The Energy Code

They unpack a piglet study showing a common grain mold toxin collapses the gut’s mucus and tight junctions. They explore how damaged mitochondria and lost ATP drive apoptosis and tissue breakdown. They highlight taurine’s surprising role in rebooting mitochondrial function and reactivating the PGC‑1 → NRF1/2 repair axis.

They explore using a light-activated dye to wipe out antibiotic-resistant bacteria in lab samples from pediatric abdominal infections. They describe how methylene blue plus red light generates reactive oxygen to kill microbes. They discuss striking kill rates for E. coli and Streptococcus, more variable effects on Pseudomonas, and ideas for surgical, localized light delivery. They note key limitations and next research steps.

They explain what Urolithin A is and why gut bacteria make its effects hit-or-miss. They cover why supplements bypass that variability and produce consistent blood levels. They discuss dose-dependent anti-inflammatory signals and mitochondrial/autophagy gene changes. They highlight some selective strength and endurance gains while noting many common biomarkers did not change in short trials.

Welcome to the first Energy Code Deep Dive—daily research reviews translated into real life. Dr. Mike Belkowski and co-host Don Bailey break down a brand-new (Jan 3, 2026) pilot study on transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) for chemobrain (cancer-related cognitive impairment).   We define what chemobrain actually feels like, why there aren’t many proven treatments, and why researchers are exploring 810nm brain-directed light + an intranasal component to support mitochondrial energy (cytochrome c oxidase/ATP), inflammation balance, blood flow, and repair signaling.   Then we walk through the real-world clinical cohort (31 women), the protocol (weekly sessions, ~20 minutes, 10+ sessions), and the eye-opening outcomes: 29/31 improved, average cognitive scores rose dramatically, and a meaningful percentage normalized. We also keep it honest—small sample, retrospective design, no control group—so you know what’s promising now and what still needs randomized trials. - Article Discussed in Episode: Transcranial photobiomodulation for the treatment of chemobrain: new perspectives from a pilot study - Key Quotes From Dr. Mike: “It’s like your brain’s running 30 browser tabs and somebody started a video call in the background.” “Think of it like giving your brain cells a more efficient ‘charge cycle,’ not by caffeine, but by improving cellular energy production.” “This is why device specs aren’t nerd trivia. They’re the difference between a protocol and a placebo.” “This pilot study suggests that transcranial photobiomodulation may meaningfully improve chemobrain symptoms… but we still need larger controlled trials.” - Key points Chemobrain is real: attention, processing speed, verbal fluency, executive function — often lingering for years and impacting daily life. The study reviewed a Jan 3, 2026 pilot exploring tPBM as a potential supportive treatment when proven options are limited. Mechanism focus: light targets mitochondrial function (cytochrome c oxidase → ATP), with downstream effects on inflammation, blood flow, and repair signaling. Cohort: 31 women, average age ~52, post-chemo cognitive impairment; cognition tracked via FACT-Cog. Protocol: 810nm transcranial + intranasal, ~20 min/session, weekly, 10+ sessions; some also used whole-body PBM. Why 810nm: penetration matters; modeling suggests near-optimal depth to reach cortical targets; intranasal may help access harder-to-reach regions. Results were striking: average score improved from ~63 to ~101; 29/31 improved; ~29% normalized into typical range. Limitations & takeaway: retrospective + no control group (can’t rule out time/placebo), but the effect size supports moving toward larger randomized trials and reinforces that parameters/device specs matter. - Episode timeline  00:00 – Welcome to the first Energy Code Deep Dive + Don’s role as the “question-asker” 01:30 – What is chemobrain (symptoms + what it feels like day-to-day) 04:00 – Why treatment options are limited (the “brutal part”) 05:30 – What transcranial photobiomodulation is (plain-English translation) 07:30 – Biology: cytochrome c oxidase, ATP, inflammation, blood flow, repair signaling 10:00 – Study design + who they studied (31 women, France, post-chemo, FACT-Cog) 12:30 – Real-life impacts (reading, admin work, conversations, driving, fatigue, sleep) 14:30 – Protocol details (810nm, intranasal, weekly 20 min, 10+ sessions, some whole-body) 17:00 – Why 810nm + why intranasal (penetration + access) 19:00 – Results (63 → 101, 29/31 improved, ~29% normalized, QoL changes) 21:30 – Mood/anxiety/depression findings + interpretation 23:00 – Mechanisms: chemo injury pathways vs PBM supportive pathways 25:30 – Limitations (small sample, retrospective, no control, can’t split brain vs whole-body) 27:30 – Safety notes + “what do I do with this?” (talk to clinician; parameters matter) 29:00 – One-sentence takeaway + close (“Protect your energy / mitochondria”) - Dr. Mike's #1 recommendations:   Deuterium depleted water: Litewater (code: DRMIKE) EMF-mitigating products: Somavedic (code: BIOLIGHT) Blue light blocking glasses: Ra Optics (code: BIOLIGHT) Grounding products: Earthing.com   -   Stay up-to-date on social media: Dr. Mike Belkowski: Instagram LinkedIn   BioLight: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook

Neurodegeneration can feel like an unstoppable train, where treatment is often about managing symptoms instead of fixing what’s breaking upstream. In this episode of The Energy Code, Dr. Mike Belkowski and co-host Don Bailey unpack a 2025 review on mitochondrial dysfunction as a common thread across major neurodegenerative diseases and why this “cellular infrastructure problem” may be the leverage point researchers are finally targeting.    You’ll get clear, memorable analogies for how energy production fails (oxidative phosphorylation), why Complex I dysfunction shows up so often in Parkinson’s, and why ROS isn’t “bad” until it becomes a wildfire.  From there, they walk through mitochondrial quality control (fission, fusion, and mitophagy) plus the underrated issue of mitochondrial transport in long neurons.    Finally, we break down what’s being explored right now: mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, metabolic interventions, photobiomodulation, biogenesis strategies (PGC-1α), and emerging frontiers like mitochondrial transplantation and gene editing—with a grounded take on what’s promising vs. what’s still early. - Key Points Neurodegeneration is increasingly being viewed as an upstream mitochondrial dysfunction problem and not just a symptom-management problem.  The brain is an extreme energy consumer, so neurons are uniquely vulnerable when ATP production drops.  Oxidative phosphorylation failure reduces cellular power and sets the stage for degeneration. In Parkinson’s, Complex I impairment is a recurring theme → less ATP + more oxidative stress. ROS isn’t inherently bad — it’s signaling vs “wildfire” oxidative stress when defenses get overwhelmed.  Mitochondrial “quality control” (fission, fusion, mitophagy) is central; breakdown accelerates damage.  Neurons depend on mitochondrial transport down long axons; transport failure can starve synapses first.  Emerging interventions include mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, biogenesis/repair pathways, and mitochondria-relevant trials (including photobiomodulation) promising, but still evolving. - Key Quotes From Dr. Mike “Fission is like splitting dough into separate pizzas. Too much fission is like cutting everything into tiny crumbs.”  “Too little fission is like refusing to separate the burnt part… it ruins the whole batch.”  “This is the recycling program… Tag it, bag it, take it out.”  “PGC-1 alpha is like the head contractor for building new power plants.”  “If demand doubles, you can’t keep running on the same number of servers… you need more infrastructure.” - Article Referenced in Episode: Mitochondrial-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases: a review of the current literature - Episode Timeline 00:00 — Cold open + show intro (“The Energy Code” mission / mitochondrial matrix)  00:45 — The “unstoppable train” problem: symptoms vs upstream causes  02:00 — Why mitochondria matter in the brain (energy hog / “city that never sleeps”)  04:00 — Quick definitions: Alzheimer’s vs Parkinson’s vs ALS  05:30 — Oxidative phosphorylation explained (dam/turbine analogy)  08:00 — Parkinson’s spotlight: Complex I disruption + downstream ROS  10:00 — ROS with nuance: signaling vs oxidative stress + antioxidant balance  12:30 — The quality-control trio: fission, fusion, mitophagy (pizza + recycling analogies)  15:30 — Mitochondrial transport in neurons (train tracks: kinesin/dynein)  17:00 — Therapy bucket #1: mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (why targeting matters)  18:30 — “Is it being tested?” clinical trial examples across AD/PD/ALS  20:30 — Photobiomodulation: keep it grounded (flashlight/battery analogy)  22:30 — Biogenesis: PGC-1α + AMPK/SIRT1 + exercise mimetics  25:00 — Frontiers: transplantation, gene therapy/CRISPR, ethics/regulation  28:30 — Five takeaways + closing call-to-action (subscribe/review/share) - Dr. Mike's #1 recommendations:     Deuterium depleted water: Litewater (code: DRMIKE) EMF-mitigating products: Somavedic (code: BIOLIGHT) Blue light blocking glasses: Ra Optics (code: BIOLIGHT) Grounding products: Earthing.com - Stay up-to-date on social media: Dr. Mike Belkowski: Instagram LinkedIn   BioLight: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook  

Dive into the fascinating world of mitochondrial research and its impact on aging. Learn how red and near-infrared light can energize cells and even extend lifespans. Discover the role of urolithin A in rejuvenating immune cells and enhancing metabolism. Understand why antioxidants can sometimes backfire and how personalized approaches in longevity medicine may hold the key to our health. Explore the interconnectedness of light, mitochondria, and our microbiome in a compelling systems biology framework.

In this week’s episode of The Energy Code, Dr. Mike Belkowski is joined by co-host Don Bailey and special guest Jackie Jolie, quantum biology practitioner and founder of AnimaSol (formerly EquiSol). Together, they explore how light — particularly red and near-infrared wavelengths — shapes mitochondrial health, recovery, longevity, and disease prevention in both humans and animals.   Jackie shares her personal health journey, including recovering from Lyme disease by radically changing her light environment, circadian rhythms, and mitochondrial signaling. What began as self-experimentation evolved into a mission: restoring animals’ health through light after witnessing skyrocketing rates of obesity, arthritis, anxiety, and chronic disease in modern pets.   The conversation dives deep into photobiomodulation, redox potential, parasympathetic nervous system activation, and why light should be viewed as a daily nutrient, not just a therapy. Jackie explains the science behind full-body red light therapy for animals, why contact-based LED devices outperform high-powered lasers, and how light restores systemic balance rather than merely treating isolated injuries.   Listeners will hear powerful real-world case studies — including paralyzed dogs walking again, rapid tendon healing in performance horses, reduced anxiety and aggression in shelter dogs, and metabolic improvements in animals suffering from obesity and insulin dysfunction.   Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: modern disease is a mismatch between biology and environment — and restoring light exposure may be the missing foundation for healing. 🔑 Key Points Lyme disease susceptibility is strongly influenced by mitochondrial redox potential and light environment Light, water, and magnetism form the foundation of quantum biology Red and near-infrared light directly support mitochondrial function and ATP production Modern indoor lifestyles create a severe light deficiency in humans and pets Red light therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”) Full-body illumination produces systemic healing, not just localized effects LEDs can be safer and more practical than high-powered lasers for animals Anxiety, aggression, and behavioral issues often improve with light therapy Obesity and metabolic dysfunction in pets mirror human disease trends Light should be treated as a daily supplement, not a last-resort therapy 💬 Key Quotes from Jackie Jolie   “I didn’t have a good light life — and my mitochondria couldn’t overcome the tick bite.”   “The most vital nutrient our pets are deficient in is light.”   “Red light therapy taps into the parasympathetic nervous system — animals literally melt.”   “If light created the problem, light can also be the solution.”   “Nature is the OG healer — nothing replaces the sun.” ⏱️ Key Moments 00:00 – 06:58 Jackie’s Lyme disease recovery & discovering quantum biology   06:58 – 09:26 Circadian rhythm repair, redox potential, and light as medicine   09:26 – 13:09 Why contact-based red light works through fur and skin   16:29 – 19:32 Light deficiency as a modern epidemic in pets   30:28 – 35:38 Powerful healing case studies (paralysis, anxiety, arthritis)   35:38 – 38:24 Metabolic disease, obesity, and insulin dysfunction in animals   47:02 – 49:56 The future of red light therapy for pets, performance animals & beyond Where to Learn More From & About Jackie:AnimaSol website AnimaSol IGAnimaSol Facebook - 🚨 SPECIAL OFFER! 🚨   We've introduced a bevy of new anti-aging skincare products the last couple of months, 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 1/22, 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 products! - Dr. Mike's #1 recommendations: Water products: Water & Wellness Grounding products: Earthing.com EMF-mitigating products: Somavedic Blue light-blocking glasses: Ra Optics - Connect with Jackie: https://www.animasol.life/pages/about - Stay up-to-date on social media: Dr. Mike Belkowski: Instagram LinkedIn   BioLight: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook

The episode dives into the controversial claims surrounding methylene blue, particularly Dr. Saladino's critique. It debates the importance of mitochondrial health, linking dysfunction to many modern diseases. The discussion shifts to deuterium, its impact on the body, and strategies to reduce its levels, including dietary tips. Lastly, taurine's unique benefits for mitochondrial support and its role in combating diseases like cancer and diabetes are highlighted, showcasing its significance in achieving optimal health.

Dive into the science of Urolithin A and B, powerful compounds that may revolutionize anti-aging. Discover how these metabolites promote mitophagy to enhance mitochondrial function and muscle strength. Learn about the new supplement, BioLithin, which pairs these compounds with taurine for optimal support. Hear insights on why supplementation surpasses traditional food sources and explore the latest research linking urolithins to cognitive health and anxiety relief. Get ready to unlock the secrets to staying young and resilient!

Delve into the fascinating world of mitochondria and discover why they're the key to your health. Learn about the six pillars of mitochondrial health, from energy production to biogenesis and mitophagy. Explore how oxidative stress impacts cellular function and why red light therapy and proper breathing are crucial. Mike highlights lifestyle tactics like grounding and sunlight exposure for boosting your mitochondrial power. Plus, get a sneak peek into an innovative product that promises to enhance all six pillars in one go!