Episode #222: Mitochondrial Health, BDNF, Metformin, Paraxanthine, and More with Shawn Wells.

Did you know, the rapid decline of mitochondrial health is one of the root causes of the nation’s major diseases like cancer, PCOS, Alzheimer's, and coronary heart disease?

In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance, I talk with Shawn Wells about mitochondrial health, its effects on our life’s energy, as well as supplements that can help. Berberine, Dihydroberberine, and Metformin all show positive effects on the mitochondria, and we delve into the research and benefits behind each.

We also discuss several other interesting topics like how stoicism and some stress in life are a good thing, the need to continually work on lowering blood sugar levels, and how BEG (brain energy gap) affects mood disorders.

Overall, this episode gives guidance on how to work on improving your life’s energy source to live a fully vibrant life.

Shawn Wells, “The World’s Greatest Formulator”, is a bio-hacktivist who overcame significant obstacles with his own health—weight issues, depression, autoimmune conditions (Epstein-Barr, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), two cervical disc replacements, and a pituitary adenoma, which is a type of brain tumor. His health problems led him down a winding path that required him to find science-based solutions, and they sparked his personal passion for biohacking. You can find his book, The Energy Formula, at www.energyformula.com.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:

BodyBio: Visit BodyBio.com today and get 15% on your first order with code Nathalie

BEAM Minerals: Get 20% off at https://www.beamminerals.com by using the code Nathalie

Berkeley Life: Consumers may register and place an order using my code NIDDBL for 10% off at berkeleylife.com

Find more from Shawn Wells:

The Energy Formula: https://www.energyformula.com/

Website: https://shawnwells.com/

Instagram: @shawnwells

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWgultg3iZLjT7MxHnOj9Q

Find more from Nathalie:

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/

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Work with Nat: Book Your 20 Minute Optimization Consult: https://calendly.com/nniddam/intro-call?month=2021-08

What We Discuss:

(1:50) Mitochondrial dysfunction

(5:30) Mental Health issues (BEG- brain energy gap)

(9:30) BDNF and the importance of purpose

(17:50) Stoicism - growing stronger through stress

(23:00) The benefits of lowering blood sugar

(29:00) Supplements that can help mitochondrial health

(36:00) Is metformin catabolic?

(40:40) The benefits of a flexible metabolism (feast & famine)

(42:00) Paraxanthine & metabolizing caffeine

(52:50) Find more from Shawn Wells

Key Takeaways:

87% of the United States population is metabolically dysfunctional. This means they’re bordering on type 2 diabetes, obesity, blood pressure issues, renal issues, etc. Metabolic dysfunction leads to mitochondrial dysfunction which is causing all kinds of shortfalls in other areas of health such as oxidation issues, telomeres shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased inflammation. Because the mitochondria are where ATP is created (the body’s energy currency), when it’s dysfunctional, it lowers the ability to live life. Insufficient cellular energy (ICE) is the root of many metabolic diseases like cancer, PCOS, Alzheimer's, and coronary heart disease.
If BDNF levels are high enough, you can create new neurons even as an adult. Learning a new language or instrument, brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, or trying any really difficult task can result in increased brain health. Challenging yourself creates a more dynamic brain and vibrant life. Never stop learning or growing!
Berberine, Dihydroberberine, and Metformin cause mitochondrial stress - but it’s a good stress! It ultimately causes mitochondrial biogenesis, which in turn increases the cellular output of ATP. And it lowers blood glucose through the AMPk pathway.