Aging is best explained by declining mitochondrial function over time.

Aging is best explained by declining mitochondrial function over time.

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD December 9, 2025 Duration: 3:16
 
Aging is best explained by declining mitochondrial function over time.
 
This answers its own "why."
 
Mitochondria produce the energy needed for repair so if any of it gets lost it sets up a vicious cycle. And some *always* gets lost.
 
But how much is under your control.
 
From Joe Rogan Experience JRE 2420.
 
It's a vicious cycle initiated by the second law of thermodynamics which requires a constant input of energy to prevent the collapse of order.
 
Hence, there will always be slippage, but how much slippage depends on genetics, environment, and behavior, and all slippage leads to loss of mitochondrial repair, which itself directly causes the loss of repair capacity as it weakens the defense against the imperative of the second law of thermodynamics.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 712

Mastering Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
Vitamin A for Sleep | Chris Masterjohn Lite # 118 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:22
To get good sleep, your brain needs to know when it's daytime and when it's nighttime. How does it know? Vitamin A tells it! So if you don't have enough vitamin A, your brain is going to be clueless. Tune in for how to f…
How to Make Your Own Melatonin | Chris Masterjohn Lite #117 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:53
Here's how to make your own melatonin. No, not in your basement -- in your brain. We cover the effect of protein, carbs, vitamins, blue-blocking, and sunshine. Tune in for the details! This episode is brought to you by A…
Tryptophan and Carbs for Sleep | Chris Masterjohn Lite #115 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
In order to sleep well, you need to get a good dose of tryptophan into your brain at any point during the day. The simplest way to do that is with natural, whole-food, high-glycemic carbohydrates like white potatoes and…
Should You Eat Protein At Night? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #114 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:50
Could eating protein at night hurt your sleep? In this episode I discuss why it *might* hurt your sleep. Eating protein at the last meal of your day is important if you are trying to build muscle, but if you are trying t…
How to Make Your Own GABA | Chris Masterjohn Lite #111 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:54
Here's how to make your own GABA, not in your basement, but in your brain. GABA helps relax you, helps you make faster and better decisions under pressure, and helps you face your fears with less of a harmful stress resp…