NAD+ and Long Covid
Long Covid (or Long Hauler\’s Syndrome) affects a significant number of individuals who have recovered from acute COVID-19. It is a condition that I am seeing in my practice more and more. The good news is that we have lately seen a lot of progress with our Long Covid patients with some exciting new therapies, especially NAD+.
You may or may not be familiar with NAD+ therapy, but if you are you know that it is a powerful anti-aging therapy. It is also used for potential for a range of conditions, including Alzheimer\’s disease, Parkinson\’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that is essential for many cellular processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation.
NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, but it also declines with various diseases, including COVID-19. Recent studies have shown that boosting NAD+ levels can improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and enhance the immune response. Below we will explore the potential of NAD+ treatment for Long Covid through the current research we have on NAD+.
The exact cause of Long Covid is still not clear, but recent research suggests that it could be related to a dysregulated immune response, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. It’s estimated about one-third of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, joint pain, and sleep disturbances for several months after the initial infection.
NAD+ and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondria are cellular organelles that generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of many chronic diseases, including Long Covid. COVID-19 infection is known to damage the mitochondria by increasing oxidative stress and triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mitochondrial dysfunction can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and other symptoms associated with Long Covid.
This is where NAD+ comes in. NAD+ plays a critical role in mitochondrial function by serving as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the production of ATP. By boosting NAD+ levels, it is possible to improve mitochondrial function and reduce the symptoms associated with Long Covid. Recent studies have shown that NAD+ supplementation can improve mitochondrial function in aging mice and protect against neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
NAD+ and the Immune Response
Long Covid is thought to be caused by a dysregulated immune response to the initial infection. The immune system can overreact to the virus and cause damage to the body\’s tissues, leading to persistent symptoms. NAD+ plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response by controlling the activity of immune cells such as T cells and macrophages.
NAD+ is also required for the function of sirtuins, a family of proteins that regulate gene expression and cellular metabolism. Sirtuins can modulate the activity of immune cells and prevent the overactivation of the immune system. By boosting NAD+ levels, it is possible to activate sirtuins and regulate the immune response, reducing the symptoms associated with Long Covid.
NAD+ and Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a common feature of many chronic diseases, including our friend Long Covid. COVID-19 infection can cause oxidative stress by triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and damaging the mitochondria. Oxidative stress can damage the DNA, proteins, and lipids in the body, leading to tissue damage and chronic inflammation.
NAD+ is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in the production of antioxidants such as glutathione. By boosting NAD+ levels, it is possible to increase the production of antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress.
In Conclusion…
In conclusion, while we’re still waiting for the research that specifically investigates the potential benefits of NAD+ treatment for Long Covid, there are several studies that suggest that NAD+ can improve mitochondrial function, regulate the immune response, and reduce oxidative stress, which are all factors that contribute to the disease. I’ve seen excellent progress with my patients, along with other therapies, like Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Also see my favorite Long Covid supplements below.
If you or somebody you know is suffering with Long Covid, contact us today to see if NAD+ therapy is for you.
My Favorite Long Covid Supplements:
Vibrant Immune Support
Vibrant Immune Support is a targeted blend of nutrients designed to provide a broad-spectrum support to the body’s immune reserves.
Transfer Factor Multi-Immune
Transfer Factor Multi-Immune™ provides an advanced comprehensive immune support formula, promoting healthy natural killer cells, macrophage, T-cells, and cell division.
Vibrant Viramax
Vibrant Viramax includes a powerful combination of key nutrients and botanical extracts that provide support for immune challenges. Viramax boosts immune defenses by providing nutrients such as L-lysine vitamins A and C, pantothenic acid, B12, and zinc. Viramax includes the synergistic blend of botanical extracts black elderberry, astragalus, echinacea, and andrographis, all of which have been used traditionally for their clinically effective immune-modulating properties.
Cinchona Tincture
Cinchona, or quinine bark, is one of the rain forest’s most famous trees and most important discoveries. People use the bark to make medicine.
A comprehensive herb for immune health, infection, inflammation and leg cramps.
Vibrant Spore IG
Vibrant Spore is a spore-based, broad-spectrum probiotic formula designed to promote a healthy gut microflora, protect mucosal integrity, and relieve small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Uniquely included in this formula are serum-derived bovine immunoglobulins that bind to and eliminate microbes and toxins that are common in SIBO.
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