A quick overview of what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- The role of NAD+ in the body
- An overview of autoimmune diseases
- How NAD+ could work as supplemental treatment for people with autoimmune conditions
Type 1 diabetes. Multiple sclerosis. Celiac disease. Rheumatoid arthritis. These are all common autoimmune conditions. If you’re living with one, you know it can be challenging to manage, even with standard treatments.
But there’s some good news! NAD+ may be a helpful supplement for people with autoimmune conditions. New to NAD+ or unsure where to start? No worries! We’ll walk you through what NAD+ is, the available types of NAD+ treatments, and how NAD+ could help you if you have an autoimmune condition.
What is NAD+ Again?
Simply put, NAD+ is an enzyme with a lot of different roles in the body, but its key function is to help cells produce energy from nutrients (so basically, it’s key to normal cell function). NAD+ also fuels cellular repair mechanisms to help clean up damage in the cells. As we get older, though, our bodies don’t produce as much NAD+, causing a range of age-related conditions, such as cognitive decline and muscle deterioration.
What is an Autoimmune Condition?
Broadly speaking, an autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system attacks the body, mistaking healthy cells in the body for intruders, like bacteria or viruses. These attacks often cause inflammation, pain, and damage to internal tissue—for example, multiple sclerosis is caused by damage to nerve cells, which cause symptoms like poor balance and mobility.
Unfortunately, no one knows exactly why autoimmune conditions form—though there are plenty of theories, such as the hygiene hypothesis!
How Could NAD+ Help Someone With an Autoimmune Condition?
There’s a lot of exciting research that has shown NAD+ could help with autoimmune conditions in two ways:
- Facilitating cellular regeneration, and
- Helping stop certain cells in the immune system from attacking the body
We know autoimmune conditions attack and destroy cells in the body, causing many of the symptoms associated with that condition. And while the body has processes for repairing and creating new cells, there’s a key enzyme involved in this process. You guessed it: NAD+! Several studies have shown that NAD+ can reverse or ameliorate the symptoms of many autoimmune conditions by helping the body repair tissue damaged by inflammation. For example, people with irritable bowel disease (IBD) experience inflammation that can erode the gut’s protective lining. NAD+ has been shown to improve the quality of this cell lining.
NAD+ also plays a vital role in the immune system. A study published a few years ago found that NAD+ can help regulate the activity of certain types of T-cells, the same kind of immune system cell that attacks the body. This process could potentially reduce inflammation and other symptoms of autoimmune conditions.
Which NAD+ Product is Right For Me?
You can find NAD+ supplementation in over-the-counter pills, IVs, or prescription products, such as patches, injections, and even nasal spray. As to be expected, each has different levels of convenience and effectiveness, so it’s important to weigh your options and decide what works for you.
AgelessRx offers a range of NAD+ forms to meet your needs, so check them out to see if they may be right for you and your autoimmune condition! Plus, we have a knowledgeable medical staff that can help if you’re unsure where to start.