With its ability to bypass the intestines and limit the breakdown that digestion produces (or lack thereof), IV infusion of vitamins and minerals may seem like the latest craze, but a John’s Hopkins physician actually developed the popular Myers Cocktail almost 60 years ago. Due to IV infusions efficacy and remarkable outcomes for various conditions like autoimmune disorders, fatigue, chronic pain, and increased energy or physical performance, IV infusions are on the rise. We caught up with Dr. Williams of Florida Integrative Medicine to find out more about an optimal aging treatment called NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
Q: Dr. Williams, what should we know about NAD IV Infusion Therapy?
A: In 2003, I published a book titled, Prolonging Health. In the book I show my personal research on how one can extend well-being as we grow older by using the best of natural medicine. This includes NAD, which has been used and studied since the early 1900’s.
There are three aging premises currently being followed. The first is medicinal. In standard medicine, the anti-aging disorders are not treated biologically, and often these medicines are aimed at addressing multiple age-related diseases under one umbrella.
The second is prevention. People in developed countries are living longer, but not outside the average lifespan of humans. We’re seeing people live 6 to 10 years longer on average, but many times they are sick and have chronic disease states. The costs of healthcare are increasing, but we know that we can alleviate much of this by preventing chronic diseases and the degeneration associated with aging through natural “medicine” and treatment protocols.
The third premise is procedural. Research is showing that slowing down the aging process by modifying the cellular responses creates healthier more robust individuals that are able to age well. Even the oldest people in our world that live to 120 years of age are usually frail and suffer from multiple health declining conditions, but with specific integrative approaches, we can alleviate many disorders and help individuals live longer healthier lives.
There are several procedural approaches. We can modify growth hormone, which entails much more than an injection of growth hormones. We also recommend dietary restriction and calorie restriction.
The state of fasting and limiting calories stimulates an increase in protective proteins called sirtuins. Sirtuins help to modulate metabolism and makes the cells less prone to oxidative stress. These sirtuins are dependent on NAD. Currently, there is a substantial amount of research on sirtuins to help fight chronic diseases and the overall aging process.
Another area of research is, of course, in modulating chronic inflammation and keeping glucose levels down. These two processes also influence sirtuins and NAD stimulation.
NAD is an ancient molecular coenzyme found in the body. It improves sirtuin pathways. Years ago, our ancestors, during famine or fasting had to fight off animals and continue to hunt, gather, and take care of their families or tribe. Their molecules were stimulated and triggered by calorie restriction, fasting and the increase in their NAD production.
Today, people who take NAD supplements increase their nicotinic acid or B3 production and metabolism significantly, much more so than what the body can produce. In aging NAD decreases rapidly and therefore, we see deterioration, and various health conditions taking place.
In the early 1900’s science took NAD and developed studies showing cellular renewal and DNA repair. They later tried this on fruit flies, worms, monkeys and mice. In recent years there has been a resurgence of NAD interest, and we are seeing multiple trials in humans for various disorders. Studies on the effects of NAD and alcohol withdrawal, schizophrenia, depression, neurodegenerative disease, chronic conditions, and aging are of growing interest.
Different forms of NAD can be taken, and several companies make NAD supplements. Mostly due to the absorption and digestive functionality in the gut, these work well to a certain extent and for limited conditions.
Q: How is IV NAD Infusion different than oral supplementation?
A: We see 50 to 100 people in our infusion center per day. We offer several vitamins, minerals, and pharmaceutical IV treatments. I introduced NAD to our clinic because I had been studying its effects for years. I’d been prescribing it to many of my patients in oral form, but with the revival of NAD in IV infusion therapy, I knew our patients would benefit at a much higher rate if we offered it intravenously. It was offered in a few metropolitan areas, and we were able to track down a high-quality manufacturer and implement it into our protocol here at the clinic.
If you are deficient in vitamin B and you get B12 or B complex injection, you will immediately feel energized. However, if you are not deficient in B vitamins and you take them orally or get an injection, you usually don’t feel much of a difference.
With NAD, if you take it orally, you typically don’t feel much, but if you get it through IV infusion, there is a big boost in an overall feeling of wellbeing. With myself, and our patients that get NAD IV, the results are immediate. The feeling of being more alert, relaxed, energized, less tired, and healthier is our patient consensus. We can pair it with CoQ10 enzyme or resveratrol for an increase in mitochondrial energy. Mitochondria are the powerhouse inside our cells.
Q: What are some of the specific benefits?
A: NAD regulates how quickly your cells age. With basic cellular metabolic processing, multiple benefits prevail, which include cellular repair, improved nervous system function, reduced pain, arterial healing, improved cognitive function, and muscular conditions to name a few. I’ve been using it on my patients with Parkinson’s disease, and their speech is improving, their mobility is increasing; the results are impressive.
The big question for many people is if our bodies produce it, why do I need to take it? The answer is simple. NAD declines drastically with age. Healthy older adults have more NAD in their cells naturally, but it’s still on a decline from our younger selves. Supplementing with NAD is fundamental for ideal aging.
For people who want to be proactive about aging, taking NAD or getting NAD infusions will help to increase the healthspan and promote wellness as they age. For those that are facing illness, chronic disease or other adverse conditions, getting NAD infusions is proving to reverse DNA damage, increase antioxidant intake, modulates inflammation and acts as a neurodegenerative treatment.
This is a life-extending protocol that offers better health. Depending on your specific needs; the treatment protocols will vary. We typically treat patients for a one-week course every other day, once every quarter, or for those with a condition, we might do a 20-day cycle. It varies depending on their availability and their specific needs.
Q: Any last thoughts on NAD?
A: As we discussed, people are living longer, but that doesn’t mean healthier. If you want to age well and have less chronic conditions, be independent and reach 100 years or more, you may want to consider NAD infusions along with other healthy lifestyle changes and protocols. We have numerous options, and we tailor each one individually to your particular situation. We offer personalized medicine to help you reach your most optimal healthy aging.
James E. Williams, OMD, LAc is a Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine and is Board Certified in Naturopathic Medicine, and is licensed as an Acupuncture Physician in Florida and California. With over thirty-five years of experience in integrative medicine, he is an internationally known expert on the immune system’s role in health, disease, and aging. He is the author of numerous scientific papers and articles on sustainable medicine, ethnobotany, and has written five books including the classic, Viral Immunity. He teaches at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Division of Complementary and Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Williams’ focus is on Hepatitis C Virus, HHV6, and Epstein-Barr Virus and immune system imbalances including autoimmune disorders, especially chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome (CFIDS), MS, and hypothyroidism. He is also experienced in chronic pain and inflammation, which he treats with acupuncture and specialized injection therapies. Dr. Williams not only treats disease, but is dedicated to the personal growth, prolonging health, and high energy aging of his patients. In his purpose driven and results-oriented, evidence-based practice, he provides his patients with a comprehensive plan of organized integrative solutions for even the most confounding conditions.
Getting Well & Staying Healthy Naturally is the philosophy of practice that has earned Florida Integrative Medical Center (FLIMC) the reputation as the premier destination for holistic and integrative health care on the Gulf Coast.
Florida Integrative Medical Center treats the full spectrum of chronic health conditions including: aging, chronic viral illness, immune system regeneration, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and more. Our diagnostic and treatment services help to promote healthier cells and tissues for a better quality of life by improving energy and promoting overall wellbeing.
To find out more about Florida Integrative Medical Center or to schedule an appointment please contact them today at (941) 955-6220.
Florida Integrative Medical Center
(941) 955-6220 | flimc.com
2415 University Pkwy, Suite 218
Sarasota FL 34243