Let’s talk about a magical supplement - NMN
A bunch of questions that I receive on my social handles are related to aging and how to delay it from a health perspective. It’s amazing that ageism is finally being tackled in the media and from here, there is a more positive narrative around embracing our age. This blog post is not about the aesthetics of aging, and I want to be clear that I do not have an ageist agenda. This instead is about providing information about how to age well, delay the unpleasant effects of aging, and maintain good health for as long as possible.
Is it possible to reverse aging?
You cannot wholly reverse aging but the decline that comes with aging can be slowed, if not reversed. In this blog, I provide information about one of the most talked about supplements when it comes to fighting against aging, NMN.
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is an essential molecule to slow down aging. It not only increases energy levels but also shows beneficial effects in many areas of the body. I will cover everything you need to know to get the most out of your NMN supplement and experience its benefits to the max.
What is Nicotinamide Mononucleotide?
NMN is derived from vitamin B3 (niacin) and is found in human cells. It has a critical role to play in how the body uses cellular energy. This molecule is used by our bodies to synthesize NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
NAD+ is found within every cell in our bodies and is quite possibly the most crucial molecule in longevity and anti-aging. It helps the body convert the energy from food into energy that we can use by activating special proteins called sirtuins. Sirtuins need NAD+ to regulate cellular health, switch anti-aging genes on and off, and regulate our metabolism.
You might think of NMN as raw material and NAD as the refined version that your body can actually utilise. The amount of NAD your body can make depends on the amount of NMN available in your body.
Without sufficient NAD+ levels, our bodies cease to function. Sadly, these levels decrease with age. By the time we reach 50, NAD+ levels go down by half we had in our 20’s. This is why our energy levels tend to decrease as we grow older.
In addition, recent studies in anti-aging indicate that NMN can be a game-changer in slowing down the aging process and improving health, says this nature vision report.
Why take an NMN supplement?
To get 250 mg of NMN—enough to raise NAD+—you are required to eat unrealistic quantities of food. Although increasing these foods in your diet will help, taking a high-quality NMN supplement is the most effective way to raise the levels of NAD+ in your body.
What are the health benefits of NMN?
NMN has been able to suppress age-associated weight gain, enhance energy, metabolism, and physical activity, improve insulin sensitivity, improve eye function, improve mitochondrial metabolism and prevent age-linked changes in gene expression according to Christopher Shade, Ph.D.
NMN can raise NAD+ levels throughout your body in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and diet most noticeable benefits may include:
Increased energy levels
As mentioned above, amongst its many functions, NAD+ helps your body convert food into energy that it can use. As we grow older, the levels of NAD+ decrease, resulting in lower energy levels in general. NMN is a precursor to NAD+, so if you are supplementing with NMN, one of the most noticeable benefits is increased energy levels.
Improved cardiac function
When taking NMN, you will most likely notice improvements in your cardiac functioning and physical endurance. NMN will help decrease the chances of cardiovascular disease and dysfunction. For example, you might be able to run longer and find out that your heart rate recovers much faster after cardio exercises.
Help regulate blood sugar levels
NMN also helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin resistance. It may also help regulate cholesterol levels. When supplementing with NMN, you’ll find out that energy levels remain constant and your blood sugar levels will remain stable without any highs and lows.
Weight loss NAD+ turns on sirtuins which control cell metabolism. Sirtuins control when fat is made, stored, and used by cells both directly and indirectly. Supplementing with NMN was shown to reduce weight gain associated with aging and also helped regulate glucose intolerance.
Slowed aging
One of the most ground-breaking findings of the studies on NMN is its ability to slow down the signs of aging. NMN prevents the expression of genes that control aging. Although results may vary, you may well find certain signs of aging begin to decrease. This could mean improvement in your skin, hair, and overall condition.
Why is NMN so expensive?
NMN is challenging to manufacture, so the cost of NMN supplements is relatively high in comparison to other supplements.
NMN is made through enzymatic synthesis. The nicotinamide molecule goes through 6 complete stages before the NMN molecule is produced. After NMN is finally produced there are a further 7 stages before completing the final product. These include purification, concentration, crystallization, filtering, drying and grinding, testing with quality control, and the packaging of the final product.
How can you naturally increase NMN?
NMN is found naturally in a variety of foods. Some NMN-rich dietary sources include:
Avocados — 0.36 to 1.60 mg per 100 grams
Broccoli — 0.25 to 1.12 mg per 100 grams
Cabbage — up to 0.9 mg per 100 grams
Tomatoes — 0.26 to 0.30 mg per 100 grams
Raw beef — 0.06 to 0.42 mg per 100 grams
Small amounts of NMN are also found in cow’s milk, cucumbers, and edamame beans.
Many experts suggest that taking NMN supplements may provide a variety of health benefits. While animal studies have found the supplement reversed many age-related health effects, the evidence in humans is still limited.
Early studies suggest taking NMN supplements at doses of up to 1,200 mg per day may provide health benefits related to insulin sensitivity, aerobic function, and fatigue, with minimal risk of undesirable side effects.
Before adding any supplements to your diet, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about your unique situation and the potential risks and benefits you should consider.
Thank you for reading this blog by Beth Wright. To book a consultation with Beth, get in touch at beth@bfit-thewrightway.com.
Thank you for reading this blog by Beth Wright. To book a consultation with Beth, get in touch at beth@bfit-thewrightway.com
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