Aesthetics Medical Spa

Methylene Blue

Beth Brinson — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:18:53 +0000

What if I told you there really is a magic bullet in the world of anti-aging and disease management—a nutraceutical so distinct that it could make a radical difference in your health. Would you be interested in knowing about it? If your answer is yes, you’re in the right place. The magic bullet that I’m speaking about is Methylene Blue (M-Blue), a powerful chemical antioxidant that not only alleviates pain but also kills parasites and may even prevent and/or slow the progress of dementia and Alzheimer’s!

These distinctive benefits are all courtesy of M-Blue’s ability to improve oxygen delivery to the body’s cells. How important is this? M-Blue’s benefits for longevity and disease management cannot be understated, and they begin with its critically important role of regenerating and repairing our cells’ mitochondria. Mitochondria are the part of the cell responsible for generating energy to power all of our biological processes. When mitochondria are damaged or malfunctioning in any way, the cells cannot carry out their functions and, depending on the degree of injury, may even die. When enough cells are injured or underperforming, we can develop any one of hundreds of mitochondrial diseases.

Often difficult to diagnose, symptoms of mitochondrial disease range from mild to severe, and tend to dominate the brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and endocrine and respiratory systems. Keeping our mitochondria well, which delays cellular aging, is a top priority not only for reducing disease risk but for also improving our chances of staying youthful and vital throughout life. That’s where M-Blue comes in. To generate energy, the mitochondria burn calories from foods we eat using the oxygen we breathe. By improving oxygen delivery to the more than 30 trillion cells of the human body, M-Blue helps restore the cell’s “breathing function.” Our cells then have a much better chance of performing their unique functions in the body.

Methylene Blue was initially developed by a German chemist in 1876. Paul Ehrlich, the German physician and noble prize recipient commonly known as “the father of immunology,” began using M-Blue with some success as an antimalarial drug in 1891. It was the first fully synthetic drug ever used in conventional medicine, and it still outperforms other synthetic antimalarial pharmaceuticals today. When Ehrlich injected M-Blue into animals in the lab, he discovered it would quickly concentrate in the brain and selectively target diseased tissues. For M-Blue’s unique action, he coined the term “Magic Bullet”—a term still used today, and one that provided a foundation for the advancement of targeted pharmaceutical therapies.

Originally approved by the FDA for its treatment of methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder) and its symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes), M-Blue has been used for decades for various other purposes in medicine. Specifically, it has been used to treat dementia, cancer, malaria, urinary tract infections, as well as cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning. And because M-Blue boosts oxygen utilization, it is used to treat other medical conditions, such as long-haul Covid, Lyme disease, and various parasite-related diseases like babesia and anaplasma, that benefit from this.

Methylene Blue Boosts the Brain

M-Blue affects the brain in many positively ways. The brain’s neurons rely almost entirely on mitochondrial-derived energy, which is why mitochondrial dysfunction is particularly detrimental to the brain. That’s where Methylene Blue can help. It can improve memory by increasing brain cell respiration, or how the brain cells utilize oxygen. With more oxygen, there is more energy (ATP) production and, therefore, better overall brain function, which affects cognition, mood, and memory. Remember, if our production of ATP declines, physical and mental performance declines. So, even healthy individuals can benefit from a boost in ATP production.

Methylene blue can also increase the amount of NAD+ produced by the mitochondria, which slows the negative effects of aging, such as chronic disease development, muscle loss, and fatigue while promoting improved memory, mental clarity, and alertness. NAD+ protects against certain cardiovascular problems, reduces symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, protects against vision loss and signs of skin aging, and regulates circadian rhythms and appetite.

Methylene Blue also prevents the loss of important neurotransmitters—norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine—from the brain, thereby reducing the risk for depression and anxiety. And it is a potent neuroprotectant, an antioxidant that binds with free radicals in brain cells to stop the oxidative cascade that causes cell damage in the nervous system tissues.

In all these ways, M-Blue protects the brain from disease while simultaneously enhancing signaling between nerve cells. Because of this, it is one of the most important anti-aging and neurological disease-preventing biological agents known today.

Other benefits of Methylene Blue

M-Blue induces cancer cell death by introducing a hefty dose of oxygen to the cells, thereby creating an environment inhospitable to cancer cells.
IV M-Blue is being used to treat certain types of acute and chronic pain conditions, because it can reduce the sensation of pain. It has also been used as an adjuvant treatment to improve the efficacy of other pain medications.
Methylene Blue stimulates glucose metabolism, which helps anyone struggling with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, which is a large percentage of the population.
M-Blue positively affects liver function.
Some researchers believe M-Blue can directly improve cellular and mitochondrial function throughout the body, including the brain, and decrease the production of proteins (amyloid plaques) and the neurofibrillary tangles linked to both dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Methylene Blue boosts acetylcholine, and important neurotransmitter that plays a role in brain functions such as memory and body functioning, including muscle contractions.
Methylene Blue activates sirtuins, a type of protein that protects the cells in our bodies from dying or becoming inflamed through illness. They help regulate metabolism, increase muscle, and burn fat. Sirtuins are thought to be a primary factor in both lifespan and healthspan.

Use of M-Blue in Conventional Medicine

In emergency medicine, Methylene Blue is used:

to treat shock and anaphylaxis
as a neuroprotective agent
to treat drug overdose
to treat chemical poisoning

Additional studies show that Methylene Blue could safely and effectively be used to…

prevent cardiac angina and arrhythmia.
improve hypotension (low blood pressure) associated with various clinical states.
improve circulation in liver cirrhosis and in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome, shortness of breath and hypoxemia caused by the widening of blood vessels in the lungs of patients with liver disease.
promote short-term but reliable blood pressure and cardiac function improvement in septic shock.
kill infectious, antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that can cause dangerous infections.
help hepatitis-C and HIV-1 patients (when exposed to light) by deactivating the nucleic acid that viruses require to produce new viruses.
treat plaque psoriasis.

Cautions

Methylene Blue is considered a relatively safe medication, but in certain individuals it can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures, glaucoma, sever kidney or liver insufficiency, those who are taking certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors, and in people with the G6PD genetic deficiency. Make sure to consult with your primary care physician prior to undergoing any treatment with Methylene Blue.

Let Methylene Blue help you…

Used properly, oral or IV Methylene Blue is a versatile and effective treatment for a number of medical conditions, for delaying cell death, which promotes youthfulness, and for improving cell function throughout the body, leading to a healthier more vital life. Its unique chemical structure and mechanism of action make it an essential tool in modern integrative medicine, providing numerous benefits to any health-seeking patient. Further research into the applications of Methylene Blue IV therapy may uncover even more potential uses for this remarkable treatment.

The Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth and Silica

Beth Brinson — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 15:05:03 +0000

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a white, sand-like material naturally made from the fossilized remains of diatoms—a type of single-cell phytoplankton or algae. They are the only organism on the planet with cell walls composed of silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO₂)—a trace mineral made of silicon and oxygen that is invaluable to the human body. Approximately 85% of food-grade diatomaceous earth is silica, which is essential for the development and integrity of tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, skin, and bones; silica also contributes to almost every vital organ, including the heart, liver, and lungs.ⁱ^,ⁱⁱ^,ⁱⁱⁱ

Improving colon health
Increasing speed of digestion
Improving mineral absorption
Promoting regular, healthier bowel movements
Detoxifying heavy metals
Increasing collagen production^vi
Enhancing health of bones, nails, skin, and hair
Eliminating parasites
Improving blood pressure and cardiovascular health
Reducing cholesterol^vii

Research about DE specifically, however, is limited and almost always refers to its silica content as being the primary factor for health. However, it appears that the silica in DE is not readily absorbable, which is why we recommend combining DE with living organic silica. This combination takes advantage of DE’s ability to enhance mineral absorption and boost silica absorption. Remember, silica is the compound that strengthens bones, nails, and hair and hardens teeth, preventing tooth decay. Silica also enhances collagen production in the skin, which reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles.^viii

When taken internally on its own, ditomaceous earth provides two known benefits—a slight reduction in cholesterol, and detoxification, including the possibility of reducing parasites and toxins.^ix Because of its microscopic sharpness and drying effect, DE can dehydrate the exoskeleton of insects and worms, ultimately killing them, which makes them practical for parasite cleanses. While not yet proven in humans, researchers have shown that DE is effective in purging parasites, worms, and heavy metals in animals.^x^,^xi In addition to common toxins from food, water, and air, the buildup of heavy metals in the body creates major metabolic and digestive concerns. Therefore, removing heavy metals from the body is essential to optimizing performance and avoiding permanent damage. With effective detoxification, your system will operate more efficiently, thereby improving the overall efficiency of your body.

Overall, when used properly, DE can effectively detoxify the body. Combined with living organic silica, it is a powerful booster of this much-needed trace mineral with many benefits.

Martin KR. The chemistry of silica and its potential health benefits. The Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging. 2007 March-April;11(2):94-97.
Diatoms of North America. (n.d.). What are Diatoms? https://diatoms.org/what-are-diatoms
Diatomaceous. (n.d.). Silica Supplement Guide (DE vs Orthosilicic Acid vs Horsetail). https://diatomaceous.org/silica-supplement-guide
Global Healing. (2018, February 8). Five Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth. https://explore.globalhealing.com/5-benefits-of-diatomaceous-earth/
Leech, J. (2019, January 7). What Are the Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-diatomaceous-earth
Silicium Laboratories LLC. (2021, April 13). LIVING SILICA ® EFFECTS IN COLLAGEN PRODUCTION. https://blog.livingsilica.com/silica-effects-in-collagen-production
Wachter, H., Lechleitner, M., Artner-Dworzak, E., Hausen, A., Jarosch, E., Widner, B., Patsch, J., Pfeiffer, K., & Fuchs, D. (1998). Diatomaceous earth lowers blood cholesterol concentrations. European journal of medical research, 3(4), 211–215.
Silicium Laboratories LLC. (2021, April 13). LIVING SILICA ® EFFECTS IN COLLAGEN PRODUCTION. https://blog.livingsilica.com/silica-effects-in-collagen-production
Country Homestead Living. (n.d.). Diatomaceous Earth: Uses, Health Benefits, Is It Safe. https://www.countryhomesteadliving.com/diatomaceous-earth-benefits-safety/
Mewis, I, & Ulrichs, Ch. (2001). Action of amorphous diatomaceous earth against different stages of the stored product pests Tribolium confusum, Tenebrio molitor, Sitophilus granarius and Plodia interpunctella. Journal of Stored Products Research, 37: 2. 153-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022474X(00)00016-3
José L Domingo, Mercedes Gómez, M Teresa Colomina, Oral silicon supplementation: an effective therapy for preventing oral aluminum absorption and retention in mammals, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 69, Issue 1, 1 January 2011, Pages 41–51, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00360.x

Ozone Therapy

Beth Brinson — Tue, 31 May 2022 20:23:59 +0000

Ozone therapy is a unique form of therapy that both heals and detoxifies at the same time.

The oxygen you breathe is present in the air as a pair of oxygen atoms. This is the most stable form of oxygen. Ozone is a blue colored form of oxygen (it’s what makes the sky blue), and unlike regular oxygen, it is composed of three oxygen atoms instead of two. It is the addition of the third oxygen atom that makes ozone “supercharged” oxygen, and gives it all of its remarkable medical properties. Today, medical ozone therapy is common throughout Europe, and its use has gradually been spreading in America, per Dr Shallenburger

Ozone is found naturally in the body. The white cells make it as part of the immune response.

Ozone has five properties that account for why it works so well for most chronic age-related conditions as well:

Ozone is a potent modulator/ regulator of the immune system.
- Calms an overactive immune system (as in auto-immune disease).
- Stimulates an under active immune system (as in cancer, AIDS, and chronic infections).
- This unique ability of ozone stems from its action on the membranes of white cells that causes them to produce immune related messenger molecules called cytokines (gamma interferon, interleukin-2, colony stimulating factor, and TNF-alpha)
Ozone stimulates increased uptake of oxygen.
- By stimulating the enzyme diphosphoglycerate (DPG). DPG enables the release of oxygen from the hemoglobin molecule so that it can be taken up into the cell. In the absence of an adequate amount of DPG, our cells become starved for oxygen, a common problem in diabetics.
- Increases glucose metabolism
Ozone improves circulation.
- Improves oxygen carrying hemoglobin to reach the capillaries
- Improved circulation reduces inflammation
Ozone increases antioxidant protection
- Along with vitamin C and glutathione, Ozone produces anti-oxidant results, low anti-oxidants increase disease potential.
Ozone is a powerful mitochondrial and stem cell stimulant.
- The root of All degenerative diseases decreased mitochondrial energy production
- Stem cell improve rejuvenation and provide an anti-aging benefit

Because of its many therapeutic properties, ozone can be used as part of a therapeutic plan for almost every disease.

Some conditions simply will not clear up unless ozone is used, and of course many conditions will clear up without ozone. It is invaluable in the treatment of heart disease diabetes and circulatory disorders. Chronic infections such as hepatitis-C, herpes, Lyme, and AIDS respond very favorably to ozone. It is also very helpful in chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune diseases.

It is important to realize that ozone therapy is not a magic bullet. Although it is often an indispensable modality, it is only rarely effective by itself. In the great majority of cases it must be combined with an individualized program of other alternative and natural therapies, such as nutrition and detoxification.

Anything, including water and oxygen, is toxic if given in amounts that exceed the body’s capacity to utilize it.

Pure medical grade ozone, when it is used according to the established medical guidelines, has a safety record that is unparalleled.

Boron: The Little-known Miracle Mineral

Beth Brinson — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:54:47 +0000

Minerals, like boron, are essential; without them our cells would not develop or function properly, or produce the hormones and enzymes required to sustain life. We require two types of minerals to function well—macrominerals and microminerals, also known as trace minerals. Macrominerals, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, are needed in larger amounts, thus the prefix. Microminerals (iron, copper, zinc, iodine, selenium, and others), on the other hand, are needed in smaller quantities; yet they are just as important to health.

Mineral supplementation is essential to health

Minerals cannot be produced in the body so they must be gotten from our foods or via nutritional supplementation. We cannot rely on foods for minerals as we may have in the past; today’s conventional farming practices, including the widespread use of pesticides and herbicides, have altered soil quality, so much so that it affects the nutrient content in our foods. While organic farming is better, because of the importance of minerals, I recommend a high-quality mineral complex to all adults. You can learn more about this in my new book Live Your Best Life.

Thanks to a litany of benefits, one trace-mineral—boron—is now getting it’s time in the sun. Let’s take a look at this powerful mineral now…

Boron for healthy bones and joints

Boron is best known for promoting bone health; it helps create strong bones by activating and metabolizing the critical bone-building nutrients of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D, and helps reduce bone loss associated with menopause and aging. Studies have found that strong bones contain more boron than weak ones. In one study of people with osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), 50% of the group realized a favorable response to a 6 mg/day boron supplement compared to only 10% receiving the placebo. Other studies indicate that boron supplementation alleviates subjective measures of arthritis in both human and animal subjects.

Boron also positively affects hormone metabolism by assisting in the production of estrogen and testosterone levels. This can be helpful for both women and men. On top of these critical functions, boron also:

aides in wound healing
improves the brain’s electrical activity, cognitive performance, and short-term memory, especially in the older population
keeps the cell membranes healthy
prevents blood clots
reduces levels of inflammatory biomarkers
raises levels of crucial antioxidant enzymes, which protect the cells from free radical damage
has demonstrated preventive and therapeutic effects in a number of cancers, such as prostate, cervical, and lung cancers, and multiple and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
influences the formation and activity of key biomolecules, such as S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e, pronounced Sammy)—known for its help with mood regulation and arthritis—and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), critical for metabolism and mitochondrial health
protects against pesticide-induced oxidative stress and heavy-metal toxicity
may help ameliorate the adverse effects of traditional chemotherapeutic agents
may support the development of embryos in pregnant women

Getting adequate boron levels from diet

Now that you know the importance of boron you might ask how to get more of it. The top boron-containing foods are: avocado, apricots (dried), currants, grapes (red), peaches, prunes, raisins, red kidney beans, lentils, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, peanut butter, pistachio nuts, and walnuts. The human body, however, does not store boron, so it’s important to consume foods each day that contain boron and take a nutritional supplement as needed.

The recommended daily intake of boron is anywhere from 3mg to 10mg, and a diverse, plant-food-rich diet is estimated to provide approximately 1.5 to 3 mg/day of boron. That’s why vegetarians and especially vegans that eat whole-food diets do not need to worry about boron levels as much as other people do. Because minerals are so critical to strong bones and health, I recommend a broad-spectrum mineral supplement to everyone over 40 years of age.

What’s the right amount of boron in supplement form?

The right amount varies based on diet, health conditions, and age. Boron supplementation is especially important for people whose diet is lacking in fruits and vegetables, and for people at risk for or diagnosed with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or osteoarthritis (OA), or breast, prostate, or lung cancer. One to 6 mg per day is a good general recommendation, with 3mg as a good starting point. A blood test can reveal more about your mineral status.

In summary…

Boron will not only help you maintain good bone health, brain health, and hormone function as you age, it will help keep you running smoothly. Incorporate more and more healthy fruits and vegetables into your diet and supplement with boron. You’ll be glad you did!

Here are a few extra tips for getting more boron in your body! Wash your clothes with Borax; it contains an important boron compound. You can also soak in Epsom salts and boron to detoxify the body and provide the body with more boron: Add one to four tablespoons of borax and a cup of Epsom salts to warm bath for a luxurious soak. The great thing about Borax is that removes fluoride, a toxic chemical typically added to public water supplies. If you are also concerned about chlorine (another toxic chemical) in your water supply, add 1/4 teaspoon of ascorbic acid, one form of vitamin C. Note: The maximum recommended soak time is no more than 20 minutes; even a 5 to 10-minute soak to start will provide good benefits. Also, make sure that the water is not too hot; this could cause dizziness and other unwanted effects.

References:

Newnham, R.E. (1994, November). Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints. Environmental Health Perspectives, 102 (S7):83-5. doi: 10.1289/ehp.94102s783

Nielsen, F. H. (2000). The emergence of boron as nutritionally important throughout the life cycle. Nutrition 16(7), 512-514. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-9007(00)00324-5

Nielsen, F. H., & Meacham, S. L. (2011). Growing Evidence for Human Health Benefits of Boron. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 169–180. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587211407638

Pizzorno L. (2015, August). Nothing Boring About Boron. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 14(4), 35–48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712861/

Brenda

Beth Brinson — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:44:32 +0000

“As always, my facial was one of the best things I do for myself. Gisele is absolutely magical! I always feel welcome by the front staff. This is a must do for self!”

Dianne

Beth Brinson — Tue, 24 May 2022 13:10:50 +0000

“It’s a wonderful place to spend relaxing moments with such kind & caring people. Beth does great things with Botox!!“

Mike

Beth Brinson — Tue, 24 May 2022 13:08:13 +0000

“A beautiful experience very friendly and a great massage.”

Jennifer

Beth Brinson — Tue, 24 May 2022 12:54:22 +0000

“I come from Asheville to see Beth. She spends time with you to discuss your health and beauty. Beth then creates a plan of care. The medical spa is beautiful and has a welcoming staff. I’ve been a client for four years.“

Slow Aging and Improve Health with This Health-Promoting Trio

Beth Brinson — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 15:03:21 +0000

If there is one thing that clients regularly ask me about, it’s how to slow down the aging process. It’s understandable! None of us like to age; we want to look great and feel healthy and vibrant throughout life. As we age, however, body function tends to decrease, and we experience unwanted side effects. There is good news, however. Recent scientific discoveries combined with ancient technologies make staying healthy and youthful more possible than ever before.

What are the three specific therapeutic actions that—when used together—will help you improve your health and turn back the hands of time? Intermittent fasting, prophylactic, low-dose metformin, and supplementation with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) are a powerful. Let’s take a look at each of these now.

Intermittent Fasting

Fasting has been practiced for centuries to heal a sick body, promote longevity, and rest, balance, and conserve energy at critical times. Today, the practice of fasting—intermittent fasting (IF), in particular—is being used for the same purposes. Specific to anti-aging, fasting lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar. It also improves overall cellular and metabolic health while reducing the risk of cancer and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and obesity. Additionally, fasting increases the activation of stem cells—the body’s master cells from which all other cells are generated. Improving stem cell function slows aging! Click here to read my full blog on Intermittent Fasting.

Metformin

Managing blood sugar is a critical factor in reducing the effects of aging and the risk of chronic disease; this is where the popular oral diabetes medicine, metformin, comes in. Metformin not only improves insulin sensitivity, but it reduces the accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), Advanced glycation endproducts are damaged fats and proteins that age body tissues (including the skin) and worsen degenerative diseases. Metformin’s protective benefits extend to safeguarding critical molecules such as proteins and DNA; it also produces glutathione—a powerful and important antioxidant that reduces cell damage in tissues, including the skin. In this way, metformin has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties and can guard against a host of degenerative and genetic disorders. As it relates to the skin, metformin can block the effects of progerin—a type of protein responsible, in part, for the unsightly signs of aging, such as sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Click here to read my full blog on Metformin.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)

Found in virtually all living cells, NAD+ (the charged form of NAD) is a coenzyme (a helper molecule for a biochemical reaction) critical to metabolism. NAD+ is essential to life, and scientists continue to discover new ways that it contributes to longevity. So far, research has demonstrated that NAD+ can reduce chemical stress and inflammation, repair DNA, regulate immune pathways, and decrease mitochondria dysfunction. Therefore, NAD+ protects our energy-producing capacity while shielding us from chronic disease. Click here to read my full blog on NAD.

For several reasons, many of us do not eat as well as we could, get enough exercise and sleep, or engage in other healthy activities that predict a longer life. These lifestyle changes can be challenging to incorporate. That’s why it’s crucial to bring in reinforcements. Not only can the powerful trio of intermittent fasting, metformin, and NAD slow aging, it can improve your health now and well into the future.

References:

Campi, C. (2018, February). Anti-Aging Mechanisms of NAD+. Life Extension. https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2018/2/anti-aging-effects-of-nad

Danby F. W. (2010). Nutrition and aging skin: sugar and glycation. Clinics in dermatology, 28(4), 409–411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.03.018

Golbidi, S., Daiber, A., Korac, B., Li, H., Essop, M. F., & Laher, I. (2017). Health Benefits of Fasting and Caloric Restriction. Current diabetes reports, 17(12), 123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0951-7

Gómez, R., Mokhashi, M. H., Rao, J., Vargas, A., Compton, T., McCarter, R., & Chalew, S. A. (2002). Metformin adjunctive therapy with insulin improves glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study. Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM, 15(8), 1147–1151. https://doi.org/10.1515/jpem.2002.15.8.1147

Hu, D., Xie, F., Xiao, Y., Lu, C., Zhong, J., Huang, D., Chen, J., Wei, J., Jiang, Y., & Zhong, T. (2021). Metformin: A Potential Candidate for Targeting Aging Mechanisms. Aging and disease, 12(2), 480–493. https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2020.0702

Lv, Z., & Guo, Y. (2020). Metformin and Its Benefits for Various Diseases. Frontiers in endocrinology, 11, 191. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00191

Whitten, A. (n.d.). What is Mitochondrial Dysfunction? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. The Energy Blueprint. https://theenergyblueprint.com/what-is-mitochondrial-dysfunction-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/

Zhao, M., Wang, Y., Li, L., Liu, S., Wang, C., Yuan, Y., Yang, G., Chen, Y., Cheng, J., Lu, Y., & Liu, J. (2021). Mitochondrial ROS promote mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in ischemic acute kidney injury by disrupting TFAM-mediated mtDNA maintenance. Theranostics, 11(4), 1845–1863. https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.50905

Slow Aging by Supplementing with NAD+

Beth Brinson — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 15:02:03 +0000

Found in virtually all living cells, NAD+ (the charged form of NAD) is essential for body function and life. This powerful coenzyme (a helper molecule for biochemical reactions) is one of the most abundant in the body. NAD+ is crucial for metabolism and longevity; it slows the aging process, which is exciting to anyone looking to live a longer, healthier life.

Researchers have identified two general sets of reactions for NAD+ in the human body. NAD+ helps turn nutrients into energy and transport that energy into cells (metabolism), and it assists proteins in regulating other critical biological activities. What kind of activities? NAD+ appears to reduce chemical stress and inflammation, repair DNA, regulate immune pathways, and decrease mitochondria dysfunction—all of which are imperative for maintaining health and youthfulness. For example, when mitochondria aren’t functioning well, people can experience a seizure, stroke, developmental delay, heart and kidney issues, and problems with speech, sight, digestion, and other functions. DNA damage is equally problematic to aging; it can lead to mutations and genomic instability that result in various cancers and other diseases. In these ways, NAD+ protects our energy-producing capacity while shielding us from chronic diseases.

Multiple studies demonstrate NAD+’s potential through nutritional supplementation. A key benefit is that NAD+ increases protein interactions, making old (damaged) tissue appear young again! These benefits could apply to the skin and internal tissues; however, the findings related to skin are incredibly encouraging. NAD+ mitigates skin damage due to UV sensitivity, skin cell death, DNA damage (leading to moles, freckles, blemishes, etc.), and even skin cancer.

Unsurprisingly, NAD+ is known to activate sirtuins, which are proteins that play a significant role in controlling aging and longevity. This association may help explain NAD+’s impact on age-related disease. Studies show that lower levels of NAD+ not only accelerate aging but promote metabolic disorders (diabetes, etc.), heart disease, muscle wasting, and cognitive decline. Keeping NAD+ levels high, therefore, has protective benefits, which the studies are demonstrating. Because aging and high-fat diets, for example, reduce the level of NAD+ in the body, studies in mice showed that NAD+ boosters could alleviate their diet-associated and age-related weight gain while improving exercise capacity, even in older subjects! Also, a 2019 study showed that NAD+ supplementation decreased systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

What great news, since levels of NAD+ decrease substantially with age. By the age of 50, we may have only half of the NAD+ that we had at age 20; by the age of 80, the amount is only 10%. The good news is that we can restore NAD+ levels through a healthy diet, exercise, and proper supplementation. Since NAD+ is unstable, we cannot use it as a supplement. Thus, most NAD+ supplements are made from nicotinamide riboside—a precursor that the body can utilize to make NAD+. Research shows that supplementing with nicotinamide riboside boosts NAD+ levels, providing all the benefits noted above. For more impact, try an NAD+ infusion. Intravenous infusions, which we provide at Aesthetics Medical Spa, take longer to administer but offer better support and protection.

Exercise is another way to increase NAD+ naturally; daily workouts require more NAD+ for energy, and your body responds by producing it. From a dietary standpoint, focus on plant-based foods high in vitamin B, especially B3 (niacin)—another precursor to NAD+. These include avocado, asparagus, nutritional yeast, peanuts, mushrooms, whole grains (barley and buckwheat), millet and quinoa, potatoes, tomatoes, green peas, and sunflower seeds. All of these foods provide nicotinamide, the precursor to NAD+. Intermittent fasting can also stimulate the body’s production of NAD+, thereby slowing aging and promoting longevity. Read more about the benefits of fasting, and learn why fasting is a successful component of every anti-aging program.

In summary, keeping NAD+ levels high through supplementation and lifestyle modifications will benefit you in numerous ways. NAD+ not only shows tremendous potential for improving health but for increasing life span and slowing the aging process—something I think we all want to experience!

References:

Faloon, W. (2017, September). New Resveratrol and NAD+ Suggestions. https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2017/9/new-resveratrol-and-nad-dosing-protocol

Imai, S., & Guarente, L. (2014). NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends in cell biology, 24(8), 464–471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2014.04.002

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Klarity Clinic. (n.d.). How to Increase your Body’s NAD+ Levels Naturally. https://www.klarityclinic.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-bodys-nad-levels-naturally

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