | Pancreatic cancer | Colon cancer |
| Esophagus cancer | Breast cancer | Lymphoma | Liver cancer |
- Anyone over the age of 50
- Anyone with a family history of cancer
Prenuvo Full-Body MRI Scan
The Prenuvo MRI scans for over 500 cancers and conditions using advanced imaging techniques (with zero radiation) that detect abnormalities in your tissue.
What can Prenuvo detect?
| Bone cancer | Spinal abnormalities | Tumors | Fatty Liver Disease |
| Brain lesion | Multiple Sclerosis | Cardiac lesion | Aneurysm |
| Stroke | Pancreatic cancer | Brain hemorrhage | Liver Abscess |
- Anyone over the age of 50
- Anyone with a family history of cancer or other life-altering diseases.
Whether your family history puts you at a higher risk of developing cancer, or you are looking for a way to take on a more proactive role in your longevity, early detection cancer tests can grant you the time you need to proactively treat a cancer diagnosis. Our team of expert medical providers are ready to help you take the next step in preparing for your future.
References
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2022. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2022 https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2022.html. Data on file GA-2021-0065.
- Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov) SEER*Stat Database: Incidence – SEER 18 Regs Research Data, Nov 2018 Sub. Includes persons aged 50-79 diagnosed 2006-2015. Data on file GA-2021-004.
Is a plant-based diet the key to health and longevity? Does what you eat really matter if you have “good genes?” These are the questions at the heart of Netflix’s latest foray into diet and wellness culture, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment. And over the course of the docuseries, participants turn to body composition analysis from advanced technology, like DEXA scan, to find out.
Over the course of the four-part docuseries, viewers follow along as four pairs of identical twins take diverging nutritional paths, with one twin committing to a vegan diet and the other to an omnivore one. And the producers don’t just rely on anecdotal evidence to highlight the stark differences between two drastically different approaches to eating. Instead, they used advanced technology like DEXA scans to measure the fissures in cardiovascular and metabolic health between each pair over twins throughout the 8-week experiment.
What is a DEXA Scan?
The Dexa Scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) was designed to precisely measure bone density and has evolved into a full-body composition analysis tool due to its precision in distinguishing between bones, fat, and lean mass.
The DEXA Scan machine functions by emitting two low-dose x-ray beams that can differentiate bones, muscle, and fat. The machine then produces detailed images across each region of your body, indicating your muscle:fat ratio and overall bone density.
Why does body composition matter?
To a certain extent, you can assess your diet based on how you feel. Do you have more energy? Do you feel less brain fog? Are you sleeping better? Is your skin clearer? Your answers to all of these questions reveal whether or not you are on the right nutritional track. But perception can only take you so far. When it comes to making lasting metabolic and cardiovascular health progress, data is king.
On You Are What You Eat, each pair of twins completed a body composition analysis before embarking on their new lifestyle plans. The body composition tests visualize what’s actually happening beneath the surface–someone may feel physically fit, but a precise breakdown of body fat: lean muscle mass may reveal sneaky metabolic and cardiovascular health risks, including visceral fat. This type of fat lies deep, below the surface and around essential organs. A higher percentage of visceral fat indicates a higher likelihood of developing chronic health conditions, like type 2 diabetes.
Not only are body composition tests necessary for sounding the alarm at early signs of chronic disease, but they also simplify the process of measuring results. No one can argue with data. Before-and-after visceral fat analysis, body fat and lean muscle mass % indicate whether or not your lifestyle changes are really making a difference in your overall health. Additionally, there’s a reason why every diet how-to article instructs readers to log their progress: it works. Tracking results over time contributes to motivation. When it comes to losing fat (or gaining muscle) there may be some weeks where the shifts are too minute to really feel. But data never lies.
The power of personalization.
No two bodies are exactly the same. As this show proves, even if you are a twin, varying lifestyles differentiate your physiology. The diets and fitness plans that work for some people may not work for others. And that’s okay. Your health and longevity doesn’t need aggregate anecdotes. It needs personalized insights. Here are a few things DEXA scans reveal about you:
- Body fat %
- Lean muscle mass
- Muscle symmetry
- Visceral fat
- Fat Mass Index (fat in relation to your height)
- Android to Gynoid ratio ( Also known as the apple to pear shape ratio. A breakdown of where fat is stored in your body. Android fat refers to fat around your belly and Gynoid fat refers to fat around your hips.)
As seen on You Are What You Eat, scales and BMI metrics are tools of the past, because your weight can only tell you so much about your health. DEXA scans are among the technologies paving the way for lasting metabolic and cardiovascular health improvement. Getting a complete picture of your muscular health, fat percentage, and chronic risk factors is the first step to achieving your weight goals and boosting your longevity. DEXA scans are among the technologies paving the way for lasting metabolic and cardiovascular health improvement.
Ready to learn more about your own body composition? Schedule your DEXA scan today.
Our founder Dr. Jonathann Kuo, MD recently spoke to our referral partners over at The Lanby about the future of pain management, the role of hospitality in healthcare, and ketamine.
What advancements or research within the field of pain management are you currently most excited about?
I am enthusiastic about several recent advancements in pain management research— particularly in the areas of regenerative medicine, neuromodulation, and advanced, minimally-invasive techniques for chronic pain relief. In regenerative medicine there have been rapid and significant developments in biologics and orthobiologics, aimed at enhancing the body’s natural healing processes by activating intrinsic pathways. We’ve achieved notable success with a combination of treatments, including platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow stem cells, placental matrix, exosomes, Wharton’s Jelly, and other sophisticated biologics, as well as peptides.
Another intriguing area is neuromodulation, which involves increasingly advanced neuro-stimulation devices. These devices can modify the mechanism and perception of pain by precisely targeting spinal nerves and delivering specific electrical impulses to alter pain perception.
I’m also excited about the use of various minimally-invasive procedures to treat chronic pain, including lumbar decompression (the MILD procedure), Intracept or basivertebral nerve ablation, and spinous process spacers for spinal stenosis treatment.
The field of pain management is rapidly evolving with technological advancements, and it’s thrilling to be at the forefront of discovering new methods for pain treatment.
What role does ketamine therapy play in addressing pain and associated mental health concerns?
Ketamine therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for both chronic pain and associated mood disorders, particularly depression. Recognized as a safe, dissociative anesthetic, ketamine creates a unique out-of-body experience akin to a psychedelic-like state. This effect has the potential to restructure existing thought patterns, enhance neuroplasticity, and promote neuronal growth. By doing so, it addresses not just the physical aspects of chronic pain, but also its mental manifestations, including commonly associated mood disorders, like depression and anxiety.
Ketamine has a long-standing medical history, but its application in pain and mood disorder management has gained significant momentum recently. Its safety profile is well-established, and our practice has observed notably positive outcomes when ketamine is integrated with other treatment modalities. This synergy enhances the overall efficacy of our approach to managing the complex interplay of physical pain and mental health concerns.
At The Lanby, we value hospitality as a key factor in optimizing health outcomes. In what way do you apply the tenets of hospitality to your approach to care?
At Hudson Health, our care philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of hospitality, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized treatment experience. We understand that chronic pain is a multifaceted issue, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects, and our approach is tailored to address these diverse needs.
Our commitment to hospitality is evident in several key aspects of our approach:
- Customized Treatment Plans: We recognize that each patient’s journey with chronic pain is unique. Therefore, we dedicate ourselves to creating individualized treatment plans that cater to their specific needs.
- Holistic Care: We take a comprehensive view of pain management, considering both the physical and psychological components of chronic pain. This holistic perspective is crucial in providing effective and empathetic care.
- Soothing Environment: We believe that the ambiance of our office plays a significant role in the healing process, and we have meticulously crafted a calming environment that supports this belief.
You can read Dr. Kuo’s full interview over on The Lanby Blog.
Peptides are gaining more recognition and interest for their ability to stimulate a wide range of health benefits, including weight management, stress management, and muscle growth. People looking to support their muscle mass without the risk of synthetic growth hormones are turning to growth hormone-releasing peptides. And although they sound similar there is a sharp distinction between this class of peptides and the synthetic human hormones that we have come to associate with doping scandals and shamed athletes.
What are growth hormones?
Growth hormones are small proteins that our pituitary glands naturally secrete. These hormones stimulate the growth of bones and cartilage, but production begins to steadily decline around the age of 30.
As our natural levels of growth hormone decline over time, it becomes harder to build and maintain lean muscle mass. But supplementing with the right growth hormone peptides can trigger your body’s production of natural growth hormones to support lean muscle mass.
How do growth hormone-releasing peptides work?
Peptides stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and release natural growth hormones, and supplementing with the right growth hormone-releasing peptides can trigger your body’s production of natural growth hormones to support lean muscle mass.
Ipamorelin and CJC 1295 are two growth hormone peptides that are commonly administered together. Ipamorelin stimulates the release of growth hormones
CJC-1295 can increase and sustain levels of growth hormones. By triggering and helping to sustain growth hormone production Ipamorelin and CJC 1295 can help you reduce fat and build lean muscle mass.
What are synthetic human growth hormones?
Synthetic human growth hormones increase growth hormone levels exogenously, and in doing so they actually inhibit any natural production of growth hormones by the pituitary gland.
Synthetic growth hormone injections also induce sharp increases and fast declines in growth hormone levels, because synthetic hormones don’t align with the normal fluctuations of natural growth hormones, which are influenced by sleep cycles, exercise and food intake. As a result, reaping the muscle building benefits of synthetic growth hormone requires daily tracking.
If you’re looking to build lean muscle mass, growth hormone-releasing peptides are the safer choice. In addition to being illegal in most professional leagues, synthetic human growth hormones are also risky and are often accompanied by negative side effects like, increased insulin resistance, swelling, pain, and increased risk of cancers.
Learn more about peptides here.
Hudson Health is growing. In addition to our pain management, preventive wellness, and interventional mental health branches, we have launched a longevity-focused practice to help you optimize your health and increase your lifespan.
Our newly renovated space features state-of-the-art treatments that minimize your risk of developing chronic conditions and maximize your overall vitality. Longevity Center treatments include:
DEXA Scan
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
This body composition scan measures your bone density, muscle:fat ratio, and overall body composition.
EBOO
Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation
EBOO is an advanced form of ozone therapy that can be used as part of a treatment protocol for inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders. This treatment helps to detoxify your system by stimulating oxygen metabolism and activating the immune system to eliminate viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
VO2 Max
Maximize your training efficiency by measuring how much oxygen your body absorbs and uses during exercise.
Peptide Therapy
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that influence major biological processes. Our peptide therapy program harnesses the power of peptides to stimulate the release of essential hormones that regulate biological processes, like digestion, immunity, and tissue repair.
Hyperbaric Chamber*
Hyperbaric Oxygen is known to increase the supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues and increases blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. This therapy is also said to improve the performance of white blood cells as they fight off threats to the immune system.
*Coming soon
A DEXA, short for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, is a full body composition scan that measures lean mass, fat mass, and bone density. This type of scan works by emitting low-dose x-rays that absorb bone tissue and soft tissue to compile an accurate profile of your body’s compositions and density.
DEXA scan measurements
Patients use DEXA body composition scan to assess their risk of osteoporosis, but it’s also a valuable weight management tool. DEXA’s low-dose x-rays distinguish between different types of mass in your body: mineral mass (bones), fat, and muscle mass. By mapping out your different mass types, DEXA scans give you a comprehensive picture of your body’s composition below the scan.
- Body fat%
- Lean muscle mass
- Muscle symmetry
- Visceral fat
- Fat Mass Index (fat in relation to your height)
- Android to Gynoid ratio ( Also known as the apple to pear shape ratio. A breakdown of where fat is stored in your body. Android fat refers to fat around your belly and gynoid fat refers to fat around your hips.)
Knowing exactly where your body stores excess fat tissue can help you tailor your fitness regimen to target those areas. Whether you’re trying to mitigate chronic pain or overhauling your nutrition to improve your lifestyle, your DEXA scan can serve as a baseline for your progress as you adapt new changes to reduce your body fat and increase your lean muscle mass.
Learn more about the benefits of DEXA scans here.
What really happens to you’re body when you take a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic?
2023 is the year of Ozempic. The FDA first approved Ozempic, a semaglutide medication from Novo Nordisk, back in 2017, but the drug went mainstream in 2022.1 And by April of 2023 it had reached household recognition status. The court of public opinion regarding Semaglutide remains split, with one camp celebrating its potential to overall health and quality of life, and the other skeptical of expediting the weight loss process.
It’s safe to assume public interest in semaglutide for weight loss will only increase in the coming months, which means it’s crucial to dispel the false beliefs that are swirling around the edges of cultural conversation on Semaglutide and the new era of weight loss we have entered.
Before we separate the fact from the fiction, let’s define semaglutide.
What is semaglutide and how does it work?
Semaglutide is the generic version of a FDA-approved drug that mimics the digestive hormone GLP-1. As a naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1 is released into the intestines and influences three major components of eating and digestion.
Appetite GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus suppress appetite.
Satiety GLP-1 receptors in the stomach regulate satiety by slowing down digestion.
Blood sugar GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas promote the production of insulin to regulate blood sugar.
When semaglutide is injected into the body it boosts the work GLP-1 is already enacting in the brain, stomach, and pancreas.
Fiction:
Semaglutide can only help people with diabetes.
Fact:
Semaglutide helps people with diabetes manage their weight and blood sugar, and helps people without diabetes manage their weight.
Yes, semaglutide was developed, first and foremost, as a tool to help diabetes patients regulate their blood sugar. However, as more research emerged, the consistent weight management results across for people without diabetes were too consistent and powerful to ignore.2
Fiction:
Semaglutide always causes gastrointestinal pain.
Fact:
Semaglutide may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but this varies from person to person.
Studies do show that semaglutide may increase the chances of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation in comparison to placebo participants.3 But 99.5% of these cases were reported as non-serious and 98% as mild-to-moderate. It’s also necessary to note that uncomfortable GI side effects are typically most prevalent shortly after patients escalate their dosages.
Fiction
Stopping semaglutide leads to weight gain.
Fact:
Stopping semaglutide does not always lead to weight gain—especially when patients continue lifestyle modifications.
Some patients experience rebound weight after stopping Semaglutide.4 Metabolic doctors and researchers note that many patients experience a surge in cravings after stopping medication, because they no longer have the added support of semaglutide in regulating their cravings and appetite. However, lifestyle modifications like exercise and practicing mindfulness while eating can not only help patients maintain their weight, but also improve their relationship with food in general.
Fiction:
It is unsafe to stay on semaglutide forever.
Fact:
More research is needed to determine how optimal long-term usage is.
There are some debates around the long-term safety of semaglutide use as some studies conducted with rodents have found correlations with thyroid cancer.5 However, more research needs to be conducted to determine whether these risks may also be prevalent in humans.
Interest in semaglutide and Ozempic for weight loss is not showing any signs of slowing down, and more people are searching for ways to find Ozempic online. As it becomes easier to access GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro it’s important to remember that taking new medications that can significantly impact your hormones should always be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Hudson’s Medical Weight Management Program not only includes ongoing medical consultations, but also gives you access to 1:1 sessions with our registered nutritionist to help you implement lifestyle changes that support the effects of Semaglutide.
Contact concierge@hudson.health today to learn more about our Semaglutide Weight Management program.
References
1.“Ozempic (SEMAGLUTIDE) FDA Approval History.” Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/history/ozempic.html.
2. Rubino DM, Greenway FL, Khalid U, et al. Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022;327(2):138–150. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.23619
3.(Wharton, S, Calanna, S, Davies, M, et al. Gastrointestinal tolerability of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022; 24( 1): 94- 105. doi:10.1111/dom.14551)
4.Blum, Dani. “Ozempic Can Cause Major Weight Loss. What Happens If You Stop Taking It?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 3 Feb. 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/03/well/live/ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss.html.
5.Smits MM, Van Raalte DH. Safety of Semaglutide. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jul 7;12:645563. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.645563. Erratum in: Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Nov 10;12:786732. PMID: 34305810; PMCID: PMC8294388.
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.
Want to really improve your longevity? Start by checking in on your cells—specifically, the NAD+ levels in your cells.
Biohacking searches are skyrocketing and more people are experimenting with fasting and immersion therapies to wind back their biological clocks. Though studies support the potentials of intermittent fasting and cold therapy to slow cellular aging and reduce the risk of disease, NAD+ testing as longevity targeting resource has gone largely overlooked—until recently.1,2
What is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+, is a coenzyme that influences some of the most vital processes in the body, including metabolizing food into energy and regulating cellular processes like DNA repair and immune system functioning.3,4 It acts as a helper molecule throughout the cellular respiration process, resulting in the production of our cell’s most viable energy currency, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).5
Though NAD+ plays an essential role in the body’s upkeep, NAD+ levels naturally decrease over time—a reduction that is associated with common aging markers and age-related diseases, including metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.6
And although we know that a decline in NAD+ levels does occur with age, until recently it’s been hard to determine the velocity of this decline and how it impacts individuals differently.
Intracellular NAD+ testing—which is now available at Hudson Health—offers a clear and personalized view of the current state of your cellular health, and subsequently, insights into potential risk levels for future age-related diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinsons
- Type 2 diabetes
Arming yourself with a baseline analysis is the crucial first step in your NAD optimization journey. From here, you can work with your longevity specialist to implement the best optimization strategies for your body and lifestyle.
As more research around intracellular NAD+ optimization emerges, comprehensive baseline analyses are crucial for supporting their efficacy.
If you’re ready to take your future health into your own hands, schedule your NAD+ test here.
References:
1.Longo VD, Di Tano M, Mattson MP, Guidi N. Intermittent and periodic fasting, longevity and disease. Nat Aging. 2021 Jan;1(1):47-59. doi: 10.1038/s43587-020-00013-3. Epub 2021 Jan 14. PMID: 35310455; PMCID: PMC8932957.
2.Esperland D, de Weerd L, Mercer JB. Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water – a continuing subject of debate. Int J Circumpolar Health. 2022 Dec;81(1):2111789. doi: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2111789. PMID: 36137565; PMCID: PMC9518606.
3.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.
4.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.
5.Xie, N., Zhang, L., Gao, W. et al. NAD+ metabolism: pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Sig Transduct Target Ther 5, 227 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-020-00311-7
6.Yahyah Aman, Yumin Qiu, Jun Tao, Evandro F. Fang,
Therapeutic potential of boosting NAD+ in aging and age-related diseases,
Translational Medicine of Aging, Volume 2, 2018, Pages 30-37, ISSN 2468-5011,
7. Poljsak B, Kovač V, Milisav I. Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations: Do the Beneficial Effects Originate from NAD+ Amount at the Cellular Level? Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 Dec 12;2020:8819627. doi: 10.1155/2020/8819627. PMID: 33414897; PMCID: PMC7752291.
Flu season is ramping up and experts are concerned it may be especially severe this year. For one, the southern hemisphere experienced a sharp increase in cases which may translate to an uptick in the northern hemisphere. Additionally, all of our masking over the past couple of winters may have weakened our immunity against influenza.
Influenza, or the flu, can come on very suddenly, with symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, nasal congestion or runny nose, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, and profound tiredness. Certain flu strains also carry a higher likelihood of causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Usually, people experience just a few of these more predominant symptoms, and recovery time ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, secondary infections (like bacterial pneumonia or sepsis) can also occur. Less commonly, the flu can cause multi-organ failure, brain inflammation, heart inflammation, or muscle tissue conditions. While anyone can experience a complication from the flu, they are far more likely in people with chronic illnesses, suppressed immune systems, or at the ends of the age spectrum (the very young or very old).
Precautions to take
The flu is highly preventable, and we are all essentially experts at flu prevention, having lived through the COVID-19 pandemic. To avoid contracting a respiratory virus like the flu, avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated, and wear masks when in crowded places.
The number one prevention tip is, of course, to get a flu shot. Studies show that getting a flu vaccination reduces the risk of contracting the flu between 40% and 60% among the overall population.
Flu shots contain different strains of the influenza virus and when you get a flu shot, your immune system essentially practices its defense response. This way, should you contract influenza your immune system will be familiar with the virus and have a higher chance of eliminating it.
Which vaccine should you get?
Several types of flu vaccines are available this season. The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older, but this year they are relaying special considerations for the 65 and older crowd as this age demographic is at higher risk for developing complications associated with the flu. The CDC recommends the following vaccines for people 65 years and older:
- Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine
- Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine
- Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine
When you get a flu shot, your immune system will get a chance to try out its defense tactics on the inactivated (killed) forms of the flu viruses. Think of a boxer practicing for a match by hitting a punching bag. When your immune system encounters one of these influenza viruses in the wild, it will already know its opponent’s weaknesses, and it will have a much higher chance of knocking its lights out before you’re even aware of what’s going on.
How will Covid-19 affect this year’s flu season?
Experts have been vocal about their worries of a twindemic from rising Covid-19 cases and simultaneous spikes in influenza. But a third virus is on the horizon that could add even more complications this winter season. R.S.V, a respiratory virus, is already running rampant across pediatric hospitals.
It’s still too early in the season to be able to predict with a degree of certainty, the extent of each virus. But now is the time to start taking precautions. Flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines (and boosters, if eligible) are vital defensive resources against the oncoming wave of illness. And, as always, masking up in public and practicing social distancing are also effective strategies for mitigating illness in your household this winter.
And if you do contract the flu or virus, our vitamin IV therapies effectively replenish your body with essential nutrients. Additionally, studies have shown that Vitamin C IV therapies reduce fatigue and fatigue-related symptoms common to Long COVID.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about available recovery treatments.
References:
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/arm-yourself-against-the-2022-23-flu-season/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/23/health/flu-covid-risk.html