We all want to live a long life, but if that means living with a chronic and debilitating disease, most people would prefer to give it a miss.
For many decades now, the focus of healthcare has been on extending lifespan and we have certainly come a long way. However, while people are living longer, they are also experiencing higher rates of chronic health conditions.Recently, our perspective on ageing has begun to evolve, transitioning from a narrow fixation on extending lifespan to a more holistic emphasis on improving healthspan. Rather than merely adding years to life, the goal is to add life to years.
How can we extend healthspan?
Increasing healthspan—the period of life during which an individual remains healthy and free from chronic diseases or disabilities—is a goal that involves a combination of lifestyle and dietary choices, preventive healthcare, and access to resources.
Some key measures include:
- A healthy, nutrient-dense diet
- Limited consumption of processed foods
- Eating strategies, such as moderate calorie restriction
- Regular physical activity
- Stress management
- Adequate quality sleep
- Avoidance of tobacco and limited alcohol consumption
- Minimising exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants
What other factors are linked to the ageing process?
While lifestyle and diet can make a big difference to our healthspan, we also need to recognise that the ageing process is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. These include genetics, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal and metabolic changes.
One of the most important factors is a compound called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD+ for short. NAD+ is found in all living cells and plays a crucial role in energy production, DNA repair, and metabolism. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, which has been associated with several age-related health issues. As a result, researchers have been exploring the benefits of maintaining or increasing NAD+ levels to promote overall health and well-being, especially in the context of ageing.
So, all we need to do is supplement with NAD+, right?
Unfortunately, NAD+ is not well absorbed by the digestive system and can break down before it reaches the bloodstream.
However, there is a substance called Liposomal Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) that helps the body make NAD+. NR can therefore play an important role in boosting blood levels of NAD+ to provide a range of benefits including promoting cellular energy and promoting healthspan and lifespan extension.
Research has shown that NAD+ can rise as much as 2.7-fold with a single oral dose of NR.
What are the best forms of NR supplements?
Unfortunately, NR can also be degraded in the gut which may affect bioavailability.
Nevertheless, researchers have developed a form of NR that not only protects it from the harsh environment of the gut but also rapidly enters the bloodstream. This form is known as a liposome.
A liposome is a tiny bubble-like structure made from the same material as a cell membrane. It is composed of a double layer of lipids, which are fatty molecules. Liposomes protect their contents from degradation and improve their absorption in the body, making them useful for delivering certain nutrients effectively.
This form of nutrient delivery ensures that NR is protected from degradation and destruction in the gut and creates a stable delivery system with enhanced absorption.
The bottom line
There are several factors that contribute to the ageing process. One of these is the body’s decline in the production of NAD+, a critical cofactor responsible for energy metabolism and DNA repair.
Nicotinamide riboside (NR), when taken in liposomal form, can overcome issues associated with absorption and degradation, to boost NAD+ levels, which may reverse signs of ageing.
As always, it’s important to discuss medical issues with your team of healthcare professionals. Pop into your local WholeLife Pharmacy and Health Foods store to get advice specific to you. Make sure to always read labels and follow directions for use.
