The Energy Code

This is the #3 episode from 2025. Enjoy! - In this deep-dive episode of The Red Light Report, Dr. Mike Belkowski takes you beyond the basics to explore why mitochondrial function is the true driver of health—and disease. After contrasting centralized vs. decentralized health paradigms, he reveals the root causes and systemic effects of mitochondrial dysfunction, using vivid analogies like “rocks in a river” to explain electron leakage and oxidative stress. From there, Mike unpacks the Six Pillars of Mitochondrial Health: 1. Energy Production – ATP synthesis & structured “EZ” water batteries 2. Biogenesis – Growing new mitochondria via PGC-1α, NRF1/2, TFAM 3. Mitophagy – Recycling damaged mitochondria through PINK1/Parkin 4. Fusion/Fission – Dynamic balancing of mitochondrial networks 5. Oxidative Stress Protection – Internal and supplemental antioxidants 6. Light Interaction – How red/NIR light supercharges bioenergetics   Along the way, learn why methylene blue and red light therapy are synergistic brain- and mitochondria-boosters, why proper breathing and oxygen availability are non-negotiable, and how lifestyle tactics—from grounding to sun exposure—tie back to cellular power. Mike closes with a sneak peek at an upcoming all-in-one mitochondrial optimization product designed to tackle all six pillars at once. If you found the information in today's episode particularly interesting and/or compelling, please share it with a family member, friend, colleague and/or anyone that you think could benefit and be illuminated by this knowledge. Sharing is caring :) As always, light up your health! - 00:00 – Introduction: Mitochondrial Health & Podcast Focus 02:14 – Centralized vs. Decentralized Health Paradigms 03:43 – Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Causes and Effects 05:11 – Six Pillars of Mitochondrial Function Overview 07:39 – Pillar 1: Energy Production (ATP & EZ Water) 09:02 – Methylene Blue: Brain Boost + Mitochondrial Synergy 19:15 – Root Causes of Disease via Mitochondrial Dysfunction 20:11 – Electron Transport Chain Analogy (Rocks in a River) 26:47 – Importance of Breathing & Oxygen for Mitochondria 28:19 – Pillar 2: Mitochondrial Biogenesis 33:25 – Pillar 3: Mitophagy (Mitochondrial Cleanup) 39:24 – Pillar 4: Mitochondrial Fusion & Fission 43:08 – Pillar 5: Free Radical & Oxidative Stress Protection 48:11 – Antioxidants: Internal & External Defenses 52:18 – Pillar 6: Light’s Impact on Mitochondria 58:29 – Light = Battery for Cells: Red/NIR Light & EZ Water 59:20 – Recap: The Six Pillars of Mitochondrial Health 01:00:17 – Tease for New Product: Optimizing All Six Pillars 01:02:13 – Final Thoughts: Pursuing the Mitochondrial Fountain of Youth - Save 25% when you Subscribe & Save to a BioBundle!   For a BioBundle, you choose:1.) Any one BioBlue supplement(BioBlue, BioBlue (SR), BioBlue Leuco, BioBlue Calm, BioBlue Capsules or BioBlue Leuco Capsules)2.) Any one BioC60 supplement(Regular or Concentrated)   The BioBundle automatically saves you 15% on both of the supplements you choose.You save an additional 10% by choosing to Subscribe & Save to that BioBundle.The 25% savings is passed along for every monthly delivery of your BioBundle!No discount code necessary!   Click here to check out The BioBundle - Dr. Mike's #1 recommendations: Water products: Water & Wellness Grounding products: Earthing.com EMF-mitigating products: Somavedic Blue light-blocking glasses: Ra Optics - Stay up-to-date on social media: Dr. Mike Belkowski: Instagram LinkedIn   BioLight: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook

In this week’s episode of The Energy Code, Dr. Mike is joined by co-host Don Bailey for a wide-ranging, rapid-fire deep dive into the most misunderstood organelle in human health: the mitochondria. What starts as a discussion around a listener review of methylene blue and glucose control quickly expands into a sweeping exploration of energy, aging, fat loss, inflammation, hormones, stress, exercise, circadian biology, and recovery — all through a mitochondrial lens.   Dr. Mike breaks down why early improvements in continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data can occur within days of mitochondrial optimization, even without direct effects on insulin secretion. He explains how methylene blue may enhance peripheral glucose disposal by improving mitochondrial electron flow, reducing oxidative stress, increasing ATP yield per unit of glucose, and restoring metabolic flexibility — offering a compelling bioenergetic framework for understanding blood sugar regulation beyond calories and insulin alone.   The conversation then accelerates into a rapid-fire Q&A covering foundational mitochondrial concepts every listener should understand: why thin people can still be metabolically unhealthy, how mitochondrial dysfunction precedes visible disease, why fatigue is often a protective signal rather than a lack of ATP, and how chronic stress acts as a true mitochondrial toxin. Dr. Mike and Don also explore how mitochondria regulate fat burning, aging speed, inflammation, hormonal signaling, VO₂ max, exercise recovery, and even psychological motivation.   Throughout the episode, Dr. Mike emphasizes a central theme: health is not about chasing symptoms — it’s about restoring mitochondrial quality, signaling, and efficiency. From red and near-infrared light’s direct interaction with cytochrome c oxidase, to why mitophagy matters more than simply making more mitochondria, to the dangers of excessive antioxidants blunting adaptation, this episode delivers a masterclass in mitochondrial medicine — practical, provocative, and immediately actionable.   The episode closes with a candid discussion on decentralized health, emerging mitochondrial testing, vagus nerve stimulation, and why mitochondrial medicine isn’t some distant future concept — it’s already reshaping how we understand energy, longevity, and resilience. Key Points Mitochondrial optimization can improve CGM glucose readings within days via peripheral mechanisms. Methylene blue may enhance glucose disposal by improving mitochondrial electron transport and ATP efficiency. Thin individuals can still be metabolically unhealthy due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Fatigue is often a protective mitochondrial signal, not an ATP shortage. Chronic stress acts as a mitochondrial toxin, reducing energy output and metabolic flexibility. Fat burning only occurs when mitochondria can efficiently process energy. Mitophagy is more important than simply building new mitochondria. Red and near-infrared light directly stimulate mitochondrial respiration via cytochrome c oxidase. Exercise works because it forces mitochondrial adaptation — not because it burns calories. Excess antioxidants can blunt beneficial mitochondrial signaling. VO₂ max is a practical proxy for mitochondrial capacity. Circadian disruption damages mitochondria long before disease appears. Mitochondrial dysfunction almost always precedes symptoms of aging and disease. Key Quotes From Dr. Mike   “Fatigue is often a protective signal — not a lack of energy.”   “Fat burning only happens when mitochondria can efficiently process energy.”   “It’s not just about making more mitochondria — it’s about cleaning up the damaged ones.”   “Exercise works because it challenges the mitochondria to adapt.”   “Mitochondrial medicine isn’t the future — it’s now.” Key Moments   00:00 – 03:09 Intro, holiday reflections, and listener review on methylene blue and CGM glucose improvements   03:10 – 10:48 Methylene Blue & Glucose Control — mechanisms, CGM changes, mitochondrial electron flow, ATP efficiency   10:48 – 16:39 Why mitochondrial health fixes multiple systems at once + aging, gut health, and oxygen balance   16:39 – 23:17 Thin but unhealthy, aging speed, fatigue signaling, inflammation, fat burning, mitophagy   23:17 – 28:14 Red light therapy, mitochondrial activation, exercise as a mitochondrial stimulus   28:14 – 34:57 Brain signaling, motivation, oxidative stress, antioxidants, dosage matters   34:57 – 41:07 Hormones, VO₂ max, circadian rhythm, mitochondrial DNA damage   41:07 – 49:06 Root causes of disease, decentralized health, corporate control of health narratives   49:06 – 56:08 Stress, EMFs, vagus nerve stimulation, parasympathetic recovery   56:08 – 01:06:45 Mitochondrial testing, exercise reframed, closing reflections on mitochondrial medicine Books & References from Episode The Life Machines — Daria Mochly-Rosen & Emmanuel Rosen Methylene Blue & Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy Research Mitophagy & Aging VO₂ Max & Mitochondrial Capacity Circadian Biology & Mitochondrial Health Vagus Nerve Stimulation & Stress Recovery Stay Connected   Instagram: @dr.mikebelkowski Facebook: Mike Belkowski BioLight: Website| Instagram| Facebook

In this week’s episode of The Energy Code, Dr. Mike explores one of the most eye-opening frontiers in modern biology: the mitochondrial roots of psychiatric disorders and cancer. Drawing from The Life Machines, he discusses research showing that mitochondrial dysfunction may drive anxiety and depression rather than simply correlate with them. Studies in animals demonstrate that altering mitochondrial fusion proteins like MFN2 can erase or induce anxiety-like behaviors, while human data links major depressive disorder to elevated mitochondrial DNA, impaired ATP production, and shortened telomeres. As psychiatrist Chris Palmer argues in the excerpt, mental illness may ultimately be a metabolic disorder of the brain—placing mitochondria at the center of emotional and cognitive health.    Dr. Mike then shifts into a striking breakdown of how cancer hijacks mitochondrial biology to survive, evade immunity, and metastasize. From disabling programmed cell death to relying on hyper-fast glycolysis, to the astonishing ability to steal mitochondria from T-cells or poison them with damaged ones, cancer emerges as a metabolically cunning adversary. The episode concludes with a rapid review of the most compelling mitochondrial research from the past six months, including nanomaterials that supercharge stem-cell mitochondria, sprint training that breaks and rebuilds mitochondrial structure, the mitochondrial basis of T-cell memory and anti-tumor immunity, CRISPR tools revealing cancer’s metabolic vulnerabilities, mitochondrial drivers of sarcopenia, emerging blood biomarkers of mitochondrial aging, and groundbreaking three-parent IVF trials preventing inherited mitochondrial disease. It’s one of the most sweeping scientific episodes yet—revealing how mitochondrial medicine is rapidly reshaping our understanding of mental health, cancer, aging, and human vitality.   Key Points: Mitochondrial dysfunction may cause anxiety and depression, not just correlate with them. Modifying MFN2 levels in neurons can erase or induce anxiety-like behavior in animals. Depression in humans is linked to higher mtDNA, shorter telomeres, and reduced ATP efficiency. Cancer cells disable apoptosis, favor fast glycolysis, and hijack mitochondria from immune cells. Cancer can poison T-cells with damaged mitochondria and hide them from autophagy. Nano-materials can stimulate stem cells to overproduce mitochondria and transfer them to damaged cells. Sprint interval training breaks down mitochondria initially but drives stronger remodeling and efficiency. T-cell immunity and anti-tumor responses rely heavily on mitochondrial metabolic flexibility. CRISPR mitochondrial knockout screens reveal key metabolic weaknesses in cancer. Sarcopenia is rooted in impaired mitophagy and dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics. A new blood mitochondrial biomarker correlates with fitness, aging, and cognitive risk. Three-parent IVF using donor mitochondria can prevent inherited mitochondrial disease.   Key Quotes from Dr. Mike   “Mental disorders… are metabolic disorders of the brain, driven by mitochondria.”   “Changes in the mitochondria impair communications between neurons, meaning treating the mitochondria may decrease the burden of psychiatric disorders.”   “Those sneaky cancer cells literally suck the life out of the cells that come to fight them.”   “Cancer cells not only steal mitochondria, they weaponize damaged ones to cripple the immune system.”   “The future of mitochondrial medicine isn’t the future — it’s now.”   Key Moments   00:00 – 00:03:36 Intro to the episode and setup for the discussion.    00:03:36 – 00:11:37 Psychiatric Disorders & Mitochondria — Reading from The Life Machines covering MFN2, anxiety/depression mechanisms, mtDNA changes, telomere shortening, ATP reduction, and the metabolic roots of mental illness.   00:11:37 – 00:13:17 Product update inserted into the episode (BioLithin / transition section).   00:13:17 – 00:22:15 Cancer & Mitochondria — How cancer evades apoptosis, relies on glycolysis, steals mitochondria, poisons immune cells, and adapts metabolically during metastasis.   00:22:15 – 00:23:19 Transition into recent mitochondrial research roundup.   00:23:19 – 00:25:07 Study 1: Nano-Flowers & Mitochondrial Biogenesis — Nanomaterials doubling mitochondrial output and transferring mitochondria to damaged cells.   00:25:07 – 00:28:05 Study 2: Sprint Interval Training — Mitochondrial breakdown → remodeling → improved oxidative function.   00:28:05 – 00:32:09 Study 3: T-Cell Mitochondrial Metabolism — T-cell memory, exhaustion, and antitumor immunity tied to mitochondrial flexibility.   00:32:09 – 00:34:07 Study 4: Mitochondrial Knockout CRISPR Library — Identifying cancer vulnerabilities in mitochondrial antioxidant pathways.   00:34:07 – 00:38:04 Study 5: Sarcopenia & Aging Muscle — Impaired mitophagy and dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics driving muscle loss.   00:38:04 – 00:41:10 Study 6: Blood-Based Mitochondrial Biomarkers — Links to VO₂ max, aging, dementia risk, and sex-specific mitochondrial differences.   00:41:10 – 00:45:04 Study 7: Three-Parent IVF & Mitochondrial Donation — Preventing inherited mitochondrial disease in newborns.   00:45:04 – 00:47:47 Discussion on the rapid evolution of mitochondrial medicine and future outlook.     Books & References From Episode     The Life Machines — by Daria Mochly-Rosen & Emmanuel Rosen   Nanomaterials & Mitochondrial Biogenesis     Sprint Interval Training & Mitochondrial Remodeling     T-Cell Immunity & Mitochondrial Metabolism     CRISPR Mitochondrial Knockout Library     Sarcopenia & Mitochondrial Dysfunction     Blood-Based Mitochondrial Biomarker     Three-Parent IVF / Mitochondrial Donation     Stay Connected   Instagram: @dr.mikebelkowski Facebook: Mike Belkowski BioLight: Website| Instagram| Facebook

In this week’s Energy Code episode, Dr. Mike Belkowski sits down with returning co-host Don Bailey for a deep-dive “year in review” — breaking down BioLight’s explosive year of innovation, the science behind the brand’s newest product line, and the mitochondrial philosophy shaping BioLight’s future.   Together, they unpack how BioLight evolved from red-light therapy devices into a full-stack mitochondrial optimization company, why autophagy and muscle preservation matter more than ever, and how ingredients like methylene blue, taurine, urolithin A/B, fulvic & humic acids, and deuterium-depleted water are transforming the way the health world thinks about energy.   From conference breakthroughs to updated branding, from the creation of BioLithin to the launch of BioMinerals and Litewater integrations — this episode reveals the why behind every major BioLight decision of 2024–2025. It’s the most comprehensive look yet into the science-driven ethos powering the Energy Code. 🔬 In This Episode, Dr.  Mike & Don Cover: ⚡ The moment that sparked everything: Don’s “eureka” mitochondrial experience with hydrogen + methylene blue 🧬 Why mitochondria decline with age — and how BioLight’s product stack addresses each pillar 🏷️ The new BioLight branding + the meaning behind the motion-based logo 🧪 Why BioLight shifted into methylene blue, urolithin A/B, taurine, and mitochondrial “super-stacking” 🔥 Urolithin A vs. Urolithin B: autophagy vs. anabolic support 💧 How fulvic acid, humic acid & Shilajit rebuild gut integrity in a glyphosate-heavy world 🌊 The decision to incorporate Litewater & the mitochondrial benefits of deuterium depletion 💦 Why BioMinerals became a key pillar in the BioLight ecosystem 🧠 How EMFs trigger excess calcium release — and why taurine is a crucial cellular protector 🌐 What to expect from BioLight’s expanding protocols for skin, gut, hydration, and mitochondrial longevity 💬 Key Quotes from Dr. Mike & Don   “Why do I have so much energy right now? That moment made me understand why mitochondria matter.” - Don   “Methylene blue helps you function, but autophagy helps you rebuild.” - Dr. Mike   “Taurine is one of the body’s most underrated mitochondrial protectors.” - Dr. Mike   “Litewater makes your body feel lighter — literally.” - Dr. Mike   “BioLight is becoming the complete mitochondrial stack.” - Don ⏱️ Key Moments   00:00 — Don’s hydrogen + methylene blue energy breakthrough   00:59 — Don returns to the show & site rebrand overview   02:10 — Meaning behind BioLight’s new logo   04:05 — Review of BioLight’s biggest year yet   05:16 — Conference experiences that shaped new product directions   06:04 — Childhood energy vs. adult mitochondrial decline   07:00 — Why Urolithin A came first   08:00 — The six pillars of mitochondrial health explained   12:00 — The importance of autophagy & mitochondrial biogenesis   14:27 — Why mitochondrial “bad actors” must be removed   17:10 — Red light → methylene blue → mitochondrial supplement evolution   18:06 — Urolithin A vs. Urolithin B differences   21:01 — The muscle-mitochondria connection   23:00 — Anti-inflammatory benefits of Urolithin B   26:00 — Taurine’s unique role in mitochondrial protection   28:00 — How EMFs cause calcium overload + neuronal toxicity   33:00 — Why BioMinerals was created   34:00 — Shilajit, fulvic acid & gut barrier integrity   37:30 — Why Deuterium Depleted Water (DDW) matters   40:00 — The anti-cancer research behind DDW   44:00 — How Mike mixes his daily “mito-water”   47:00 — Upgrades to BioBlue liquids (taurine, NMN, Litewater) Referenced in Episode Gut-Brain Secrets: Causes and Solutions to Gut, Brain and Body Dysfunction   Deuterium Depletion: A New Way in Curing Cancer and Preserving Health — Gabor Somlyai   🚨 SPECIAL OFFER! 🚨  We've introduced a bevy of new anti-aging skincare products the last month, most recently the Mystic nano-mister and the Blue Mist (made to be paired together)...   For the next week, save 20% on any of the below skincare products. This is a great time to stock up on gifts for family, friends and (of course) yourself!   Save 20% on the BioMinerals Mist, Platinum Mist, the Mystic and Blue MistDiscount code: skincare20Expires 12/11, midnight PST *For Mist products, must choose "Single" option and increase to desired amount. Cannot use code on two-, four- or ten-packs.   Shop BioLight Skincare by clicking here!     Stay Connected   Instagram: @dr.mikebelkowski Facebook: Mike Belkowski BioLight: Website| Instagram| Facebook

In this week’s episode of The Energy Code, Dr. Mike Belkowski takes listeners on a fascinating deep-dive into the origins, science, and cutting-edge clinical research behind deuterium-depleted water (DDW) — specifically Litewater, the most depleted DDW on the planet at just 10 ppm.   Drawing from a decades-long historical arc, from the Big Bang to Soviet gerontology labs to modern mitochondrial biochemistry, Dr. Mike breaks down how deuterium impacts ATP production, aging, longevity, cancer metabolism, and cellular repair. He also explains why deuterium depletion may be one of the strongest yet overlooked tools for increasing mitochondrial function and long-term resilience.   Listeners also get a rare behind-the-scenes look at Victor Sagalovsky’s A Brief History of Deuterium-Depleted Water and the scientific breakthroughs that shaped the modern DDW field. Dr. Mike shares how BioLight’s updated BioBlue formulas now use 100% Litewater, and why lowering deuterium levels below 120 ppm may be a cornerstone of anti-aging protocols. In This Episode, Dr. Belkowski Covers:   💧 The history of deuterium — from the Big Bang to modern biology 🧬 How deuterium interferes with ATP synthase and accelerates aging ⚡ Why lowering body deuterium levels can enhance mitochondrial efficiency 🩺 Clinical research showing DDW’s anti-cancer and longevity effects 🧊 The surprising role of glacial meltwater and longevity hotspots 🔬 How Light Water achieves 94–97% deuterium removal ☀️ How diet, fasting, and light exposure also influence deuterium levels 🧪 Why all updated BioBlue formulas now use 100% Litewater Key Quotes from Dr. Mike “Drinking deuterium-depleted water is one of the most potent ways to improve mitochondrial function long term.”   “There’s a definitive line in the sand: get your systemic deuterium levels below 120 ppm and you’re in a very good place for longevity.”   “Light Water’s production process creates some of the best water in the world — at ten parts per million.” ⏱️ Key Moments 00:00 – Introduction & setup for the DDW deep-dive 00:32 – What deuterium-depleted water is & why it matters 01:31 – Anti-cancer research using 110–85 ppm DDW 02:42 – How to “cut” Litewater to reach targeted ppm levels 03:20 – Book recommendation: Deuterium Depletion: A New Way in Curing Cancer and Preserving Health 04:08 – Why DDW may be foundational for longevity 05:10 – The “line in the sand” for disease risk 06:19 – A Brief History of DDW (Big Bang → modern science) 13:03 – Biological effects of deuterium on ATP production 18:05 – Siberian research & glacial meltwater longevity 20:04 – ATP synthase nano-motor and deuterium “jamming” 27:25 – Clinical trials: DDW as a cancer therapy adjunct 34:11 – Commercial-scale DDW manufacturing 36:01 – Ideal body deuterium level: below 120 ppm 39:03 – Why Dr. Mike recommends Litewater 40:24 – How DDW fits into an anti-aging protocol 41:12 – Other ways to lower deuterium beyond water 41:30 – Closing thoughts & health reminders 📚 Articles / Resources Mentioned Deuterium Depletion: A New Way in Curing Cancer and Preserving Health — Gabor Somlyai Victor Sagalovsky — A Brief History of Deuterium-Depleted Water Light Water — drinklitewater.com   🚨 SPECIAL OFFER! 🚨   Now through November 25th, get 20% OFF your order of any and all upgraded BioBlue liquid supplements.... INCLUDING SUBSCRIPTIONS!!   Yes, that means you get the subscription discount PLUS the 20% discount (total savings of 30% off or more if you order multi-packs) and you retain that discount as long as you maintain your subscription!   This is a limited-time offer and is the best price that will be offered on this product. Don't miss out!Discount code: newblue20Expires 11/25, midnight PST   SAVE 35% on BioBlue supplements by clicking here! Stay Connected   Instagram: @dr.mikebelkowski Facebook: Mike Belkowski BioLight: Website| Instagram| Facebook