Your health begins at the cellular level within your body. Yes, those little molecular cells you need to see underneath a microscope actually have a huge impact on how your body functions, mood, energy levels, and overall wellness. So needless to say it’s best to “start small” (pun is absolutely intended here).
To start small, we need to look at what it is you’re putting in and on your body. Your body requires so many micro-nutrients, molecules, proteins, fats and so many more molecular/co-enzyme compounds to nourish your body at the cellular level. You can gain these compounds through food, and supplements.
: Energy Starts At The Cellular LevelWhere Can I Start Small?
One way to start small is to include foods, supplements and movement into your daily routine to help support your cells. Including these in your daily routine can help to increase the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide ( NAD+) levels in your body.
What is NAD+ and What Does it Do In My Body
NAD helps to create cellular energy, promotes & supports cellular defense and repair, AND helps your body adapt to stress. I mean, it does sound like a magic pill (and some days I’d like to think it is). But in all seriousness, NAD is so important to your cells and their function.
Did you know what as you age, your NAD leveles decline up to 65% between the ages of 30 and 70? Pretty crazy, right? The rate at which NAD levels declines depends on your personal everyday physiological stressors. This can include excessive sun exposure, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, over training the body and so much more.
What Do I Do to Help My NAD+ Levels?
So what do we do now? We support our NAD levels by providing our bodies with the precursors needed to increase and/or maintain our NAD levels.
- Eat Whole Foods
- Engage in Daily Movement
- Immersing yourself in Daily routines that can reduce stress (i.e. somatic therapy, meditation, stretching, resting, and more)
- Intermittent Fasting
- Limiting Alcohol
- Supplement(s) that include Nicotinamide Riboside (AKA. NR) which is the precursor for NAD production in the body.
What Decreases my NAD+ Levels?
- Excessive exercise (yea, this one shocked me too! You need to give your body time to rest and recover)
- Excessive Sun exposure (a good amount of it is okay, but be mindful of using suncreen and the amount of time spent in the sun)
- Excessive Alcohol Use
- Eating highly processed foods
- Eating a diet loaded in bad fats and sugars
- Poor sleep
One Of My Favorite Supplements to Increase NAD+
One of my favorite ways to help increase my NAD+ levels (in addition to the ones listed above) is taking a supplement that is loaded in Nicotinamide Riboside and that is backed by many studies (AKA the quality is on point and has been proven to help increase NAD+ levels).
I was introduced to this brand called Tru Niagen (A Chromadex Company) over a year ago and have been taking this supplement daily. I have seen so many benefits to taking this supplement, which include (and aren’t limited to) increased muscle strength, minimal recovery time, and more energy.
NAD stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and is an coenzyme (a molecule that binds with proteins) that plays such a vial role in the processes of your body, particularly as it pertains to your energy levels.
Tru Niagen, a patented form of Nicotinamide Riboside is backed by so many amazing minds in the scientific community AND by over 25 human clinical studies demonstrating safety and/or efficacy with over 300 published studies. Now, if that’s not enough nerdy proof about this product, I don’t know what is!!
I take Tru Niagen daily, and sometimes even multiple times a day to get my NR and NAD levels higher. I have found that my recovery post-workouts have been shorter (yay to that!) and that my energy levels are really incredible. I personally don’t drink any caffeine and am so pleased I can continue on this trend using this product. You can head over to their website to check them out.
Brooke Burke and Tru Niagen
One more thing that totally hit this home with me using the product, is that one of my favorite fitness models uses it – Brooke Burke. She is a very important stakeholder of this brand, and in fact, I was able to join Brooke and the Tru Niagen team at her home for a day of wellness and to learn more about the Tru Niagen brand (as well as their new product they’re launching).