The Secrets of NMN: a Youth Revitalizer
Do you remember what it was like to be 18? 17? In these days, did you ever feel like running, hard, or make some crazy karate kick jump just out of sheer impulse? You likely had high levels of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) coursing through your thriving body, fueling these fun moments of spontaneous energy.
"What am I talking about?" I hear you say.
I understand. But before you tune off trying to look for more information about NMN...
Without NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), your body struggles to produce enough NAD+ for you to make that jump, handstand, or impulsive challenge to a friend to show who's boss in the 100 meters.
And even though this is not a biology blog, it is fair to say that NMN plays a vital role in NAD+ production within the cell, which in turn plays a vital role in how we feel, function, and age. It gives us the energy needed to thrive in life, on a deep level, a cellular level. Very important stuff, and it's more natural than any energy fuel we could think of.
Using NMN to Raise NAD+ Levels the Artificial Way
The good thing is, we can create our NAD+ levels artificially, even towards 18 year old levels, well into older chronological age!
Here is what anti-aging experimenter Bryan Johnson had to say about the subject after switching from NR (another effective substance for increasing NAD+ levels) to NMN:
“They basically work to get my intracellular NAD to level age 16 equivalent.”
16 years!
But let us clarify. NMN, a so-called precursor to NAD+, is responsible for more than just energy production. It plays a key role in cellular repair, DNA maintenance, and metabolism.
And yes, it is true that, like many other things like testosterone and muscle mass, NAD+ levels decline if we allow ourselves to age. That's why it is fairly good news that around the mid-2010s, supplementing with NMN became an option for us and is now widely available on health supplement marketplaces like iHerb.
And even though, like many other products in the supplement industry, individual results may vary. I myself can testify that, upon starting NMN supplementation, I noticed a real difference in how I felt and how my energy was coursing within my body.
Sirtuins and Other Benefits of NMN
But, with all the benefits mentioned already, let's briefly dive a bit deeper into the wild world of DNA science. NMN is supposed to be a key player in activating so-called sirtuins.
Sirtuins, aka 'guardians of the genome,' are a family of proteins that play a vital role in cellular health by repairing DNA, regulating inflammation, and extending the lifespan of cells. A study on mice showed that a mouse with enhanced sirtuin activity would show signs of living longer, healthier lives than their non-supplemented counterparts.
And without diving too deeply into the scientific details, let me just outline the benefits of taking NMN below:
Benefits of NMN:
- Increased energy levels and mitochondrial function
- Improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic health
- Cardiovascular health enhancement
- Neuroprotection, cognitive function, and brain health
- Anti-aging effects on skin and cellular health
- Muscle strength, endurance, and exercise recovery
- Weight management and fat metabolism
- Eye health improvement
- DNA repair and reduction in inflammation
- Blood flow, vascular health, and sirtuin activation
- Protection against oxidative stress
- Sleep quality improvement
Please note that this list could be more extensive, especially if we include benefits that are merely anecdotal or yet to be scientifically verified.
Increasing NAD+ Levels the Natural Way
But let's now talk about how NAD+ normally would increase, and how you could do this in a more natural way.
Regular exercise has been shown to boost the activity of special proteins in the body that help make more NAD+, which in turn elevate your cellular vitality. It's one of the main reasons why that daily endorphin rush is a secret to staying youthful.
Certain foods rich in NAD+ precursors, like avocados, broccoli, cucumbers, edamame, and mushrooms, aren't just healthy eats—they're your cells' fuel stations. Every meal with these ingredients is a step towards a longer, more vibrant life.
Also, calorie restriction and intermittent fasting are age-old secrets to longevity. These practices put your body in repair mode, clearing out cellular clutter and boosting NAD+ levels—a real-life "reset" for your cellular age.
Furthermore, getting enough high-quality sleep is crucial for cell repair and maintaining youthfulness. It's in the quiet of the night that your body replenishes NAD+ and heals daily wear and tear.
And when it comes to stress, think of it as NAD+'s archenemy. Simple relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can keep your NAD+ levels from plummeting.
Don't forget hydration—the unsung hero of cellular health. Drinking plenty of water daily supports every function in your body, including those vital NAD+ producing processes.
Lastly, a bit of sun can do more than just brighten your day. Moderate exposure helps with vitamin D synthesis, indirectly supporting the health and efficiency of your cells, including those responsible for NAD+ production.
So, before you consider trading sleep for another episode or letting stress have the upper hand, remember: your cellular vitality is at stake. These natural methods aren't just good habits—they're your ticket to a rejuvenated, energized life.
Consider Supplementing for Perfect Synergy
Those were all great natural ways to boost your NAD+ levels; but doing these things in synergy with NMN supplementation might be just the way to go if you want those late teenage or early twenties levels back (thirty two anyone?).
Regarding dosage, aim for 250 to 500 mg daily, adjusting as fits your vibe and needs. You can get capsules, powders, sublingual tablets or lozenges; but make sure it's pure, like 98% pure, without any junk. Also, keep it cool. Stash your NMN it somewhere away from the sunny spots to keep its potency locked in.
For me, NMN has been working like a charm, and I am not planning to ever stop this. I order at iHerb, my absolute favorite vendor for all my supplements.
