We asked Dr. Andrew Shao to talk to us about the ‘metabolic’ stressors that factor into the aging process. Unlike mental and emotional stress, these six metabolic stressors may be practically managed in a straight-forward way.
Dr. Shao earned his doctorate in nutritional biochemistry and master’s in human nutrition science from Tufts University. He has held several scientific and regulatory leadership roles including for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Global Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at ChromaDex, the makers of Tru Niagen®.
The 6 Metabolic Stressors that Age Us
When we think of ‘stressors’, we tend to think of emotional, psychological, or mental triggers; however, metabolic stressors are different. They are behaviors or lifestyle habits that initiate and/or perpetuate a negative reinforcing cycle of cellular damage and NAD+ depletion. Essentially: exposure to certain habits causes cellular damage, and to support repair and help recover, our cells consume NAD+.
Certain daily lifestyle choices can deplete your NAD+ levels faster than normal. The following six habits are especially consequential for your cells’ NAD+ reserves:
+ Poor diet
+ Alcohol consumption
+ Sleep disruption
+ Over-training
+ Excess sun exposure
+ Lack of exercise
By implementing a few simple healthy habits, many of these metabolic stressors are manageable:
+ Eating a balanced diet
+ Limiting alcohol consumption
+ Keeping a regular sleep schedule are just some habits to introduce into your daily routine.
+ Taking a rest day from intense physical training reduce the risk of injury and stretching/foam rolling
+ Avoiding excess sun exposure and wearing sunscreen
+ Exercising regularly for 30 to 60 minutes a day
Most of us know about these simple habits, but the truth is that life happens. Pizza happens. And since it does, it’s smart to keep an extra layer of cellular repair and support in your back pocket.
On Metabolic Stress, Aging And NAD+
Touted by celebrities, not-so-fringe biohackers, and trendy wellness centers alike, NAD+ is an acronym for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and is a coenzyme found in every living cell in your body. A coenzyme is a small molecule that works together with an enzyme to speed up a specific biochemical reaction.
NAD+ works with certain enzymes to support the production of cellular energy and assist in cellular repair. NAD+ is essential for our mitochondria the way wires are needed to connect a battery to a light bulb. Without it, most of our biological processes would be unable to function. Our cells also use several NAD-dependent enzymes to help repair damage incurred from everyday activities.
NAD+ levels decline with age and from damage caused by repeated exposure to common metabolic stressors over time like the ones listed above. This happens because NAD+ is consumed when cells are damaged and undergo repair. So, for example, repeated sun exposure and repeated DNA-damaging agents can deplete NAD+ in episodically sun-exposed skin cells. Boosting NAD+ levels supports your cells as they carry out necessary repair processes.
Understanding Aging Better
Tru Niagen® is no ordinary supplement. Think of it like an insurance policy for your cells. ChromaDex has paved the way in the global NAD+ category, investing in research and regulatory approvals around the globe. Over the past several years, Niagen® and/or Tru Niagen® have achieved regulatory acceptance in leading markets around the world including the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Australia. In tandem, we have continued to invest in science through our industry-leading ChromaDex External Research Program (CERP™), which since its inception in 2013 has accumulated over 225 research collaborations studying Niagen® (patented nicotinamide riboside) with leading universities and research institutions from around the world.
Tru Niagen® consists of a unique form of vitamin B3 known as nicotinamide riboside (NR). Niagen®, our patented and FDA safety-notified ingredient, is clinically proven to safely increase NAD+. Boosting your NAD+ with Tru Niagen® supports repair and defense at the cellular level, and even supports healthy aging. It also helps support cellular energy, muscle recovery, and a healthy heart (in combination with a healthy diet and exercise).
Give Tru Niagen® a try with code CHALKBOARD10 for $10 off an order of 3 months or more.
Offer valid in the U.S. only. Not valid on wholesale orders. Not valid for current subscribers. Discount expires 12/31/2022 at 11:59pm PST. All rights reserved.
This story is brought to you in partnership with Tru Niagen®. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.
