Dr. Jason Schuster explains that a handful of vitamins and natural compounds act as the biochemical foundation for autonomic nervous system health. Deficiencies in these nutrients undermine cellular energy, increase inflammation, and destabilize the body’s stress‑response networks.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
NMN is a B‑vitamin derivative and the first molecular precursor to NAD+, the key co‑factor that fuels ATP production in mitochondria. Dr. Schuster notes that NAD+ levels naturally decline around age 40, which reduces cellular energy and disease resistance. Animal studies have shown that NMN supplementation can extend lifespan, lower inflammation, and improve cellular homeostasis.
- Boosts NAD+ → more ATP for cellular work
- Reduces pro‑inflammatory markers in mouse models
- Improves mitochondrial efficiency and overall energy
- Typical dose: 1 g per day, mixed with a fatty medium (e.g., chocolate milk)
- No lethal dose identified in human literature
Resveratrol – The Grape Polyphenol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grape skins that exerts strong anti‑inflammatory effects. According to Dr. Schuster, it lowers classic pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as IL‑1, IL‑6, TNF‑α, and C‑reactive protein, thereby helping the autonomic nervous system maintain homeostasis. Like NMN, it is lipophilic and best taken with a source of fat.
- Reduces systemic inflammatory markers
- Supports mitochondrial function alongside NMN
- Dose used by Dr. Schuster: 1 g powdered form daily
- Mixed with a fatty drink to improve absorption
- Sourced from Renew by Science (or Thorne’s NR version)
Glucoraphanin (Broccoli Sprout Extract)
Glucoraphanin, converted in the body to sulforaphane, activates the Nrf2 pathway—a major anti‑inflammatory signaling route. Dr. Schuster highlights that this pathway “turns on” anti‑inflammatory mechanisms while simultaneously dampening pro‑inflammatory signals, complementing the effects of NMN and resveratrol.
- Activates Nrf2 anti‑inflammatory signaling
- Improves cellular oxygen saturation and mitochondrial output
- Works synergistically with exercise, dry needling, and a nutrient‑rich diet
- Standardized broccoli‑sprout extracts contain the necessary activating enzyme
Omega‑3 Fatty Acids & Vitamin D
Omega‑3s (EPA/DHA) comprise 20‑30 % of brain mass and are crucial for neuronal membrane integrity and anti‑inflammatory balance. Dr. Schuster states that EPA/DHA outperform many prescription drugs in cardiovascular outcomes. Vitamin D deficiency—present in roughly 95 % of U.S. adults—impairs insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and overall physiological function, further destabilizing autonomic regulation.
- Omega‑3s reduce cardiovascular risk more effectively than many drugs
- Support brain structure and neurotransmitter function
- Vitamin D essential for insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis
- Deficiency linked to broad metabolic and immune dysfunction
“When NAD+ levels drop, our cells lose energy and become vulnerable to disease.”— Dr. Jason Schuster
The full nutrition coursework
Dr. Schuster's board-certified, accredited online nutrition courses — the research, the dosing, and the clinical reasoning in full.