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
Isocitrate Dehydrogenase | MWM Energy Metabolism Cliff Notes #6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:48
This lesson looks at the third step of the citric acid cycle in much more detail, digging into the organic chemistry concepts involved in the conversion of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate. We dive deep into this because it…
Dry Skin When Adding Muscle? Think Zinc. | Chris Masterjohn Lite #30 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:15
Do you get dry skin when you put on muscle mass? It could be a zinc deficiency. Here's how to take care of it. To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are relea…
Cellular Respiration| MWM Energy Metabolism Cliff Notes #3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:33
This lesson provides an overview of the basic objectives of using the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain to make ATP. We start here because, no matter whether we burn protein, carbs, or fat, these two int…
Activation Energy & Enzymes | MWM Energy Metabolism Cliff Notes #2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:47
The second MWM energy metabolism looks at how we use enzymes to exert exquisite control over what happens inside our bodies. If the second law of thermodynamics holds that entropy is always increasing, why don't we reach…
Thermodynamics | MWM Energy Metabolism Cliff Notes #1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:34
The first MWM Energy Metabolism lesson answers the question, why do we have to eat such an enormous amount of food? The answer is to comply with the second law of thermodynamics. If you have a chemistry background, you s…
Introducing the Energy Metabolism CLIFF NOTES! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:39
Masterclass With Masterjohn Energy Metabolism is a structured course that begins with foundational principles and progresses to advanced topics to give you everything you need to know about the biochemistry of how we bre…
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
MTHFR is an enzyme that allows folate (vitamin B9) to support the cellular process of methylation, which is important for the synthesis of creatine and phosphatidylcholine, the regulation of gene expression, neurotransmi…
Living With MTHFR | Mastering Nutrition #37 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01:50
MTHFR is an enzyme that allows folate (vitamin B9) to support the cellular process of methylation, which is important for the synthesis of creatine and phosphatidylcholine, the regulation of gene expression, neurotransmi…