Did you know that you can take steps to potentially improve brain function? Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and targeted therapies can all affect neuroplasticity – which is how adaptable your brain is at learning and building nerve cells. Another thing to consider is NAD IV therapy, and this can be prescribed at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC). 

In line with functional medicine principles, IV NAD+ therapy can act as an integrated health strategy; it may be intentionally combined with other treatments to support health outcomes. Your brain’s ability to grow, adapt, and form new neural connections depends on several factors, not just one treatment or nutritional supplement. This is why functional medicine providers might target neuroplasticity comprehensively. For cognitive support, NAD+ may be merged with other interventions, like regular exercise, good quality sleep, stress reduction approaches, omega-3 supplements, and other therapies for underlying issues. 

You may benefit from this post if you or a loved one is interested in improving/preserving brain function. And if you’re riddled with brain fog, chronic stress, or age-related memory issues, this article is for you, too! We briefly explain what neuroplasticity and NAD+ are; how NAD+ may be supportive for positive brain changes; and details about getting these treatments from the TFMC.

Quick dive into what neuroplasticity and NAD+ are

Every time you learn something new, recover from stress, develop a habit, or recuperate from getting sick or hurt, your brain is strengthening, weakening, or creating new neural connections – this is neuroplasticity. 

Neuroplasticity is critical for acquiring new knowledge, memory, emotional resilience, recovery from concussion or stroke, and healthy aging. But it relies on biological processes, such as: 

• • The production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that’s nicknamed a ‘fertilizer’ for the brain. 
  • The formation of new synapses (communication) between neurons.
  • The growth of dendrites, which are tree-like branches that cells use to receive communication from other cells.
  • Enough energy production within brain cells.
  • And how low inflammation and oxidative stress are in the body. 

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme with key roles in converting nutrients into cellular energy. Aside from energy production, NAD is involved in DNA repair; how cells respond to stress; regulating inflammation; activating key proteins; and supporting mitochondrial function. Unfortunately, NAD naturally declines in the body with age; other factors that can contribute to waning levels include chronic conditions, inflammation, poor lifestyle factors (i.e. alcohol and a poor diet) and metabolic dysfunction. 

How does NAD help with neuroplasticity?

NAD+ is not a neuroplasticity molecule – but as a coenzyme, it can support several cellular processes that allow the brain to adapt, learn, and repair itself. Thus, scientists suspect that declining levels may be linked to cellular aging – and there’s a chance it may result in aging symptoms, like fatigue and drops in cognitive performance. So, here’s how NAD may support a neuroplastic-friendly brain ‘environment’: 

• • It may enhance cellular energy production: Your brain needs significant amounts of energy to build new neuronal connections! NAD helps the mitochondria generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is like money you ‘spend’ on energy use. Adequate amounts of NAD+ can help neurons meet high energy demands linked to learning, memory, and cellular repair. 
  • Shown to reduce oxidative stress: According to an Antioxidants article, “The brain is prone to oxidative damage because of its high metabolic activity and high vulnerability to ischemic damage.” Research suggests that sustaining NAD+ levels may improve antioxidant defenses and reduce oxidative stress that’s known to impair brain cell communication. 
  • NAD may help activate sirtuins: NAD+ activates a group of proteins called sirtuins. These help regulate gene expression, reduce oxidative stress, support mitochondria, and may impact the production of BDNF.
  • May naturally encourage DNA repair: Some enzymes are tasked with detecting and repairing DNA damage, and NAD+ is pivotal in helping to stabilize these key enzymes. This is beneficial for neuroplasticity, as brain cells are continuously exposed to DNA damage from regular metabolism and oxidative stress.
  • NAD may improve mitochondrial functioning: These cellular ‘powerhouses’ have a part in influencing signaling pathways that are linked to learning and memory. Research suggests that NAD+ may assist mitochondrial function, helping to create settings that allow neurons to adapt to learning.

Supplements to note

By now, you might be asking yourself, how can I boost my NAD+ levels? Supplementation is possible and at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our IV Lounge can customize this dosage for you as a complementary treatment. You can discuss these things with our Toronto functional medicine-literate naturopathic doctor: 

• • Oral NAD precursors supplements: NAD precursors – which are nutrients the body uses to synthesize NAD – may be prescribed. These precursors may include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). “Supplementation with these compounds is safe, tolerable, and can increase the abundance of NAD+ and related metabolites in multiple tissues,” verifies a report from The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.
  • Sublingual tablets: Sublingual NAD+ supplements are an option, too. A sublingual tablet is meant to dissolve and absorb through thin tissues under the tongue, and into nearby blood vessels. This may be suitable if you have an aversion to needles or swallowing capsules.  
  • IV NAD+ therapy: NAD can be intravenously administered in our IV Lounge. This modality is suitable for patients who require high dosages. NAD IV therapy ensures optimal bioavailability because it inserts NAD into your bloodstream for immediate use. It’s made to bypass the digestive tract, which can  bypass malabsorption issues for those with IBD and other reduced nutrient absorption concerns. 

By supporting healthy NAD+ levels, IV therapy may help support cellular energy production, which is important for normal brain function. While researchers are exploring the potential relationship between NAD+ and neuroplasticity, more clinical research is needed to understand its effects in humans. If you’re experiencing new, persistent, or worsening memory changes, it’s important to seek assessment from an appropriate healthcare professional to identify any underlying causes. If you’d like to learn whether NAD+ IV therapy may be appropriate for your individual health goals, our IV Lounge is happy to provide a consultation.

Suggested reading: Menopausal Brain Fog and Burnout The Role of NAD IV Therapy in Toronto

How to get our functional medicine IV drips in Downtown Toronto

IV NAD+ therapy and other nutritional drips are dosed for your personal needs – and getting these with the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is straightforward! Here’s what you need to know: 

• • An initial consultation is required to understand your candidacy for intravenous vitamin therapy. Underlying concerns may be discussed prior to your first drip, too. 
  • Your IV dose may be prescribed during your first session (depending on your current condition). After you get your prescription, you can book IV therapy immediately after this consultation or on another day – it’s up to you!

NAD IV therapy can be administered as a stand-alone IV drip or combined with other vitamin drips, like vitamin C, iron, glutathione, and more. We offer an impressive menu of nutrients for varied needs, including adjunctive support for cognitive performance, sports muscle regeneration, and strengthening immune health. 

Our IV Lounge adheres to safety standards, so sessions are supervised by our Toronto-area naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. A quick reminder – IV therapy services can contribute to wellness enhancements when merged with a balanced diet, physical activity, and additional functional medicine modalities. Intravenous infusion therapy is not a substitute for daily healthy habits. 

It’s not too late to support your brain function – customize your NAD IV drip in our Toronto IV therapy lounge today! Start by clicking here to request your consult or to view a map of our Yorkville address. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

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