Podcasts about bhb

Send us a textPharmacology & neurobiology of psychedelics & MDMA, focusing on isomers, sex-specific effects, and mechanisms in animal models. Not medical advice.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Biased agonism: Different drugs activate the same receptor (e.g., 5-HT2A) but trigger varied intracellular pathways, explaining why LSD is psychedelic while similar lisuride is not.Enantiomers & isomers: Mirror-image versions of drugs like MDMA (S and R forms) and LSD (four isomers) often produce distinct effects; only one LSD isomer is psychedelic, for example.MDMA isomer effects: S-MDMA induces stronger head twitches (psychedelic proxy) via serotonin release, and increases dendritic spines in male mice but not females; R-MDMA has somewhat different effects.Sex-specific drug responses: In mice, females show stronger psychedelic effects (head twitches) from psilocybin and DOI at the same dose, but males exhibit greater post-acute benefits like reduced opioid withdrawal.Psilocybin in opioid addiction models: A single dose reduces place preference for oxycodone and withdrawal symptoms in male mice more than females, with opposite spine density effects in reward-related brain areas.Mechanisms beyond 5-HT2A: Psychedelics involve other receptors like metabotropic glutamate receptors, forming dimers with 5-HT2A to enable dual signaling pathways; effects in subcortical regions like nucleus accumbens are 5-HT2A-independent.Clinical implications: Street MDMA may vary in S/R ratios, affecting experiences; clinical trials often use racemic mixtures without weight-adjusted dosing, potentially missing sex differences.ABOUT THE GUEST: Javier Gonzalez-Maeso, PhD is a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a PhD in medicine from Spain focused on G-protein coupled receptors and human brain studies in depression and addiction.RELATED EPISODE:M&M 230 | Psilocybin & MDMA: Inflammation, Stress & Brain-Body Communication | Michael WheelerSupport the showHealth Products by M&M Partners: SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off. Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textThe AMP kinase pathway's role in cellular energy sensing, nutrient allocation, and its connections to health practices like fasting, exercise, and diet.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Cellular energy basics: ATP/ADP/AMP as energy currencies; AMP kinase activates on low ATP to conserve and redirect resources, like a budget manager.AMP kinase mechanics: Heterotrimeric enzyme phosphorylating 100+ substrates; localizes dynamically in cytosol, mitochondria, nucleus to integrate signals.Nutrient detection: Senses fatty acids in fasting/ketogenic states, boosting fat oxidation and mitochondria independent of energy drops.Fasting/exercise impacts: Elevate AMP kinase for mitophagy, better fuel switching; mimic historical scarcity absent under modern constant feeding.mTOR relationship: AMP kinase inhibits mTOR to stop growth in low energy states; feedback loop disrupted by abundance, promoting tissue buildup.Disease links: Low AMP kinase in obesity/diabetes reduces flexibility; activation prevents cancer but may aid tumor survival in therapy.Drugs/diets: Metformin and GLP-1s like Ozempic activate AMP kinase for glucose control/weight loss; ketogenic diets activate at intermediate levels for fat efficiency.ABOUT THE GUEST: Gregory Steinberg, PhD is a Professor of Medicine at McMaster University and co-directs the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes Research, focusing on cellular energy sensors like AMP kinase.RELATED EPISODE:M&M 260 | Energy Resistance Principle in Life, Healing & Disease | Martin Picard & Nirosha MuruganSupport the showHealth Products by M&M Partners: SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code TRIKOMES for 20% off. Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textHow industrial farming, seed oils, soy, and pesticides impact food nutrition and health. Not medical advice.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Soy's rise in farming: Originating from paint uses and wartime chemicals, soy became dominant due to subsidies and large-scale farming practices, but introduces high PUFAs, phytoestrogens, and pesticides into animal feeds.Feed's impact on eggs: Chicken feeds high in soy and corn raise linoleic acid levels in eggs compared to low-soy alternatives; low-PUFA eggs improve digestibility for many.PUFAs & health effects: Feeding PUFAs fattens animals faster and disrupts human gut lining and metabolism; body fat composition changes take time, linking to chronic issues like low energy.Phytoestrogens in soy: These compounds pass into animal products, affecting estrogen signaling and gut health; mainstream nutrition often overlooks their risks despite historical low exposure.Dairy variations: Raw milk retains lactoferrin for iron regulation and gut support, plus enzymes and probiotics destroyed in pasteurization; it may resolve dairy intolerances for some.Regenerative farming model: Armstrong's cooperative emphasizes traditional feeds to “resaturate” foods, reducing PUFAs; supports small farms amid declining farm numbers.Ancestral diets insight: Traditional diets vary but share low PUFA levels, avoiding modern chronic illnesses tied to industrial fats.ABOUT THE GUEST: Ashley Armstrong, PhD co-founded Angel Acres Farm in Michigan and now runs Nourish Food Club, a cooperative of small farms producing low-PUFA, soy-free animal foods.RELATED EPISODE:M&M 273: Nutrition Content of Animal & Plant Foods: Beef, Plant-Based Meat, Raw vs. Processed MilkSupport the showHealth Products by M&M Partners: SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code TRIKOMES for 20% off. Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

A 2013 Science paper claimed beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the primary ketone body produced during ketosis, was a potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with powerful epigenetic benefits — this claim became the foundation of the keto movement's health narrative A devastating 2019 head-to-head comparison in Scientific Reports found that BHB shows no detectable HDAC inhibition in vitro or in vivo, while butyrate (a different molecule produced by gut bacteria) demonstrates robust HDAC-inhibiting activity The bitter irony: ketogenic diets actually reduce colonic butyrate production by depleting fiber intake and diminishing butyrate-producing gut bacteria — the very diet designed to boost the "HDAC-inhibiting ketone" may be depleting the actual HDAC inhibitor While BHB has legitimate benefits as an alternative fuel source and GPR109A receptor activator, the widespread claim that ketosis provides "epigenetic therapy" through HDAC inhibition appears to be scientifically unfounded

Send us a textHow individuals vary in responses to carbs, fibers, and fats.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Personalized health profiling: Snyder's lab sequences genomes and measures molecules from blood, urine, and microbiomes to detect diseases early, emphasizing data-driven discovery over assumptions.Fiber variations and effects: Responses to dietary fibers vary individually, with microbiome playing a key role.Glycemic responses to carbs: People spike differently to foods like rice, potatoes, or bread; tied to insulin resistance subtypes in muscles, liver, or pancreas.Type 2 diabetes heterogeneity: 90% of diabetes cases are type 2 with subtypes like muscle or hepatic resistance; triggers include genetics and infections, with prediabetes often undetected.Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): Affordable tools measure glucose every five minutes, revealing personal food triggers; spikes link to risks like cardiovascular disease and cancer.Lipidomics: Lipids are diverse, serving as energy sources, structural components, and signaling molecules; understudied but key in metabolism and gene expression.Maternal health & pregnancy: Metabolomics shows thousands of changes, including hormone shifts; cord blood analysis reveals fetal nutrient use and drug transfers, with markers for preterm birth or healthy outcomes.Future research: Exploring epigenetic changes in diabetes, personalized nutrition mitigation, and digital markers from wearables for mental health tied to diet and gut-brain axis.ABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Snyder, PhD is the Stanford W. Ascherman Professor of Genetics and former chair of the Department of Genetics at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he directs the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners: SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code TRIKOMES for 20% off. Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textHow agricultural practices influence the nutrient density of foods, particularly meat, and the importance of hidden compounds beyond standard nutrition labels.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Nutrient density profiling: Labs analyze thousands of compounds beyond macros and vitamins; this “dark matter” includes phytonutrients that may support health despite not being essential.Phytonutrients in foods: Plant secondary metabolites like polyphenols act as antioxidants and influence pathways like mTOR; animals convert plant compounds into bioactives humans access via meat.Red meat definition: Refers to meats high in myoglobin, including beef and lamb; most meats are red in wild forms, but human intervention affects color and classification.Ruminant animals: Animals like cows that have multi-chambered stomachs to digest plants; this metabolism differs from non-ruminants (e.g. chickens), affecting nutrient profiles in their meat.Grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef: Grass-fed has higher omega-3 fats and phytonutrients from diverse plants; studies show it improves human omega-6:3 ratios and biomarkers from grass-fed, pastured-raised animals.Farming practices & variations: Plant diversity boosts beef nutrients.Upcoming research: Long-term trials on effects of pasture-raised foods on human health; interactive dashboards for farmers to profile nutrients and inform policy.ABOUT THE GUEST: Stephan Van Vliet, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences at Utah State University, where he directs the Center for Human Nutrition Studies, focusing on linking food production systems to nutrient profiles and conducting clinical trials on health impacts.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textCellular metabolism, mitochondrial health, and the roles of diet and environment in metabolic health, fetal & child development, and Alzheimer's.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Cellular growth vs. burning: Cells alternate between growing (using glucose for building blocks in low-oxygen environments) and burning (generating ATP in mitochondria with oxygen); dysregulation leads to metabolic issues.Key regulatory enzymes: PI3 kinase imports glucose, AMP kinase builds mitochondria, and mTOR drives cell division; their synchronization determines healthy modes, while desynchronization causes diseases.Fructose as a dose-dependent mitochondrial toxin: High fructose intake inhibits AMP kinase, reducing mitochondrial function and diverting energy to fat storage; it is dose-dependent, like alcohol, and unnecessary in the diet.Obesogens & endocrine disruptors: Chemicals like tributyltin (TBT) alter gene expression across generations, promoting obesity unrelated to calories; modern exposures increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), burdening cells.Fetal & neonatal development: Maternal diet, especially high sugar or formula feeding, can cause neonatal obesity and fatty liver; breastfeeding supports proper jaw development and oxygen intake.Brain metabolism & Alzheimer's: The brain's high energy needs make it vulnerable to mitochondrial issues and ROS; energy deficits from diet, stress, and toxins lead to synapse loss and inflammation, treatable via prevention.ROS & health: Mitochondria produce ROS as a byproduct of ATP generation; excess from diet or environment causes damage, but antioxidants and lifestyle can mitigate risks.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS:Limit added sugars in your diet to reduce mitochondrial stress and ROS, focusing on whole foods over ultra-processed items for better metabolic health.Prioritize breastfeeding for infants when possible to support proper physical development and reduce future metabolic risks.Incorporate regular exercise and social activities to manage stress and boost brain-protective factors like BDNF, aiding neurodegeneration prevention.Get adequate sleep to regulate cortisol and maintain cellular energy balance, helping prevent brain fog and chronic diseases.ABOUT THE GUEST: Robert Lustig, MD is a pediatric endocrinologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, with a background in neuroendocrinology and obesity research.*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Listen ad-free by becoming an Insider: https://www.benbikman.comReferences:For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber. You'll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, unlimited access to Dr. Bikman's Digital Mind, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, and online, live Office Hours access with Ben. It also includes Ben's Weekly Research Review Podcast.

Send us a textDeep dive into how ketogenic diets and carbohydrate intake effect exercise performance, and misconceptions in sports nutrition.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Insulin as a powerful metabolic hormone: regulates nutrient storage across tissues, overriding others like glucagon to promote fat and glucose storage during abundance.Glucagon & GLP-1 roles in metabolism: Glucagon mobilizes liver glucose during scarcity; GLP-1, amplified in drugs like Ozempic, suppresses hunger but originated as a diabetes treatment.Transition to ketosis in fasting or low-carb diets: Low insulin enables fat breakdown into ketones for brain fuel, allowing survival for weeks without food, with adaptation taking about four weeks.Hypoglycemia vs. glycogen depletion: Low blood sugar causes fatigue and irritability due to brain energy deficit, while muscle glycogen levels do not directly limit performance.Ketogenic diets & exercise performance: Studies show no difference in endurance after adaptation, with some athletes performing better on low-carb due to enhanced fat oxidation.High-carb diets in athletes: In one study, about 30% developed prediabetes-like fasting glucose elevations, linked to total carb intake, despite leanness and fitness.Misconceptions in sports nutrition: Guidelines recommend 60-90g carbs/hour, but evidence shows 10g suffices to maintain blood sugar and performance, avoiding insulin spikes that impair fat use.Individual variability in diet response: Athletes vary in optimal fuel sources; it's possible to by athletic and lean but also metabolically unhealthy.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS:For workouts over ~60 minutes, consume ~10g carbs per hour (e.g., a third of a banana) to maintain blood sugar and prevent fatigue, regardless of overall diet.Allow at least four weeks for adaptation when trying a ketogenic diet, enabling the body to fully transition to the ketogenic state.Monitor personal responses to carb intake, as high levels can elevate fasting glucose even in fit individuals; consider lower-carb options if experiencing metabolic issues.Prioritize metabolic flexibility through varied diets or fasting periods to improve energy stability, but consult resources for proper formulation to support health.ABOUT THE GUEST: Andrew Koutnik, PhD earned a PhD in biomedical sciences with a focus on exercise physiology and metabolic health, informed by his personal diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in childhoodSupport the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textNeurobiology of maternal care in mammals: hormonal influences, stress effects & a study on psilocybin's unexpected effects during the postpartum period.Topics Discussed:Maternal care behavior in rodents: Nursing, pup retrieval, grooming, and nest-building, essential for altricial pups' survival; conserved across mammals but varies by species.Hormonal changes in pregnancy: Estradiol and progesterone surge then drop at birth, crossing the blood-brain barrier to enable infant attraction and care via gene expression and neuroplasticity.Brain circuitry for parenting: Medial preoptic area acts as a central hub, coordinating motivation and sensory inputs; present in both sexes but activated differently by hormones and experience.Stress impacts on mothers: Social stressors like male intruders dysregulate care, leading to frantic behaviors and avoidance; models human psychosocial stress linked to postpartum mood disorders.Sex differences in pup care: Mothers groom male pups more, influencing sexual behaviors, which effects future behavior.Psilocybin in postpartum mice: Single dose increased anxiety in mothers, showed no antidepressant effects, and transferred via milk, causing long-term anhedonia and impairments in offspring as adults.Serotonin system development: Early exposure to serotonergic drugs like psilocybin or SSRIs alters lifelong behavior, highlighting sensitive periods in brain reorganization.Practical Takeaways:Reduce postpartum stress through social support to enhance maternal bonding and minimize mood disorder risks.Approach psychedelics cautiously during postpartum due to potential anxiety increases and offspring effects via milk.Recognize hormonal shifts heighten sensitivity to infant cues, aiding natural caregiving instincts.Monitor environmental factors like food availability or threats that could disrupt parental behaviors in high-stress scenarios.About the guest: Danielle Stolzenberg, PhD is an associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, where her lab studies the neurobiology of maternal care.Reference Paper:Study: Psilocybin during the postpartum period induces long-lasting adverse effects in both mothers and offspringRelated Episode:Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textMetabolic effects of soybean oil and linoleic acid on obesity, fatty liver, and liver function.Topics Discussed:Historical trends in soybean oil use: Consumption increased dramatically since the 1960s due to farming subsidies, now providing over 10% of calories for many Americans, far exceeding the 1-2% required biologically.Soybean oil's effects in mice: Diets with 8-10% linoleic acid cause obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes over weeks, unlike coconut oil diets; effects persist even after diet switch unless combined with fasting.Role of HNF4 protein: This conserved liver transcription factor binds linoleic acid, regulating gene expression for metabolism; variants shift between carbohydrate and fat processing, with imbalances linked to fatty liver and cancer.Oxylipins from linoleic acid: Conversion in liver drives obesity; mice unable to produce them resist weight gain on soybean oil, suggesting these metabolites are key culprits.Vitamin B1 & soybean oil: Diets deplete B1 in liver and blood, contributing to obesity; supplementation with B1 analogs prevents weight gain, unlike beef tallow diets which preserve B1 levels.Gut & microbiome impacts: Soybean oil alters gut bacteria, potentially reducing B1 production and increasing permeability, leading to inflammation; farm animals fed soybean meal pass effects to consumers.Broader health implications: Reanalysis of old human studies questions linoleic acid's heart benefits; focus on reducing processed foods and seed oils, while noting olive oil's advantages from historical contexts.Practical Takeaways:Limit processed foods and seed oils like soybean to reduce linoleic acid intake, aiming for 1-2% of calories; read labels and opt for olive oil or home-cooked meals.Incorporate intermittent fasting, such as 12-16 hours without eating daily, to help reverse obesity effects from high-linoleic diets, based on mouse reversibility studies.Choose grass-fed or naturally fed animal products to avoid indirect soybean oil exposure from feed, potentially preserving nutrient levels like vitamin B1.Monitor diet when traveling or changing habits, as shifts in oil types can affect medication metabolism via liver enzymes.About the guest: Frances Sladek, PhD is a professor whose research focuses on the nuclear receptor HNF4 and the health impacts of dietary fats, particularly soybean oil.*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textHow seasonal changes in light and dietary unsaturated fats affect circadian rhythms in mammals.Topics Discussed:Evolutionary context of circadian rhythms: All organisms have adapted to Earth's 24-hour day for survival, with internal clocks slightly offset and adjusted by environmental cues.Molecular clock mechanism: Involves a feedback loop where proteins turn on/off genes, lasting ~24 hours, regulated by phosphorylation and degradation for timing precision.Genetic variations in sleep: Families with mutations in clock genes like PER2 cause extreme morning lark behavior, altering protein stability and period length by hours.Light entrainment: Morning light shortens human clocks (average 24.2 hours) to match 24-hour days; seasonal day length changes require gradual adjustments.Food & metabolic links: Seasonal food scarcity/abundance affects clock via glucose and fatty acids competing for protein modifications, as shown in diabetic mouse models.Role of unsaturated fats: Paper finds MUFA/PUFA ratios in diet alter phosphorylation of clock proteins, speeding or slowing adaptation to winter/summer light cycles in mice.Modern environmental impacts: Artificial light extends “daytime” signals, while constant food access erases seasonal patterns, contributing to obesity and diabetes risks.Jet lag & adaptations: Sudden time shifts mimic seasonal experiments; high-sugar/fat intake may phenocopy genetic effects to aid adjustment, though not recommended for health.Practical Takeaways:Expose yourself to morning natural light to help synchronize your internal clock and improve daily energy.Consume main meals during daylight hours and avoid late-night eating to align with natural metabolic rhythms.Limit evening screen time to reduce artificial blue light disrupting sleep onset.Consider varying diet seasonally, favoring diverse, whole foods to mimic natural availability patterns for better health.About the guest: Louis Ptacek, MD is a neurologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco. He researches inherited neurological diseases and sleep traits, including genetic variations causing extreme early rising.Related Episode:M&M 237: Circadian Biology: Genetics, Behavior, Metabolism, Light, Oxygen & Melatonin | Joseph Takahashi*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

In this episode of Canary Cry Clubhouse, host Basil, joined by Pete from Days of Noah Podcast and Rod from Millennial Mustard Seed, discusses a widespread feeling of spiritual and emotional fatigue among believers. They describe this as a "siege" that depletes resources and isolates people.The conversation covers:The nature of the fatigue: It's not just physical tiredness but a spiritual heaviness, possibly a "systematic attack" exacerbated by constant exposure to news and geopolitical chaos.Combating isolation through fellowship: The guests and a caller, Aaron, emphasize the vital role of fellowship and open communication about struggles to counter the enemy's attacks and provide mutual support.The spiritual journey and "honeymoon period": Basil explains the concept of a "honeymoon period" for new Christians, where faith feels easy and joyful. He warns that this period eventually ends, leading to trials and hardships, making fellowship crucial for endurance.Repentance, Refreshing, Restoration, Return: Pete shares the scripture from Acts 3:19-21, outlining the order of repentance leading to times of refreshing and ultimate restoration.The "pipeline" to Christ: Basil notes an interesting trend where people initially drawn to conspiracy theories or fringe topics often find their way to biblical prophecy, the Nephilim, and ultimately to Christ.

Send us a textHow ketosis and ketogenic diets work and how these tools can improve metabolic health, brain function, and even cancer management.Topics Discussed:Organs have different fuel preferences: brain strongly prefers glucose, heart prefers fatty acids, skeletal muscle is flexible and likes fat/ketones.Humans evolved with high metabolic flexibility; regular ketosis was normal for ancestors, but today most people never experience it.“Keto flu” is largely glucose withdrawal plus electrolyte/sodium loss; proper salt and hydration prevent most symptoms.Classic medical ketogenic diet is ~90% fat (historically saturated); modern versions often use more monounsaturated fats, MCTs, and higher protein.Saturated fat is not inherently atherogenic in the context of weight stability or caloric deficit; excess calories from any source can dysregulate metabolism.Exogenous ketones (e.g. BHB) provide energy, reduce ROS, stabilize membranes, increase inhibitory tone (GABA), and have hormone-like signaling effects independent of diet.Cancer cells often show Warburg effect (damaged mitochondrial respiration → heavy reliance on glycolysis); lowering glucose and raising ketones can stress cancer cells.True keto-adaptation for athletic performance requires 6–12 weeks; after that, elite athletes can match or exceed prior high-carb performance at sub-maximal and endurance efforts.Practical Takeaways:Therapeutic carbohydrate restriction (50–100 g/day for many people) plus occasional fasting or ketone supplements can restore metabolic flexibility with far fewer side effects than strict keto.Prioritize whole-food fats (eggs, fatty fish, beef, olive oil, butter/lard) and minimize processed keto products loaded with seed oils.Supplementing BHB (salts or esters) or MCT oil can ease the transition into ketosis, boost ketones without strict dieting, and may support brain and metabolic health.Regularly check basic blood markers (glucose, lipids, electrolytes) and consider an OmegaQuant test; optimizing metabolic health is one of the strongest preventable steps against cancer, neurodegeneration, and heart disease.Supplemental Ketone (BHB):KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB with potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off.*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter Dom D'Agostino is a neuroscientist and professor at the forefront of metabolic therapies, including ketogenic diets, exogenous ketones, and hyperbaric oxygen. In this episode, Dom breaks down nutritional versus supplemental ketosis, defines meaningful ketone thresholds, and outlines practical ways to achieve ketosis. He explains how a ketogenic diet can support metabolic health and weight loss, and advises on how to maintain adequate protein and avoid common mistakes. Dom surveys the growing landscape of exogenous ketones—from salts and esters to 1,3-butanediol—and effective pairings like caffeine, MCT oil, and alpha-GPC. He highlights the role of ketogenic therapy in cancer (particularly glioblastoma) and its promise for neurodegenerative diseases. The conversation also covers recommended hyperbaric oxygen protocols for brain injuries and cognitive function, situations where fasting or ketones offer cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits, and touches on the carnivore diet as a ketogenic variant with potential relevance for autoimmune and metabolic conditions. We discuss: Dom and Peter's shared interest in ketosis, and Dom's scientific journey [2:30]; Dom's work for the Navy on oxygen toxicity [7:00]; Nutritional ketosis defined: physiology, biomarkers, and how fasting and diet generate therapeutic ketones [15:00]; The historical roots of ketogenic diets in epilepsy treatment, and evidence showing ketones reduce seizure activity and strengthen brain resilience [19:00]; Dom's personal experience on the ketogenic diet: tracking macros, getting enough protein, and monitoring ketone levels [24:15]; Using a ketogenic diet for weight loss: Dom's guidance on protein, fiber, calorie tracking, lipid monitoring, and more [31:00]; Protein on ketogenic diets: Dom's rationale for higher intake and muscle preservation [38:00]; Incorporating carbohydrates into keto: timing, high-fiber foods, and other considerations [41:30]; The carnivore diet: whether this diet induces ketosis, how it functions metabolically, and why it may help individuals with autoimmune conditions [44:15]; Early exogenous ketones: how 1,3-butanediol works, its liver toxicity risk, and why ketone esters replaced it [48:15]; The progression of exogenous ketones: why BHB monoesters and ketone salts emerged as better alternatives to 1,3-butanediol for ketone supplementation [59:30]; Ketone salts: easing the transition into ketosis, dosing, and how they compare to ketone esters [1:04:00]; The differences between D- and L-β-hydroxybutyrate, and how racemic mixtures may elevate ketones longer and offer unique biological effects [1:09:30]; How ketosis may boost NAD, and why NAD supplements have fallen short so far [1:16:30]; Emerging evidence for using a ketogenic diet to treat anorexia and other psychiatric disorders [1:20:30]; Potential cognitive and performance benefits of ketone supplementation, and why pushing ketones too high can be dangerous [1:23:45]; Applications for ketone esters, and why ketone salts or MCT-blended formulations may be safer and more practical for most people [1:29:15]; The role of a ketogenic diet in treating cancer [1:34:45]; The potential of a ketogenic diet for treating Alzheimer's disease [1:45:45]; Tools for cognitive enhancement: ketones, alpha-GPC, MCT, caffeine, strategic fasting, and more [1:53:45]; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussion, TBI, PTSD, and cognitive function, including protocols and dosing approaches [1:55:30]; Peter's takeaways, recommended products, and additional resources to learn more [2:03:00]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Send us a textHow dietary polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-6 from seed oils, influence inflammation & heart health.Topics Discussed:Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): Omega-6 from seed oils like safflower and corn can convert to pro-inflammatory molecules, while omega-3s produce resolving ones; imbalance biases toward chronic inflammation.Inflammation regulation: Acute inflammation aids healing but requires active “on” and “off” signals from lipid mediators; chronic inflammation arises from excess omega-6, delaying resolution.Heart health & diet: High omega-6 diets worsen post-heart attack outcomes in mice by elevating pro-inflammatory lipids.Evolution & historical context: PUFAs are essential but naturally balanced in pre-industrial diets; modern processing skews ratios, contributing to diseases, as shown in early rat experiments needing minimal fats for survival.Aging & lifestyle factors: Excess omega-6 exacerbates inflammation in older mice; sleep, exercise, and balanced fats are crucial for metabolic health and enzyme function in processing lipids.Cannabis & omega-6 interaction: In mice on high omega-6 diets, CBD-rich cannabis smoke reaches the heart quickly, suppresses immune response, and weakens cardiac strain, unlike in balanced-diet controls.Genetic models: FAT-1 mice converting omega-6 to omega-3 show better healing and neuroprotection; FAT-2 mice doing the opposite exhibit liver fibrosis and metabolic issues, highlighting omega-6 excess harms.Practical Takeaways:Balance omega-6 and omega-3 intake by reducing seed oils in processed foods and increasing sources like fish or algae to support inflammation resolution and heart health.Monitor and adjust fat intake with age, as older individuals are more sensitive to omega-6 excess leading to immune dysregulation.Avoid combining high omega-6 diets with smoking, as it may impair immune and cardiac responses based on animal data.About the guest: Ganesh Halade, PhD is a cardiovascular scientist and associate professor at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textMethods & challenges of establishing causal relationships in health research, emphasizing epidemiology, randomized trials, and genetic approaches.Topics:Epidemiology: Studies disease influences using observational designs like case-control and prospective cohorts, plus trials, to identify patterns and test hypotheses.Hierarchy of evidence critique: Rejects rigid pyramids favoring RCTs, as all studies can be biased; advocates triangulation integrating varied data types for robust conclusions.RCT strengths & weaknesses: Randomization balances confounders, but issues like poor blinding, attrition, or subversion can undermine results; large samples may yield spurious precision if biased.Confounding & reverse causation: Examples include yellow fingers and lung cancer (both from smoking) or early atherosclerosis inflating CRP-disease links; hard to fully control statistically.Nutrition epidemiology: Observational studies often overstate benefits (e.g., vitamin E for heart disease), leading to failed trials; incentives favor new findings over revisiting errors.Mendelian randomization: Uses genetic variants as proxies for exposures (e.g., ALDH2 for alcohol metabolism) to mimic randomization; reveals no heart benefits from alcohol, unlike observational data.Negative controls: Tests implausible outcomes (e.g., smoking and murder) or exposures (e.g., paternal smoking in pregnancy) to check for confounding artifacts.Evidence triangulation: Combines diverse studies with different biases (e.g., cross-cultural comparisons) for causality; applied to dismiss HDL-raising drugs despite initial promise.Practical Takeaways:Scrutinize health claims by checking for negative controls or variety in evidence sources to avoid mistaking correlation for causation.For personal decisions like alcohol intake, consider genetic studies showing risks at all levels, and aim for moderation or abstinence based on overall evidence.When evaluating supplements or diets, prioritize trials over observational data, and question media hype that ignores confounding factors.About the guest: Dr. George Davey Smith, MD, DSc is a professor of clinical epidemiology at the University of Bristol and director of the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit.*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textIntegration of brain metabolism with neural signaling, highlighting how core metabolites regulate energy use and protect neurons.Topics Discussed:Brain energy efficiency: Brains are much more energy-efficient than computers for similar processing, relying on adaptive metabolic strategies evolved under energy scarcity.Metabolism vs. information processing: Core metabolites like glutamate bridge basic cellular energy production and neural signaling.Lactate as a signal: Produced during exercise, lactate diffuses from muscles to brain, modulating neuronal excitability and providing neuroprotection.BHB in ketosis: During fasting or ketogenic diets, beta-hydroxybutyrate displaces glucose as fuel, enhances antioxidant defenses, and activates protective potassium channels in neurons.Adenosine and sleep: Accumulates from ATP breakdown during wakefulness, triggering sleep and locally inhibiting overactive neural networks for energy conservation.Glial cells' role: Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes handle sophisticated metabolism, release signaling molecules like lactate, and modulate synapses, and influence diseases like Alzheimer's.Practical Takeaways:Regular exercise elevates lactate, which signals the brain to adapt metabolism and may enhance neuroprotection against stress.Intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets can induce ketosis with BHB, potentially boosting brain antioxidant defenses and preconditioning against metabolic stress.Prioritizing sleep helps clear adenosine buildup, restoring energy balance and supporting long-term neural health.About the guest: Dr. Luis Felipe Barros, MD, PhD is a Chilean neurobiologist and professor at the Universidad de Valparaíso, where he leads a lab studying brain metabolism from glucose transport to mitochondrial function.Related Episode:M&M 255 | Unlocking Energy: How Nutrition & Drugs Impact Your Mitochondria | Chris Masterjohn*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Special sale Nov 10 - Dec 1: Lumen is half off ($599 → $299), and MINDMATTER gets another 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, get $100 off for AquaTru Carafe, Classic and Under the Sink Units, and $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Listen Ad-Free: https://benbikman.comIn this Metabolic Classroom mini lecture, Dr. Bikman explores the powerful effects of ketones—particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)—on the cardiovascular system. While ketones are typically thought of as a backup fuel, Ben explains how they are, in fact, an adaptive and efficient energy source that can support heart function in both healthy and failing states.Ben breaks down groundbreaking studies showing that ketones increase cardiac output, reduce vascular resistance, and improve heart function—especially in heart failure cases. He highlights the unique ability of BHB to reduce “afterload,” or the resistance the heart must pump against, effectively easing the heart's workload. He also details ketones' role in promoting vasodilation by acting on endothelial cells and smooth muscle, increasing nitric oxide and improving overall circulation.Beyond fuel metabolism, BHB also acts as a signaling molecule with epigenetic and anti-inflammatory effects. It can modulate gene expression by influencing histone acetylation and β-hydroxybutyrylation, leading to improved antioxidant defense and reduced inflammation via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome—a key player in heart failure and atherosclerosis.Finally, he touches on the practical implications, suggesting both ketogenic diets and exogenous ketone supplements—particularly L-BHB—as viable strategies for enhancing cardiovascular resilience. This lecture positions ketones not just as fuel, but as potent metabolic signals capable of supporting and even restoring heart health.Show Notes/References:For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber or member. You'll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, unlimited access to Dr. Bikman's Digital Mind, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, and online, live Office Hours access with Ben. It also includes Ben's Weekly Research Review Podcast. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.comIMPORTANT NOTE: The information presented is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Bikman is not a clinician—and, he is not your doctor. Always seek the advice of your own qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textMitochondrial fatty acid synthesis is a little-known but essential pathway that supports energy production and metabolic health.Summary: Dr. Sara Nowinski explains how mitochondria not only burn fuels to make ATP but also synthesize their own fatty acids inside the matrix; this conserved pathway produces lipoic acid (an essential enzyme cofactor) and longer-chain fats required for proper assembly of the electron transport chain, and disrupting it impairs respiration, glucose handling, and insulin sensitivity while enhancing it appears protective against obesity and heart injury.About the guest: Sara Nowinski, PhD is an assistant professor in the Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where since 2021 she has led a lab focused on mitochondrial biology and the mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mitoFAS) pathway.Topics Discussed:Basic mitochondrial energy production: food → pyruvate/fatty acids → acetyl-CoA → TCA cycle → electron transport chain → ATPMitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mitoFAS): a bacterial-like pathway that builds fats on an acyl carrier protein inside the matrixLipoic acid: an 8-carbon fatty acid made only by mitoFAS, covalently attached to key enzymes (e.g., pyruvate dehydrogenase); cannot be rescued by supplements for cofactor useLonger mitoFAS products (14–16 carbons) stabilize electron transport chain assembly factors, explaining why pathway loss collapses respiration even when lipoic acid is intactKnocking out mitoFAS causes embryonic lethality, insulin resistance, poor glucose homeostasis, and a rare neurodegenerative disorder (MEPAN syndrome)Overexpressing the mitochondrial acyl carrier protein protects mice from diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiac injuryMuscle cell differentiation fails without mitoFAS, hinting at a role in tissue development and repairPractical Takeaways:Supplemental lipoic acid can act as an antioxidant but cannot replace the lipoic acid your mitochondria must make themselves for enzyme function.Severe impairment of mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis is linked to insulin resistance and metabolic disruption, suggesting mitochondrial health (beyond just biogenesis) matters for glucose control.Lifestyle or future therapies that boost overall mitochondrial function (e.g., exercise via PGC-1α) may indirectly support tSupport the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Special sale Nov 10 - Dec 1: Lumen is half off ($599 → $299), and MINDMATTER gets another 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, get $100 off for AquaTru Carafe, Classic and Under the Sink Units, and $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Catch up, Call in, Catch your breath, and fellowship with the canarium 0 With special caller, Rod from the Milenial Mustard Seed Podcast. Check Rods new Project "Trauma Cycles (feat. BHB)" https://youtu.be/RvqPuMfM7Sg?si=gMusoz65l2rffjM0

Send us a textHow hunger, hormones, and brain wiring make animals switch between parenting and aggression.Episode Summary: Dr. Johannes Kohl explains instinctive behaviors in mice, focusing on how hunger and estrous cycle hormones interact in the hypothalamus to toggle between parental care and pup-directed aggression in virgin females; he also details how pregnancy hormones rewire the medial preoptic area for robust maternal behavior before birth, revealing multi-timescale neural integration of internal states.About the guest: Jonny Kohl, PhD is a group leader at the Francis Crick Institute in London, heading the State-Dependent Neural Processing Lab.Discussion Points:Instincts are pre-wired, robust yet modifiable by experience and states like hunger.AGRP “hunger neurons” in the hypothalamus regulate hunger state and respond to environmental cues related to food.Hunger regulates parental care neurons in medial preoptic area (MPOA) via inhibitory peptides.Estrous cycle (4-5 days) in mice comes with fluctuations in estradiol & progesterone; their ratio, not absolute levels, gates aggression probability.Hormone ratio sensed in MPOA neurons via nuclear receptors altering gene expression of HCN ion channels, changing excitability.Pregnancy (20 days) boosts parental circuits in MPOA via hormone surges before pregnancy ends, enabling instant care at birth.Hormone fluctuations enable adult brain plasticity.Humans disrupt natural cycles (e.g., hormonal contraceptives, GLP-1 drugs) that have broad, poorly understood brain effects.Reference Paper:Study: Integration of hunger and hormonal state gates infant-directed aggressionRelated Episode:M&M 89: Neuroscience of Aggression, Sex, Behavior, Hormones, Emotion & Consciousness | David Anderson*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textHow mitochondria travel between cells and how this hidden communication shapes metabolism, immunity, and even potential therapies.Episode Summary: Dr. Jon Brestoff talks about mitochondrial dynamics inside cells, their transfer between unrelated cells (distinct from inheritance during division), and its roles in adipose tissue communication, macrophage cleanup, and systemic metabolic signaling; they explore how high-fat diets disrupt this process, potential hormetic benefits, therapeutic mitochondria transplantation for diseases like Leigh syndrome and obesity, and broader immunometabolism crosstalk.About the guest: Jon Brestoff, MD, PhD is an associate professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he directs the Initiative for Immunometabolism.Discussion Points:Mitochondria per cell range from ~100-5000; they move via fusion/fission, vertical inheritance (cell division), or horizontal transfer without division.Transfer mechanisms: free release, extracellular vesicles, or tunneling nanotubes using cytoskeleton transport.In healthy fat tissue, adipocytes routinely donate mitochondria to macrophages for degradation (quality control); high-fat (lard-based, long-chain FA) diets block macrophage uptake, diverting mitochondria to other organs.Diverted mitochondria may induce “mito-hormesis” (mild oxidative stress boosting antioxidants) or signal adipocyte metabolic status inter-organ.Mitochondria transplantation shows promise in animal models for ischemia-reperfusion, obesity, and mitochondrial diseases.Immune cells prefer glycolysis but have low mitochondrial biomass; transplanted mitochondria tilt T-cells toward anti-inflammatory regulatory phenotype.Circulating cell-free mitochondria rival immune cell numbers.Obesity inflammation stems from dying oversized adipocytes releasing lipids/mitochondria, forming crown-like structures with pro-inflammatory macrophages.Leigh syndrome from genetic mutations disrupting the electron transport chain.Transfer may be an evolutionary relic of endosymbiosis; cells may selectively use exogenous mitochondria like a “generator” during metabolic crisis.Reference Paper:Study: The power and potential of mitochondria transferRelated Episode:M&M 260: Energy Resistance Principle in Life, Healing & Disease | Martin Picard & Nirosha MuruganSupport the showAffiliates: Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textA biophysical rethink of life, health, and disease through the lens of the Energy Resistance Principle (ERP).Episode Summary: A reframe of biology as energy flow through resistance rather than mere molecular machinery, introducing the Energy Resistance Principle (ERP): life requires a Goldilocks balance of electron flow from food to oxygen via mitochondria; too much or too little resistance drives aging, disease, and death. Explain mitochondria as energy transformers, link ERP to insulin resistance, psychiatric disorders, and healing, and explore health as a dynamic field-like state optimized by flux modulation.About the guest: Nirosha Murugan, PhD is a biophysicist studying how physical signals pattern biology to decode and reprogram health; Martin Picard, PhD is a mitochondrial psychobiologist at Columbia University, exploring how mitochondrial energy dynamics connect to human experiences, health, and healing. They collaborate on biophotons, light emission, and multi-scale energy signaling.Discussion Points:Mitochondria transform electrons from food into versatile electricity via proton gradients.Energy Resistance Principle: transformation needs resistance; chronic high resistance causes dissipative heat, damage, aging.GDF15 cytokine signals mitochondrial stress to brain, triggering energy conservation/mobilization.Insulin resistance: adaptive defense against electron overload, reversible by fasting/exercise.Psychiatric illness: excess brain energy resistance; exercise, keto, psychedelics redistribute flux.Health: dynamic optimization of energy resistance, not absence of disease.Healing: daily recovery from micro-damage via balanced resistance.Future: energy-based diagnostics/therapies (light, TMS) over molecule-only drugs.*Not medical advice.Reference Paper: The energy resistance principleRelated Episode:M&M 70: Mitochondria, Aging, Cellular Energy, Metabolism, Gray Hair Reversal & Brain-Body Communication | Martin PicardSupport the showAffiliates: Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textHow artificial light impacts female menstrual cycles and their relationship to lunar cycles of the moon.Summary: Dr. Förster talks about how biological clocks, including circadian, tidal, lunar, and annual cycles, regulate behaviors in various species, with a focus on lunar cycle effects on human menstrual cycles. They explore historical and modern data suggesting that menstrual cycles may synchronize with lunar phases, a phenomenon potentially disrupted by modern artificial lighting, particularly blue light from LEDs post-2010. The conversation also covers circadian rhythm mechanisms in fruit flies and humans, highlighting the role of light and neuropeptides in maintaining biological synchrony.About guest: Charlotte Förster, PhD is a senior professor at the University of Würzburg specializing in chronobiology, particularly circadian rhythms in fruit flies, and has recently explored lunar cycle influences on human menstrual cycles.Discussion Points:Biological Clocks: Various clocks (circadian, tidal, lunar, annual) regulate behaviors; circadian clocks manage 24-hour cycles, while lunar clocks influence reproduction in marine species like corals and Christmas Island crabs.Lunar Cycle & Menstruation: Historical data (pre-2010) showed many women's menstrual cycles synchronized with lunar phases (full or new moon), but this decreased post-2010, possibly due to blue light from LEDs disrupting biological rhythms.Blue Light Impact: Blue light from modern devices mimics daylight, potentially desynchronizing circadian and lunar clocks, with melanopsin in the eyes playing a key role in light sensitivity.Winter Synchronization: Menstrual cycle synchrony with lunar phases is stronger in winter, particularly January, possibly due to brighter moonlight or gravitational effects when Earth is closest to the Sun.Circadian Mechanisms: In fruit flies, 240 neurons manage circadian rhythms via clock genes with a 24-hour feedback loop, conserved in humans, where neuropeptides regulate slower, sustained rhythms.Health Implications: Disrupted circadian rhythms can desynchronize body clocks, impacting digestion, immunity, and increasing risks of cardiovascular issues, obesity, and cancer.Lifestyle Tips: To maintain synchrony, maximize daytime light exposure, minimize nighttime blue light, time meals appropriately, and exercise during the day, not late at night.Reference paper:Study: Synchronization of women's menstruation with the Moon hasSupport the showAffiliates: Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textThe genetic & developmental changes behind bipedalism & human anatomy.Wide release date: October 15, 2025.Episode Summary: Dr. Terence Capellini talks about the evolution of bipedalism in humans, exploring when and why it emerged, the anatomical changes required, and the genetic mechanisms behind these adaptations. They discuss how environmental shifts, like shrinking forests, drove the need for upright walking, the gradual skeletal changes in the pelvis and limbs, and how these changes may have facilitated larger brain sizes. Capellini highlights the complexity of evolutionary processes, emphasizing the role of multiple genetic changes in regulatory regions rather than single genes.About the guest: Terence Capellini, PhD is a professor and chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. His research focuses on developmental genetics and human evolution.Discussion Points:Bipedalism likely became common ~3.5 million years ago with Australopithecus afarensis, with earlier hominins like Ardipithecus showing mosaic traits.Environmental changes, such as shrinking forests and expanding grasslands, created selective pressures favoring bipedal locomotion.The human pelvis evolved to be shorter, wider, and curved, with muscles like the gluteus medius shifting to stabilize upright walking.Genetic changes in non-coding regulatory regions, not protein-coding genes, drive the developmental shifts in pelvic growth, with hundreds of small-effect changes involved.Bipedalism may have widened the birth canal, potentially enabling the evolution of larger brains in later hominins like Homo erectus.Humans have more slow-twitch muscle fibers than chimpanzees, supporting endurance activities like long-distance running, possibly linked to energetic trade-offs with brain growth.Shoulder and arm adaptations for throwing and tool use evolved more gradually, becoming prominent ~2 million years ago with Homo erectus.Reference paper:Study: The evolution of hominin bipedalism in two stepsRelated content:M&M 171: Comparative Brain Evolution: Mammals, Primates & Humans | Robert Barton*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textThe biological roots of sleep are tied to mitochondrial metabolism.Episode Summary: Dr. Gero Miesenböck discusses the evolutionary and metabolic basis of sleep, exploring how mitochondrial energy production in neurons, particularly in fruit flies, drives the need for sleep to manage harmful byproducts like reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides. They discuss how sleep-inducing neurons sense these byproducts, the role of mitochondrial dynamics, and the broader implications for why all animals, from jellyfish to humans, require sleep. The conversation also touches on how body size and metabolism influence sleep needs across species.About the guest: Gero Miesenböck, MD is a professor of physiology at the University of Oxford, renowned for his pioneering work in optogenetics and his research on the neurobiology of sleep using fruit flies and mice.Discussion Points:Sleep is universal across animals, even in jellyfish without centralized brains, suggesting a fundamental metabolic purpose tied to mitochondrial energy production.Mitochondria produce energy efficiently using oxygen but generate reactive oxygen species that can damage cells through lipid peroxidation, necessitating sleep to repair this damage.Sleep-inducing neurons in fruit flies contain sensors that track lipid peroxidation products, acting like a digital memory to signal when sleep is needed.Smaller animals with faster metabolisms, like mice, require more sleep and have shorter lifespans due to higher oxygen consumption and oxidative stress.Mitochondrial diseases in humans often cause intense tiredness, likely due to increased electron leaks in the mitochondrial energy production process.The evolutionary origin of sleep likely stems from the oxygen revolution 2.5 billion years ago, enabling complex life but requiring mechanisms like sleep to manage metabolic side effects.Caloric restriction reduces sleep need by lowering the production of harmful metabolic byproducts, supporting the link between metabolism and sleep.Reference paper:Study: Mitochondrial origins of the pressure to sleepRelated content:M&M 12: Organisms, Cities, Companies & the Science of Scale | Geoffrey West*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textThe surprising link between oral bacteria and heart disease.Episode Summary: Dr. Pekka Karhunen explains the connection between oral bacteria, cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease, discussing how oxidized LDL cholesterol triggers inflammation in arteries, how bacteria from the mouth can infiltrate arterial plaques to form biofilms, and the implications for heart disease prevention through lifestyle changes like better oral hygiene.About the guest: Pekka Karhunen, MD, PhD is a medical doctor and forensic pathologist with decades of experience, specializing in cardiovascular diseases. He has created a unique biobank of coronary arteries from over 10,000 autopsies conducted in Finland. His research focuses on the role of bacteria in atherosclerosis, particularly through studying coronary artery plaques.Discussion Points:Cholesterol is essential for life, but oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is seen as a foreign substance by the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation in coronary arteries.Macrophages ingest oxidized LDL, turning into dysfunctional foam cells that contribute to plaque buildup, known as atheromas, in arteries.Plaque rupture, potentially caused by increased pressure from cholesterol accumulation or hemorrhage within the plaque, can trigger heart attacks.Bacteria, especially from the mouth, can enter arterial plaques via bacteremia (e.g., from dental procedures) and form biofilms, evading immune detection.Biofilms in plaques, made of extracellular matrix like polysaccharides, protect bacteria and may contribute to plaque instability or calcification over time.Poor oral hygiene is linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk, as bacteria from dental infections can enter plaques, suggesting dental care as a preventive measure.Karhunen's research found oral bacteria, like Viridans streptococci, in coronary plaques, with unpublished data also detecting gut and skin bacteria, indicating diverse bacterial involvement.Related content:M&M 247: Cholesterol: Immune Benefits, Heart Health, Statins & Research Malpractice | Uffe Ravnskov*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. For all the ways you can support my efforts