Stacking NAD IV Therapy in Toronto with Glutathione and Red-Light Therapy

In the functional medicine realm, treatments are often merged to provide well-rounded care. For some cases, our IV Lounge might stack NAD IV therapy in Toronto with a glutathione drip and red light session. When these therapies are part of a nourishing lifestyle, they may lead to healthy synergistic effects.

Each therapy offers unique benefits on its own – but combining them may produce complementary effects for mitochondrial function, oxidative stress balance, mental clarity, and healthy aging. And guess what – all three can be administered in one visit! 

So, if you’re a busy professional, athlete, shift worker, or battling chronic inflammation, stress and fatigue, this article may inspire you to adopt new ways to target your health – after all, you only have one body and it deserves as much TLC as possible.

Review: What is NAD IV therapy?

To recap, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) drives energy production and mitochondrial function in the body; it supports brain and nervous system functions; and promotes DNA repair. It’s a coenzyme in each cell and it naturally decreases in the body with age. Due to this decline, scientists reason that low NAD+ levels may contribute to aging symptoms, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, metabolic issues, and slow muscle recovery. 

Because the coenzyme helps create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is like your energy ‘battery bank’, the beneficial effects of a NAD drip may lead to improvements to mental clarity, focus, physical energy and recovery. 

The goal of NAD IV therapy is to deliver NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract for systemic delivery. Unlike some nutrients, NAD+ itself is not believed to be well absorbed orally, which is why it is commonly administered intravenously or through sublingual formulations designed for absorption through the tissues under the tongue. Oral supplements more commonly contain NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which the body may convert into NAD+. For individuals with swallowing difficulties, digestive concerns, or those seeking higher-dose administration, IV NAD therapy may be considered as part of a personalized treatment plan after clinical assessment.

Why Add Glutathione IV therapy to the Mix

When combined with NAD, glutathione may further help combat oxidative stress; after all, glutathione is nicknamed the ‘master antioxidant’! It helps neutralize free radicals and supports liver detoxification pathways. It also helps recycle other antioxidants in the body, including both vitamins C and E.

Unfortunately, stress, lack of sleep, toxin exposures, infections, high alcohol intake, and excessive exercise can deplete glutathione amounts. Functional medicine providers might recommend combining NAD and glutathione to manage the production of reactive oxygen species, which are byproducts of cellular metabolism. Though this is a normal process, the extreme buildup of oxidative stress can impair your body’s recovery over time. That said, NAD and glutathione may further help reduce inflammation and fatigue, while enhancing detoxification support, immune function, and anti-aging appearances.  

Added Benefits of Red Light Therapy

What’s the reason for stacking NAD+ and glutathione IV therapy with red light? Well, research suggests that red light wavelengths might be beneficial for enhancing mitochondrial functioning and tissue repair. Red light therapy pairs well with NAD treatments because they both target mitochondrial health through different mechanisms. NAD revs ATP production and red light can potentially stimulate enzymes in the mitochondria, driving the conversion of nutrients into much-needed energy. In our clinic, red light therapy can be administered. It’s an easy process: Patients are positioned under a light canopy with eye protection; then, they’re comfortably exposed to red and near-infrared lighting. 

The Surprising Pros of All Three Treatments in One Visit

As we explained, functional medicine protocols might combine treatment modalities. Scheduling your NAD IV therapy, glutathione drip, and red light session on the same day isn’t just about treating yourself to justified ‘me’ time – it may offer healthy advantages, like: 

• Wide-ranging cellular support: Rather than focusing on only energy or only detoxification, the NAD-glutathione-red light approach fosters cellular performance and recovery, targeting multiple aspects of cell health. 
• Synergistic effects: Each therapy impacts mitochondrial health in different ways: NAD drips replenish coenzyme levels and regulate cellular functions; red light may stimulate mitochondrial respiration; and glutathione IV can reduce oxidative damage to the mitochondria. Targeting cell health through multiple angles can potentially expand your health benefits. 
• Time efficiency: Scheduling multiple wellness sessions into your calendar can be a conundrum! But combining them into one visit potentially opens the door for recovery acceleration.  At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, NAD, glutathione, and red light treatments can be administered under one roof with flexible scheduling – this reduces your travel time and adds efficiency to your personal schedule.  

Keep in mind, these treatments are not replacements for foundational lifestyle habits! Proper sleep, nutritious meals, physical activity, and stress management should be continued, along with regular consults with a functional medicine provider. Combination therapies, such as grouping NAD, glutathione, and red light treatments, are gaining the attention of functional medicine patients in Toronto. Are you ready to one-up your wellness? Stop by our clinic to arrange your personal health stack today. 

Suggested reading: Is Your Vision Waning with Age? Consider Exploring NAD IV therapy in Toronto

Treat Your Mind and Body with Our Functional Medicine and IV Therapy Services

Let’s face it – self-care is needed to keep up with a busy life. So why not book your ‘me’ time at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre? Our shared space with Supernatural Yorkville is designed to nurture your mind and body. We can customize your treatment plan with conventional and naturopathic medicine, Amazonian plant remedies, cold laser acupuncture, hormone optimization strategies, and more. You’re also welcome to book time with Supernatural’s longevity-related tools (i.e. skin treatments, cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and light pd therapy sessions). 

Our healthcare providers adhere to functional integrative health care, so our goal is to target your specific health needs. Personalized treatments can be supportive for health outcomes, which is why we tailor NAD IV therapy based on your lab results. An initial consult is mandatory to get a NAD prescription from our IV Lounge – if you’re a candidate for NAD infusion therapy, you can get your drip administered after your consult or scheduled for another day. All of our IV drips are freshly blended on a daily basis and we only use natural ingredients! Rest assured, we follow strict safety protocols and supervision is conducted by our team of naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. 

If you’re stuck with brain fog or slow athletic recovery, or simply can’t stop feeling ‘blah’, let’s chat. Each person has the potential to experience optimal function – and we’re ready to help unlock your inner power today. 

When was the last time you felt rejuvenated? Heighten your wellness routine with the help of NAD IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – jump-start now by requesting your consult.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.

 IV NAD, glutathione, and red-light therapies are supportive wellness interventions and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Individual responses vary, and evidence for some applications continues to evolve.”

References

Alzahrani, Taif F., et al. “Exploring the Safety and Efficacy of Glutathione Supplementation for Skin Lightening: A Narrative Review.” Cureus, vol. 17, no. 1, 2025, p. e78045, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78045. Accessed 17 May 2026.

Conlon NJ. The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Oct 1;150(4 Suppl ):41S-48S. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009673. Epub 2021 Sep 28. PMID: 36170435; PMCID: PMC9512238.

de Almeida AJPO, de Oliveira JCPL, da Silva Pontes LV, de Souza Júnior JF, Gonçalves TAF, Dantas SH, de Almeida Feitosa MS, Silva AO, de Medeiros IA. ROS: Basic Concepts, Sources, Cellular Signaling, and its Implications in Aging Pathways. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Oct 19;2022:1225578. doi: 10.1155/2022/1225578. PMID: 36312897; PMCID: PMC9605829.

Gallagher, Cory, and Owoturo O. Emmanuel. “NAD⁺ Supplementation for Anti-aging and Wellness: A PRISMA-guided Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.” Ageing Research Reviews, vol. 116, 2026, p. 103057, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2026.103057. Accessed 17 May 2026.

News-Medical article on Red Light Therapy. Francisco de Souza, Hugo. “Red Light Therapy: How Light Improves Cellular Energy and Repair.” News-Medical, 15 Mar. 2026, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Red-Light-Therapy-How-Light-Improves-Cellular-Energy-and-Repair.aspx. Accessed 17 May 2026.

“Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 Dec. 2021, Cleveland Clinic Red Light Therapy Article. Accessed 17 May 2026.

Pan R, Zhang G, Deng F, Lin W, Pan J. Effects of red light on sleep and mood in healthy subjects and individuals with insomnia disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Aug 24;14:1200350. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200350. PMID: 37692298; PMCID: PMC10484593.

Pizzorno J. Glutathione! Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014 Feb;13(1):8-12. PMID: 26770075; PMCID: PMC4684116.

Umino Y, Denda M. Effect of red light on epidermal proliferation and mitochondrial activity. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Sep;29(9):e13447. doi: 10.1111/srt.13447. PMID: 37753678; PMCID: PMC10462800.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

Finding Light: Novel Toronto Functional Medicine Approaches for Confronting SAD

When the days get shorter and the sunlight wanes, some Toronto functional medicine patients begin having concerns with their mood and energy. For some, this seasonal pattern can form into seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter seasons. Symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, weight gain, and feelings of sadness – it’s no wonder why SAD is dubbed the “winter blues”.

Some patients opt for integrative functional medicine to treat SAD, as personalized medicine treatments offer a root-cause approach. Biochemical, nutritional, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to seasonal mood changes, and targeting these aspects can potentially help restore balance, especially with the use of natural interventions. 

Below, we discuss what SAD is, functional medicine options for managing it, and how our treatments may be beneficial for gut health issues, cognitive function, and more. 

What is seasonal affective disorder?

You may be at risk of developing the condition if you’re female, genetically predisposed to depression and/or SAD, a young adult, and/or live far away from the equator. SAD seems to be caused by shifts in the amount of sunlight we’re exposed to – in turn, this can disrupt your biological clock. This lack of sunlight is thought to interrupt neurotransmitter functions, too, altering amounts of the ‘feel-good’ chemical serotonin.  Symptoms include low mood and feelings of helplessness; sleeping excessively; loss of interest in regular hobbies; concentration issues; appetite boosts, especially cravings for carbohydrates; social isolation.

“Approximately 15% of Canadians will report at least a mild case of SAD in their lifetime, while 2-3% will report serious cases.” – Canadian Psychological Association

Though SAD is periodic, potential hurdles can occur when it’s left untreated, such as alcohol/drug overindulgences, obesity, frequent absenteeism from work, and the worsening of current mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. “Given SAD’s unique trajectory and significant impact on affected individuals, the importance of early recognition and personalized care strategies cannot be overstated,” confirms StatPearls. 

Examples of personalized therapies for treating SAD 

Personalized SAD treatments can target your unique biochemistry, genetics, and metabolism, as these affect how your body responds to light, supplements, and medications. For example, variations in the vitamin D receptor gene or serotonin transporter genes may affect how sun exposure impacts your mood.

Thus, a functional medicine provider may run diagnostic testing to match therapies with your needs. Some tests might include comprehensive blood panels (to measure vitamin D, inflammatory markers, thyroid hormones), DUTCH testing to scrutinize adrenal health, and/or micronutrient testing for nutritional deficiencies. Lab results are then used by your clinician to arrange for tailored functional medicine support, which goes beyond the confines of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Some therapies that may be recommended for SAD include: 

• Intramuscular injections: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with SAD – this makes senses, as the sun helps the body synthesize vitamin D. A tailored dose administered as an intramuscular injection ensures you get a rapid absorption of vitamin D, as this modality bypasses the digestive system and the nutrient enters the bloodstream immediately. For those struggling with malabsorption, these injections are reliable compared to ingesting tablets and capsules. (Note: Processing the dose oral supplements can be delayed and hindered by the digestive process.)
• IV nutrient therapy: If you’re deficient in other nutrients linked to SAD (i.e. vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins), IV therapy can be considered. IV drips also rapidly enter the bloodstream for immediate use; they may be supportive for cellular health, and may help the mitochondria  energy production in your body. 
• Light pod therapy: Also called photobiomodulation, this method safely exposes your body to therapeutic light wavelengths, which can help with resetting the circadian rhythm. These exposures have been shown to stimulate mitochondrial energy production and boost serotonin and endorphins levels. 
• HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy): When you sit in this enclosed chamber, you inhale 100% oxygen – this boosts oxygen delivery to your tissues and cells. Though not specific to SAD, one study showed that patients with incomplete spinal cord injury experienced reductions in both anxiety and depression from HBOT. 
• Psychotherapy: A clinical psychotherapist can introduce you to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), ‘talk therapy’ that can help with identifying and reframing negative thoughts. You can also explore new stress management techniques, such as meditation.
• PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy): PEMF is designed to stimulate your cells with low frequency electromagnetic waves. Preliminary evidence suggests PEMF treatments may contribute to managing treatment-resistant depression and fatigue when combined with other treatment modalities, such as light therapy.

We want to stress that therapeutic treatments should be merged with lifestyle modifications, such as eating antioxidant-rich meals, getting regular exercise, and healthily practicing stress management. And prior to embarking on new therapies, patients should consult with clinicians experienced in functional and integrative medicine – some therapies (e.g. HBOT) do require medical supervision, screening, and contraindication checks. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, the treatments listed above (and more!) are available for new and existing patients. If you want to step-up your wellness game – especially to prevent and/or treat SAD – please visit us today. 

Suggested reading: Functional Medicine Toronto Mindset: The Surprising Nutrient Behind Hair Loss

Customizing patient care with functional clinical insight 

Custom healthcare can be accessed in the heart of Toronto. We are located in Yorkville, a neighborhood with access to both parking and public transportation. Think of our clinic as a wellness sanctuary – a place where you can take actionable steps towards health enhancements. 

We have a professional therapeutic partnership between ourselves and our patients, and we encourage you to ask questions anytime! Education is key to making personal health decisions, and ample time is provided for each appointment. We carefully discuss your condition, how to interpret laboratory testing reports, and what you can personally do to help reach optimal function. Explaining the rationale of treatments is important to us and our patients – we can integrate treatment plans with several modalities, including allopathic/Western medicine, psychotherapy, naturopathic medicine, intravenous therapy, hormone optimization tactics, preventative medicine, light pod therapy, nutritional / botanical supplementation, and more. 

A holistic health/lifestyle strategy that combines complementary and naturopathic medicine is suitable for chronic conditions, especially neurodegenerative and autoimmune conditions, menopausal symptoms (i.e. vaginal dryness), and recovery from environmental toxins (i.e. heavy metals). We adapt all modalities, even making doses of IV therapy, botanical medicine, and hormone therapies (i.e. bio-identical hormones) unique to your biology only. 

Note: Tailoring your therapies will involve a hearty discussion between our health provider and yourself. During your first appointment, we’ll discuss your lifestyle and environmental factors, genetic predispositions, current diet, and more – comprehending these allows us to adapt therapies for your needs. 

What’s causing your low mood and chronic fatigue? Let’s investigate this with our patient-centred approach to wellness! Call us now to book your first consultation with our functional medicine Toronto providers – in-person and virtual sessions are available.

Disclaimer: 

Some therapies discussed in this article  may have emerging or mixed evidence for seasonal mood concerns and may not be appropriate for everyone. Recommendations are individualized following clinical assessment and are not intended to replace primary mental health care or medical treatment when indicated. The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME. Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond. Einstein J Biol Med. 2017;32:E13-E25. PMID: 31528147; PMCID: PMC6746555.Canadian Psychological Association. ““Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Depression with Seasonal Pattern).” Canadian Psychological Association, posted 31 Dec. 2020, updated 27 Nov. 2024, cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-seasonal-affective-disorder-depression-with-seasonal-pattern/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Chen, Zuo, et al. “Treatment Measures for Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Network Meta-analysis.” Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 350, 2024, pp. 531-536, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.028. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Feng JJ, Li YH. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on depression and anxiety in the patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (a STROBE-compliant article). Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jul;96(29):e7334. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000007334. PMID: 28723746; PMCID: PMC5521886.

Forneris CA, Nussbaumer-Streit B, Morgan LC, Greenblatt A, Van Noord MG, Gaynes BN, Wipplinger J, Lux LJ, Winkler D, Gartlehner G. Psychological therapies for preventing seasonal affective disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 May 24;5(5):CD011270. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011270.pub3. PMID: 31124141; PMCID: PMC6533196.

Jahan-Mihan A, Stevens P, Medero-Alfonso S, Brace G, Overby LK, Berg K, Labyak C. The Role of Water-Soluble Vitamins and Vitamin D in Prevention and Treatment of Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder in Adults. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 17;16(12):1902. doi: 10.3390/nu16121902. PMID: 38931257; PMCID: PMC11206829.

Larsen, Erik R., et al. “Transcranial Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields for Treatment-resistant Depression: A Multicenter 8-week Single-arm Cohort Study: The Eighth Trial of the Danish University Antidepressant Group.” European Psychiatry : The Journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, vol. 63, no. 1, 2020, p. e18, https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.3. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Mohammad Alizadeh MA, Abrari K, Lashkar Blouki T, Ghorbanian MT, Jadidi M. Pulsed electromagnetic field attenuated PTSD-induced failure of conditioned fear extinction. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019 Jun;22(6):650-659. doi: 10.22038/ijbms.2019.32576.7797. PMID: 31231493; PMCID: PMC6570745.

Munir S, Gunturu S, Abbas M. Seasonal Affective Disorder. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568745/

“Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).” CAMH, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2025, www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/seasonal-affective-disorder. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Van Belkum, S.M., et al. “Treatment of Depression with Low-strength Transcranial Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields: A Mechanistic Point of View.” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, vol. 71, 2016, pp. 137-143, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.07.006. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.