
Mastering Nutrition
Welcome to the Mastering Nutrition podcast.
Mastering Nutrition is hosted by Chris Masterjohn, a nutrition scientist focused on optimizing mitochondrial health, and founder of BioOptHealth, a program that uses whole genome sequencing, a comprehensive suite of biochemical data, cutting-edge research and deep scientific insights to optimize each person's metabolism by finding their own unique unlocks.
He received his PhD in Nutritional Sciences from University of Connecticut at Storrs in 2012, served as a postdoctoral research associate in the Comparative Biosciences department of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Veterinary Medicine from 2012-2014, served as Assistant Professor of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College from 2014-2017, and now works independently in science research and education.
Latest episodes

Jan 10, 2019 • 9min
3 Ways to Clear Stubborn Inflammation | Chris Masterjohn Lite #102
Here are 3 ways to clear stubborn inflammation: managing your fatty acids, taking a new supplement that jump-starts the resolution process, or going with the aspirin protocol from a few episodes ago. Tune in for the details! This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Here are links mentioned in this episode: The last episode on omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2019/01/08/omega-6-omega-3-fatty-acid-ratio-care/ The aspirin episode: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2019/01/01/aspirin-goes-best-bicarbonate-glycine/ Here are products mentioned in this episode. Purchasing them using these links earns me a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the free work I provide: Arachidonic acid supplements: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/aa Specialized pro-resolving mediators: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/spm Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Jan 8, 2019 • 11min
The Omega-6 / Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio: Should You Care? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #101
Should you care about your omega-6/omega-3 ratio? The short answer is, no, not unless you’re vegan or eat a diet that doesn’t contain liver, egg yolks, and fish. Nevertheless, blood testing for arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA levels can be useful and can guide dietary choices to improve the levels of these fatty acids. Still, don’t get caught up in the arachidonic acid-to-EPA ratio. And be mindful about how EPA behaves differently when you are or aren’t taking aspirin. Tune in for the details! This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Here are links mentioned in this episode: How to avoid false data when using Cronometer to track your nutrient intake: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/07/24/track-vitamin-mineral-intake/ How anti-inflammatory drugs might lead to food intolerances: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/09/25/best-weapon-food-allergies-food-intolerances/ How anti-inflammatory drugs might contribute to chronic inflammation: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2019/01/01/aspirin-goes-best-bicarbonate-glycine/ The Quest test for AA, EPA, and DHA: https://www.questdiagnostics.com/testcenter/TestDetail.action?ntc=91001 Testing Nutritional Status: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet, which puts this testing into the broader context of lab testing and gives protocols for using the testing: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/cheatsheet Use the code LITE5 for $5 off Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Jan 3, 2019 • 10min
What to Do About Menstrual Weight Gain | Chris Masterjohn Lite #100
Ladies, do you gain a lot of weight around your period? Here’s how daily supplementation with the right forms of magnesium and B6, as well as targeted use of a low-salt, high-potassium diet around your period with herbal diuretics and just the right dose of dark chocolate can help. Tune in to learn more! This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Here are links mentioned in this episode: Briana Theroux’s web site: https://brianatheroux.com Using the links below generates a small commission for me at no extra cost to you: Magnesium and B6 together (this could be taken twice a day): https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/amazon/mgandB6 Alternatively, you can take magnesium as glycinate or malate and B6 as pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (P5P) separately to yield 2-400 mg Mg and 40-50 mg P5P per day. If you like the taste, you could use this dandelion leaf and root tea: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/amazon/dandelionleaftea If you don’t like the taste of the tea, you could use these capsules: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/amazon/dandelionleafcapsules Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

5 snips
Jan 1, 2019 • 10min
Why Aspirin Goes Best With Bicarbonate and Glycine | Chris Masterjohn Lite #99
Most over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs carry a risk of causing food intolerances and chronic, low-grade inflammation. Aspirin is an exception. But this is why it’s best taken with bicarbonate and glycine. Tune in to learn more! This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Dec 27, 2018 • 10min
Will MCT Oil Help You Lose Weight? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #98
Replacing most of your fat with MCT oil will help create a small caloric deficit that can assist in weight loss, but is it worth it? Tune in for my answer. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

9 snips
Dec 25, 2018 • 8min
Does Glycine or GABA Wake You Up? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #97
GABA and glycine supplements should both have a calming effect, helping to reduce anxiety and make you sleep better. But some people have asked me, what if they do the opposite? What if they cause anxiety and wake you up at night? Tune in for my answer. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Here are links to things mentioned in the episode: Testing Nutritional Status, The Ultimate Cheat Sheet is at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/cheatsheet (use the code LITE5 to get $5 off) The specific comment addressed in this episode: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/10/11/dont-use-niacin-buffer-excess-methyl-groups/#comment-47351 For *many* resources on glycine: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/methylation On GABA, 5 Ways to Help With Glutamate Sensitivity and Glutamate Dominance: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/06/14/5-ways-help-glutamate-sensitivity-glutamate-dominance/ 3 Ways to Get Enough Potassium: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/07/19/3-ways-get-enough-potassium/ The Best Way to Supplement With Potassium: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/08/14/best-way-supplement-potassium/ How to Manage Your Magnesium Status: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/08/23/manage-magnesium-status/ How to Manage Your Thiamin (Vitamin B1) Status: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/08/28/monitor-thiamin-vitamin-b1-status/ How to Manage Your Vitamin B6 Status: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/11/13/manage-vitamin-b6-status/ Why You Should Be Careful With Niacin and Nicotinamide Riboside: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/07/26/careful-niacin-nicotinamide-riboside/ DON’T Use Niacin to Buffer Excess Methyl Groups: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/10/11/dont-use-niacin-buffer-excess-methyl-groups/ Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

5 snips
Dec 20, 2018 • 8min
Does Methylfolate Make You Angry or Depressed? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #96
Does methylfolate make you angry or depressed? Tune in to hear what I think is going on and what to do about it. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Here is a link to the liquid methylfolate supplement recommended in the episode: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/liquidfolate Here are links to the original comment threads discussed in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/chrismasterjohn/videos/271674290121604/?comment_id=273676619921371&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/10/02/what-everyone-should-be-doing-about-methylation/#comment-47229 Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Dec 18, 2018 • 9min
7 Steps to Cure Histamine Intolerance | Chris Masterjohn Lite #95
Here’s a 7-step protocol to tackle histamine intolerance. Tune in to learn more! This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Here are links to other episodes that were mentioned in this one. Copper: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/11/08/manage-copper-status-2/ Vitamin B6: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/11/13/manage-vitamin-b6-status/ Vitamin C: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/11/15/manage-vitamin-c-status/ Estrogen: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/12/04/migraines-menstrual-cycle-histamine/ Kidney and DAO: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/11/29/kidney-dao-supplements-histamine-intolerance/ Methylation: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/methylation Selenium: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/11/20/manage-selenium-status/ Vitamin A: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/08/16/manage-vitamin-status/ Alcohol: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/12/11/alcohol-and-histamine/ https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/12/13/is-alcohol-good-for-you/ Medications: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/12/06/taking-medications-cause-histamine-intolerance/ Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Dec 13, 2018 • 11min
Is Alcohol Good for You? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #94
Is alcohol good for you? It’s clear to me that 1) alcohol is a toxin and 2) it can help with having fun, which is good for you, but in this episode I consider whether some dose of alcohol might actually be fundamentally good for you. I discuss three ways this might work and what the optimal dose might be, as well as sharing a story of how I used alcohol to help clear up a fungal infection. Tune in to learn more! This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 This is the episode on alcohol and histamine that was mentioned: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/12/11/alcohol-and-histamine/ Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Dec 11, 2018 • 5min
Alcohol and Histamine | Chris Masterjohn Lite #93
Could drinking alcohol be contributing to your allergies or histamine intolerance? When my allergies started going nuts in Greece this summer, I was drinking more alcohol. Alcohol impairs the clearance of histamine *and* competes with histamine to be cleared itself. So it could make your allergies worse or contribute to histamine intolerance if you have it. Tune in to learn more! This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' "Living" Collagen. Our Native American ancestors believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would support the health of the corresponding organ of the individual. Ancestral Supplements has a nose-to-tail product line of grass-fed liver, organs, "living" collagen, bone marrow and more... in the convenience of a capsule. For more information or to buy any of their products, go to https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/ancestral This episode is brought to you by Ample. Ample is a meal-in-a-bottle that takes a total of two minutes to prepare, consume, and clean up. It provides the right balance of nutrients needed for a single meal, all from a blend of natural ingredients. Ample is available in original, vegan, and keto versions, portioned as either 400 or 600 calories per meal. I'm an advisor to Ample, and I use it to save time when I'm working on major projects on a tight schedule. Head to https://amplemeal.com and enter the promo code “CHRIS15” at checkout for a 15% discount off your first order.” To get these episodes free of ads, with transcripts, and weeks or sometimes even months before they are released to the public, along with access to monthly live Q&A sessions, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass. Use the code LITE10 to get 10% off. To make it easier to get the discount, use this link, which has the coupon already activated: https://masterpass.chrismasterjohnphd.com/cmj-masterpass/2200/buy?coupon=LITE10 Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.
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