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Dr. Tonia Winchester, ND

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How Do NAD+ Injections Boost Energy?

September 14, 2026โ€ข5 min read

If you've been feeling chronically drained, foggy, or just like your body's engine is idling instead of firing on all cylinders, you're not alone.

As we age, our energy levels naturally drop, and tasks that used to feel effortless suddenly take way more band-width.

The good news? Thankfully, you don't have to accept feeling tired as your new normal.

One of the most effective, fundamental ways to help your body regain its vitality is by looking directly at how your cells create energy.

That's where NAD+ injections come in.

What NAD+ Does Inside Your Cells

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a essential co-enzyme found in every single cell in your body. A co-enzyme is a little molecule shuttle; like Skip the Dishes for your cells.

Think of it as one of the most basic, mandatory currencies your body needs to survive. Without it, your cells simply can't function well, or in some cases, at all.

Inside your mitochondria (your cells energy factories), NAD+ works by shuttling electrons through the Kreb's cycle and the electron transport chain (hello Biology 12, it's been a minute, hasn't it?)

In simple terms, it helps convert the food you eat into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is your cells' actual fuel source. It's energy, baby!

Beyond energy production, NAD+ plays a huge role in DNA repair, anti-aging processes, protecting muscle and heart health, and keeping your brain cells operating at their best.

Unfortunately, your body's natural NAD+ levels steadily decline as you get older. You might not notice a deficit in your 20s, but as things slow down over time, low NAD+ can leave you feeling burned out, sluggish, and unfocused.

Why Injections Beat Oral NAD+ Supplements

A lot of people ask why they can't just take an oral NAD+ pill. You can do anything you want.

But you should know the reality is that oral NAD+ supplements just aren't very effective.

Your stomach acid and digestive enzymes break down those large molecules before they ever reach your cells.

Instead of delivering pure NAD+ to your bloodstream, your body ends up breaking it down into basic components like niacin (vitamin B3).

While precursor supplements like NR (nicotinamide riboside) or NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) can cross cell membranes, nothing beats direct delivery.

Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) therapies bypass your digestive tract entirely.

These are silver platter nutrients which means they skip the gut and the liver so they don't have to be digested, absorbed, sorted, metabolized and/or detoxified.

That direct path straight into your system gives you a far more immediate impact.

In my practice, I work with many middle-aged men targeting neurological and brain health. several of them have shared that they feel significantly better right away after an NAD+ injection compared to taking months and months of daily supplements.

What to Expect During an NAD+ Injection Session

For the injection curious we always start with a 45-minute injection consult. We'll sit down, talk about where you're at, assess your specific concerns, and map out your personal health goals.

Instead of long, uncomfortable IV drips, I administer NAD+ as a quick intramuscular (IM) injection into the glut muscles.

As a free bonus I often combine NAD+ with B vitamins like B12, B5, and B6, because they work synergistically to support cellular energy production.

If you're interested in exploring our full menu of targeted nutrient injection options, we can easily customize a treatment blend that fits your exact health goals.

Here's what a typical protocol looks like:

  • Initial Consultation: A full assessment to establish your health goals and review your treatment plan.

  • Loading Phase: Weekly injections for 4 to 6 weeks to build up your cellular stores.

  • Re-evaluation: We assess your results, take note of how you've been feeling and what you've been noticing and adjust as needed.

  • Maintenance: A quick top-up treatment every 2 to 4 weeks to sustain your energy and focus.

Busting the IV Myth: Watch Out for "The Woosh"

A common myth around NAD+ is that you have to sit hooked up to an IV drip for hours. Slow IV drips can cause noticeable nausea and take up a huge chunk of your day. Intramuscular injections deliver the same powerful benefits in a fraction of the time.

There's one unique sensation you should prepare for with NAD+ IM injections, which I like to call "the woosh."

About 5 to 10 minutes after your injection, you might feel a warm, sudden rush that could start at your feet and travels up through your legs, torso, and into your head. It can feel a bit queasy. To be completely honest, it can feel a bit like drinking two or three shots of tequila in a row.

The most important thing to know is that it's completely normal and safe. It lasts for just 30 to 60 seconds (maybe two minutes at most) and then passes completely.

I always warn my patients about the woosh ahead of time so they aren't surprised or anxious when it happens!

Restoring Energy After Burnout and Illness

NAD+ isn't just about athletic performance or anti-aging. It's a vital tool for recovering your baseline health.

I've experienced the benefits firsthand. After I had COVID, I struggled with heavy brain fog, and incorporating NAD+ alongside a few other targeted therapies was a total game-changer in clearing my head and bringing my energy back.

Whether you're struggling to shake lingering post-viral brain fog, dealing with burnout, or simply looking to stay vibrant, sharp, and thriving into your 80s, 90s, and beyond, NAD+ is a simple, safe, and supportive option to consider for your long-term health routine.

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Dr. Tonia Winchester, ND

Dr. Tonia Winchester is a naturopathic doctor and IV nutrient therapist in Nanaimo, BC. She helps humans who are struggling with stress, overwhelm, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and fatigue to calm their minds, sleep deeply, and live energized, pain-free lives.

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