You’re Treating the Wrong Problem
In a Nutshell
Serotonin is misrepresented as a brain mood booster by SSRI marketing; it primarily drives mitochondrial adaptations to oxygen deficits, while SSRIs and benzodiazepines act as misunderstood mitochondrial drugs, forcing constant stimulation without rest cycles, leading to long-term dysfunction and protracted withdrawal mimicking Parkinson's (parkinsonism) from energy deficits. Host's family chronic illnesses—inflammation, mental health crashes post-Enbrel/SSRIs, supplement intolerance, sulfur toxicity on meat diets—stem from mitochondrial dysfunction causing toxic metabolite buildup, fixable via carnitine-rich red meat (e.g., lion diet), low-dose folinic acid, and avoiding methylation excess. Chris Masterjohn's Mitoome tests pinpoint unique nutritional needs (e.g., CoQ10, B vitamins via organ meats); top mitochondrial supports: nutrition, sunlight, exercise, sleep cycles, fasting-feeding; binders like cholestyramine aid toxin clearance and boost mito components.
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The idea that serotonin primarily acts in the brain on neurons to boost mood and make you happy is nonsense, stemming from a marketing campaign due to SSRIs in the 80s. Chris Masterjohn has a PhD in nutritional sciences and uses it to help people harness nutrition for vibrant health. Mitochondrial function declines 1% per year with age, the major driver of aging.
SSRIs are mitochondrial drugs in ways prescribers don't understand. Benzodiazepines are too. They force constant stimulation without cycling between stimulation, rest, and recovery. Host recalls first SSRI experience: "I can breathe."
Host's dad has been very ill; SSRIs and withdrawal treated with clonazepam caused neurological injury mimicking Parkinson's but not Parkinson's. Family has chronic health issues back to great-grandparents. Host clued into mitochondrial dysfunction recently due to dad's multifaceted illness. Discovered Chris via Mad in America podcast transcript.
Chris Masterjohn, PhD in nutritional sciences, has spent decades helping people use nutrition for health. Realized driving force behind all health and disease is mitochondria's ability to convert food energy into ATP for body maintenance, repair, distribution. Runs Mitoome mitochondrial testing company. Time split between new research, reanalyzing centuries-old research, developing strategies with/without testing.
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