When people first hear about mitochondrial peptides like SS31, MOTS-c, and Humanin, they often want to know which one is “best.” The truth is that each works on different levers inside the cell, and the right choice depends on what system is most stressed. Instead of guessing, we can use both objective markers and subjective markers to guide decisions. The key is to think of mitochondria as adaptable power plants. Each peptide teaches the plant a different skill SS31 strengthens the wiring, MOTS-c teaches it to use different fuels, and Humanin helps it resist damage signals. By paying attention to how our bodies respond, we can run small experiments and see what creates real improvements. The first place to start is redox stress. This is the balance between energy production and the “sparks” of free radicals that leak out. When sparks overwhelm the clean-up systems, we get fatigue, brain fog, and recovery issues. Labs like glutathione ratios or 8-OHdG give objective clues, but we can also use simple subjective markers. If someone feels like their workouts leave them drained for days, if their energy crashes mid-afternoon, or if their mood dips after training, redox stress may be the limiting factor. In that case, SS31 is often the best starting tool. SS31 binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizes the electron transport chain, and reduces the leakage of reactive oxygen species. In plain terms, it stops the wires from sparking and helps energy flow smoothly. Subjectively, people notice less soreness, steadier energy, and a calmer nervous system. HRV often improves, and the same training feels easier. If those markers shift in the right direction, SS31 is likely doing its job. The second area to evaluate is metabolic flexibility, which is the ability to switch between carbs and fats as needed. Poor flexibility shows up as high fasting insulin, high triglycerides, or simply the feeling that you “hit the wall” quickly without carbs. On a bike or during zone two cardio, if your heart rate climbs quickly and you feel like you cannot settle into a pace, that points to a problem in fuel choice. MOTS-c is the peptide that best addresses this. It activates AMPK, which signals the cell to clean up inefficient processes and shift toward fat oxidation. In practice, this means glucose uptake improves, fatty acid breakdown becomes more efficient, and new mitochondria are built. Subjective markers here include easier endurance work, steadier blood sugar, less hunger between meals, and a more even mood. On the performance side, lactate production during submaximal efforts goes down and zone two feels more sustainable. When those changes show up, MOTS-c is proving useful.

Most people chase focus, energy, or creativity when they think about brain performance. Few realize the single most powerful brainwave for long-term output is the slowest one of all. Delta waves deep, slow oscillations (0.5–4 Hz) that dominate slow-wave sleep are the foundation of recovery, tissue repair, and brain detox. Without Delta, every other state from Beta focus to Gamma insight collapses over time. What Delta Really Is Delta waves arise when cortical neurons hyperpolarize and fire in synchronized down-states, paced by thalamo-cortical loops. They are the signal of deep slow-wave sleep (N3 stage), the portion of sleep most tightly linked to muscle repair, immune recalibration, and metabolic reset. Think of Delta as the night shift janitorial crew of the brain. During the day, neurons fire constantly, accumulating waste (like amyloid, lactate, and oxidative byproducts). When you enter Delta, astrocytes open aquaporin-4 channels, flushing cerebrospinal fluid through the brain in a process called the glymphatic system. At the same time, the body releases pulses of growth hormone, activating IGF-1 and mTOR pathways to drive muscle protein synthesis and vascular repair. Cellular & Pathway Mechanics 1. Glymphatic clearance: Aquaporin-4 channels guide cerebrospinal fluid to wash out metabolic debris, especially amyloid-β. 2. Endocrine coupling: The first Delta cycle at night is paired with the largest pulse of growth hormone. This GH → IGF-1 axis stimulates mTOR, fueling protein synthesis, connective tissue repair, and immune modulation. 3. Mitochondrial shift: Lower firing rates and higher membrane hyperpolarization reduce oxidative stress. Mitochondria switch to repair mode — fusion, mitophagy, redox normalization. 4. Immune recalibration: Microglia shift into a surveillance (non-inflammatory) phenotype, pruning synapses and checking for damage. What Primes Delta Delta isn’t random — it’s earned. The best primes are: 1. Circadian alignment: Go to bed at a consistent time, ideally synced to natural darkness. 2. Temperature drop: A cool room (65–68°F) and a warm shower before bed cue sleep onset. 3. Nutritional supports: Glycine (2–5 g), magnesium threonate (per label dose), taurine (500–1000 mg) in the evening help promote Delta depth. 4. Wind-down rituals: Blue-light cutoff 90 minutes pre-bed, light reading, gratitude journaling or prayer.

This is my fat burning/mitochondria stack. Lmk if you would change anything. On AAS as well. Everything is everyday besides NAD+ AM Tesa 2mg Mots-C 2mg NAD+ 100mg 3x week SLU PP 332 20mg BAM 15 100mg 5amino 1mg 100mg L-Carnatine 400mg HELIOS sub Q Glow PM HGH 2iu GLOW

Hi guys! I am considering using Metformin for overall wellbeing, glucose disposal and longevity. I am aware there are possibly other benefits to this such as positive effects on the Thymus gland and activating ampk? Is this correct? Looking at this from the refreshing no "bro science" angle, which massively attracted me to this group, is there a duality to this approach and anything to consider before starting such a protocol? Is there a downside? Alternatives such Jardiance or Berberine derivatives? Or a stack to potentiate or synergise? Any info on this or other people's experiences with regard to understanding the mechanisms involved would be so welcome. Thanks in advance! Excited to be here😊🙏

This is where strategy becomes results. Everything we’ve covered so far fat mobilization, mitochondrial function, fuel signaling, and adaptation is just information unless it gets applied in the right order, with the right dose, for the right person. That’s where most fat loss plans fall short. They give you tactics, not a system. This final part is about how to stack, sequence, and personalize a fat loss protocol that works with your biology instead of fighting it. Whether you’re guiding high performers or dialing in your own plan, the goal is the same: create a fat loss strategy that actually sticks and doesn’t wreck your health or metabolism in the process. Let’s simplify this down into five essential principles: 1. Start with the Signal, Not the StimulusBefore you even talk about diet, training, or supplements, ask: what signal do I need to send? If the goal is fat loss, you need to activate AMPK, bias toward fatty acid metabolism, and lower insulin. That starts with: -Morning movement (Zone 2 cardio or walking) -Compressed eating windows (e.g. 8-10 hour feeding window) -Strategic carbohydrate timing (post-training only, or carb cycling based on output) -Avoiding insulin-spiking foods early in the day -Allowing cortisol to rise naturally (no caffeine before light/sun) This sets the tone for fat to be the preferred fuel. Once this signal is in place, you can layer in targeted tools. 2. Sequence Your Interventions by PhaseFat loss isn’t a 16-week sprint. It’s a phasic process where the tools and levers shift depending on where you are. Here’s a simplified 3-phase model: Phase 1 Metabolic Priming (2–4 weeks)Goal: Improve insulin sensitivity, activate AMPK, support fat transportTools: -Carnitine (oral or injectable, pre-fast or pre-cardio) -MOTS-c or berberine (to support AMPK and glucose clearance) -Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 (gut-mediated fat signaling) -Zone 2 cardio + morning walks -Compressed feeding window -Low to moderate carbs timed post-workout