The Power of NAD+ & Unlocking Longevity | Dr. Greg Kelly of Qualia

The Dr. Tyna Show Episode 195

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) has gained significant attention in longevity and health circles due to its critical role in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular resilience. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Greg Kelly — who dives deep into what NAD+ is, how it works in the body, and why supporting it may be essential for aging well.

Key Takeaways:

• What NAD+ is and why it declines with age
• The role of NAD+ in energy, mood, and recovery
• How to optimize NAD+ levels for longevity and overall health

Let’s dive in.

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What Is NAD+ And Why Is It Important?

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme found in every cell, playing a key role in:

• Energy production: It helps convert food into ATP, the body's energy currency.
• DNA repair: It supports the repair of damaged DNA, crucial for longevity.
• Cellular resilience: NAD+ activates sirtuins, enzymes that regulate aging and stress resistance.
• Metabolic health: It influences insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and fat metabolism.

• Age-related decline: Research shows NAD+ levels naturally decrease as we age, contributing to metabolic slowdown, fatigue, and increased cellular damage.

How NAD+ Declines With Age and Why It Matters

As people age, their NAD+ levels drop due to:

• Chronic inflammation: Increased inflammation leads to greater NAD+ consumption.
• Senescent cells (Zombie cells): These aged cells deplete NAD+ while causing nearby cells to age faster.
• Reduced enzymatic activity: The body becomes less efficient at converting NAD+ precursors into usable NAD+.
• Poor gut microbiome health: Microbes play a role in NAD+ metabolism, and an unbalanced gut can interfere with production.
• Impact on aging: This decline is linked to cognitive decline, reduced muscle recovery, and impaired mitochondrial function.

NAD+ and Mitochondria: The Energy Connection

• Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, rely on NAD+ to produce ATP.
• Without adequate NAD+, mitochondria become inefficient, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and reduced endurance.
• Exercise supports NAD+ production, but as we age, we need more support to sustain mitochondrial health.

How to Increase NAD+ Naturally

Lifestyle Strategies

• Exercise: High-intensity and resistance training boost NAD+ levels, though excessive exercise can deplete it.
• Intermittent fasting: Fasting promotes NAD+ by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing cellular stress.
• Sunlight and Red Light Therapy: Exposure to natural light and red light therapy may support mitochondrial efficiency and NAD+ metabolism.
• Quality Sleep: Proper rest helps regulate sirtuin activity, which depends on NAD+.

Dietary Choices 

• Eat B3-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, and dairy) to provide precursors.
• Include polyphenols (found in berries, tea, and wine) that support NAD+ metabolism.

Supplementing With NAD+ Precursors: What Works Best?

The body does not absorb NAD+ directly; it must be synthesized from precursors.

• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Converts to NAD+ effectively and is well-studied.
• Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): Another strong precursor but less widely studied.
• Niacin (Vitamin B3): Converts to NAD+, but high doses cause flushing.
• Niacinamide: A non-flushing form of B3 that plays a unique role in muscle stem cell function.

Qualia NAD+ by Neurohacker Collective:

• Contains NR, niacinamide, and low-dose niacin for a balanced approach.
• Includes resveratrol, magnesium, and B vitamins to support conversion.
• Clinically studied to increase NAD+ levels by up to 74% in four weeks.

When And How To Take NAD+ Boosters

• Morning is best: Research suggests NAD+ precursors work more effectively in the early part of the day.
• Take with or without food: If sensitive, take with a meal to avoid stomach discomfort.
• Stacking for optimal results:
• Pair NAD+ supplements with red light therapy to enhance mitochondrial benefits.
• Consume with coffee (or caffeine) to further boost NAD+ production.

How NAD+ Supports Muscle Recovery and Longevity

• Aging and exercise recovery: Older adults experience increased post-exercise soreness and longer recovery times.
• Muscle stem cells (satellite cells): NAD+ precursors, especially niacinamide, may improve their function and support muscle repair.
• Inflammation control: NAD+ helps counteract exercise-induced inflammation, making workouts more effective.

NAD+ And Brain Health: The Cognitive Benefits

• Supports neurotransmitter function: Boosting NAD+ enhances brain energy production, reducing brain fog.
• May improve mood and emotional resilience: Many users report feeling calmer, more focused, and less prone to mood swings.
• Linked to sleep quality: NAD+ may improve sleep by regulating circadian rhythms.

Should You Take NAD+ Daily Or Cycle It?

• Daily use: Works best for long-term NAD+ maintenance and cellular protection.
• Cyclical approach: Some experts recommend occasional breaks (e.g., one week off per month).
• Combination with senolytics: Clearing out senescent cells once a month may enhance the benefits of daily NAD+ supplementation.

Final Thoughts: Is NAD+ The Missing Piece For Healthy Aging?

• Declining NAD+ is a hallmark of aging, but we have ways to counteract it.
• Lifestyle changes and supplementation can improve energy, resilience, and longevity.
• Morning NAD+ boosting with exercise, red light, and proper diet can maximize its benefits.

Optimize Your NAD+ for Longevity

• Try Qualia NAD+ and track your energy, sleep, and recovery.
• Incorporate red light therapy in the morning to support mitochondrial function.
• Pair NAD+ with a nutrient-dense diet and intermittent fasting for enhanced effects.

Get 15% off Qualia NAD+ using code DRTYNA here!

Show Links: 

FREE GUIDE: Assess Your Metabolic Health

Metabolic Revamp Toolkit

GLP1 Done Right University 

Ozempic Uncovered 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog/podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While Dr. Tyna Moore is a licensed doctor, she is not the reader’s or listener’s personal doctor. Individuals should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about treatments, supplements, sauna use, or significant changes to their exercise routine. The benefits of strength training and other exercise interventions can vary among individuals, so personalized advice is essential to avoid potential injury. Professional medical advice should not be disregarded or delayed because of something read or heard in this content.

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