The Niacin Follow-Up: What Happened When We Started Flushing

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Hey there!

A few weeks ago, we switched from controlled-release niacin to instant release. Here's what happened — and why we're not going back.

What's Inside

• Why It Matters

• Impact on Relationships

• How to Practice at Home

• 💚 Why It Works

• 🧩 Shared Shift Highlight:

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Why It Matters

We shared The Niacin Debate recently— what we were learning about adding therapeutic doses of niacin on top of our B-complex to support cardiovascular health and lower inflammation markers.

We'd been taking Designs for Health Niacin CRT (the controlled-release form) for a while, and it was working. But after digging deeper into the research and talking with friends using instant release, we decided to make the switch.

The difference was immediate.

Aaron woke up one morning and said, "The floaters are gone."

I looked at him. "Mine too."

The inflammation we'd both been carrying felt lighter. Mornings felt different. There was a clarity we couldn't quite name, but we both felt it.

Niacin is one of the most well-researched nutrients for cardiovascular and nervous system health. It dilates blood vessels, supports healthy cholesterol balance, and plays a key role in methylation and energy production (Gasperi et al., 2019). But here's what the research doesn't always capture: when your body runs cleaner, your system runs calmer. And when you're calmer, so is your partnership.

Impact on Relationships

Niacin isn't just a cardiovascular tool — it's nervous system support.

When circulation improves, oxygen and nutrients reach your brain more efficiently. That means better cognitive clarity, steadier energy, and a more regulated stress response. When both partners are operating from metabolic and neurological balance, co-regulation becomes easier.

The flush itself — that warmth and redness — is your blood vessels opening. It's temporary (15–20 minutes), but the systemic benefits last. When Aaron's inflammation drops, he's more grounded in the mornings. When I feel lighter, I'm less reactive. We move through the day with more relational flow — not because we're trying harder, but because our biology is supporting us.

How to Practice at Home

We were already taking Designs for Health Niacin CRT (500 mg) — the controlled-release form — on top of our B-complex. The flush was softer, slower, easier to manage. It worked, but we were curious if instant release would give us more.

After researching and hearing from friends, we switched to NOW Foods Niacin (500 mg, instant release). The flush is much more intense — a strong burning sensation that hits your ears, face, neck, chest and head first, then moves to your wrists, arms, and the tops of your feet. It feels like a bad sunburn for about 15 to 20 minutes. And then it fades. Afterward, we both feel incredible. For us, the instant release has been a noticeable upgrade.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Look for nicotinic acid specifically — not niacinamide or "flush-free" forms

• Start with 250 mg or try controlled-release first, then consider switching to instant release once you're comfortable

• Take it with food to ease into it

• Consult your practitioner, especially if you're on medication

We take ours before bed, together. Most nights, we fall asleep before the flush fully hits. It's become a small ritual — a shared reset that supports how we recover and wake up.

💚 Why It Works

Niacin supports three systems that directly affect how you feel and show up:

Energy production. It helps your cells convert food into ATP — the fuel your body runs on.

Cellular repair. Essential for DNA repair and recovery.

Central nervous system health. Supports brain function and stress regulation (Gasperi et al., 2019).

When your body has what it needs to repair and regulate, your partnership benefits. You're not just optimizing individually — you're building shared nervous system health.

We just did labs and will share those results soon. But so far, this one's staying in our stack.

🧩 Shared Shift Highlight:

This week: Notice your mornings together.

Before you reach for your phone or rush into the day, take 30 seconds to check in. How does your body feel? How does your partner's energy seem?

If you're experimenting with niacin (or any new habit), track it together. Share what you notice — not just physically, but emotionally. Shared wellness starts with shared awareness.

Your teammates in health,
Jaylene + Aaron

🛑 P.S…Two quick asks before you go. 

• Found something you think we should try? Reply and let us know—or DM us on IG @syncyourwellness.

• If you have a requested topic to be discussed regarding couples health strategies, email us at [email protected] and let us know. 

Visit www.syncyourwellness.com for more resources for your shared health strategy?

🫶 Looking to align your health goals as a couple, prioritize your fitness and nutrition? Check out these top guides:

1. 🧑‍🚀The Astronaut Shortcut to Muscle 

2. Struggling to Align on Health Goals as a Couple? 

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