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
Weight Loss: The Low-Hanging Fruit | Chris Masterjohn Lite #46 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:50
Why should you bother spending time tracking calories or eating something so monotonous as "The Robot Diet" when there are plenty of dietary approaches out there that allow a variety of delicious foods, don't require tim…
Lose Weight With the Robot Diet | Chris Masterjohn Lite #45 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:48
The most reliable way to lose weight is to track calories, but tracking calories is time consuming. With the Robot Diet, you can substitute consistency for tracking calories, and save tons of time. Eat like a robot to ha…
Chris Kresser on Unconventional Medicine | Mastering Nutrition #51 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:40
In this episode, I interview Chris Kresser! We discuss his new book, Unconventional Medicine, and everything he is doing over at the Kresser Institute, including his new health coach training program. Chris is changing t…
Here's What to Do About VDR Mutations | Chris Masterjohn Lite #44 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:53
Are mutations in your genes for the vitamin D receptor impacting your vitamin D requirements? There are three common genetic variants, known as Taq1, Bsm1, and Fok1. They've been associated with the risk of certain disea…
What to Do About Your COMT Genes | Chris Masterjohn Lite #42 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:12
Do you have anxiety? Depression? Attention problems? Or are you worried about estrogen and cancer? If so, listen to this podcast to learn about the role of your COMT genetics. COMT metabolizes dopamine, estrogen, and var…
Your MTRR Genes and Vitamin B12 | Chris Masterjohn Lite #40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:25
You may have heard of MTHFR, but have you heard about MTRR? If you care about your vitamin B12 status, listen to this podcast to learn about it. MTRR is an enzyme that helps you repair your vitamin B12 once it's been dam…
Why You Need Glycine: A Panel Discussion | Mastering Nutrition #49 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50:22
Glycine can you sleep, stabilize your blood sugar, improve your joint health, keep your skin beautiful, and do much more. It's a little amino acid with a big impact on your health. This episode is a panel discussion betw…