Episode #146: Ari Whitten, M.S.: The Blueprint to Optimizing Your Mitochondria

We've all heard mitochondria described as "the powerhouse of the cell". But what we know now is that mitochondria have a second role beyond being energy generators, and are of central importance in human physiology. Today we're discussing everything you need to know about mitochondria, specifically how the story of energy and the story of aging are very much centered around the health of our mitochondria. I'm joined by Ari Whitten, M.S., the founder of The Energy Blueprint. We take a deep dive into how mitochondria work, including the second role they play as environmental sensors. If you struggle with chronic fatigue, you'll want to tune in to learn how mitochondria is impacting your energy levels, and what you can do about it. Ari Whitten, M.S. is the best-selling author of The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy, and Eat For Energy: How To Beat Fatigue, and Supercharge Your Mitochondria For All-Day Energy. He has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist, has completed extensive graduate training in Clinical Psychology, and holds a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. What we discuss: 00:02:46 - How to start with supporting your mitochondria 00:11:28 - How mitochondria can impact your energy levels 00:18:27 - Why losing mitochondria is not a natural product of aging 00:22:22 - Ways to maintain mitochondria 00:25:20 - Melatonin production 00:30:06 - Light exposure and melatonin production 00:41:33 - Supporting your mitochondria at the foundational level 00:47:57 - EMF sensitivity 00:56:04 - The blueprint to optimizing your mitochondria 01:02:49 - The most powerful supplements for optimizing your mitochondria Key Takeaways: All the things that boost our mitochondrial capacity for energy production are also going to translate into increased longevity and resistance to disease. The loss of mitochondria is not a natural product of aging, but is the result of modern lifestyles. Challenging your mitochondria by living a more active lifestyle will help support and rebuild your mitochondrial networks as you get older. Mitochondria have a second role beyond their role as energy generators, and that is as environmental sensors. Not only are the mitochondria actually producing energy, they are making the decision on whether or not to produce that energy. Find more from Nathalie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ Website: NatNiddam.com Join Nat's Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community Work with Nat: Book Your 20 MInute Optimization Consult: https://calendly.com/nniddam/intro-call?month=2021-08 Find more from Ari Whitten, M.S.: Email: affiliates@theenergyblueprint.com Website: theenergyblueprint.com Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible: Mitopure: Use code NAT10 for 10% off your order at https://www.mitopure.com/ Profound Health: Use code Longevity15 at https://profound-health.com/ LMNT: Use Drinklmnt.com/NAT to get 8 free single serves with any order to try different flavors.