NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) isn't found directly in high amounts in foods—it's a coenzyme produced in your body from precursors like niacin (vitamin B3 forms: nicotinic acid, nicotinamide), nicotinamide riboside (NR), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), and tryptophan. These precursors support NAD+ synthesis, which is crucial for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and brain health

NAD+ Sources

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) isn't found directly in high amounts in foods—it's a coenzyme produced in your body from precursors like niacin (vitamin B3 forms: nicotinic acid, nicotinamide), nicotinamide riboside (NR), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), and tryptophan. These precursors support NAD+ synthesis, which is crucial for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and brain health. However, as noted in recent research, avoid excessive supplementation with NAD+ boosters like NMN or NR without medical guidance, as they can elevate levels unnaturally and potentially increase cancer risk in some studies.Key Food Sources of NAD+ Precursors:

• Animal Proteins: Turkey, chicken, beef, pork, salmon, trout, tuna, mussels—rich in tryptophan and niacin (e.g., 3 oz turkey provides ~50% daily niacin).
• Dairy and Eggs: Cow's milk, eggs—contain NR and niacin (e.g., 1 cup milk has ~20% daily niacin).
• Plant-Based: Legumes (beans, lentils, peas), nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, peanuts, tahini), whole grains (brown rice, oats, fortified cereals), soy products—high in niacin and tryptophan.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Asparagus, green peas, avocados, oranges, mushrooms—provide moderate niacin.
• Other: Brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast—extremely concentrated in niacin (1 tbsp nutritional yeast can provide over 100% daily value).
• Fermented Foods: Natto (fermented soybeans)—contains some natural NAD+ supportive compounds.

Supplements:

• NR or NMN capsules (e.g., 300–500 mg/day, but start low).
• Niacin/nicotinamide (100–500 mg, but watch for flushing with nicotinic acid).
• Tryptophan supplements (rarely used alone for NAD+).

Aim for 14–18 mg niacin daily from diet; excess from supplements should be monitored.Other Pioneering Approaches for Reversing Brain DegenerationBeyond the NAD+-focused P7C3-A20 from recent mouse studies (which fully reversed Alzheimer's pathology in models by stabilizing NAD+), emerging research highlights supplements, compounds, and treatments targeting neurodegeneration like Alzheimer's. These are "pioneering" based on recent trials (e.g., 2025 studies on lithium and gene-reversing drugs), but most are preclinical or early-stage—results vary, and they're not cures. Your mentioned items (lion's mane for nerve growth factor stimulation, chaga/reishi for antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, coconut/MCT oil for ketone energy, turmeric for curcumin's neuroprotection) are solid starts. Here's more, drawn from current evidence:

• Mushrooms and Adaptogens:
  • Cordyceps: Boosts oxygen use and ATP (energy), may enhance cognition; similar to reishi but more energizing.
  • Ashwagandha: Reduces stress/cortisol, protects neurons; early studies show it clears amyloid plaques.
• Polyphenols and Senolytics (Aging-Cell Clearers):
  • Resveratrol (from grapes, berries): Activates sirtuins (NAD+-dependent enzymes), improves memory in trials.
  • Pterostilbene (blueberries): More bioavailable than resveratrol; reverses cognitive decline in animal models.
  • Fisetin (strawberries, apples): Senolytic that clears damaged cells; 2025 studies link it to reduced brain inflammation.
  • Quercetin (onions, apples): Anti-inflammatory; combined with dasatinib (a cancer drug), it reversed Alzheimer's gene signatures in recent UCSF research.
• Nootropics and Peptides:
  • Citicoline: Boosts acetylcholine and dopamine; repairs neuron membranes, with evidence for mild cognitive impairment reversal.
  • Bacopa monnieri: Enhances memory via BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor); 12-week cycles show sustained benefits.
  • Semax and Selank: Peptides that promote neurogenesis and reduce anxiety; Semax mimics ACTH for brain repair, used in 10-day cycles.
• Nutrients and Oils:
  • Omega-3s (DHA/EPA from fish oil or algae): Reduce plaque buildup; high-dose trials (e.g., 2g/day) slow progression.
  • Vitamin D: Emerging 2025 reviews show supplementation (2,000–5,000 IU/day) protects against Alzheimer's by modulating immunity.
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Antioxidant for mitochondrial health; may reverse energy deficits in brain cells.
  • Nattokinase: From natto; improves blood flow, reduces clots; preliminary links to better brain oxygenation.
• Emerging Pharmaceuticals/Treatments:
  • Lithium (low-dose, e.g., 5–10 mg): 2025 Nature study showed it reverses memory loss and protects neurons without toxicity.
  • Sargramostim: Stimulates immune cells to clear brain debris; in Phase 2 trials.
  • Aducanumab or similar anti-amyloid drugs: Clear plaques; FDA-approved but controversial for side effects.
  • Cancer drugs (e.g., dasatinib + quercetin): 2025 UCSF findings reversed Alzheimer's gene expression in models.
• Lifestyle/Other: Intermittent fasting (16:8) boosts ketones like MCT oil; exercise (aerobic + strength) promotes neurogenesis; meditation reduces stress-induced degeneration.

Always prioritize evidence-based options and consult a doctor—some (e.g., peptides) may not be widely available or regulated in Israel.Optimal Regimen for Brain Health and Potential ReversalThis is a balanced, evidence-inspired 4-week starter plan focusing on NAD+ support, your mentioned items, and top additions. It's optimal for general brain health/early degeneration prevention, not a cure—adjust based on age, health (e.g., start with blood tests for deficiencies). Cycle supplements to avoid tolerance; take with food to enhance absorption. Daily total: ~8–10 items, split AM/PM. Consult a healthcare pro, especially if on meds.Daily Core (Diet + Lifestyle):

• Meals: Emphasize NAD+ foods—e.g., breakfast: eggs + oats + blueberries (tryptophan + niacin + pterostilbene). Lunch: salmon + lentils + asparagus. Dinner: turkey + brown rice + onions (quercetin). Snack: sunflower seeds or nutritional yeast on yogurt.
• Hydration/Oils: 1–2 tbsp coconut/MCT oil in coffee/tea (for ketones); add turmeric (1 tsp with black pepper for curcumin absorption).
• Activity: 30 min aerobic exercise (walk/run); 10 min meditation; 16:8 fasting window (e.g., eat 12pm–8pm).
• Sleep: 7–9 hours; use dim lights pre-bed.

Supplement Stack (Start Low, Build Up):

• AM (Energy/Cognition Focus):
  • NAD+ Precursor: 250–500 mg NR or niacin (from food if possible; supplement 3x/week).
  • Lion's Mane: 1,000 mg extract (for NGF; pair with chaga/reishi blend: 500 mg each for antioxidants).
  • Omega-3: 1,000 mg DHA/EPA.
  • Citicoline: 250 mg (membrane repair).
  • Vitamin D: 2,000 IU (if deficient).
• PM (Recovery/Anti-Inflammatory):
  • Turmeric/Curcumin: 500 mg with piperine.
  • Bacopa: 300 mg (memory boost).
  • Resveratrol or Pterostilbene: 100–250 mg (sirtuin activation).
  • CoQ10: 100 mg (mitochondrial support).
• Weekly Add-Ins:
  • Fisetin/Quercetin: 500 mg each, 2–3 days/week (senolytic days; take with fat).
  • Lithium Orotate: 5 mg, 3x/week (if approved; monitor kidneys).
  • Peptides (if accessible): Semax nasal spray (20–40 mcg/day for 10 days, then break); Selank for stress.
  • Nattokinase: 100 mg, 2x/week (blood flow).

Monitoring and Adjustments:

• Week 1: Half doses to test tolerance.
• Track: Journal cognition (e.g., memory tests), get bloodwork for NAD+ markers or inflammation (CRP, tau).
• Sources in Israel: iHerb, Tevaly, or local pharmacies for most; peptides via specialized suppliers.
• Duration: Run 12 weeks, then reassess. If symptoms persist, explore clinical trials (e.g., for P7C3-A20 or lithium).