For this week’s #WeeklyWellness2021 Challenge, I visited FIKA Wellness + Infusion for their popular NAD+(Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) service. I first visited FIKA, located in Salt Lake City, Utah last year and have been itching to go back ever since. Read all about my experience getting a hydrating IV drip here and check out an interesting interview with one of the owners here.

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I’ve been hearing buzz about NAD+ everywhere, within the wellness community to mainstream media to friends who are touting the benefits. FIKA has seen a steady increase in demand for the service, especially with the continued coverage from mega influencers like Joe Rogan. Widely regarded as an anti-aging booster, I knew I had to try this one for out for myself!

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide is a molecule present in all cells of the body that works to help mitochondria create cellular energy (ATP). NAD+ plays a role in how quickly we age and as time goes on NAD+ diminishes, thus do energy levels within the body. NAD+ plays a critical role in numerous ways, supporting several biological processes in the body; protecting cells from stress, promoting cell repair, and regulating healthy sleep cycles. This treatment is typically only available as an IV drip, but FIKA also offers it in an IM shot as well. I was lucky to be able to experience both within a couple of weeks!

NAD+ Benefits

Because NAD+ helps the body create cellular energy, a trickle-down effect occurs, improving many of the body’s systems. The most common benefits guests note, according to FIKA staff include:

- sharpened cognitive function

- increased energy levels

- improved sleep

- quicker recovery from minor aches and pains associated with general aging

- increased sexual health

- enhanced athletic performance

- detox/addiction recovery aid

- improved immunity and inflammation levels

My NAD+ IV Experience:

When I arrived for my IV experience, I was expecting it to be similar to my relaxing hydrating treatment, but with NAD+, things were a little different. The staff explained to me that because of the instant detoxing effect the drip has, this 250mg service isn’t as pleasant to receive.

For the next 45 minutes or so I felt “waves” of mild discomfort throughout my body starting with my head/sinuses. I felt congested for a few minutes before the wave continued to my lower abdomen, where I felt light cramps and nausea. I learned that everyone experiences the treatment differently, depending on their body and specific areas of concern. 

With a registered nurse administering the IV drip and checking on me regularly, I felt comforted in knowing that through IV therapy, NAD+ can be introduced to the body for immediate absorption in the blood stream.

Added Extras

The team at FIKA did everything they could to keep me comfortable, providing me with a cozy blanket as I lounged on a sleek, comfortable chair. FIKA is quite unique compared to other IV clinics in they offer Zofran as a free available add-on to the NAD+ IV as well as a ‘cleanse’  saline bag afterwards, all included in the price.

The Aftermath

I immediately felt better/back to normal once the ‘cleanse’ bag IV began flowing into my veins. I was advised the results of NAD+ would last up to 14 days, which I felt ran true. The following week was spent on a family vacation which included long car rides, early mornings, and late nights having fun and chasing kids around. I paid particular attention to how I was feeling post-treatment and I can honestly say I felt great. I was able to keep up, feeling active and energized. My focus was sharp, spending an hour or so each night working and catching up on emails after everyone went to bed.

We returned home early in the morning, only getting a few hours of sleep. I recovered amazingly well from the entire experience and give absolute credit to the added NAD+ in my system. Normally, an experience like that would wipe me out for a couple of days, but I bounced back easily without skipping a beat. 

My NAD+ Shot Experience

A couple weeks after my initial NAD+ IV therapy treatment, I scheduled an appointment for an NAD+ shot to follow up. This intramuscular injection was quick and easy with the entire process lasting less than five minutes. I choose to get the shot in my shoulder and felt little to no soreness afterwards.

Compared to the IV treatment, the NAD+ shot is delivered into the muscle. Unlike the IV, there was no detoxing/uncomfortable feeling and the benefits started taking effect a few hours later, rather than instantaneously. Since then, in the days to follow I’ve felt great with increased energy levels and sharp mental clarity. I think I might be hooked!

Treatment Protocol

As a general recommendation, most guests receive a series of four sessions (500mg IV drips each session) all done within 7-14 days as a “loading dose” to help build the levels in their system.

After the loading dose, FIKA staff note that guests are usually aware of the benefits wearing off and know when it’s time for another pick-me-up treatment. Though NAD+ is beneficial to everyone, those with the most stress in their bodies (chronic pain, aging individuals, injuries, poor diet, addictive tendencies, athletes, high levels of inflammation) will notice the effects the most.

To maintain optimal NAD+ levels, FIKA recommends guests continue to receive 50mg/week in shot form with quarterly 500mg IV treatments.

Cost:

NAD+ IV Drip Starting Price $250

NAD+ IM Shot Starting Price $25

For more information on NAD+ or other intravenous and wellness services, check out the menu over at fikainfusion.com and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.

I’d love to hear how you practiced self-care this week! Have you experienced NAD+ yet? Tag me on Instagram @SLCBeautyBabe or @SpaandBeautyToday with tips and suggestions for next week!

[Photos courtesy of Alisha Racker]

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram: @alisharacker