At some point in our lives, we all start to notice signs of ageing. Whether it’s wrinkles, gray hair, or an aching back, we naturally begin to search for solutions. NMN supplements have become one of the most popular anti-aging remedies lately. But do they actually work? Let’s see.
What is NMN?
NMN is a precursor to the NAD+ molecule, which means that it is converted to NAD+ after a series of processes within your body. The NAD+ molecule can be found in every single cell in your body and plays a crucial role in maintaining your health by converting nutrients into energy and activating sirtuins, which fight inflammation.
As we age, the levels of NAD+ molecules in our bodies gradually decline, leading to less energy, more inflammation, and the development of chronic illnesses. Essentially, the less NAD+ you have, the more your body ages. NMN supplements can boost the levels of NAD+ molecules and, in turn, slow down the aging process.
How can NMN supplements slow down the aging process?
All of this sounds great, but is there any real proof that NMN supplements work? And what kinds of effects should you expect if you begin to take NMN? Here are some of the most common ways in which NMN supplements have been proven to reduce the aging process:
- Improves brain function. The older you get, the more your memory and other critical brain functions deteriorate. This is mainly due to the lowered amount of blood and oxygen flowing to the brain. A study on mice has shown that taking NMN can help increase blood flow to the brain and thus improve brain function, which can boost your cognitive abilities.
- Boosts energy levels. The less NAD+ we have in our bodies, the lower the rate at which nutrients are converted into energy. That’s why people begin to notice declining levels of energy as they age. NMN pills may be able to help with that. By boosting your energy metabolism, you will not only physically feel more energised, but your body will do a better job at fighting inflammation and repairing damaged cells.
- Improves eyesight. When NAD+ levels begin to drop, your eyes become dry, and your eyesight also begins to decline. A study on long-term NMN usage has shown that NMN supplements can enhance vision and reduce dryness in the eyes by restoring NAD+ levels.
- Improves fertility. Each woman has a certain number of eggs at birth (usually around 1 million). However, as a woman ages, the number and quality of her eggs begin to decline, which can lead to fertility issues. There haven’t yet been robust studies to determine if NMN supplements can help increase fertility, but since NAD+ helps repair damaged cells, it can also help maintain and repair damaged egg cells. Experts believe this can lead to improved fertility in women who are past their peak fertility age.
- Boosts your metabolism. The most obvious side effect of a slow metabolism is weight gain. You may have noticed that the older you get, the easier it is to put on some extra pounds and the more difficult it is to lose them. All of this can be attributed to your metabolic rate, which, like many other processes in your body, begins to decline with age. A slow metabolism makes you susceptible to many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Scientists conducted an experiment on mice with maternal obesity and found that NMN supplements helped boost their metabolic rate.
What are some natural ways to boost NAD+ levels in your body?
Sadly, NMN isn’t a magic solution to your aging body. For the supplements to work at maximum efficiency, you should also boost your NAD+ levels naturally. Here are some effective ways to do so:
- Exercise. With regular exercise, your body consumes more energy, which sends a signal to your brain that you need more NAD+. Anything from light walks to cardio workouts will do. Just move your body as much and as often as you can.
- Healthy diet. Try to eat fewer processed foods and more whole foods. Cow milk is a surprising source of NAD+, so try drinking a glass each day. If you don’t eat dairy, fermented foods like kombucha and sauerkraut are also excellent sources of NAD+.
- Reduce UV exposure. Excessive sun exposure can lead to damaged skin cells and even damage your eyes. Stay out of direct sunlight as much as you can, wear sunscreen every day (even if it’s not super hot and sunny outside), and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Increase heat exposure. This may sound counterintuitive to the previous point, but UV exposure refers to the sun, and heat exposure refers to artificial heat such as saunas or hot tubs. Heat causes your heart rate to increase, and your body produces more energy and NAD+ in response.
Bottom line
Numerous studies have shown the potential anti-aging benefits that NMN supplements can bring. But you shouldn’t rely on supplemental NMN as the sole solution to slowing down the aging process. As the name suggests, it’s just a supplement and will only work in conjunction with other lifestyle changes. By combining NMN supplements with a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be on your way to reaping all the anti-aging benefits mentioned throughout this article.
Robert Haynes did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
