Spring is on its way. The days are getting longer, the light is returning, and both younger people and those of us who are a little more mature begin to feel a renewed sense of energy in the body. Many feel the urge to get outside more and use their bodies again. For some, this means more sport; for others, a longer walk – perhaps in the forest, where everything begins to sprout, the birds are singing, and nature once again shows signs of life.

Even so, many experience that March in particular can be a tiring time. After a long and harsh winter, the body has often been running on low power. Energy levels are not quite back yet, and both physically and mentally one can feel drained. Many miss having surplus energy, joy of life and the lightness we associate with spring.

I do my best to take care of my health, and over the years I have become more aware of how important it is to support the body – especially during transitional periods. The body has its own rhythm, and when the seasons change, our needs change as well.

When the body needs to wake up after winter – NAD+ and energy

One of the things I have clearly noticed makes a difference for me is NAD+. I experience more energy, greater joy of life and a general sense of well-being. At the same time, NAD+ is a substance that in recent years has received a great deal of attention in research, including in relation to ageing and cellular function.

NAD+ plays a central role in the body’s energy metabolism and in the cells’ ability to produce energy. This concerns all of us – regardless of age. When NAD levels decline, it can be felt as fatigue, reduced endurance and a lack of everyday energy.

NAD is formed in the body from vitamin B3, which exists in two main forms: niacinamide and niacin (nicotinic acid). Nicotinic acid is known to cause a temporary flushing of the skin, as it relaxes the blood vessels and briefly increases blood flow.

With age, the body’s ability to produce NAD declines. It is assumed that levels may be reduced by up to 50% for every 20 years. Low NAD levels can lead to increased fatigue and may also be associated with, among other things, elevated cholesterol and insulin resistance. For me, it makes good sense to support the body when its own production is no longer the same.

Dosage and interaction with other nutrients

NAD is available in good quality from Pharma Nord and is released slowly in the body. The usual dosage is 2–3 tablets daily, and it is beneficial to spread them throughout the day. I think it is a good idea to start with 1 tablet daily and then increase gradually. In this way, you can best sense which dosage suits your own body.

NAD should be taken together with a good-quality multivitamin, as vitamins and minerals work together – like a well-tuned orchestra. Personally, I supplement my multivitamin daily with Q10 (100 mg) together with selenium. It has been shown that levels of these substances often decline with age, and for me it makes sense to support the body where the need arises.

The power plants of the cells and biological energy

Energy is not only about sleep and diet. Energy is created deep within our cells – in the mitochondria, often referred to as the power plants of the cells. This is where nutrients are converted into the energy the body uses for movement, thinking and repair.

Mitochondrial function is closely linked to NAD+. When the mitochondria function optimally, we often experience greater vitality, mental clarity and better recovery. When they are under strain, it may present as fatigue, reduced resilience and slower healing.

After winter, when many people have moved less, had less daylight and perhaps experienced more stress, the mitochondria may need extra support. Spring is therefore not only a time for activity, but also a time for rebuilding from within.

Ageing, telomeres and joy of life

Research into NAD+ continues intensively in many exciting areas. Among other things, its significance for our telomeres and DNA is being investigated. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of DNA strands – similar to the tips of shoelaces. They protect our genetic material and help prevent genetic degradation.

Telomere length is associated with better health and longer lifespan. With each cell division, they become shorter and therefore function as a biological clock for ageing. Short telomeres can lead to premature cell death.

When the body wakes up after winter, the mind does not always automatically follow. Many people experience mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating or what is often referred to as “brain fog.”

The combination of Lion’s Mane and Ginkgo biloba may be of interest in this context. Ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain, while Lion’s Mane supports the formation and repair of nerve cells.

The interaction between the two is particularly interesting: Ginkgo ensures good circulation so that nutrients can reach their destination, while Lion’s Mane works more long-term with maintenance and renewal of neural pathways. The combination may contribute to improved focus, mental clarity and a more stable mood. Both substances also help the body cope with stress.

Lion’s Mane also promotes immune system function by activating macrophages and other immune cells, which play a role in the body’s natural defense mechanisms. In this way, Lion’s Mane supports not only the brain, but also the body’s overall resilience.

Spring awakens the desire to move more. But many people experience that the body does not fully keep up. Heavy legs, pain when walking, cold feet or a feeling of fatigue in the legs can be signs that circulation is under strain after the more sedentary winter months.

For many years, Padma Plus has been a well-known herbal preparation with roots in the Tibetan medical tradition. The product was developed in Switzerland and has been used since 1969.

Padma Plus consists of a complex composition of 22 ingredients, including plants, herbs, minerals and vitamin C. Among the ingredients are natural camphor, Iceland moss, amla, cardamom, myrobalan, hawthorn, licorice root, ginger, valerian, calendula and allspice.

For more than 50 years, Padma Plus has been used for circulation-related conditions, including pain in the legs when walking and reduced blood supply – also known as “intermittent claudication.” Many people experience that movement becomes easier again when circulation is supported.

Padma Plus and inflammation – also in the oral cavity

Research into Padma Plus is ongoing, and some studies have examined its effects in contexts other than circulation. Among other things, there has been a focus on the oral cavity, where inflammation often plays a central role.

In a study reported in Sund-Forskning (March 2024), 49 patients participated who, upon examination by a dentist, were facing a possible root canal treatment due to infection and inflammation. The participants took 2 x 2 capsules of Padma Plus daily.

After one month, 27 of the 49 participants were pain-free. Over a longer period, a total of 40 of the 49 became pain-free, and after five years, only 9 people ended up undergoing root canal treatment.

It is, of course, important to continue regular dental check-ups and proper dental care. However, the study suggests that Padma Plus may have a supportive role when inflammation is part of the problem – also in the oral cavity.

Many researchers have pointed out that Padma Plus appears to have a broad effect, precisely because inflammation is a common denominator in many different health challenges. Inflammation – also known as inflammatory response – is characterized by irritation, redness and swelling in the tissue. When inflammation occurs, cytokines, among other factors, are activated to regulate the immune response. Here, Padma Plus is believed to have a balancing effect.