Category: Health Tips

The video or transcript provides data I had not seen elsewhere on the full story of acid/alkaline balance:

Ari: You just reminded me of something when you mentioned acid acids and bases, something that I feel is almost never talked about. And it has this really interesting controversy around it, which is the idea of eating an acidic versus an alkaline diet. And sort of there’s a surface level conversation that I’ve noticed around this, which is certain people in the general public and certain diet book authors have promoted the idea that that animal foods and processed foods are generally acidic and that unprocessed plant foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, are very alkaline rising. And therefore we alkalise our body by consuming more of those foods and avoiding the acidic foods. And then there are people in evidence base circles, self-proclaimed evidence base circles who yeah, as you call them, evidence based Internet trolls who have said no, that’s a bunch of pseudoscience. All you natural health hippie types have got this all wrong. And actually the body maintains pH very precisely. No matter what you eat. And they will cite data to support that view. And they believe that the case, they rest their case. The idea of the acidic and alkaline stuff has been debunked.

But what’s interesting is actually there is this body of literature that most of those evidence based Internet trolls don’t seem to be aware of around something called potential renal acid load. And there are a number of studies where they’ve shown that sort of reconciling these two views that foods do seem to have an acidic or alkaline effect on the body. But the body also has buffering mechanisms to maintain pH in a very narrow range despite what we eat, but what we eat also taxes the buffering system in a particular way that can lead to consequences. I’ve actually been exploring the research on how this actually interplays with how we breathe and how we offload. And there’s an interplay of nutrition on breathing habits as well.

Watch video: https://theenergyblueprint.com/strengthen-your-mitochondria-dr-chris-masterjohn/

Here are some snippets I noted from the various health professionals who spoke on just the first half of presentation number 9 from the Zonia series.

Physical Body
Slouching increases cortisol and lowers testosterone.

Chemistry
How we fuel our body.

Emotional Journey to Health
Most of us are not kind to ourselves. We need to change how we treat ourselves.

Social Journey to Health
Find your tribe.

Spiritual Journey
Discover your basic purpose to empower your life.

 

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Four Prime Areas:
Air
Water
Food
Sunlight

Also mentioned:
Grounding
Infrared Saunas
Gratitude
Setting intentions for the day.

Test your biological age versus your physical age.

Improve daily, incrementally.

 

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Medication allows a person to suppress the symptoms of your body warning you to change your diet and regime. Hence the medical profession is actually forwarding an early demise. Without the medication to prescribe the doctors would have to be encouraging us to fix the underlying causes of disease.

The one proven way to longevity:
Moderate caloric restriction in the context of micro nutrient excellence.

If your diet is low on nutrients you become a calorie consuming monster!

Over-reliance on animal sources of protein (keto, carnivore etc.) leads to earlier death.

Animal protein instantly converts to IGF1 (Insulin Growth Factor) which increases the ability of cells to replicate, including cancer.

Plant proteins are rarely complete so the body does not convert them to complete protein unless it needs to. Therefore plant sources of protein do not automatically increase IGF-1.

 

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Fasting:
Resets Immune System
Turns on Stem Cells
Helps With Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Sleep
Get 7-8 hours a night

Exercise
Best for mitochondria is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)

Supplements
NAD, POQQ, D-Ribose, Acetyl L-Carnitine

Detoxification
Supplements, Infra-Red Sauna penetrate deeper to internal organs to release toxins.

 

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More than 20 grams a day of saturated fat increases inflammation.

We should aim for 40 grams a day of fiber. Helps feed the mitochondria and increase the production of butyrate.

To keep you gut intact, manage your stress. Stress increases cortisol which triggers adrenaline which goes through the enteric nervous system and attacks the brain and gut, increases gut permeability.

Exercise increases blood flow to the gut and helps maintain health.

Managing your weight is a great longevity strategy.
Minimise your visceral fat (around the organs). Visceral fat is an inflammatory engine that throws off adipokines, inflammatory compounds which lead to the gut breaking down.

 

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You should be able to eat your skincare. To make your skin look better – eat berries, avoid sugar and gluten.

 

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High amounts of sugar and seed oils adversely affect your sexual health. Sugar causes inflammation which nicks your blood vessels. The body makes more cholesterol to reduce the inflammation. Cholesterol is a starting molecule of hormones, including testosterone. Increased cholesterol will cause the doctor to prescribe statins to lower cholesterol which in turn reduces the production of testosterone.

Continued sugar consumption continues the inflammation and blood vessel damage but the body no longer has enough cholesterol to fight it so you develop heart problems.

Seed oils are the bandit twin of sugar. Seed oils are not native to our consumption but the body does what it can with what it is given. Our cells have a phospholipid bilayer that is constructed from the fats we feed it, good or bad. If you give it good fats it’s like the third pig in the three little pigs story. it builds strong, fully functioning cells. Give it seed oils and the cells more resemble the house made of straw, far more susceptible to damage when challenged.

Over time seed oils lower your tolerance to the sun, you can’t spend as much time in it.

 

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Study published in the British Medical Journal in late spring 2021. The only change they made was to increased amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and reduced Omega-6 fatty acids. Within three months the participants went from 16 headache days a month to 9.

 

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Fasting enables the mitochondria to go into repair mode. This process is critical to maintain mitochondrial health.

 

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Only 7-8% of Americans are metabolically health. We really need 4 hours between meals for optimum digestion. Many people experience a relief of symptoms when they do this.

Our bodies like variety. There are benefits to not eating the same thing every day or following the same eating pattern every day. Mixing things up can be therapeutic. For instance one regime is eating during an 8 hour window and fasting for 16 hours for 5 days then doing a 24 hour fast then a higher than normal protein intake for day 7.

It is important to maintain our electrolytes during fasting to minimise deficiency which leads to headaches for instance.

 

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Mold, sick or cancer cells can less easily tolerate fasting than normal cells.

Three months of doing a 24 hour fast once a week will yield similar results to a three to five day water fast.

Re the Mediterranean diet, the Orthodox Greek diet is fasting for 200 days a year. So maybe it’s not as much about what they eat but when they do and don’t eat.

 

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Adaptogens are the most valuable herb in any culture in recorded history as they help counter the effects of stress.

One of the biggest accelerators of aging is allostatic load, when the mind can no longer counter the effect of chronic stress. The brain responds by making more stress hormones, reducing the signals to make sex hormones, reducing below adequate the level of growth hormones, the body becomes more insulin resistant.

• Flavanol-rich foods like dark chocolate and berries may enhance memory by aligning stress hormone activity with the brain’s optimal window for forming long-term memories, according to research from Japan’s Shibaura Institute of Technology.
• Mice given flavanols one hour before learning tasks showed about a 30 percent improvement in recognizing new objects, linked to a surge of noradrenaline in the hippocampus and other alertness-related brain regions.
• The mechanism involves the brain’s “alarm system,” the locus coeruleus, which releases noradrenaline to heighten attention and prioritize information for storage when activated by flavanols.
• Researchers believe the effect comes from sensory signaling, not absorption, as the bitter taste of flavanols may trigger gut-to-brain nerve pathways that rapidly stimulate the brainstem and enhance memory processing.
• While promising, the findings are preliminary—the doses were higher than typical human intake and the long-term safety and timing effects need confirmation in human studies before practical recommendations can be made.

https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/food-cooking/dark-chocolate-and-berries-can-sharpen-memory-if-you-eat-them-at-the-right-time-study-finds/

• Pomegranate is one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits on Earth, protecting your cells from oxidative stress — the same process that drives aging, inflammation, and chronic disease
• The peel contains 12 times more antioxidants than the juice or seeds, supporting heart health, blood sugar balance, and immune defense while fighting harmful bacteria and inflammation
• Compounds like punicalagins, ellagic acid, and urolithins work together to slow the growth of cancer cells, block tumor-feeding blood vessels, and balance hormones involved in breast and prostate cancers
• Research shows pomegranate’s unique nutrients support your brain, skin, and metabolism, helping maintain memory, collagen production, and healthy circulation as you age
• Using the whole fruit — seeds, juice, peel, and even seed oil — provides a safe, natural way to strengthen your body’s defenses, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity from the inside out

https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/food-cooking/ancient-fruit-proven-to-protect-your-heart-fight-cancer-and-restore-vitality/

• Sleep is not just downtime but a built-in survival mechanism that protects your brain from toxic byproducts created when mitochondria leak electrons
• New research shows that the more electrons your cells fail to use, the greater the buildup of reactive oxygen species, which directly triggers your need for sleep
• Excessive fat burning under stress makes this problem worse by clogging energy pathways, depleting cofactors, and pushing your body into deep fatigue
• Serotonin levels rise when fatty acids flood your system, creating another pathway that drives drowsiness and heavy sleep pressure
• Supporting your mitochondria with healthy carbs, avoiding extreme cardio, and limiting harmful fats found in seed oils lowers electron leaks, reduces sleep demand, and helps you feel more energized

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/11/12/fat-metabolism-sleep.aspx

I needed to get a new bulb for my wife’s reading lamp. So I asked Grok.com:
I have read of LEDs harming the eyes, of blue light not being good for them, of warm and cool lights. Which light globes are best for use in the home?

Grok replied:
The best light globes for home use balance eye health, circadian rhythm, energy efficiency, and comfort. Here’s a practical breakdown based on current science (as of 2025):

Best Overall: Warm White LEDs (2700K–3000K, CRI 90+)

Feature: 2700K–3000K mimics sunset/incandescent light. Low blue light, relaxing.

Why It’s Good: Color Temperature: Blue Light Minimal (<5% of output). Safe for evening use.

CRI (Color Rendering Index): 90+ makes colors look natural (like sunlight).

Eye Strain: Reduces glare & flicker (choose flicker-free drivers).

Circadian Health: Doesn’t suppress melatonin, better sleep.

Recommended brands:

Philips Hue (tunable, but set to 2700K at night)
IKEA TRÅDFRI (warm dim)
LIFX (high CRI, app control)
Soraa (premium, 95+ CRI, very low flicker)

Avoid or Limit These

Type
Cool White LEDs (5000K–6500K)High blue light (15–30%).

Problem
Disrupts sleep, increases eye strain. Only for daytime/task lighting (kitchen, office).

Type
Cheap LEDs (<80 CRI)

Problem
Colors look washed out, subconscious eye strain.

Type
High-flicker bulbs

Problem
Invisible pulsing (even at 100–120Hz) causes headaches. Check for <5% flicker.

Smart Lighting Strategy (Best of Both Worlds)
Use tunable white bulbs (e.g., Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, WiZ):

Time of DaySetting

Morning4000K–5000K (boost alertness)

Day3500K–4500K (neutral)

Evening (after 7 PM)2700K + dim to 10–30%

Bedroom (1 hr before bed)2200K or red-shifted (e.g., Hue “Sleep” mode)

Extra Eye-Protection Tips

Dimming: Lower brightness = less strain. Use dimmable LEDs.
Positioning: Indirect lighting (bounce off walls/ceiling) > direct glare.
Blue-blockers? Only needed if using screens/5000K+ lights at night.
Flicker check: Use phone slow-mo camera — smooth glow = good.

Buy This
Warm white (2700K), CRI 90+, flicker-free LED globes
(E27/B22 screw or bayonet, 800–1000 lumens = 60W equivalent)
Top pick in Australia:

Philips Warm Glow LED (dimmable, 2700K?2200K) – ~$12 at Bunnings
Mirabella Genio Smart Bulb (WiFi, tunable) – ~$15 at Kmart

Your eyes (and sleep) will thank you.

Thanks!

You’re welcome!

For Australia-specific picks (available at Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, or online):

Top 3 Recommended Warm White LEDs (2700K, CRI 90+, Low Flicker)

Bulb: Philips Warm Glow LED (E27, 8W, 800lm)
Price (AUD):~$12
Where: Bunnings
Notes: Dims from 2700K ? 2200K. Best overall.

Bulb: Mirabella Genio Smart Bulb (E27, WiFi)
Price (AUD):~$15
Where: Kmart
Notes: Tunable 2700K–6500K. Control via app.

Bulb: IKEA TRÅDFRI Warm White (E27, 1000lm)
Price (AUD):~$9
Where: IKEA
Notes: High CRI, dimmable with IKEA hub.

All are flicker-free and energy-efficient (~8–10W = 60W old bulb).

Set your smart ones to 2700K after sunset — your eyes will feel the difference.

Sleep well!

 

https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/health-healing/lessons-from-the-longest-living-among-us/

Leucine, an essential amino acid found in foods like meat and legumes, has been discovered to directly enhance mitochondrial energy production by preventing the breakdown of key mitochondrial proteins.

Source: University of Cologne

Summary:

Scientists uncovered how the amino acid leucine enhances mitochondrial efficiency by preserving crucial proteins that drive energy production. By downregulating the protein SEL1L, leucine prevents unnecessary degradation and strengthens the cell’s power output. The findings link diet directly to mitochondrial health and suggest potential therapeutic applications for energy-related diseases.

FULL STORY

Mitochondria are tiny structures inside cells that generate the energy required for the body to move, grow, and maintain health. Because energy needs change continuously, mitochondria must constantly fine-tune their activity to keep up. This adaptability depends in part on the nutrients available to the cell. Yet until recently, scientists did not fully understand how nutrients influence this process of energy adjustment.

A research group led by Professor Dr. Thorsten Hoppe at the University of Cologne’s Institute for Genetics and the CECAD Cluster of Excellence on Aging Research has now identified a new biological pathway showing how the amino acid leucine strengthens mitochondrial performance. Their work reveals that leucine stabilizes important mitochondrial proteins, enhancing the organelle’s ability to produce energy. The study, titled “Leucine inhibits degradation of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins to adapt mitochondrial respiration,” was published in Nature Cell Biology.

How Leucine Supports Energy Production

Leucine is one of the essential amino acids, meaning it must be obtained through food. It is a key component of protein synthesis and is abundant in protein-rich foods like meat, dairy products, and legumes such as beans and lentils. The researchers found that leucine helps protect certain proteins on the outer membrane of mitochondria from breaking down. These proteins are vital because they transport other metabolic molecules into the mitochondria to generate energy. By preserving them, leucine allows mitochondria to work more efficiently, resulting in higher energy output within the cell.

“We were thrilled to discover that a cell’s nutrient status, especially its leucine levels, directly impacts energy production,” said Dr. Qiaochu Li, the study’s first author. “This mechanism enables cells to swiftly adapt to increased energy demands during periods of nutrient abundance.”

The study also revealed that a protein called SEL1L plays an important role in this process. SEL1L is part of the cell’s quality control system that identifies and removes faulty or misfolded proteins. Leucine seems to reduce the activity of SEL1L, which decreases the breakdown of mitochondrial proteins and improves mitochondrial performance. “Modulating leucine and SEL1L levels could be a strategy to boost energy production,” said Li. “However, it is important to proceed with caution. SEL1L also plays a crucial role in preventing the accumulation of damaged proteins, which is essential for long-term cellular health.”

Broader Implications for Health and Disease

To explore the wider impact of their findings, the researchers studied the process in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. They discovered that problems in leucine metabolism can impair mitochondrial function and even cause fertility issues. When the team examined human lung cancer cells, they found that certain mutations affecting leucine metabolism actually help cancer cells survive, highlighting an important factor for future cancer treatment strategies.

These discoveries show that the nutrients we consume do more than simply fuel the body — they actively influence how energy is produced inside cells. By uncovering how leucine affects mitochondrial metabolism, the study points to potential new therapeutic targets for conditions linked to reduced energy production, including cancer and metabolic disorders.

This research received support through Germany’s Excellence Strategy as part of CECAD and from several Collaborative Research Centers funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Additional funding came from the European Research Council via the ERC Advanced Grant “Cellular Strategies of Protein Quality Control-Degradation” (CellularPQCD) and from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Journal Reference:

1. Qiaochu Li, Konstantin Weiss, Fuateima Niwa, Jan Riemer, Thorsten Hoppe. Leucine inhibits degradation of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins to adapt mitochondrial respiration. Nature Cell Biology, 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41556-025-01799-3

https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/science-futures/scientists-discover-the-nutrient-that-supercharges-cellular-energy/