Secrets to Superior Cognitive Performance (Without Drugs)

Secrets to Superior Cognitive Performance (Without Drugs)

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD November 17, 2023 Duration: 51:10

Nutrition is far more powerful than drugs to improve cognitive performance.

We start by looking at cocaine, Adderall, and Ritalin, and show why these drugs cannot possibly hold a candle to nutrition.

Optimal nutrition can definitely optimize the function of dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, histamine, creatine, and the methylation system, and in doing so can simultaneously optimize focus, motivation, sustained attention, and mental flexibility, and methylation, all while eliminating anxiety, depression, and distraction.

Yet, popular nutritional cognitive stacks in the nootropic space do not have convincing evidence behind them, and this is probably a result of them trying to do too many things in one capsule.

This presentation covers the low-hanging fruit of nutrition for brain power, supplements that help, the importance of individual nutritional optimization, and the central power of finding one's genetic "health super-unlock."

For my simple protocol to optimize methylation, see here:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/mthfr-protocol

For more detail on finding your own personal genetic health super-unlock, see here:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/unlocking-performance-and-longevity

Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


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
How to Get Enough Niacin From Food | Chris Masterjohn Lite #137 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:41
Here's how to get NIACIN from FOOD. 🍲😋 I recommend getting a half gram to a gram of protein per pound of bodyweight (double this if you measure your weight in kilograms), which contributes to your niacin status, as well…
Do Women Need More Niacin Than Men? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #136 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:31
Do women need more niacin than men? The RDA says they need less. But the evidence suggests otherwise. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' Grass Fed Beef Brain. Our Native American ancestors believed…
Coffee! How to Free the Locked-Up Niacin | Chris Masterjohn Lite #134 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:21
COFFEE 😍😍😍 Is it a good source of NIACIN? That depends on how you brew it. This episode has the details on the effect of roasting, coffee strength, and decaffeination. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Suppleme…
How to Know If You Need More Niacin | Chris Masterjohn Lite #133 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:41
Ever wonder if you need more niacin? This episode covers the signs and symptoms of niacin deficiency as well as the reasons you'd be likely to become deficient. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' Gr…
The Best Form of Niacin for Anti-Aging | Chris Masterjohn Lite #131 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:43
Niacin, niacinamide, nicotinamide riboside, nicotinamide mononucleotide, oh my! 🙉 Which form should you take for anti-aging? In this episode, I recommend nicotinamide riboside (NR). It's better at increase NAD+ levels th…
Should You Inject Yourself With NAD+? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #130 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:46
Should you inject yourself with NAD+ to stay young forever? 💉😮 My buddy Ben and some guys at Onnit are doin' it. 👊 I'm a little less prone to livin' on the edge. 🤓 I like the idea of living forever, but, well, I don't wa…
What to Do About Fatty Liver | Chris Masterjohn Lite #129 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:31
An estimated 70 million Americans have fatty liver disease, and the strongest predictors are obesity and type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The lab I worked in when I completed my PhD specialized in fatty liver disease, so I did…
Vitamin A and Fatty Liver | Chris Masterjohn Lite #128 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:30
Fatty liver can hurt your liver's ability to store vitamin A, which could make vitamin A supplements or vitamin A-rich foods toxic. Yet one of the main conditions that causes fatty liver -- obesity -- also makes your cel…