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NADH: From the Inside, Out |
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NADH: From the Inside, Out
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Darrell Miller | 12/26/05 |
Date:
December 26, 2005 11:52 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
(dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: NADH: From the Inside, Out
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) is one of the nature’s oldest and most essential chemicals when it comes to the repair, protection and efficiency of the human body. NADH is a coenzyme that enables the body’s enzymes-its cellular “motors,” per se, to function.
Our present understanding and supplemental use of NADH largely is attributed to Georg Birkmayer, M.D., Ph.D., a renowned biochemical researcher credited with developing the first and only stable oral tablet of NADH. The NADH supplement is derived from yeast, with the end product free of yeast cultures.
Although NADH was first used as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease in its supplemental form, it since has been found to have many other health applications, including enhancing memory and concentration and increasing the natural flow in the body. As Birkmayer explains, the benefit of NADH is its “reducing power,” that is, NADH aids the body’s enzymes in destroying, or breaking down, various molecules, which in turn produce an energy to be used elsewhere. This “reducing power” of NADH enables the molecules to form, function and be utilized by the body- a process that is imperative to survival. The question remains, however, how is it that this coenzyme can benefit us as a dietary supplement? If it is inherent to our biochemical composition, shouldn’t we have as much of it as is needed?
Sources indicate that NADH has been linked to the relief and/or prevention of several chronic genetic diseases including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, immunodeficincies and atherosclerosis, a potentially devastating heart disease. The genetic codes of all cells reside in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is where such diseases originate. Although DNA is well-protected, as Birkmayer asserts, it can be damaged by radiation, UV-light, ozone, chemical toxins and anti-inflationary drugs. A damaged DNA strand, if it is able to replicate at the point, causes altered features in the newly produced cells, which can range from only slight differences to drastic changes.
Luckily, human cells have developed a system that is able to repair damaged genetic material and destroy foreign organisms-s system that requires NADH to function at full capacity. Thus, as Birkmayer explains, “NADH is directly involved in the immune defensive system” on a cellular- its most fundamental- level.
HE adds that, as a dietary supplement, NADH may help to prevent the onset of such debilitating diseases as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, immunodeficiencies and arthrosclerosis, by attacking the problem at the root or in this case, in the cell.
NADH is considered an antioxidant, or a substance with great “reducing power,” as mentioned earlier; and as such, it also is involved in another of the body’s defense systems, the antioxidative protection shield against free radicals, which weaken cell membranes, causing the cell to die. Cellular destruction is linked to such diseases as cancer, coronary disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. According to Birkmayer, since the mid 1980s over 3,000 people have received NADH supplements for Parkinson’s disease, with 100% of recipients reporting at least some improvement in their symptoms. Furthermore, as revealed in the book The Brain Wellness Plan, studies conducted by Birkmayer at the Birkmayer Institute for Parkinson’s Therapy in Vienna, Austria, showed that, although symptoms were relieved when NADH was given to Parkinson’s patients, they all returned within three weeks after discontinuing the NADH treatments.
In addition to its performance in Parkinson’s studies, NADH has been shown to be effective in restoring some short-term memory loss, as is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as proving natural energy and mental clarity. These qualities make NADH an especially beneficial supplement for seniors, since NADH levels in the body decrease with age.
Birkmayer notes that studies conducted in France showed that NADH stimulated the brain’s production of dopamine by over 40%. Dopamine is a chemical that enhances strength, movement, coordination, cognitive functions and sex drive, regulates emotions and reduces appetite.
NADH as an everyday dietary supplement most commonly is used to enhance energy without the fatigue that usually follows unnatural stimulants. Robert Crayhon, M.S., comments on how NADH and other natural energy “boosters” are healthier than “drug-like” stimulants such as caffeine, since, unlike synthetic stimulants, NADH does not wear down the body, wreak havoc on the adrenal glands or result in fatigue. Birkmayer, in quoting Dr. Stanley Cohan, asserts, “NADH is a naturally occurring compound with few side effects…,” although Birkmayer does not mention what those side effects are.
Although Birkmayer states that studies using a dose of NADH 14,000 times higher than the usual dose (5 mg for average, healthy dietary supplementation) produced no complications in rats, there may be one or two side effects for humans that are worth considering. Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D., suggests a careful observation when beginning NADH supplementation, as too high a dose can induce symptoms of insomnia. Crayhon warns his readers to check with a physician before supplementing with NADH if taking antidepressant medication due to possible, unforeseen drug interactions.
Nevertheless, NADH has been shown to be a worthwhile supplement for the treatment of several serious diseases, as well as beneficial addition to a daily vitamin routine, for its therapeutic qualities for fatigue, memory loss and emotional deficiency. Experts conclude that with a 2.5 mg dose of NADH daily and an increase of 2.5 mg if necessary, a consumer can work to the ideal balance between restlessness and emotional, mental and physical well-being.
Birkmayer’s synthesis of NADH through yeast appears to have provided mankind with a useful supplement that is a mimic of the substance imperative to the body’s own inherent defense system. It is perhaps ironic that, at a time when many are searching everywhere to find a cure for what ails them, the answer may lie in-of all places-clues originating in their own bodies. By Jamie Mikulas
