Desert Health News - January-February 2024

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a popular supplement in the anti-aging realm, as significant research supports its effectiveness in enhancing energy production. My husband’s integrative doctor, Joe Scherger, MD, has had him taking it orally for several years. But because it works at the cellular level, it’s hard to directly measure its efficacy, and while it’s available at stores like Clark’s Nutrition, it’s not cheap. Now, it is also readily available as an IV drip. When I saw Restore Hyper Wellness co-owner Jeff Smith, DO, an integrative sports and pain medicine doctor, getting an NAD+ IV at Restore, I was interested to learn his protocol and the effects he experiences from this more direct form of supplementation. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme that supports our energy powerhouse cells (our mitochondria) and cleans out damaged cell components.± It is produced naturally and required by every living cell in our body,² but as we age, our natural production declines. Dr. Smith is an ultra-athlete and certainly on the cutting edge of “body hacks,” so I am delighted to share our conversation as I learned quite a bit: Why do you recommend supplementing with NAD+? Modern life. The stresses and exposures we all face today, coupled with diminishing abilities to replenish via natural resources (i.e. depleted soils), are good reasons to supplement important nutrients, like NAD+, required for optimal performance. What benefits have you seen from IV supplementation? Overall, I just feel more vitality, more youthfulness. My sleep and athletic recovery have improved, and while I didn’t notice increased energy immediately, my endurance has definitely improved. I also feel less discomfort and aches and pains. What is your dosing protocol? Restore Hyper Wellness’s established protocol is a loading dose of 500 mg administered over four consecutive days, followed by regular maintenance which can either be one 250-750mg IV monthly, or weekly 125mg IM [intramuscular] shots administered equally apart (i.e. every Tuesday). I did the initial loading doses and waited a few months before returning as the regiment is recommended, but not required. How can we replenish NAD+ naturally? Healthy foods containing macronutrients like tryptophan and B3 [niacin] that are made into NAD (minimally processed eggs, broccoli, beans, avocado and lean grass-fed meat) all help fuel your body. Managing stress and sleeping well also aid in decreasing oxidized stress which depletes our mitochondria of their energy. Who should not supplement? NAD+ is not recommended for those with a history of seizures, kidney or liver disease, allergies to niacin or B vitamins, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also suggested that increased levels of NAD+ can boost the breakdown of glucose [glycolysis] and allow for the proliferation of cancer cells, so it is not recommended for those with recent cancers [within five years of treatment]. NAD+ supplementation is just another tool in our vast tool box of anti-aging modalities that help our body repair, recover and rejuvenate, he adds. They should all be supported by healthy lifestyle habits and balanced nutrition. Del Sarto is founder and publisher of Desert Health and can be reached Lauren@DesertHealthNews.com . For more information on NAD+ supplementation, visit www.restore.com or call (760) 505.3000. References: 1) https://www.restore.com/blog/how-can-nad-iv-drip-therapy-help-me ; 2) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7963035/ www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2024 Integrative Medicine The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 17 Core Services Specialty Services • Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHbOT) • IV Drip Therapy • Intramuscular (IM) Shots • NAD+ Therapy • Biomarker Assessments • Cryoskin • HydraFacial ® • Circadia Oxygen Facial ® Try 3 Core Services for $75 Choose fromCryotherapy, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna or Compression (legs, arms or hips) Ask about our new all-inclusive ELEVATE MEMBERSHIP with credits towards core & specialty services Call our wellness representatives for details. Limited time offer; restrictions apply. Cryotherapy • Relieve pain, swelling and stress • Promote healing and athletic recovery • Boost mood, energy and sleep Infrared Sauna • Promote energy and healing • Improve circulation and heart health • Detoxify heavy metals, relieve inflammation Red Light Therapy • Improve mood and energy • Relieve pain and inflammation • Optimize sleep Compression • Improve lymphatic function and circulation • Reduce muscle aches and pain • Improve flexibility and mobility (760) 505-3000 73-567 Highway 111, Suite G-1 (Jensen’s Shopping Center) rhw_palmdesert rhwpalmdesert Learn more: Restore and DoMore This Season Create your customized plan today and get ready to meet the best version of You! Jeff Smith, DO Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to deliver health benefits for cardiovascular support, cognitive function and joint integrity. However, it is important to also recognize the potential risks associated with their use. One of the primary risks associated with supplementation revolves around the potential for excessive bleeding or interference with blood clotting mechanisms. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly high doses of EPA and DHA, have been shown to exhibit antithrombotic properties, which may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with certain medications or in individuals with bleeding disorders.± In a group of randomized trials of pharmacologic strength omega-3, higher plasma levels of n3-FA (EPA and EPA+DHA, but not DHA) were associated with significantly fewer hospitalized bleeding events, and higher DHA levels (not EPA or EPA+DHA) with fewer atrial fibrillation events.² So, bleeding is a critical consideration for individuals scheduled for surgery or those taking anticoagulant medications. Quantities of omega-3 supplements should also be considered, as greater than three grams may cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea or indigestion, and in some cases, individuals may be more prone to oxidative stress due to the susceptibility of polyunsaturated fats to oxidation.µ Concerns have also been raised about the potential for contaminants, such as mercury and other environmental toxins, in certain fish oil supplements. This issue emphasizing the importance of sourcing products from reputable manufacturers. Some suppliers now have a form of omega-3 that is 100% vegan, naturally derived from micro-algae (Schizochytrium sp.) which has particularly high contents of DHA and EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids have also shown promise in certain studies on mental health, however, the evidence of efficacy in treating all mental health conditions remains inconclusive. A recent meta-analysis shows promise of using more EPA omega-3 than DHA omega-3; thus supporting the finding that omega-3 PUFAs with EPA 60% at a dosage of ≤1 grams per head per day (g/d) could have beneficial effects on depression. 4 It is important to approach the use of omega-3 supplements for mental health with an understanding of the current scientific evidence and to consider them as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the guidance of health care professionals. Always remember that youmustmeasure tomanage your health.Measuringomega-3 levels in your blood can be done with a simple fingerstick or whole blood test. Biogena, a supplement company, recently measured omega-3 levels, along with numerous other blood biomarkers in relationship to mental health. They found that if your omega-3 index was above 10%, your psychological well-being was better as a whole including stress protection, sleep quality and less depression.» In summary, omega-3 fatty acids can offer potential benefits. When seeking optimal health, measure your outcomes by measuring omega-3 levels in the blood. The quality and purity of supplements should also be carefully evaluated to mitigate the risk of exposure to contaminants. Informed decision-making, in consultation with a health care provider, is crucial to ensuring the safe and effective use of omega-3 supplements for health. Dr. Underwood is a doctor of public health, a certified nutritionist, exercise physiologist and preventive practitioner with Healthy Futures, Inc. He can be reached at (760) 238.1446 or at doctor@bruceunderwooddrph.com . For more information, visit www.bruceunderwooddrph.com . References available upon request. Omega-3 Benefits and Risks By Bruce Underwood, DrPH, CNS Does NAD+ Really Work? By Lauren Del Sarto