NAD⁺ and Aging: Can NR & NMN Boost Cellular Health and Longevity?

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    In this episode, Dr. Rhonda Patrick breaks down the essential role of NAD⁺ in cellular energy and aging. She explains how everyday stressors and natural aging deplete NAD⁺ levels, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. The discussion explores whether NAD⁺ precursors like NR and NMN—known to increase NAD⁺ in animals—can do the same in humans. While early data is promising, questions remain about their long-term safety and effectiveness in people.


    Why This Matters: 

    NAD⁺ is a linchpin in the body’s energy systems, playing a critical role in mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and overall metabolic health. As NAD⁺ levels drop with age, the body becomes more vulnerable to chronic disease and cellular decline. Interventions like NR and NMN may offer a proactive way to support energy production and delay age-related deterioration—but they need to be applied with evidence, caution, and expert guidance.

    At Clay Health & Care, we track these innovations closely to help people stay ahead of aging by understanding their biomarkers, using targeted therapies, and making informed decisions about their long-term healthspan.

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    Replenishing Falling Levels of NAD⁺ to Combat Aging

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      In this clip, Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, breaks down the science behind NAD⁺—a vital coenzyme required by our mitochondria to produce cellular energy. NAD⁺ levels rise during fasting and decline naturally with age, affecting critical enzymes like sirtuins and PARPs that are essential for DNA repair and healthy aging.

      Dr. Verdin explores leading hypotheses on why NAD⁺ declines over time: either it’s being depleted to repair accumulated DNA damage, or the body’s ability to recycle it simply deteriorates with age. NAD⁺ supplementation has emerged as a potential strategy to restore cellular energy and counteract some aging-related symptoms, though the science is still evolving


      Why This Matters: 

      As we age, energy production and cellular repair processes slow down—impacting everything from brain function to physical endurance. Replenishing NAD⁺ levels is one of several emerging strategies to optimize mitochondrial health and slow biological aging.

      At Clay Health & Care, we explore these advances with clinical rigor, offering cutting-edge therapies like NAD⁺ IVs and supplements as part of personalized health optimization programs.

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        Join Dr. Craig Koniver, a board-certified physician, as he delves into the therapeutic potential of peptides and hormones to boost physical and mental health. This episode covers key therapies like GLP-1 for weight loss, BPC-157 for healing, growth hormone-boosting peptides, and supplements like CoEnzyme Q10, NMN, and testosterone therapy. Dr. Koniver explains how these treatments enhance performance, improve sleep, support cognitive function, and promote longevity. Learn about dosages, sourcing, safety, and the critical role of working with experienced physicians. Whether you’re considering these therapies or simply curious about their benefits and risks, this episode offers the scientific insights you need to optimize your health and performance.


        Why This Matters: 

        Peptide and hormone therapies are increasingly being explored for their potential to enhance both mental and physical well-being. From weight management to improving cognitive function and recovery, these treatments offer tailored solutions to optimize health and performance. Understanding how peptides and hormones work—along with their potential risks and benefits—is essential for anyone looking to improve their quality of life, longevity, or athletic performance.

        At Clay Health & Care, we prioritize evidence-based approaches and individualized care to help you make informed decisions about your health journey, ensuring that your wellness strategies are both effective and safe.

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        Olav Aleksander Bu: Optimizing Endurance Performance

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          In this episode, Olav Aleksander Bu, a renowned sports scientist and coach, delves into his data-driven approach to optimizing endurance performance. From VO2 max to lactate threshold, Olav shares his wealth of knowledge on performance metrics, nutrition strategies, and cutting-edge coaching techniques that elevate elite athletes across various sports. He also highlights the evolving role of artificial intelligence in training and performance optimization.

          What You’ll Learn:

          • Key Performance Metrics
          • Training Methodologies Across Sports
          • The Role of Nutrition in Endurance
          • The Importance of Consistent Testing
          • Artificial Intelligence in Endurance Training

          Why This Matters: 

          Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a health-conscious individual looking to improve endurance and fitness, understanding the metrics that drive performance is crucial. By focusing on key markers like lactate threshold and VO2 max, you can fine-tune your training to achieve better results. Additionally, proper fueling strategies and consistent testing help ensure that your training efforts are aligned with your goals. The insights shared by Olav Aleksander Bu can guide you in applying these concepts to your own fitness journey.

          At Clay Health & Care, we take a personalized approach to health optimization, incorporating cutting-edge performance metrics and tailored training strategies to help our clients achieve their best physical condition. Whether you’re improving endurance for a race or simply aiming for better overall fitness, optimizing key metrics and nutrition is essential to achieving sustainable, long-term health.

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            Dr. Peter Attia and exercise physiologist Dr. Iñigo San-Millán break down everything you need to know about Zone 2 training—what it is, why it’s vital for mitochondrial health and metabolic efficiency, and exactly how to incorporate it into your weekly routine. With clarity and nuance, they explain the science behind Zone 2’s powerful effects on fat oxidation, insulin sensitivity, and endurance performance, especially as we age.

            Main Takeaways:

            • What exactly is Zone 2 training and how to measure it (even without fancy tech)
            • Why Zone 2 is the metabolic “sweet spot” for building mitochondrial density
            • How it helps reverse insulin resistance and supports longevity
            • The optimal dose, frequency, and duration for real-life application
            • Why elite athletes and everyday people alike benefit from consistent Zone 2 work
            • How to balance Zone 2 with strength training and high-intensity efforts

            Why This Matters: 

            Zone 2 training is one of the most effective yet underutilized tools for improving mitochondrial health, fat metabolism, and insulin sensitivity—core components of longevity. At Clay Health & Care, we emphasize Zone 2 as a foundational pillar in our health optimization programs because it helps our members build metabolic resilience, enhance recovery, and prevent chronic disease. Whether you’re tracking lactate thresholds with Oval tech or simply walking at the right intensity, Zone 2 is a game-changer for aging well and living fully.

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              In this episode, Dr. Stacy Sims and Dr. Andrew Huberman tackle a big myth in women’s fitness: that more cardio equals better health. Instead, they reveal how a strategic mix of very high and very low intensity training—paired with strength work—is more effective for long-term performance, metabolic health, and hormone balance. Dr. Sims explains the physiological differences in how women respond to exercise and shares practical advice on how to train smarter, not harder.

              What You Stand to Learn:

              • The most common training mistakes women make (and how to fix them)
              • Why steady-state cardio may be doing more harm than good
              • The power of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Zone 2 for women
              • How menstrual cycle phases can impact strength and endurance
              • How to optimize training for fat loss, muscle gain, and longevity
              • Why strength training is critical for bone health, metabolism, and aging

              Why This Matters: 

              Women are often underserved by one-size-fits-all fitness advice. Dr. Sims and Dr. Huberman highlight the science behind why women need a different approach—and how the right training strategy can lead to better results with less burnout. It’s time to stop chasing calories burned and start focusing on training that builds strength, supports hormones, and truly supports long-term health.

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              The Longevity Mindset: Dr. Nick Engerer on Living Better, Longer

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                What if the secret to aging well was in your mindset? Dr. Nick Engerer, longevity expert and founder of A Longer Life, shares his personal and professional journey into the science of healthspan. From cutting-edge early detection technologies to practical strategies like better sleep, movement, and purpose, Dr. Engerer outlines how anyone can adopt a “longevity mindset”—and why doing so can profoundly impact not just how long you live, but how well you live.

                What You’ll Take Away:

                • How a health scare in his twenties transformed Dr. Engerer’s life
                • The power of mindset in extending healthspan and quality of life
                • How early detection through advanced technologies can prevent disease
                • The role of genetics and family history in shaping your health journey
                • Real-life examples of thriving, purpose-driven older adults (yes, including Martha Stewart and The Rolling Stones)
                • Why passion projects and community can be just as vital as nutrition and exercise
                • A preview of Dr. Engerer’s Costa Rica docuseries and his blog as a hub for longevity enthusiasts

                Why This Matters: 

                By understanding and tracking core biomarkers, you gain powerful insight into your risk for cLongevity isn’t just about living longer—it’s about thriving longer. This conversation helps reframe aging from something to fear into something to optimize. Adopting a longevity mindset means understanding your body, your risks, and your purpose—and using that knowledge to live more fully at every age. At Clay, we are obsessed with biomarkers, which is why assessments are the starting point for every health optimization journey.

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                  Dr. Valter Longo—renowned longevity researcher and author—breaks down the top biomarkers he uses to assess biological age and long-term health. While your birthdate tells you your chronological age, these measurable markers reveal your biological age—how well your body is really functioning.

                  What’s in this video:

                  • The 5 key biomarkers Dr. Longo looks at to estimate biological age
                  • How IGF-1, insulin, glucose, CRP, and triglycerides relate to aging and disease
                  • Why systemic inflammation plays a critical role in longevity
                  • The impact of fatty liver disease on metabolic health
                  • The future of aging science: methylation testing and biological clocks
                  • Practical ways to monitor your own biological aging process

                  Why This Matters: 

                  You can’t change your chronological age, but you can influence how fast your body ages. By understanding and tracking these core biomarkers, you gain powerful insight into your risk for chronic disease, energy levels, and how long and well you’re likely to live. We say it all the time and we’ll keep saying it: t’s not just about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years.

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                    If you’ve ever had bloodwork done and been handed a sheet full of confusing numbers, you’re not alone. In this new episode, InsideTracker’s founder Dr. Gil Blander and registered dietitian Ashley Reaver explain how to make sense of your health data—and more importantly, how to use it to live longer and feel better.

                    This conversation is packed with insights on how to move from reactive healthcare to proactive prevention, especially using personalized biomarkers and lifestyle strategies backed by real-world data.

                    What You’ll Learn:

                    • Why personalized health plans are more effective than one-size-fits-all advice
                    • How organizing biomarkers by goal (like cognition or endurance) improves focus
                    • Why continuous monitoring leads to better long-term results
                    • The growing value of at-home testing for preventive health
                    • How your daily habits interact with genetics to shape your healthspan

                    Why This Matters: 

                    Most people only get health advice after something goes wrong. But the real power lies in prevention—catching risks early, building healthy habits, and tracking progress over time. By making complex data easier to understand and act on, tools like InsideTracker help you take control of your health before problems arise. It’s not just about living longer—it’s about living better, with more energy, focus, and resilience for the long haul.

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                      It’s a staggering number: 88% of adults show signs of metabolic dysfunction. That means most of us are walking around with early indicators of chronic illness—often without realizing it.

                      In this discussion, Dr. Ben Bikman, a leading metabolic scientist and author of Why We Get Sick, explains how one hormone—insulin—plays a central role in everything from obesity to heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. At Clay, we see insulin resistance as one of the most important—and overlooked—drivers of poor health. That’s why this episode hits home.

                      Key Takeaways:

                      • Insulin: What It Is and Why It Matters
                      • What Happens When Insulin Stops Working Efficiently
                      • Why Early Detection Is Everything
                      • How to Improve Insulin Sensitivity

                      Why This Matters: 

                      Insulin resistance often develops silently over years. By the time it shows up in your blood sugar, it’s already been impacting your health. But with the right testing and lifestyle shifts, it’s reversible. Understanding insulin may be one of the most important things you can do to extend your healthspan.

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