You may not feel “sick,” but you also may not feel like yourself. Maybe your energy isn’t what it used to be. Your focus feels scattered. Recovery takes longer. Small aches linger. You push through your days, assuming it’s just part of getting older or being busy, but deep down, you know something has shifted. These subtle changes are often early signs that your cells are struggling to keep up with the demands of daily life.
Preventative health is about listening to those signals and taking action before bigger problems develop. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, care is centered on giving your body what it needs to function at its best from the inside out. One of the most important pieces of that foundation is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital coenzyme that supports energy, repair, and long-term cellular health. Understanding how NAD+ fits into preventative wellness can help you take control of your health today and protect it for years to come.
How does NAD+ support preventative wellness
NAD+ is present in every cell of your body and plays a central role in how your cells produce energy, repair damage, and respond to stress. As you age, natural NAD+ levels decline, which can leave your body more vulnerable to fatigue, inflammation, and disease. Supporting healthy NAD+ levels helps strengthen your body’s internal defenses and resilience.
Supports cellular energy production
Your cells rely on NAD+ to convert nutrients from food into energy inside the mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of the cell. When your NAD+ levels drop, energy production becomes less efficient, which can show up as chronic fatigue, weakness, and poor stamina. Maintaining adequate NAD+ levels enables your cells to produce energy more effectively, which, in turn, supports sustained physical energy, mental clarity, and improved endurance.
Promotes DNA repair and cellular resilience
Every day, your DNA is exposed to damage from environmental toxins, UV radiation, and normal metabolic processes. NAD+ activates enzymes such as PARPs and sirtuins that detect and repair this damage. Efficient DNA repair and regeneration reduce the accumulation of mutations that contribute to aging. Higher NAD+ availability also allows your body to keep up with this repair work, strengthening cellular integrity and promoting long-term resilience.
Helps protect cognitive function
The brain is highly energy-dependent and sensitive to oxidative stress. NAD+ supports mitochondrial function in brain cells and helps regulate inflammation in the nervous system. Healthy NAD+ levels are associated with better memory, focus, and processing speed. From a preventative standpoint, this may help lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions over time.
Supports cardiovascular health
NAD+ plays a role in maintaining healthy blood vessels by supporting endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress. When blood vessels function properly, circulation improves, and the heart does not have to work as hard. By helping regulate inflammation and support cellular energy in heart tissue, NAD+ contributes to a healthier cardiovascular system.
Enhances metabolic balance
NAD+ is involved in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. When levels are low, the body may struggle to regulate blood sugar, increasing the risk of weight gain and metabolic disorders. Supporting NAD+ helps optimize how your body processes carbohydrates and fats, promoting more stable energy levels, healthier body composition, and better metabolic flexibility.
Strengthens immune and cellular defense systems
Your immune cells rely on NAD+ to fuel their activity and coordinate responses to abnormal or damaged cells. Adequate NAD+ availability supports T-cell function and cellular signaling that help your body identify and address potential threats. From a preventive perspective, this may enhance immune surveillance and reduce the risk of abnormal cell growth.
How to increase NAD+ levels
Because NAD+ naturally declines with age, a proactive approach that combines lifestyle habits with targeted therapies can help support healthier levels.
Prioritize regular physical activity
Exercise has been shown to stimulate the enzymes involved in NAD+ production. Both resistance training and cardiovascular exercise can increase mitochondrial efficiency and promote healthier cellular metabolism. Consistent movement not only boosts NAD+ but also amplifies its benefits by improving insulin sensitivity, circulation, and muscle function.
Eat a nutrient-dense, balanced diet
Foods that contain precursors to NAD+, such as niacin (vitamin B3), tryptophan, and other B vitamins, support your body’s ability to synthesize this coenzyme. Lean proteins, leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats provide building blocks for cellular health. A balanced diet also helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, allowing NAD+ to be used more efficiently.
Focus on quality sleep
Sleep is essential for cellular repair and metabolic regulation. Poor sleep disrupts mitochondrial function and can accelerate NAD+ depletion. Establishing consistent sleep routines and prioritizing restorative rest helps support NAD+ production and overall cellular recovery.
Manage chronic stress
Long-term stress increases oxidative damage and places greater demands on cellular repair, which can deplete NAD+ stores. Stress-management strategies such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and regular downtime help preserve NAD+ and support nervous system functioning.
Consider NAD+ therapy
For many people, lifestyle measures alone may not be enough to fully restore declining NAD+ levels. NAD+ therapy offers a targeted way to replenish this essential coenzyme and support cellular function more directly. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, NAD+ therapy is delivered via carefully selected methods, including patches, injections, and nasal sprays, tailored to your individual needs and goals. These options help provide consistent NAD+ availability.
Take a proactive approach to your health
Preventative health is not about waiting for a diagnosis. It is about building a strong internal foundation that allows your body to function optimally as you age. Supporting NAD+ plays a meaningful role in this process by fueling energy production, strengthening repair mechanisms, and enhancing overall cellular performance.
At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, your care is personalized and focused on long-term vitality. By incorporating NAD+ support into a comprehensive wellness strategy, you can take an active role in protecting your health, preserving your energy, and investing in a healthier future. Schedule your consultation with us today.
