Podcast Summary: The Thyroid Fixer — Episode 577

"Tired, Foggy, Aging Fast – Let’s Talk NAD!"

Host: Dr. Amie Hornaman
Guest: Dr. Greg Kelly, Lead Formulator, Qualia
Date: November 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delves into NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)—a molecule getting increased attention in the health, anti-aging, and biohacking worlds. Dr. Amie Hornaman hosts Dr. Greg Kelly to demystify NAD: what it is, why it matters (especially for thyroid and hormone health), how it affects aging, energy, and disease, and practical ways to support NAD levels as you age.

The conversation is especially relevant for women facing perimenopause/menopause and anyone struggling with fatigue, brain fog, and the frustrating symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Key Discussion Points

What is NAD and Why It’s Crucial (08:29–13:13)

• NAD Basics:
  • NAD is a fundamental molecule needed for cellular energy production—without it, cells can’t convert food into energy.
  • It has far-reaching roles: DNA repair, stress response, cellular detoxification, and supporting the enzymes (sirtuins) tied to longevity.
• NAD Metabolome:
  • Dr. Greg explains that “NAD” commonly refers to a group of related molecules (NAD+, NADH, NADP, NADPH) important for both energy production and cellular defense.
• Quote:
  • “NAD is fuel for the enzymes called sirtuins, a really important cellular stress enzyme system ... and for enzymes that repair DNA. So, you know, crazy important as our cells get older.” —Dr. Greg Kelly (10:36)

Why NAD Levels Matter as You Age (13:13–19:50)

• Aging and Stress:
  • As cells face stress, NAD helps them either recover, become more resilient, or repair. Chronic or severe stress without enough NAD, however, can lead to cellular dysfunction (even cell death or cancer).
• Declining NAD With Age:
  • NAD levels begin declining in your late 20s and drop steadily with each decade, despite healthy habits.
• Signs of Low NAD:
  • Dr. Greg highlights classic “4 Ds” of B3/NAD deficiency: Dementia (esp. brain fog/mood), Dermatitis (skin problems), Diarrhea (gut health), and Death.
  • “Cognition, mood, energy as one, skin area is another, and GI health being the third.” (21:15)

Core Functions of NAD (12:05–13:13)

• Top Roles:
  • Energy production
  • Detoxification and stress resilience
  • DNA repair
  • Inflammation modulation

How Declining NAD Manifests (19:50–23:10)

• Symptoms/Signs:

  • Brain fog, mood changes, low energy, poor skin quality, digestive upsets (not just “aging”!)
  • Gut barrier function may suffer, increasing risk for leaky gut and autoimmunity.

• Quote:

  • “A lot of people who get diarrhea ... throw on probiotics. And it might be that, but that’s an interesting component to look at. Is it your declining NAD levels if you have this sudden onset of diarrhea?” —Dr. Amie Hornaman (21:51)

Practical Strategies to Support NAD

Precursors vs. NAD IVs (24:15–28:31)

• Key Takeaway:

  • Oral NAD is not effective; the molecule is too large to absorb intact.
  • Use precursors (niacin/niacinamide, NMN, nicotinamide riboside/Niagen, etc.)—these are efficiently absorbed and allow the body to build NAD.

• Quote:

  • “To get our cellular levels of NAD plus higher, the least efficient way is to do the whole molecule. These building blocks are the most efficient way and really well established to boost it.” —Dr. Greg Kelly (25:21)

• On NAD IVs:

  • Limited evidence that they significantly boost NAD inside cells; effects may be unrelated to raising cellular NAD.

How Much Is Too Much? Goldilocks Principle (28:31–34:17)

• Not “more is better.”

  • The body regulates NAD tightly, and excess precursors are excreted.
  • Large, chronic doses (e.g., high-dose niacin) can have side effects like affecting thyroid hormones in some people.

• Testing:

  • NAD blood tests are expensive and uncommon. For most, consistent use of a good product is sufficient—you don’t “have to test.”

Picking the Right Supplement (34:17–39:34)

• Quality Matters:

  • Many online NAD precursor supplements (especially cheap gummies and unknown brands) often lack key ingredients or contain less than claimed.
  • Choose reputable brands with clinical studies, like Qualia.
  • “You didn't just save $15—you wasted whatever XYZ the amount... you thought, ‘I’m saving 15,’ no, you just bought something that doesn’t even work. You might as well just light that 20 bucks on fire.” —Dr. Amie Hornaman (38:38)

• What “Clinically Proven” Means:

  • Two independent placebo-controlled studies showing significant improvement in NAD.
  • Qualia NAD formula has increased NAD by 67% (study 1) and 72% (study 2), moving people into the “optimal range” for NAD.

How to Feel the Impact? (41:02–44:02)

• Common Benefits Experienced:

  1. Increased energy
  2. Faster exercise recovery
  3. Better mood; reduced stress/anxiety
  4. Improved sleep quality or lower need for sleep

• Dr. Amie’s Experience:

  • “When I wake up and my energy is in the toilet ... when I take Qualia NAD, that is what I notice. It’s like I come out of that low energy slump... And it’s really, for me, within hours. Is that normal?” (44:02)

Optimizing Use: When & How to Take NAD Boosters (45:27–48:02)

• Best time:

  • Take early in the day.
  • NAD peaks naturally in the early afternoon; taking it in the morning properly aligns with your body rhythm and avoids potential downsides of late dosing.

• Evidence:

  • Animal studies show metabolic benefits when administered at the start of the day, but possible adverse effects if given later.

What’s Next in Anti-Aging? Qualia’s Pipeline (48:02–52:38)

• Upcoming products:
  • Joint Health Support: For ligaments, tendons, and joint comfort (available now).
  • Stem Cell Protocol: Periodic dosing to rejuvenate and maintain stem cells (planned for September).
  • Senolytic Formula: For clearing “zombie” cells (use two days/month).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Aging & NAD:
  • “You can pretty much bank on, decade by decade, they’re going to just go down ... If we’re not doing things to keep them higher, they will be suboptimal as we get older.” —Dr. Greg Kelly (16:43)
• Lifestyle & NAD:
  • “Sprinters maintained higher levels [of NAD] for their age than long-distance runners, and both were better than sedentary people.” —Dr. Greg Kelly on exercise, 18:06
• Supplement Integrity:
  • “Integrity is everything. Science is everything. That’s who you want to trust when you are going to put something in your body.” —Dr. Amie Hornaman (52:38)
• On Testing Products:
  • “85% didn’t meet label claims ... 60% had essentially no detectable NR.” (re: Amazon products) —Dr. Greg Kelly (35:13)

Key Timestamps

• What is NAD? — 08:48
• Why NAD matters & what it does — 11:40
• How NAD declines with age — 16:29
• NAD deficiency signs — The Four Ds — 19:50
• NAD & gut health/leaky gut — 22:12
• Best ways to boost NAD (precursors, not IVs or oral NAD) — 24:15
• Supplement quality and clinical studies — 34:17, 39:34
• Subjective benefits—what to expect — 41:02
• When to take NAD boosters — 45:27
• Upcoming anti-aging innovations from Qualia — 48:02

Takeaways for Listeners

• NAD is foundational for energy, cellular resilience, brain function, and anti-aging.
• Levels drop with age even in healthy, active individuals.
• Precursors (niacin, NMN, NR) are the best way to supplement; be wary of IVs and cheap/unproven products.
• Choose reputable brands with clinical backing for your investments in wellness.
• Monitor subjective benefits (energy, mood, recovery); testing NAD levels is rarely necessary unless you’re deeply tracking health data.
• Integrate NAD support as part of a holistic anti-aging and thyroid/hormone health strategy.

Links and Discounts Mentioned:

• Qualia Life NAD — use code THYROID for 15% off
• Dr. Amie’s Website — for consultations and further resources

Episode in a nutshell:
If you’re feeling tired, foggy, and like you’re aging faster than you want—supporting your NAD levels may be the missing piece. Choose smart, clinically-backed supplementation, and prioritize trust and science in your wellness journey.