Episode 320: Unlocking Mitochondrial Secrets with Dr. Hemal Patel

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! I’m Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and in this episode, I sit down with Dr. Hemal Patel, Chief Scientific Advisor to Discovery and the brilliant mind behind the ME screen blood test for mitochondrial function.

We dive into Dr. Patel’s fascinating journey into the world of mitochondrial research, how mitochondria impact everything from metabolism to resilience, and why he developed a personalized blood test to better understand mitochondrial health. We also get into some really cool topics like how heat and cold exposure affect your mitochondria, the intersection of meditation and cellular health, and even the emerging role psychedelics might play in this space.

Dr. Patel also shares his top tips for optimizing mitochondrial function and explains the science behind this cutting-edge testing method. If you're curious about performance, longevity, or just want to geek out on mitochondria with two scientists, this episode is for you. Let’s dig in.

Sponsors:

• Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%
• LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com
• Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8
• Flex 4: Dr. Patel's top 4 recommendations to improve mitochondria

Triphasic 2 book now available!

• Go to https://triphasic2.com/

Episode Chapters:

• 05:51 Dr. Patel's Journey into Mitochondrial Research
• 08:34 Heat and Cold Stress in Mitochondrial Function
• 12:18 Mitochondrial Function and Health
• 19:50 Innovative Mitochondrial Testing
• 31:05 Understanding Mitochondrial Respiration
• 31:20 Testing Mitochondrial Efficiency
• 31:51 Energy Production Pathways
• 32:24 Free Radical Generation and Stress Testing
• 32:58 Exercise Physiology and Mitochondria
• 33:50 Personalized Mitochondrial Health Recommendations
• 33:59 The Complexity of Mitochondrial Adaptation
• 37:28 The Role of Membranes in Mitochondrial Health
• 38:49 Oxygen's Dual Role in Life and Aging
• 41:05 Preconditioning and Cardiovascular Health
• 43:07 Hypoxic Training and Breath Work
• 43:50 Meditation and Mitochondrial Function
• 48:03 Psychedelics and Mitochondrial Changes
• 54:33 Practical Tips for Mitochondrial Health
• 56:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: 

• Episode 164: How to use diagnostic testing to improve your metabolic health: An Interview with Sam Miller
• Episode 190: Let’s Get Woo Woo – From Physics To Scientific Testing To Exercise Performance with Ian Mitchell of Wizard Sciences

Connect with Dr. Patel: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemalpatelphd/
• Website: https://mescreen.com/
  • Enter code DRMIKE to save $100 - I don't make a dime off it. I would love to hear what you find, so hit me up if you try it!

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/
• YouTube: https://www.y