<p>In this episode, Nav Chandel, a professor of medicine and cell and molecular biology at Northwestern University, discusses the role of mitochondria and metabolism in health and disease. Nav also provides insights into the mitochondria as signaling organelles, antioxidants, and metformin's multifaceted effects on human health, among many topics related to well-being.</p> <p>We discuss:</p> <ul> <li>What got Nav interested in mitochondria [<a href="">5:00</a>];</li> <li>Reactive oxygen species (ROS) [<a href="">16:00</a>];</li> <li>Antioxidants: helpful or harmful? [<a href="">20:00</a>];</li> <li>Mitochondria as signaling organelles [<a href="">22:00</a>];</li> <li>Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) [25:00];</li> <li>Mitochondrial DNA [28:00];</li> <li>Mitochondria and aging [45:00];</li> <li>Metformin [52:45];</li> <li>Metformin and the gut microbiome [54:00];</li> <li>Metformin as complex I inhibitor and the importance of the NADH/NAD ratio [<a href="">1:01:00</a>];</li> <li>Anticancer benefits of metformin [1:07:45];</li> <li>Mitochondrial function is necessary for tumorigenesis [<a href="">1:15:00</a>];</li> <li>Are somatic mutations the result of mitochondrial dysfunction? [1:31:30];</li> <li>Vitamins and antioxidants [<a href="">1:37:00</a>];</li> <li>Targeting inflammation in disease [<a href="">1:43:00</a>];</li> <li>NAD precursors [1:45:45];</li> <li>MitoQ [<a href="">1:52:00</a>];</li> <li>Metabolite toxicity [1:56:30];</li> <li>Cortisol and healthy aging [<a href="">2:02:00</a>];</li> <li>Nav turns the tables and asks Peter how he deals with the "So what should I eat?" question during social encounters [<a href="">2:09:00</a>]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p> <span> Learn more at <a href="http://www.peterattiamd.com/"><span><u>www.PeterAttiaMD.com</u></span></a></span></p> <p> <span>Connect with Peter on <a href=""> <span> <u>Facebook</u></span></a> | <a href=""> <span> <u>Twitter</u></span></a> | <a href=""> <span> <u>Instagram</u></span></a>.</span></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Prioritize Stress Response Management
Focus on controlling your response to stress, as chronic high cortisol can negatively impact blood pressure, sleep, neuro-regeneration, and mitochondrial function. Practices like meditation are valuable tools for stress regulation.
2. Reconsider Antioxidant Supplements
Avoid supplemental vitamin C, vitamin E, or proprietary antioxidant blends, as their benefits for human health appear negligible and some trials show worse outcomes, especially for cancer patients. High doses of antioxidants can also turn off beneficial genetic responses from exercise.
3. Avoid Mitochondrial Boosting Supplements
Do not take supplements aimed at boosting mitochondrial function for normal aging, as there is no evidence to support their benefit and mitochondrial function may not be rate-limiting in healthy individuals. A slight decline in mitochondrial function with age might even be adaptive.
4. Approach NAD Precursors with Caution
Be cautious with NAD precursor supplements (NR, NMN) as a significant portion may be taken up by the liver, and their widespread ‘magical properties’ in other tissues are not fully established. Consider their potential role as mild anti-inflammatory agents, especially in immune cells.
5. Metformin Use: Personal Context
If you are healthy and active, you may already be mimicking some of metformin’s beneficial effects, reducing the perceived need for the drug. A cautious approach is recommended, waiting for rigorous clinical trial data before use.
6. Consume Natural Vitamin C
Obtain Vitamin C from natural sources like one orange a day to support enzymes crucial for proper gene expression, rather than for its antioxidant properties or in high supplemental doses.
7. Implement Daily Fasting
Shift focus from precise macronutrient/micronutrient ratios to strategies involving prolonged caloric deprivation, such as incorporating a daily 15-hour fast for health optimization.
8. Mindful Alcohol Consumption
Weigh the known toxicity of ethanol (even at low doses) against potential emotional or social benefits, and avoid drinking merely for the sake of it, especially in low-enjoyment situations (e.g., airplane alcohol).
Read Navdeep Chandell’s book, “Navigating Metabolism,” to gain a comprehensive understanding of metabolism without needing to consult multiple advanced textbooks.
10. Engage with Podcast Resources
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