As autumn arrives and temperatures drop, maintaining a strong immune system becomes increasingly important. The cooler climate not only increases the rate of viral transmission but also slows our immune response, making us more vulnerable to infections. Preparing your body for these changes with strategic lifestyle adjustments and targeted supplements can make a significant difference.
In this blog, we’ll explore how boosting your NAD+ levels can help you stay healthy throughout the colder months.
How Cold Weather Impacts the Immune System
Colder temperatures in autumn bring several challenges for our immune system. During this time, reduced nasal immune response makes it easier for viruses to infiltrate our defences. Shorter, colder and darker days means more time spent indoors, overall limiting our exposure to sunlight. This leads to lower vitamin D levels—a crucial nutrient for immune health. Additionally, indoor gatherings increase the risk of spreading germs due to poor ventilation. Viruses also thrive in cold, dry conditions, leading to higher rates of illness. All of these factors mean our bodies are more vulnerable to infection, making it crucial to build up our immune defences in advance.
The Science of NAD+
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is essential for energy production in cells. It helps convert food molecules like glucose into ATP, the body’s primary energy storage molecule. NAD+ exists in two forms: oxidised (NAD+) and reduced (NADH). In its oxidised form, it loses an electron, while NADH gains that electron. These two forms create a redox couple, crucial for energy production through electron transfer reactions.
Present in nearly every cell, including the heart, brain, muscles, and lungs, NAD+ works with mitochondria to generate energy and support essential cellular functions, including immunity. Unfortunately, the body’s NAD+ levels gradually decrease with age, impacting our immune system and overall health.
Lifestyle Changes
To naturally boost your NAD+ levels, consider incorporating high-intensity exercise into your routine. It stimulates the production of enzymes that convert NADH back into NAD+.
Dietary changes can also be beneficial. Intermittent fasting and caloric restriction have been shown to enhance NAD+ production. Include foods rich in tryptophan (such as turkey, eggs, and dairy) and vitamin B3, which are precursors to NAD+.
Ensure you get enough quality sleep each night—it’s essential for maintaining healthy NAD+ levels, as the body repairs and regenerates cells during sleep, involving NAD+ in these processes.
Although it may seem unappealing during autumn, cold exposure therapy can stimulate NAD+ production. Activities like cold showers or baths activate brown fat, which is involved in thermogenesis and can boost NAD+ levels.
How NADclinic Supplements Can Help
An easier and less time-consuming alternative is incorporating daily supplements into your routine. At NADclinic, our range of Optima Max supplements harnesses the power of NAD+ to increase your longevity and overall wellness, preparing your immune system for autumn and winter.
For a potent increase in NAD+ levels, try our Enhanced Optima Max. Each tablet contains a concentrated 250mg dose of NAD+, providing an effective daily boost to fortify the immune system. Additionally, our Optima Max MitoMiracle formula supports mitochondrial function, crucial for energy production and immune support. This supplement enhances overall energy and improves the function of vital organs.
Want to optimise your immune health this autumn? Learn more about our range of NAD+ IV Infusions and NAD+ supplements.