NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is your body’s powerful yet invisible ally that boosts energy, repairs daily wear and tear, and fine-tunes many of the processes that make an active, vibrant life possible. By sparking the main fuel your cells run on, NAD+ supercharges key enzymes so they can mend DNA, keep your internal clock ticking on schedule, and release just the right amount of insulin to steady blood-sugar levels. When NAD+ is plentiful, you feel energized, resilient, and ready for whatever life brings. An infrared sauna may be the perfect supporting tool to boost NAD+ levels.
NAD+ levels drop as we age, which means we get diminishing returns on several must-have mechanisms for radiant health.
The first is energy production. Serving as a co-enzyme (or “helper molecule”), NAD+ carries a mission-critical component to our mitochondria, the micro-factories that convert the food we eat into our main cellular energy source, ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). By collecting a hydride ion (a hydrogen atom with two electrons) and supplying those electrons to our mitochondria, NAD+ kickstarts ATP production.
Important note: NAD+ is actually called NADH when it adds the electrons and NAD+ after it’s delivered them and returned to its previous state. This matters because a healthy body has a high NAD+/NADH ratio – meaning there are always resources coming when we have a demand for energy.
The second way NAD+ supercharges wellness is by serving as a substrate – a molecule used by enzymes in chemical transformations that empower our bodies to do important work like:
Unfortunately, all of these capabilities are at risk as we age.
Because of factors like chronic inflammation and circadian rhythm disruptions, our bodies produce less of the enzyme that synthesizes NAD+ from our food (Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase, or NAMPT). In addition, other enzymes that use NAD+ to keep cellular processes running smoothly demand more and more of it. DNA that is damaged by our environment and bad lifestyle choices overtaxes and ultimately depletes NAD+.
Although our NAD+ supply drops with age, we still have many longevity levers to pull. Key ways we can take back control include:
One of the most promising ways to boost NAD+ production is also the most luxurious. Scientific studies have linked sauna therapy to a range of cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic benefits and singled out infrared saunas in particular for their impact on heart health, improved circulation, lower blood pressure and more.
Heightened NAD+ seems to be another perk. You may be able to use your sauna to increase NAD+ levels during a 20-minute session by taking advantage of a well-documented phenomenon called Heat Shock Factor.
Heat Shock Factor (HSF) may sound alarming but it’s one of the reasons saunas unlock rejuvenation and relaxation. When exposed to sudden high temperatures, our bodies go on alert and activate natural defenses that are similar to our response to exercise.
Heat Shock Factor works by:
Producing Heat Shock Proteins -These specialized proteins act fast to prevent cell damage, make repairs, and absorb stress.
Elevating our NAD+/NADH ratio- We talked earlier about the importance of having the right balance of NAD+ (which accepts the two electrons critical to energy production) and its second role as NADH (which “donates” those electrons to our mitochondria). This should be a virtuous circle where NADH does its job and returns to the NAD+ state.
But too much NADH suggests something has slowed down or gone wrong with the vital process of ATP production. Heat Shock Response not only lowers our levels of NADH but also boosts NAD+ by increasing the activity of enzymes that are key to its synthesis.
Although all types of saunas produce the level of heat associated with Heat Shock Protein creation and elevated NAD+/NADH ratios, infrared light may have singular benefits.
One study conducted in Taiwan by researchers affiliated with Taipei Medical University and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology concluded that infrared light improved mitochondrial function in ways unrelated to heat response. While the study didn’t measure NAD+ directly, this could suggest that higher NAD+/NADH ratios played a role in the upgrade.
More research is needed, but one plus for infrared sauna users is that infrared light penetrates the skin and promotes healing from within – which doesn’t require the high temperatures of traditional saunas that many people find less comfortable. Learn more about the differences between infrared, traditional and steam saunas here.
Longevity seekers may also want to consider these NAD+-boosting options:
Precursor supplements
Your body makes NAD+ from nutrients called precursors, which are available as over-the-counter supplements:
Because data is insufficient on long-term effects or optimal dosages, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before trying them out.
Intermittent fasting (IF)
Keto diet
NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)is a remarkable molecule that plays a leading role in processes that promote health and longevity. As a co-enzyme, it picks up two electrons that are critical components of energy production and provides them to our mitochondria (the micro-factory that produces ATP – the source of all our cellular fuel) in its second role as NADH. (A high NAD+/NADH ratio is desirable because it means energy production is running smoothly). In addition, NAD+ enables other enzymes to perform wellness roles like DNA repair, insulin regulation, stress relief, and more.
Unfortunately, NAD+ declines with age, weakening all those capabilities. The good news is, we may be able to increase our NAD+ levels and NAD+/NADH ratios through lifestyle enhancements like exercising, getting sufficient sleep, restricting calories, going Keto, or stepping up our intake of “precursor” nutrients necessary for NAD+ production through healthy foods or supplements.
A promising and enjoyable way to increase NAD+ is infrared light. Studies show that sauna therapy can raise your NAD+/NADH ratio and increase NAD+ production through Heat Shock Response (HSR) – an activation of our natural cellular defenses when exposed to high temperatures. Other research suggests that infrared radiation raises NAD+/NADH ratios in unique ways that are separate from heat. This may be one of the many reasons for the proven cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological benefits of infrared sauna.
As the leader in light science, Sunlighten combines patented technology, exceptional product quality, and 25 years of science-backed innovation. Sunlighten saunas provide the comfort and style while you do the exciting work of elevating your NAD+ and achieving your wellness journey goals.
RED/NEAR, MID & FAR INFRARED
Optimize your well-being in Sunlighten's premier, patented 3 in 1, infrared sauna, with integrated red light, delivered through 6 pre-set health programs in optimal dosages.
SWEAT DEEP, SWEAT FAST, FEEL PRODUCTIVE
Save time and receive the maximum benefits with Sunlighten's most-effective, full spectrum infrared therapy. Experience a more intense heat amplified by our halogen heaters.
MOST EFFECTIVE FAR INFRARED SAUNA
For simplicity and affordability, give yourself a Sunlighten Signature home sauna. In your peaceful sanctuary, enjoy a deep cellular detox and support your overall wellness with the push of a button.
PERSONAL INFRARED SAUNA
The Solo® System surrounds your body with the transformative benefits of Sunlighten's premier far infrared technology in a unique wellness cocoon. Cozy and convenient, easily nests to fit into a corner or a closet.
Shining light on infrared technology, Sunlighten® is the #1 choice for personalized infrared light treatments. Since 1999, we have been committed to innovating wellness products and services that empower our customers to improve their quality of life. Our patented SoloCarbon® technology rejuvenates the body by delivering the highest dose of infrared energy to the body - proven up to 99% effective. Our technological innovations are fueled by our passion to make a difference. And we are building a global community of businesses, consumers, and trusted experts to support each other along the way and make the world a healthier, happier place.
Sunlighten saunas are not a medical device as defined by Section 201(h) of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Sunlighten provides general information relating to various medical conditions for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. Please consult with your physician regarding diagnosis or treatment.
