Wellness with Wendy

11/23/2025

Amino acids play a powerful role in mood, sleep, focus, and overall brain function. In this video, Dr. A breaks down five key amino acids—tryptophan, tyrosin...

11/20/2025

Good to know!

Dr. A explains the critical distinction between sulfites and sulfates, clarifying why sulfites can become a toxin if not processed correctly within the body....

11/04/2025

How vitamins and minerals shape brain health

The brain depends on a steady supply of micronutrients to create energy, build new cells, and protect neurons from damage. Each nutrient plays a specific role in cognition, memory, and mood regulation.

1️⃣ B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic acid)
Power the brain’s metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Vitamin B1 drives glucose use, B2 and B3 support mitochondrial energy and memory, while B6 and B12 regulate mood and myelination.
🟢 Example: Low B12 or folate can impair DNA repair in neurons and raise homocysteine, a marker linked to cognitive decline.
🟢 Example: B1 deficiency reduces ATP in neurons, causing brain fog and fatigue.

2️⃣ Antioxidant vitamins (C and E)
Defend neural membranes from oxidative stress and preserve communication between brain cells.
🟢 Example: Vitamin E integrates into lipid membranes to prevent peroxidation; vitamin C regenerates oxidized E and supports neurotransmitter synthesis.

3️⃣ Vitamin A and D
Guide brain cell growth and differentiation, influencing neurodevelopment and plasticity.
🟢 Example: Vitamin A regulates genes for synaptic plasticity; vitamin D receptors in the hippocampus affect learning and mood.

4️⃣ Omega-3 long-chain fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
Form structural components of neuronal membranes and the central nervous system.
🟢 Example: DHA supports synaptic signaling and myelin formation; low levels correlate with slower processing and mood disorders.

5️⃣ Essential minerals (Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Selenium, Iodine)
Sustain energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and neural signaling.
🟢 Example: Iron carries oxygen to brain tissue; magnesium stabilizes neuronal firing and enhances learning.
🟢 Example: Selenium protects against neuronal death through glutathione peroxidase; iodine fuels thyroid hormones that regulate brain development.

Balanced micronutrient intake keeps the brain’s energy systems, neurotransmitters, and structural integrity running smoothly; supporting clarity, focus, and resilience across the lifespan.

10/28/2025

Caffeine metabolism and why coffee hits people differently

1️⃣ Absorption Is Fast
Caffeine is absorbed in the stomach & small intestine, peaking in blood within 30–60 min.
💡 why that morning espresso kicks in quick.

2️⃣ The Liver Is the Gatekeeper
CYP1A2 enzyme (a liver detox enzyme) breaks caffeine down.
💡 Some people have a “fast” version, others a “slow” one.

3️⃣ Three Metabolites Dominate
Paraxanthine → boosts alertness, fat metabolism.
Theobromine → widens blood vessels (and is in chocolate).
Theophylline → relaxes airways (like old asthma drugs).

4️⃣ Genetics Decide Your Buzz
Fast metabolizers clear caffeine quickly (need more cups).
Slow metabolizers keep caffeine in their system for hours (jitters, insomnia).

5️⃣ Lifestyle Tweaks It
Smoking speeds caffeine breakdown.
Pregnancy & certain meds slow it.
💡 Same coffee, different effects.

6️⃣ Half-Life Matters
Caffeine’s half-life = ~5 hours, but in slow metabolizers it can stretch to 9+.
💡 That 3 p.m. latte may still be in your bloodstream at midnight.

7️⃣ Tolerance Builds
Regular caffeine users adapt at the receptor level, needing more to feel the same effect.
💡 Why quitting leads to headaches & fatigue.

10/27/2025

A guide to nutrients that support mitochondria

Mitochondria turn food into usable energy (ATP) and are critical for brain, muscle, and overall health. Stress, aging, and disease can damage them, but certain nutrients help keep them strong and functional.

1️⃣ Antioxidants & Protectors

Quercetin (from apples, onions): Restores mitochondrial energy production and stabilizes membranes.

Green tea (EGCG): Shields mitochondria in brain, liver, muscle, and heart from oxidative stress.

Resveratrol (from grapes, red wine): Promotes recycling of old mitochondria (mitophagy) and boosts antioxidant defenses.

Lipoic acid: Cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes; enhances oxygen use and reduces oxidative stress.

🟢 Example: These nutrients act like “shields,” reducing damage from free radicals.

2️⃣ Energy Carriers & Cofactors

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Electron carrier in the respiratory chain; without it, mitochondria can’t make ATP efficiently.

NAD+ precursors (NR, NMN, NAM): Increase NAD+ levels, stimulating mitochondrial energy production and delaying decline with age.

Creatine: Buffers cellular energy; supports mitochondrial function and helps protect against damage in high-demand tissues like muscle and brain.

🟢 Example: These compounds are like “wiring and batteries” that keep the power grid running.

3️⃣ Membrane & Structural Support

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): Build mitochondrial membranes, reduce stress, and promote healthy turnover of dysfunctional mitochondria.

Acetyl-L-carnitine: Helps shuttle fatty acids into mitochondria for burning; improves oxygen use and membrane stability.

🟢 Example: Think of these as “building materials” that strengthen mitochondrial walls and fuel delivery.

4️⃣ Mitochondrial Biogenesis (New Mitochondria)

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ): Stimulates creation of new mitochondria (biogenesis). Deficiency reduces mitochondrial numbers.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): Boosts glutathione, improves mitochondrial antioxidant status, and enhances respiration.

🟢 Example: These nutrients are like “construction signals,” telling the body to build more mitochondria and keep them working.

Your mitochondria thrive on the right mix of protection (antioxidants), fuel carriers (CoQ10, NAD+, creatine), building blocks (omega-3s, carnitine), and growth triggers (PQQ, NAC). Together, these nutrients help sustain energy, slow aging, and protect high-demand tissues like brain, heart, and muscle.

10/17/2025