Effects of hypothyroidism on muscle fatigue and metabolites"When metabolic energy fails, as in hypothyroidism, muscles fatigue easily and absorb excess water. The barrier structure weakens, allowing macromolecules, as well as ATP and other metabolites, to leak out, while foreign substances penetrate. Typical muscle enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase appear in the blood in typical hypothyroid myopathy, and cardiac proteinsâincluding a specific form of lactate dehydrogenase and a muscle protein, troponinâappear in the blood after cardiac exertion or fatigue in combination with hypothyroidism or systemic inflammation." â September 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Cell stiffness and degenerative changes unrelated to cholesterol"The actual physical stiffness of entire cells and their environment is very important. For example, excitotoxicity (Fang et al., 2014) and other forms of energy depletion can stiffen cells, and persistent energy depletion and inflammation lead to degenerative changesâsuch as tissue calcification, fibrosis, and invasive, disordered cell movements. These stress-induced stiffenings of the cell substance and matrix are not directly related to the local amount of cholesterol." â September 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Physical experiences that influence vitality and physiology"Our bodies are constantly having experiences and generalizing them in the way they react; these generalized reactions can limit or expand our vitality. These generalizations are expressed in our anatomy, physiology, and ecosystems, with changes in immunity, metabolism, gene expression, and behavior." â September 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Substance-induced brain growth and efficient energy useââ Progesterone, glucose, or glycine converted to glucose (Zamenhof and Ahmad, 1979) increased brain growth by either increasing energy supply or improving the ability to use energy effectively.â â September 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Benefits of coconut oil for thyroid and health"The easily oxidizable short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids in coconut oil provide an energy source that protects our tissues from the toxic, inhibitory effects of unsaturated fatty acids and reduces their thyroid-suppressing effects. Animal studies over the last 60 years suggest that these effects also offer protection against cancer, heart disease, and premature aging. Other anticipated effects include protection against excessive blood clotting, protection of the fetal brain, protection against various stress-induced problems, including epilepsy, and some protection against sun-induced skin damage." Nutrition for Women |
Substances that counteract estrogen in cancer therapy"Anything that causes tissue atrophy tends to promote cancer. The important question is: What will trigger differentiation and useful function in cancer cells? There are many substances that promote differentiation and counteract the effects of estrogen, and some of these have proven useful in cancer therapy. Among the substances that counteract estrogen are dopamine and nickel, prolactin inhibitors; chalons, the tissue-specific proteins that inhibit cell division (and possibly, more briefly, the peptides of memory); the aprotic solvents DMF and possibly DMSO; progesterone and testosterone; thyroxine and iodine; magnesium-ATP, the stable form of the biological energy molecule; vitamin A, a protein-sparing nutrient that promotes differentiation; and vitamin E (as well as the closely related coenzyme Q, or ubiquinone)." Nutrition for Women |
Defective mental energy storage and effects of stimulants"A person with a defective system for storing mental energy might pace restlessly to constantly stimulate their mind, or it could be that coffee or other nerve stimulants raise the energy level to such an extent that calm integration becomes possible again." Nutrition for Women |
Cytoplasmic structural changes related to energetic and metabolic efficiency"Vital staining shows that these energetic changes are accompanied by structural changes in the cytoplasm, so that energy-efficient metabolism takes place when the cytoplasm has an affinity for oily dyes. When water is on a surface, it is ordered or structured, so it loses much of its wetness; a beetle can walk on it; it contains more heat." Nutrition for Women |
Learned helplessness in rats and energy efficiency"Around 1957, psychologists observed that rats could learn helplessness: if a rat was held until it stopped struggling, it subsequently died much faster than a normal rat placed in a barrel of water. They also discovered that they could immunize their rats against learned helplessness by first allowing them to experience success in a similar situation. The short-term learned helplessness apparently causes something that blocks the efficient use of energy, so the animal very easily dies of exhaustion; that is, it has depleted one energy source without mobilizing another." Nutrition for Women |
Polanyi's adsorption potential and challenges to the atomistic worldview"It is now clear that Polanyi's adsorption potential was a fact and that Einstein and Haber were dogmatically wrong in their ideas about interatomic forces. Recognizing this, we should question the many consequences of the same erroneous atomistic view, including Einstein's photoelectric theory, which attributed a corpuscular property to light because he assumed that matter was strictly particle-like, lacking those long-range energy properties later demonstrated by Polanyi." Nutrition for Women |
The role of vitamin E in ATP stabilization and tissue relaxation"Vitamin E maintains ATP; ATP is a source of biological energy, but it also stabilizes or relaxes tissues. This energized relaxation is the state of readiness." Nutrition for Women |
The role of the frontal lobes in anticipation and planning"The most highly developed part of the brain, in the course of evolution, is the expectation/planning system in the frontal lobes. A delayed and appropriate response is impossible if these lobes do not function properly. In a healthy animal, arousal means expectation: the longer the arousal can be maintained without distraction, the higher the energy charge will be and the more intense and fulfilling the outcome will be." Nutrition for Women |
The superior efficiency of oxidative metabolism compared to fermentative metabolism"Sugar can be used to generate energy with or without oxygen, but oxidative metabolism is about 15 times more efficient than non-oxidative, glycolytic or fermentative metabolism; higher organisms depend on this highly efficient oxidation to maintain their integration and normal function." Nutrition for Women |
Tissue response to stimulation and oxygen utilization"One response to stimulation is the production of more energy, with a proportional increase in oxygen and glucose consumption by the stimulated tissue; this produces more carbon dioxide, which dilates the blood vessels in the region, thus providing more glucose and oxygen. If the stimulation becomes destructive, efficiency is lost: oxygen is either wasted, resulting in a bluish discoloration of the tissue (assuming blood flow continues; bluish discoloration can also indicate poor circulation), or it is not consumed, resulting in a reddening of the tissue. If more glucose is consumed to compensate, lactic acid also dilates the blood vessels." Nutrition for Women |
Systemic effects of inflammation and fatigue on blood sugar and energy efficiency"However, extensive inflammation or profound exhaustion lowers blood sugar systemically and delivers large amounts of lactic acid to the liver. The liver synthesizes glucose from the lactic acid, but at the cost of about six times more energy than was gained through the inefficient metabolism â so that, from the perspective of the entire organism, the affected tissue becomes about 90 times less efficient than in its original state. In addition, the useless destruction of energy molecules (ATP or creatine phosphate) increases the waste even further." Nutrition for Women |
Nutritional and hormonal effects on cellular respiration"Various nutritional, hormonal, or toxic conditions affect respiration in different ways: For example, vitamin E deficiency, estrogen excess, toxic thyroid hormones, and DNP (the formerly popular, carcinogenic reducing agent) cause oxygen to be consumed without producing the normal amount of usable energy. A deficiency in vitamin B2 or copper can prevent oxygen consumption. Cancer (contrary to a persistent conventional medical doctrine) involves a respiratory defect and causes a tendency toward hypoglycemia, which is often compensated for by the conversion of protein to sugar, eventually leading to terminal wasting (cachexia)." Nutrition for Women |
The thyroid gland as a fundamental anti-stress hormone at the cellular level"At the cellular level, stress reduces energy levels. Systemically, stress inhibits oxidative metabolism. Both observations suggest that the thyroid gland would be the fundamental anti-stress hormone." Nutrition for Women |
The benefits of magnesium carbonate for nerve stability"Magnesium carbonate is very useful for stabilizing nerves and muscles, while also increasing energy levels: one gram of magnesium per day is a reasonable amount." Nutrition for Women |
Estrogen accumulation due to stress-induced slowing of the liver"All types of stress tend to make the liver sluggish. The liver normally removes toxins and excess hormones from the body. Estrogen can accumulate to high levels if the liver is not fully active. One effect of estrogen is to promote a type of oxidation that does not provide energy, thereby increasing oxygen demand." Nutrition for Women |
The role of vitamin E in efficient oxidation and energy"Within cells, vitamin E inhibits destructive and wasteful oxidation (such as occurs in aging and cancer) and makes the normal oxidative process more efficient, so that more usable energy is provided for a given amount of oxygen." Nutrition for Women |
Maternal adaptation to fat and fetal glucose dependence"During pregnancy, the mother's body adapts to increasingly relying on fat for energy, so that most of the available sugar can be used by the baby. The brain consumes most of the body's glucose, so mental fatigue can easily affect blood sugar levels. The developing baby is extremely dependent on glucose for energy, and its brain can be damaged by sugar deprivation." Nutrition for Women |
Nutritional states and their different effects on body tissues"The body's various tissues can function acceptably at different nutritional levels. For example, the skin, with its low energy requirements, appears to remain alive for several hours after the body as a whole has died. The brain, with its extremely high energy requirements, is usually the first to suffer from energy deficiency. In cases of mild deficiency, the brain simply loses functional efficiency, but more severe or prolonged deficiency can cause lasting changes or even structural damage that is relatively permanent (and may even have transgenerational effects)." Nutrition for Women |
The effects of weak radiation on metabolic efficiency and sensitivity of brain tissue"Many forms of very weak radiation can reduce the efficiency of metabolism and increase its energy requirements, and brain tissue is the most sensitive tissue to at least some types of radiation." Nutrition for Women |
Small doses of caffeine and their calming effect on the brain"Very small doses of caffeine have a paradoxical calming effect, but this is a familiar effect of anything that increases the brain's energy level." Nutrition for Women |
Dietary fats and their influence on energy production"E. Racker and other biochemists have pointed out that unsaturated (liquid) fatty acids are able to uncouple energy-producing reactions from oxidation. This means that they promote fuel consumption without increasing fat synthesis. This is an effect similar to the specific dynamic effect of proteins, and it is the biochemical explanation for why not all calories count equally in terms of weight loss. But it also means that the overall usable energy production is reduced relative to heat production." Nutrition for Women |
The high energy consumption of an active brain"An active brain can burn about half of the total energy consumed by the body. When brain activity is suppressed, a very large percentage of the food consumed becomes available for fat storage." Nutrition for Women |
Moderation of insulin for sustained energy and mental alertness"By avoiding stimulation of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, energy will be more likely to be continuously available for normal functions â including mental alertness â rather than being stored as fat." Nutrition for Women |
Human chorionic gonadotropin in weight-loss clinics: Effects on appetite and metabolism"Many weight-loss clinics use injections of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to facilitate weight loss diets and potentially improve fat distribution. This hormone shifts energy metabolism towards fat burning rather than sugar burning, thus allowing blood sugar levels to rise. This suppresses appetite. The hormone is produced by the placenta to provide sugar to the growing fetus." Nutrition for Women |
Energy consumption of the brain during active versus monotonous movement"In Russia, physiologists always remember to include the brain in their calculations, and it turns out that a walk through interesting and pleasant environments consumes more energy than more strenuous but boring exercises. An active brain consumes enormous amounts of fuel." Nutrition for Women |
The effects of bright light on hormone production, energy metabolism, and muscle tone"Bright light also stimulates hormone production and energy metabolism and increases muscle tone." Nutrition for Women |
Chemicals to maintain cellular energy charge and biological function"Although electrical energy is closely linked to life, there are two chemicals involved in maintaining the energy charge of cells, and this energy charge is most directly related to biological function and structure. Creatine phosphate (CrP) is a kind of energy store for muscles, and in cases of vitamin E deficiency, creatine leaks from the muscles. Aging also appears to be associated with defective creatine phosphate reserves (Verzar). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is more directly involved in all kinds of life functions, such as maintaining the resting state of nerves and muscles, as well as controlling secretion, protein storage, and toxin elimination." Nutrition for Women |
The need for change and adventure for the energy system"Change and adventure are important for our energy system, and the current authoritarian culture opposes fundamental change." Nutrition for Women |
Influence of experiences on tissue flexibility and energy capacity"Experiences are stored and passed on in our tissues, but not as Darwinian gemmules. What is stored is flexibility, potential, and energy capacity." Nutrition for Women |
Biophysical approach and individual nutritional needs"The emphasis on the uniqueness of individual needs should be seen in the context of the search for the most general principles: this can help us to recognize meaningful configurations and to make otherwise trivial things significant. I think a biophysical approach to the cytoplasm is one of the principles that will help in recognizing patterns. Other more specific and immediately useful ideas concern stress, the efficient or wasteful use of sugar, and the energy charge of cells." Nutrition for Women |
Metabolic energy as an ongoing adaptation process"When the organism is seen as a continuous process of adaptation, rather than a machine that has to make do with the parts that were formed in early youth, metabolic energy is recognized as something constructive, and things that reduce our energy â such as a drop in body temperature â are seen as threats to life and to successful adaptation." â November 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Regulation of body temperature through mitochondrial energy production"Our body temperature is maintained by the rate of energy production, and this is mainly the result of the oxidation of fuels by the mitochondria." â November 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Aspirin's role in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and fever"Probably because of aspirin's fever-reducing effect, medical culture tends to view it as antithermogenic, despite its known stimulation of mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Like thyroid hormone, aspirin prevents stress-induced sodium loss, which is an important component of our temperature and energy regulation system." â November 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Nutrient-induced thermogenesis and endogenous energy regulation"Nutritional thermogenic factors include sodium, calcium, vitamin D, carbohydrates â especially sugars â and protein, which interact with our endogenous energy-regulating factors, especially the thyroid gland and progesterone." â November 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Relationship between energy, temperature and agingâThings that decrease energy and body temperature increase some key mediators of inflammation, and these changes are deeply linked to the processes of aging.â â November 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Survival mechanisms of the brain in stressful environmental interactions"In mediating adaptation, the brain orients the organism towards those aspects of the environment that are most likely to satisfy its needs, and this involves making judgments about possible future situations. In the absence of favorable future prospects, the brain engages in defensive changes, increases stress hormones, activates the fight-or-flight mechanisms, and begins to convert some of its own tissues into energy and materials needed for the survival of its essential organs â brain, lungs, and heart." â November 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Chronic inflammation and degeneration in the context of organismic resource scarcity"If the organism lacks the necessary resources of substance and energy, the distortion of the field persists and can exacerbate the deficiencies, leading to a state of chronic inflammation and degeneration. If there is no injury, the same signals guide the ongoing renewal processes." â November 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The effects of hypothyroidism on memory and hyperactivity"Memory and attention are already impaired by a mild thyroid deficiency. The Russian paradigm, with its emphasis on energy and inhibition, suggests that thyroid function should be carefully investigated in cases of hyperactivity." â Mind And Tissue: Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
The therapeutic potential of ATP in psychoses"I don't know if ATP has ever been used therapeutically in psychoses, but since it represents one of the central points in both energy metabolism and structure, its use is clearly suggested by theory." â Mind And Tissue: Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
Cellular energy charge and the role of cysteine/glutathione"The electronic aspect of the cells' energy charge suggests that cysteine ââor reduced glutathione might be desirable, especially given evidence that glutathione is destroyed by something like adrenochrome. [Commentator's note: This view is outdated and does not reflect Ray's current thinking.]" â Mind And Tissue: Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
Improving system control through energy production and storage"Optimizing the production and storage of energy will lead to the organism's control systems working more efficiently and to improvements in mental, hormonal and immunological functions." â Mind And Tissue: Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
Basic therapies of sleep and nutrition to restore energy"The oldest and most basic therapies â sleep and nutrition â have the same function, namely to restore energy reserves. Pavlov worked with the simplest stimulants and sedatives, for example caffeine and bromide, to restore normal nerve functions, and he naturally always considered sensory stimulation essential for maintaining and restoring normal functions." â Mind And Tissue: Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
Biological effects of magnetic fields: Sedation and changes in brain chemistry"Magnetic fields likely have a biological effect by influencing the structure of water, and Kholodov found that a continuous sinusoidal magnetic field has a sedative and inhibitory effect, alters the EEG, and increases GABA levels in the brain (Speranskiy, 1973). Oxygen activity increases in magnetically treated water (Speranskiy, 1973), so there could be a direct effect on energy production." â Mind And Tissue: Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain |
The role of energy metabolism in the resting state of cells"A failure of energy metabolism limits the ability of cells to return from an excited, active state to a stable resting state." â May 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Treatment of coronavirus by normalizing cellular functions"The treatment of a so-called coronavirus infection should consist of reducing cellular excitation and inflammation and normalizing energy production. This also implies that these treatments will have beneficial effects on cellular aging." â May 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Chronic stress and its effects on inflammation and energy"In a state of chronic stress, oxidative energy production is low, and the mediators of inflammation are likely to be chronically elevated; typically there is a chronically increased production of lactate and/or a decreased oxidation of it." â May 2020 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Serotonin: Beyond the myth of the "happiness hormone""The pharmaceutical myth about serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone, has led most people â even researchers â to ignore the fact that it increases inflammation and activates the stress system, while reducing the efficiency of energy production." â May 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Pregnancy, energy and nutritional adequacy"The importance of salt and calcium during pregnancy is related to their effects on the respiratory energy system, and the fact that these effects are poorly understood has led most doctors to assume that a diet providing all necessary nutrients is sufficient for pregnancy and lactation. Despite the presence of all necessary nutrients, which would be sufficient for someone with a generally supportive environment, a good diet is not necessarily sufficient for someone with a problematic environment or a history of stressful experiences." â May 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The effects of stress hormones on mitochondria"Levels of aldosterone and parathyroid hormone are increased by stress, with serotonin acting on the adrenal cortex and parathyroid glands to increase their secretion. All three of these hormones act on the mitochondria to decrease oxidative energy production." â May 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The influence of diet on hormone release"Increasing the amount of sodium and calcium (and vitamin D, which also helps to lower parathyroid hormone and aldosterone) in the diet can reduce the release of aldosterone and parathyroid hormone, leading to an increase in oxidative energy production." â May 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The brain's energy consumption during adaptation and simplification"The brain has an extremely high metabolic rate and uses energy to adapt to the constant influx of sensory information from the body and its environment. To the extent that it lacks energy, it reduces and simplifies. At full energy, it builds a continuous model of itself and the things it interacts withâeach of which is a process. In a state of low mental energy, things become categories instead of processes, and they do not take their place in a continuous life story." â May 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Energy deficiency makes cells susceptible to damage."When energy is lacking, cells are susceptible to damage from normal levels of stimulation. Suppressing excitatory responses is at least protective and often improves function." â May 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Anti-excitotoxic substances and the importance of the COâ/lactate ratio"Anti-excitotoxic substances include progesterone, memantine, minocycline, and agmatine. A high COâ to lactate ratio, which lowers the intracellular pH, is important to prevent excessive excitability. In addition to directly increasing energy and the COâ/lactate ratio, thyroid hormone tends to raise brain temperature and the progesterone to estrogen ratio." â May 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Energy deficiency as a cause of developmental disorders and inflammation"An energy failure, caused by hypoglycemia or impaired oxygen utilization, stops the formative developmental processes, and the constructive effects of cytokines can become destructive and cause inflammation, which is probably responsible for a large proportion of birth defects." â March 2021 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Active transport and the role of ATP in cells"The membrane theory states that the process of accumulating a substance against its gradient is active transport and requires the use of ATP. Experiments by Ling and others showed that the energy metabolism of cells could be so disrupted that no ATP was produced, yet the cells were still able to maintain their ion gradient, even though sodium could freely diffuse across the membrane into the cell. All the ATP has to do is be present and passively take its place in the cell." â March 2020 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Ling's view on the binding energy of ATP"Since Ling did not imagine that the binding energy of ATP is constantly consumed to power membrane-bound sodium pumps, he was not concerned about any energy that might be released by the hydrolysis of this bond. He knew â as did Albert Szent-Györgyi â that the ATP molecule attaches itself to protein molecules with considerable energy and that its presence determines the shape of the protein molecule." â March 2020 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Oxidative processes and factors of enzyme regulation"The oxidative processes that support the organism's purposeful and creative functions optimize COâ by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase; this enzyme is inhibited by the thyroid hormone T3, progesterone, urea, caffeine, antipsychotics, and aspirin. Substances that tend to induce a return to primitive anaerobic energy production activate the enzymeâfor example, serotonin, tryptophan, cysteine, histamine, estrogen, aldosterone, HIF, SSRIs, angiotensin, and parathyroid hormone." â March 2020 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Cause and effect guided by energy flowâEvery cause has effects, but these effects are limited in organisms by the purposeful flow of energy. The work of W.I. Wernadski and Norbert Wiener provides a context for a non-Weismannian approach to the problems of a toxic environment.â â March 2019 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Cellular energy production and inflammation"Impaired energy production is fundamental to inflammation. When cellular stimulation increases faster than oxygen can be supplied, there is a shift towards glycolytic energy production, in which glucose and amino acids are converted into lactic acid." â March 2019 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Vitality levels and disturbances in energy flow"The living state is not an all-or-nothing matter; there are different degrees of vitality. The finely ordered structure of the living state is maintained by the flow of energy. This flow can be damaged not only by a lack of metabolic fuel or oxygen, but also by things that distort the structure." â March 2019 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Inflammation, fibrosis and blockages of energy production"The process of inflammation and fibrosis is triggered in response to anything that blocks sufficient energy production. Very different factors can have additive or synergistic effects that lead to the same states of inflammation and fibrosis." â March 2019 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of the metabolic cycle in energy accumulation"The ability to relax and accumulate energy and substance for differentiation corresponds to the presence of highly efficient oxidative energy production. The intensity of the metabolic cycle, which alternates between activity and rest, maintains the complexity and intensity of life." â March 2018 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Metabolic changes during sleep in the body"The entire organism sleeps, although the brain regulates the process. In some aspects of its metabolism, particularly in the turnover of phospholipids, the brain is very active during sleep, but its energy consumption decreases, and this causes the skeletal muscles to relax and reduce their glucose consumption." â March 2018 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Energy deficiency leads to excessive excitability of cells."Although nerves and muscles are described as excitable cells, they work best when they are not too excitable, and fatigue or an impairment of their energy supply makes them too excitable." â March 2018 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Energy deficiency causes seizures and vascular spasms."An energy deficiency, whether due to low blood sugar or lack of oxygen, makes nerves and muscles overly excitable and causes seizures and vascular spasms." â March 2018 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Nerve cells as electrical sinks during respiration"When a nerve cell uses oxygen to produce energy, it becomes much more electrically charged than other cells and becomes an electron sink. This results in the head having a positive electrical polarity compared to other parts of the body." â March 2018 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
High-energy brain states and the ATP content of the muscles"The electrical and metabolic properties of this high-energy resting state of the brain can be observed in a healthy skeletal muscle, which has a high ATP content and relaxes immediately after stimulation and contraction. If the ATP is depleted by sustained intense stimulation or is not replenished quickly enough â for example, due to hypothyroidism â relaxation proceeds very slowly, leading to cramps." â March 2018 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The role of endotoxin in the activation of inflammatory processes"The endotoxin lipopolysaccharide has a generally excitatory effect that activates cellular inflammatory processes and impairs energy production, mediated by cell products such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, serotonin, histamine, prostaglandins, estrogens, and various cytokines (interleukins and tumor necrosis factor, TNF). Some of these substances enter the bloodstream from the intestine, others are produced elsewhere in the body, but some are formed directly in the brain when endotoxin is taken up into the brain." â March 2017 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
The diverse influences and effects of nitric oxide"Nitric oxide, like endotoxin and rotenone, is a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration. Endotoxin and other harmful stimuli can increase nitric oxide production, but it is also produced during normal excitatory processes in the nervous system. However, when excitation outweighs energy production and inhibitory influences, it can become a central player in excitotoxicity." â March 2017 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Hypoglycemia as a trigger for excitotoxicity by nitric oxide"Hypoglycemia activates the excitatory glutamatergic system, leading to increased production of nitric oxide, which causes excitotoxicity in the presence of an energy deficit." â March 2017 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Energy imbalance in progressive neurodegenerative diseases"A degenerative disease such as Parkinson's disease involves a progressive inability to relax; energy continues to be consumed faster than it can be replenished." â March 2017 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Toxicity of free fatty acids"Free fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated ones, are toxic to the brain; they increase inflammation and block energy metabolism." â March 2016 â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Serotonin: more than just a âneurotransmitterâ"Serotonin is often described as a neurotransmitter and is considered a substance that acts on receptors to transmit information, which is then processed similarly to digital information in computers. I find it more helpful to consider serotonin in the context of fields and formative processes that determine how the organism uses energy to adapt to stresses and opportunities. It is involved in the energetic and structural changes that occur during stress and adaptation." â July 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Energy deficiency: Serotonin release from blood platelets during stress"Energy deficiency, for example caused by low blood sugar or oxygen deficiency, causes blood platelets to release serotonin during stress." â July 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Information loss as a theory of aging and death"The replacement of energy with information, the abstraction of the world, led to theories of aging and death of organisms, which state that they result from the inevitable entropic loss of information â the damage to DNA through somatic mutations caused by oxidative damage â and to a theory of the fate of the universe as entropic heat death." â July 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of COâ in stabilizing energy production"Between its formation and its exhalation, COâ participates in many essential processes, including the stabilization of the energy-producing system." â July 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Reductive stress triggers restorative cellular processes.âReductive stress activates multiple levels of restorative processes (alternatives to the protective functions of carbon dioxide) to stimulate respiration, increase blood flow, and provide energy and materials for the renewal of cell structures. Prostaglandins, cytokines, estrogen, and nitric oxide are produced in a coordinated manner, and cellular behaviors change defensively. The structures of the cytoskeleton are modified as reductive chemistry converts protein disulfides into sulfhydryls, thereby altering the shapes andâmost importantlyâthe solubility properties of the cellular material.â â July 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The immediate effects of energy deficiency on cell health"Energy deficiency, caused by insufficient glucose or oxygen, leads to immediate cell swelling and is associated with excitation. The ammonia produced during energy deficiency and excessive excitation contributes to the swelling." â July 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Complex mechanisms involved in maintaining a pseudohypoxic state"There are several important mechanisms involved in maintaining a pseudohypoxic state. They can act in a single tissue or organ, but also generally throughout the entire organism. What is often overlooked is the coherent, overlapping interplay of the structural sulfhydryl redox system (-SH, -SS-), the redox regulation of gene expression, glycolytic and oxidative energy metabolism, the regulation of pH and ionic selectivity, osmolarity, and solvent properties, especially the hydrophobic versus hydrophilic equilibrium." â July 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The effects of an alkaline shift on cellular excitation and energy"The alkaline shift in pH, which becomes chronic in cancer cells, increases the excitation and energy consumption of every type of cell." â July 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Common shifts in chronic and degenerative conditions"These shifts towards pseudohypoxia, alkalinity, excitation, water retention and inefficient energy production can be observed, either locally or systemically, in all chronic and degenerative conditions that are now known to involve inflammation." â July 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Cell structure: conductivity in energy flow and function"He explained that he viewed the cell structure as an integrated conducting or semiconducting system and that cellular movement and other functions are to be understood as consequences of the energy flow through this system." â July 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The dependence of the energy flow on the conducting conditions of the system"The way energy flows through a system depends on the conducting and catalytic properties of the system, and the state of the system depends on the energy flow." â July 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Cellular stress: when energy production can no longer compensate"When a cell is stressed and stimulated beyond its capacity to respond with increased respiration in order to produce the energy it needs to return to its resting state, the stress itself is a relatively reducing state." â July 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The connecting role of lactate in metabolism and the stress response"The reduced state leads to an increased production of lactate. This provides enough energy to keep the cell alive, but the lactate contributes to the stressed redox shift in the producing cell, as well as in the surrounding cells." â July 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Aging, metabolic shifts and the tendency towards cancerous metabolism"Aging itself involves a metabolic shift towards cancer metabolism, with a relative inability to reduce energy expenditure in the basal, fasting state, and with increased fat oxidation as well as decreased glucose oxidation." â July 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Cell organization and the influence of energy on protein solubilityâMany of the new observations that view cells as self-organizing coacervative systems are reminiscent of Gilbert Lingâs observations. For example, ATP increases the solubility of proteins (Patel et al., 2017), and when energy is depleted, some proteins precipitate out of solution and form organelle-like structures without a membrane, filaments, or granules.â â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The importance of temperature for fertility"Fertility requires maintaining the temperature in the testes and ovaries at a level significantly below the core body temperature. This allows cellular order to be maintained with minimal energy expenditure." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The effects of temperature on energy consumption and stress"A rising temperature increases the rate of energy consumption, while a lower temperature decreases the rate of energy consumption. If the available energy matches the energy demand, there is no heat stress." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Early development and the role of tissue energy in the outcome"In the early stages of an individual's formation, beginning with the biological well-being of the parents and continuing through embryonic development into adulthood, the quality of tissue energy supply, cellular energy balances, and the resulting order of tissue substance determine the nature of the outcome." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Estrogen and progesterone and their opposing metabolic effects"Estrogen is excitatory, comparable to an excessive increase in temperature, and it shifts energy production towards glycolysis and cell functions towards dedifferentiation and cancer metabolism. Progesterone has opposite effects: It reduces excitation, thereby lowering energy demand and shifting energy production away from inefficient glycolysis. It can restore normal differentiation and reverse features of cancer." - January 2021 - Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Balancing heat for metabolism and better sleep"At bedtime, a mildly warm bath can compensate for low internal heat production, stimulate metabolism, and help increase glycogen stores and progesterone levels, thus promoting deep, restful sleep. However, if the bath is too warm or too long, or if the influence of estrogen is too strong, the increased metabolic rate can exacerbate inefficient metabolism, further deplete energy stores, and lead to higher levels of stress hormones. Consuming additional carbohydrates before and during the warm bath enhances its therapeutic effect and reduces the risk of heat shock." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Self-organizing systems and dynamics of energy flow"Self-organizing systems are maintained by the flow of energy and matter from the environment." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Nutritional strategies for maintaining energy efficiencyâMaintaining high energy efficiency while reducing wasteful arousal has a long history in health optimization. Itâs easy to avoid excessive polyunsaturated fats and phosphate in the diet and to regularly consume the essential nutrients needed to maintain thyroid function and progesterone production. Selecting foods containing substances that protect against the many known pro-inflammatory, aging-accelerating processes is relatively simpleâcitrus fruits, for example, contain a wide variety of substances related to nobiletin, naringin, fisetin, and quercetin.â â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Adaptive responses to stress for the survival of the organism"In general, the changes that compensate for stress damage protect the organism in terms of ensuring survival by making it less sensitive to stimuli that could otherwise lead to increased energy consumption." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Early life stress affects longevity and brain development"Reduced energy production as compensation for stress at the beginning of life determines the quality of pregnancy and the course of the developmental process. It limits brain size, the ability to produce and use energy, and lifespan." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Developmental potential of vertebrates frustrated by environmental stress"The current situation for vertebrates in the natural world frustrates developmental potential and intention. It diverts developmental potential into the dead end of defending against stressors and away from the intrinsic neotenic or pedogenic pathway, on which the childlike characteristics of high metabolic intensity, playfulness, flexibility and resourcefulness are preserved beyond early childhood, thus avoiding the degenerative processes of decreasing energy and increasing disorder indefinitely." â January 2021 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Influence of electromagnetic fields on cells"Electromagnetic fields that influence charged materials have a significant impact on cellular coacervates â regardless of whether the fields are generated internally or externally. The constant energy flow resulting from oxidation and reduction is one of the important formative influences of the cell." â January 2019 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Progesterone's antagonism to other steroid hormones"The effects of progesterone are in contrast to the effects of the other major steroid hormones, especially estrogen, cortisol, and aldosterone. These hormones impair energy metabolism, particularly the oxidation of glucose." â January 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Progesterone's role in brain energy processes"It seems likely that a fundamental part of progesterone's ability to protect the brain from stress lies in its support of the high-energy mitochondrial oxidation of glucose to carbon dioxide." â January 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Sensitivity of the brain cortex to energy levels"The cortex of the brain, especially the frontal lobes, is the part that is most sensitive to an adequate or inadequate energy supply." â January 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Protective roles of progesterone during energy-intensive states"During constructive exploration, energy is abundant, and cells with the highest energy demands are protected by progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and other steroids." â January 2018 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Continuous energy demand in cellular restructuring processes"Most of their energy is used for a constant restructuring process â they never stop their development processes, even though their intensity decreases with age." â January 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Deciphering the complexity of fat and carbohydrate metabolism"When fats are oxidized instead of glucose, more oxygen is needed to produce the same amount of energy, and less carbon dioxide is produced." â January 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The dual role of carbon dioxide in oxidative energy production"Carbon dioxide is both a product and an activator of oxidative energy production." â January 2017 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The overlooked mitochondrial oxygen inhibition by nitric oxide"Only a very small minority of publications on the physiology of nitric oxide address the fact that it inhibits the mitochondrial use of oxygen for energy production." â January 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Estrogen, injury and energy metabolism"The remarkable fact that both estrogen and nitric oxide are produced in virtually every injury has rarely been mentioned, and their closely related effects on energy metabolism have generally been ignored." â January 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Harsh environments: Early reproduction and energy adaptation"The stresses of a harsh environment, which make early reproduction advantageous or require accelerated tissue renewal, also favor epigenetic adaptations that reduce energy requirements." â January 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The consequences of impaired glucose oxidation and the shift to fatty acids"If the oxidation of glucose is impaired and fatty acids are oxidized instead for energy production, there is usually a reduction in the overall metabolic rate as well as a shift towards a more reductive biochemistry." â January 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Re-examining the Warburg phenomenon: glycolysis and cancer metabolism"In extreme cases, the reductive energy obtained from aerobic glycolysis can be consumed by fat synthesis, allowing glycolysis to continue. This can lead to cancer cells that oxidize fatty acids for energy while converting glucose into fats and lactic acid." â January 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The indirect cardiac effects of nitric oxide via the parasympathetic system"Nitric oxide has an effect on the heart that is not directly related to the blood vessels. When the parasympathetic nerves act on the heart and slow down and weaken its contractions, they release nitric oxide, which reduces the heart's oxygen consumption as well as its energy production." â January 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Restoring energy by inhibiting energy-limiting systems"During aging and many stress-related conditions, it can be therapeutically beneficial to use substances that block our energy-limiting systems in order to restore full energy production." â January 2016 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The secretory ratio of the thyroid gland and the role of the liver in its conversion"The thyroid gland releases approximately three parts thyroxine to one part triiodothyronine, and this enables the liver to regulate thyroid function by converting more T4 into active T3 when energy is plentiful. Glucose is essential for this conversion." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The 1930s understanding of hormones and the organism's resilience"Until the 1930s, it was well established that the organism's resistance depended on the energy produced by respiration under the influence of the thyroid gland and on adrenal hormones â and that pregnancy hormones (especially progesterone) could replace the adrenal hormones." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Overview of FZ Meerson's research on stress adaptationâA contemporary researcher, FZ Meerson, develops a comprehensive picture of the biological processes involved in adapting to stress, including energy production, nutrition, hormones, and changes in cell structure.â â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The role of blood sugar in cortisone production"The basic signal that triggers the production of cortisone is a drop in blood sugar levels. The increased energy demand of any stressful situation tends to cause blood sugar to drop slightly, but hypothyroidism itself has a tendency to lower blood sugar." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The effects of hypothyroidism on cortisone and inflammation"While an underactive thyroid causes the body to require more cortisone to maintain blood sugar and energy production, it simultaneously limits the ability to produce cortisone. Therefore, in some cases, stress leads to symptoms resulting from a cortisone deficiency, including various forms of arthritis and more general types of chronic inflammation." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The energy costs of knowledge and experience"Knowledge requires energy, and our experience is influenced by our biological state." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Adaptation strategies of plants and animals to energy scarcityâBoth plants and animals can adapt â phylogenetically and ontogenetically, that is, through transgenerational as well as developmental changes â to limiting conditions of energy and material availability.â â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Upward adaptability in organisms with high energy levels"The upward adaptability typical of large-brained animals and plants with high metabolic rates allows organisms to exploit wider niches by living at a higher energy level. This process obviously makes an environment that can provide ample energy and the necessary nutrients of great importance." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The importance of efficient energy production through steroids"Producing energy in abundance and using it efficiently: This appears to be an important effect of certain steroids." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Optimizing energy production for renewable energy capabilities"If we optimize the known factors that improve energy production (for example, red light, short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids, and pregnenolone) so that our metabolism resembles that of a ten-year-old child, I don't think there's any reason to assume we wouldn't have the same regenerative and healing abilities that are common at that age. I suspect that both brain growth and restructuring could continue indefinitely." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Mitochondrial damage impairs hormone production and energy levels."Since the protective hormones depend on the mitochondria's ability to convert cholesterol into pregnenolone, it is clear that damage to the mitochondria impairs our supply of protective hormones â precisely at the moment when our energy supply also fails. This forces us to switch to atrophy-inducing stress hormones, including cortisol." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The potential of mitochondrial protection to increase biological energy"I believe it is likely that our current knowledge about mitochondrial protection could enable the average adult to experience an increase in biological energy of around 50%. To go beyond that, it might be necessary to start at an earlier age so that body proportions can develop accordingly." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The role of biological energy in DNA repair"Since the DNA repair process is energy-dependent, greater biological energy prevents mutations." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The interplay of energy flow and structural development"Szent-Gyorgyi said, when describing some of his experiments with heart muscle tissue, that function builds structure, which in turn increases the capacity for further function. The flow of energy through matter increases the order in that matter. More life and more energy can solve many of life's fundamental problems." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Personal growth through meaningful work opportunities"A person's vitality is drawn forward by meaningful work; that is, we grow to meet the demands of an important opportunity." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The value of intrinsic interest in our work"Some people invest a great deal of energy and concentration in their hobbies because they find the activity itself interesting. Such intrinsic value and interest should also be demanded of our work." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Kozyrev's theories on the asymmetry of time and the energy of stars"When N.A. Kozyrev theorized that the asymmetry of time itself could be a source of stellar energy, he predicted that planets, too, would possess a continuous internal heat source proportional to their mass. His prediction matched the known warmth of Earth, but it also predicted that Jupiter would be almost star-like in its heat emission and that even the Moon would generate some internal heat. He measured hot emissions from the Moon in 1960, and subsequent space research confirmed several more of his important predictions. I think Kozyrev's work should at least make people realize that even local matter is cosmic." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Intuitions about cosmic energy and the origin of matter"The intuitions of Soddy, Dudley, and Kozyrev about the ways in which new energy and new matter are created in the universe attempt to connect almost imperceptible phenomena (time, neutrinos, background radiation) with very significant processes (stellar energy, nuclear energy, cosmic rays, the origin of matter). Creation is at the center of existence, they could say, but is all too often overlooked." â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
The role of energy in systems and social understandingsâWe could reformulate Le Chatelierâs principle â as formulated by WI Vernadski â and say that systems utilize available energy and that our perceptions and social understandings are carried by energy that flows into the entire system.â â Generative Energy â Restoring the Wholeness of Life |
Positive dietary changes normalize fluctuations in energy levels."If the rest of your diet is good, the energy increases from sugar should balance out and result in a consistently elevated metabolic rate." â Email reply from Ray Peat |
Adjusting calorie intake to physical activity level"I often ate more than 5000 calories, but if I am completely inactive for more than ten hours a day, my energy requirements are significantly lower. Calorie intake should be adjusted to your heat production and activity level." â Email reply from Ray Peat |
The brain's high energy demands and its nutritional needs"The brain is a very energy-intensive organ, and the liver must work very efficiently to meet this demand. Therefore, problems can be particularly pronounced in the case of a nutritional or hormonal imbalance. The need for nutrients such as sugar, protein, vitamins, and minerals can be very high." â Email reply from Ray Peat |
The influence of the thyroid gland on calorie requirements and glucose regulation"During my teens and twenties, I needed about 8,000 calories a day when I was physically active, and about 4,000 to 5,000 when I was inactive. However, after taking thyroid hormones, I only needed about half of those calories. The thyroid gland is the fundamental regulator of blood sugar, ensuring that it is fully oxidized to energy so that ATP is efficiently produced from relatively few calories." â Email reply from Ray Peat |
Metabolic degeneration and neurological impairment in diabetes"Diabetes, or the inability to vigorously oxidize glucose, is simply a description of the metabolic aspect of cellular degeneration. The neurological impairment so frequently associated with officially diagnosed diabetes is merely one aspect of a general cellular dysfunction resulting from chronic energy deficiency." â 2001 â February |
Estrogen's evolutionary role and anti-estrogenic strategiesâSince excitation or stress is something simpleânamely, any disturbance of the resting state of lifeâradiation damage, suffocation, nutritional deficiencies, various toxins, carcinogens, and irritants can mimic the effects of estrogen. Or, if we consider estrogen in its evolutionary context, we could say that estrogen imitates the natural threats that life faces, so that the processes of regeneration can be controlled and integrated into the life plans of organisms. This means that anti-estrogenic strategies are appropriate under a wide variety of conditions. Whatever the challenge, a successful response will return the organism to a new, energetic state of readiness.â â 2000 â March |
Definition of mild or benign stimulation in biological systems"In short, benign stimulation is one that can be met with sufficient energy, good mood, and an adequate amount of progesterone and related chemical resources." â 2000 â March |
Mitochondrial functions and energy concentration"Warburg believed that mitochondria support specialized cell functions by concentrating in the places where energy is needed." â 2000 â July |
Energy provision and reversal of mitochondrial genetic damage"It appears that providing energy â while simultaneously reducing stress â is all that is needed to reverse the accumulated mitochondrial genetic damage." â 2000 â July |
Glucose, glycolysis and energy production in cellsâGlucose â and apparently also glycolysis â are required for the production of nitric oxide and for the accumulation of calcium, at least in some cell types. These coordinated changes, which reduce energy production, could arise from a reduction in carbon dioxide, that is, from a physical change even more fundamental than the energy level represented by ATP. The use of substances from the Krebs cycle for the synthesis of amino acids and other products would decrease COâ formation and create a situation in which the system would have two possible states: first, the glycolytic stress state, and second, the COâ-producing, energy-efficient state.â â 2000 â July |
The Crabtree effect and the reduction of cellular energyâIn contrast to the seemingly logical Pasteur effect, the Crabtree effect tends to decrease cellular energy and adaptability. Considering the many situations where increased glucose intake boosts lactic acid production and suppresses respiration, leading to a maladaptive reduction in cellular energy, I begin to view lactic acid as a toxin.â â 2000 â July (1) |
Electrical charging of proteins and cells through respiration"The proteins and cells become electrically charged to a greater extent through respiration; nerve cells show a voltage of about one tenth of a volt, while red blood cells, which do not generate energy through respiration, have an electrical potential of less than 1/400 of a volt." â 2000 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Hypothyroidism and excessive activity of the adrenergic nervous system"In hypothyroidism, the adrenergic nervous system tends to be overactive, and adrenaline production remains at a high level even when there is no external reason for it, as it is needed to maintain blood sugar and energy levels in the inefficient metabolic state of hypothyroidism." â 2000 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Hypothyroidism, hyperventilation and a vicious cycle of energy loss"An underactive thyroid suppresses respiration as an energy source, resulting in low carbon dioxide production and the formation of lactic acid even without apparent stress. This is similar to hyperventilation, as the loss of carbon dioxide is the defining characteristic of hyperventilation. However, the presence of unusually high adrenergic activity and free fatty acids stimulates further hyperventilation, which in turn increases carbon dioxide loss. A reduction in carbon dioxide impairs respiration even more, leading to increased lactic acid production, which in turn triggers more adrenergic activity â and so on, in a vicious cycle." â 2000 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Toxicity and energy inefficiency of unsaturated fats during oxidation"Part of the toxicity of unsaturated fats may lie in their energy requirement for oxidation (S. Clejan and H. Schulz, 1986), but they reduce the efficiency of energy production in many other ways." â 2000 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of the thyroid gland in sleep and energy production"Since I became a good sleeper immediately after I started taking thyroid hormones, and had seen that thyroid hormones alone could cure most people's insomnia (sometimes â as one doctor described his experience â better than morphine), I began to understand that the adrenaline that was disrupting sleep was a sign of deficient energy production, and that the things that restored sleep â for example, thyroid, salt, sugar, protein, and progesterone â acted directly on the cells' energy production." â 2000 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Influence of carbon dioxide on cellular energy and heat production"The concentration of carbon dioxide influences the structural energy content of the protein-water system, and this effect can explain many of the mysteries of cellular heat production, including the negative heat observed during certain phases of nerve and muscle activity." â 1999 â December â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Adaptive reactivity of the organism and homeostasis in cellular metabolism"It is the subtle reactivity of the living system that maintains the adaptive organization of energy and structure. Part of the organism's reactivity is the flexibly interactive metabolism, which adaptively distributes matter and energy. Ordinary metabolism, through the adjustment of the affinities of cell substances, can explain the processes described as homeostatic far more rationally than the hypothetical apparatus of pumps and channelsâbiology's deus ex machinaâwhich is always proposed when needed." â 1999 â December â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Excitatory receptors, calcium release and cell energy requirements"These excitatory receptors release calcium into the cytoplasm and activate numerous cellular processes, including the release of fatty acids and the breakdown of proteins. When these receptors are activated, the cells' energy demands increase, and glucose is consumed more rapidly. Whenever these receptors are activated, magnesium protects the cell from toxic excitation. Effective antidotes against excitotoxins work by blocking these receptors." â 1999 â December â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Energy deficiency impairs muscle relaxation in hypothyroidism."The observation of delayed muscle relaxation in hypothyroidism clearly shows that a low energy level makes relaxation more difficult." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 4 |
Energy use in cells to restore the resting state"What we need to understand how energy can be used to restore the cell to its resting state without releasing heat could be the idea that physical processes (the change in protein conformation and water structure) are closely integrated with chemical equilibria." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 4 |
ATP production in water-poor cellular environments"When ATP breaks down, it absorbs water, and in an anhydrous environment, the equilibrium shifts in favor of ATP formation. The chemical activity of water in cells is lower than that of normal water. Under the right (anhydric) conditions, ATP is formed spontaneously. When the reactants form ATP and release water, energy is (at least theoretically) absorbed in the chemical bond. Abstractly speaking, this shows that the formation of ATP and the absorption of energy could be caused by factors that control the activity or availability of water." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 4 |
The role of carbon dioxide in regulation and energy production"Carbon dioxide is heavily involved in the regulation of both sodium and calcium, as well as in respiration and energy production. It tends to relax both nerves and muscles. Apparently, it is one of the key factors in preventing edema." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 4 |
ATP production in water-scarce environments"The removal of water from the environment in which ATP is formed or broken down favors its formation, and in this environment ATP does not possess the high-energy bonds attributed to it, but still has a strong affinity for binding to proteins." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 4 |
Magnesium deficiency and energy waste during muscle relaxation"Cells with low thyroid function are also unable to efficiently retain magnesium, and a magnesium deficiency prevents muscle relaxation, thus wasting energy. Sufficient sodium prevents the loss of magnesium through urine." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 4 |
The energy from respiration creates molecular alignment and cellular organization."The energy of respiration caused an alignment of molecules, leading to the polarization of charges. Each such field influences other charged particles, and it is evident that it is involved in the arrangement and organization of particles. The existence of such fields likely influences the alignment of particles within cells as well as the alignment of cells within organs." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 2 |
Electrical charge of the cell, energy supply and restoration of function"If a state of excitation persists long enough for the cell to produce an excess of lactic acid and thus become more electrically charged, nearby blood vessels and nerves tend to grow into the area, thereby restoring normal energy supply and integrated function." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 2 |
Nested features of cell excitation and energy in stress adaptation"The interlocking fundamental features of cell excitation/relaxation, electrical potential, lactic acid/carbon dioxide, water retention/water loss, salt regulation, pH, and energy levels allow us to understand the biological significance of stress and adaptation in a coherent way. Interacting with these physicochemical processes, there are many levels of biochemical and physiological processes that enhance or modify them, including regulatory systems such as hormones and other biological signaling molecules, nutritional adequacy, and the type of fuel used." â 1998 â Ray Peats Newsletter â 2 |
Relationship between the prevention of tissue atrophy and efficient energy production"The prevention of tissue atrophy is very closely linked to the promotion of healthy regeneration. These processes require efficient energy production and an appropriate balance between stimulation and available resources." â 1998 â May â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Effects of calorie restriction on metabolic rate and energy consumption"When animals are fed a reduced-calorie diet and live longer than their ad libitum-fed relatives, some like to say that their metabolic rate is reduced, but this is not true: The malnourished animals are smaller than the ad-libitum eaters, but every gram of their tissue burns energy at a higher rate." â 1997 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Optimization of oxygen utilization and energy production in cells"Optimizing respiration means increasing the types of oxygen utilization that provide energy and enhance functionality, while simultaneously reducing the forms of oxidation that impair function and reduce the production of usable energy." â 1997 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Lactic acid as an indication of a respiratory or energy deficiency disorder"In general, lactic acid in the blood can be seen as a sign of faulty respiration, as the breakdown of glucose to lactic acid increases to compensate for a deficient oxidative energy production. Normal aging appears to involve a tendency towards excessive lactic acid production, and age pigment is known to activate this process." â 1997 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Respiratory potential and its influence on tissue changes"A weakened ability to produce energy oxidatively can lead to the maladaptive overproduction of collagen, porphyrins, red blood cells, and other tissues and substances, which in turn can cause many adaptive and maladaptive changes. I think skin and mucous membranes provide a good illustration of how respiratory potential influences structure: The increased keratinization caused by estrogen is counteracted by vitamin A, which increases the proportion of active, differentiated cells." â 1997 â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Energy consumption and organization in cellular regulation"The organization of life is maintained by the energy it consumes, and the use of energy requires a specific organization. Within cells, there are processes that regulate the interactions of growth, division, and other functions, but these processes respond to the cell's environmentâthey are not simply pulled out of the cell's repertoire of capabilities or sent out." â 1995 â September â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Psychosomatic physiology and biological energy mobilization"For about 50 years, the term psychosomatic was trivialized and interpreted as something being 'just imagined'. But now, studies on the physiology of helplessness show that a seemingly small difference in experience and attitude can make a very big difference in the ability to mobilize biological energy, as can various aspects of immunity, such as the activity of natural killer cells. There is now general agreement about the difference between the demobilized state of helplessness and the state of active adaptation." â 1994 â November â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of iron and age pigment as an emergency energy source"I think some of the excess iron accumulates in the form of age pigment and that this material serves to maintain glycolysis as an emergency energy source." â 1994 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The calming effect of thyroid hormone on hypermetabolism"Although I tended to be hypermetabolic and puzzled for years over how signs of both hyper- and hypothyroidism could coexist, I finally tried taking thyroid hormone. Immediately, I was able to sleep lightly and deeply, and my appetite decreased. It was obvious that the thyroid had a calming effect on my overall metabolism. I slept more efficiently, woke up refreshed, had plenty of energy during the day, and started looking for things to do around the houseâsimply for the pleasure of it." Before I started taking thyroid medication, I used to drink two or three cups of coffee first thing every morning, but a few days after starting the medication I noticed that I hardly thought about coffee anymore and drank about 90% less of it â without any withdrawal symptoms.â â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Ritalin's role in improving concentration through brain energy"Since the 1960s, a stimulant called Ritalin (methylphenidate) has frequently been prescribed to hyperactive children because it enables them to be quietly attentive. This effect has been described as paradoxical, but from the point of view of scientific physiology, there is nothing paradoxical about it. The frontal lobes of the brain, the most highly developed part, give us the ability to plan and understand complex things that require sustained attention. Without this higher part of the brain, which has a very high energy demand, humans and animals become hyperactive and unable to concentrate. Ritalin (or caffeine) makes everyoneâeven the best studentsâmore attentive and focused. Caffeine and Ritalin temporarily increase the brain's energy levels." â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The importance of thyroid hormones for sustained high brain energy"Thyroid hormones are essential to provide the energy that keeps the brain constantly at a high energy level. When these hormones are lacking, our nerves need stimulants to function normally, and our body typically produces large amounts of adrenaline to keep us going. The result is that we become tired and tense at the same time." â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The influence of carbohydrates and salt on brain energy and relaxation"Like a muscle, the brain relies on restoring its energy in order to relax. Many people have noticed that they become drowsy when they eat a lot of carbohydrates and/or salt. Both salt and carbohydrates tend to lower adrenaline levels, and carbohydrates can also increase thyroid hormone activity while restoring tissue energy." â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Influence of diet and thyroid medication on insomnia"Over the past 20 years, I've seen almost everyone whose insomnia disappears when they correct their hypothyroidism â sometimes just through dietary changes, but more often with thyroid medication. Many times, people have told me they fall asleep within minutes of taking a minimal dose of thyroid medication before bed. By increasing the energy production rateâŠ" â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The cell's energy requirement for resting state"When cells don't have enough energyâwhether due to insufficient fuel, overwork, lack of oxygen, or poisoningâthey absorb water. Too much water tends to excite the cells and can even stimulate cell division. The hyperactive state of a muscle cell, a cramp, causes energy consumption. What is far too often overlooked, however, is that the cell needs even more energy to return to its resting state, and that an abundance of glucose or other fuel, oxygen, and thyroid hormones is necessary for the cell to produce energy quickly enough to relax peacefully." â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Excess energy in nerve cells for their relaxation"It is a simple fact that nerve cells need to have an excess of energy if they are to relax." â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The need for a high energy level for stable nervous relaxation"A high energy level is necessary for stable nervous relaxation." â 1994 â April â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Effects of stress on glucose and fat utilization"When tissue oxygenation is insufficient, glucose is rapidly depleted. During prolonged stress, the liver's gluconeogenic response to glucocorticoids is reduced, as is its ability to produce and store glycogen. Because glucose is less available, blood adrenaline levels rise, and fat is mobilized from stores as an alternative energy source. Free fatty acids, especially unsaturated fats, are toxic to the mitochondrial respiratory system; they block both the ability to utilize oxygen and the ability to produce energy. The increased use of fats instead of glucose leads to increased lipid peroxidation." 1992 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Impairment of adrenaline, energy production and recovery"The depletion of glucose leads to the release of adrenaline, which causes fat mobilization and calcium-activated overstimulation of the cells. This impairs the energy production necessary for recovery (e.g., through muscle relaxation and calcium excretion, etc.)." 1992 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Adrenal secretion as a compensatory reaction in hypothyroidism"People with low thyroid hormone levels compensate for the lack of energy and glucose (and oxygen, for similar reasons as mentioned above) by excessively releasing adrenaline. Their 24-hour urinary metabolites of adrenaline are sometimes 30 to 40 times the normal value." 1992 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of calcium in cell damage and energy depletion"Calcium is a universal activator, but an excess of calcium is the central link in most forms of cell damage. Calcium uptake and storage are promoted by adrenaline, histamine, vasopressin, energy depletion and lipid peroxidation, as well as by the activity of phospholipases; since calcium can activate phospholipases and lipid peroxidation and impair energy production, vicious cycles can develop." 1992 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Factors that reduce vitality and the influence of the immune system on steroid production"In general, things that reduce vitality and immunity interfere with our ability to produce protective steroids." 1992 â December â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Thyroid hormone and body temperature in the function of white blood cells"The energy available to white blood cells, as well as the condition of the various tissue cells, determine the processes of phagocytosis, healing, and tissue regeneration. Thyroid hormone and body temperature are important factors that influence the activity of white blood cells." 1992 â August/September â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Keratin synthesis as a sign of energy-depleted cells"In size and overall structure, keratin filaments resemble scrapie particles and the filaments that accumulate in Alzheimer's disease. I view keratin as a protein produced by a cell that no longer has enough energy to produce more functional proteins. Normally, keratinized cells arise through rapid cell division on body surfaces where energy is scarce. In chronic vitamin A deficiency, the keratin-producing cells divide more rapidly than usual." 1992 â August/September â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Benefits of short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids"Short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids provide a reliable energy source and also possess hormone-like and adaptogenic effects. Short-chain saturated fatty acids play an important role in regulating the gut flora. Metznikoff's idea of ââaltering the flora with fermented milk was a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done in the areas of bacterial nutrition and toxin production." 1992 â August/September â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Recompensation processes in addiction: Energy and metabolic balance"It is important to think specifically about the processes of recompensation or the restoration of balance. Some of the processes we should consider in connection with addiction are: the energetic charging of tissues, metabolic detoxification and excretion, permeability and barrier functions, excitation inhibition, and insufficiently compensated stress reactions." 1991 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of energy in brain function and behavioral patterns"The availability of energy is central to our stable functioning, and the need for energy strongly influences our behavior. For example, when hunger increases, the brain's interpretation system changes so that more and more unknown things are considered as potential food. The spreading arousal that leads to this expanded search likely also occurs in connection with needs other than hunger and could lead to experimentation with drugs or other activities that provide indirect gratification. Compulsive and obsessive patterns can sometimes be resolved by supporting the brain's energy metabolism, for example with magnesium and thyroid supplements." 1991 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Energy, anxiety, and substance use in coping mechanisms"The inability to cope with everyday problems often precedes experimentation with drugs. Low energy and severe anxiety can lead a person to use either stimulants or sedatives â or both. Treating the underlying problem should make withdrawal from many substances easier." 1991 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The calming effects of progesterone and thyroid hormone"Both progesterone and triiodothyronine have the function of increasing the energy supply to the tissue and, in appropriate doses, can have a stabilizing, calming effect." 1991 â June â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Cell resistance to osmotic stress and energy levels"Highly energized cells can withstand the osmotic stress of too much water in their environment, while depleted cells cannot. Eliminating this stress â through an isotonic or slightly hypertonic composition of the surrounding fluid â can protect the cells' energy levels and allow them to recover." 1991 â July â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Energy depletion, histamine production and the effects of unsaturated fats"When energy is withdrawn from different cell types (mast cells are frequently studied), they tend to produce and release histamine (among other substances). Unsaturated fats promote the release of histamine, while short-chain saturated fats and glucose inhibit it." 1991 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of energy production in balancing physical extremes"Efficient energy production prevents the body from slipping into either the cholinergic or the glucocorticoid extreme." 1991 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Cellular excitation, energy availability, and cell survival"Since excessive excitation of cells (relative to the available energy) leads to cell death â in the brain as well as in other tissues â it is important to consider as many natural inhibitory mechanisms as possible while doing everything possible to maintain energy production." 1991 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The central role of energy and structure in biology"The relationship between energy and structure is, I think, the central question in biology." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Matter, energy flow, and the emergence of order"When energy flows through matter, order accumulates (for example through resonance and hysteresis), but we hear so much about entropy, randomness and symmetry that we forget most of the formative processes in the material world." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of holistic science for human and ecological health"Human (and ecological) health should obviously benefit from a holistic science, but in reality, biology and medicine have become very product-oriented, and holistic considerations are increasingly relegated to various peripheral areas. Many of these alternative approaches deal with the idea of ââenergy as the key to health, but in general, they lack simple and effective methods for optimizing biological energy â and often even employ counterproductive procedures." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Seasonal influences on respiratory energy, hormones and immunity"In winter and at night, the energy-giving respiratory system is damaged, protective hormones decrease, and harmful stress hormones increase. The immune system becomes less active." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of lipofuscin in energy production during respiratory failure"When copper-dependent mitochondrial respiration fails, lipofuscin has the ability to maintain energy production through glycolysis (by keeping the coenzyme NAD, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, relatively oxidized). Therefore, it is possible that lipofuscin represents a primitive form of stress defense." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of energy in the evolution of biological structure and function"On the short timescale in which we think about an individual's health, on the transgenerational level, which is related to producing healthier, more intelligent children, and on the evolutionary timescale, I think we can see a tendencyânot just to maintain homeostasis, but to move toward higher energy and greater generalizability of structure and function. Providing more energy and expanding the framework for its use promotes our ability to use energy wisely." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The flexibility of living organisms in terms of energy and structural complexity"There is considerable flexibility in living organisms as well as at higher and lower levels of organization, and we can identify some of the ways in which structures of varying complexity adapt to the surrounding conditions of energy and structure." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Low energy levels, illness, and accelerated aging"Vicious cycles of physiology often stabilize an organism at a low energy level, which can lead to illness or rapid aging." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Positive feedback systems involving progesterone and thyroid hormones"However, the existence of some positive feedback systems (self-stimulation) shows that our basic structure is oriented in an expansive, upward direction. Progesterone (and its precursors pregnenolone and cholesterol) as well as thyroid hormones are involved in some of the important positive feedback systems that affect energy production, stress resistance and brain growth." 1990 â October â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Immune system dysfunction as an expression of energy and individuality"From a certain perspective, diverse malfunctions of the immune system can be caused by a single factor â such as an energy deficiency â that operates within the particular history or constitutional individuality of the organism. Allergies, autoimmune diseases and chronic infections or skin test anergy can be understood as aspects or phases of a generally impaired reactivity of the organism, characterized by numerous trophic influences of nerves, hormones, nutrition, as well as by toxins, temperature and radiation." 1989 â November â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The essential role of the thyroid gland in protein synthesis and energy"Thyroid function is essential for all cellular processes, including protein uptake and synthesis, growth hormone production, etc. Without thyroid hormone to maintain cellular respiration, inefficient glycolysis wastes energy; unoxidized lactate triggers the breakdown of liver protein. Hypoglycemia stimulates the release of glucocorticoids, which maintain blood sugar levels, but at the cost of rapid protein breakdown." 1989 â November â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The inhibitory effect of cyanide on respiratory energy and cytochromes"Since carbon monoxide binds to metal atoms, it could be kept in a form that readily reacts with ammonia. During stress, which causes both lipid peroxidation and ammonia formation, rhodanese would be required to protect the respiratory cytochromes from the cyanide, which would otherwise inhibit respiratory energy production and other processes in which the cytochromes are involved." 1989 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Cholesterol conversion in the mitochondria and its effects on hormones"In the mitochondria, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme converts cholesterol into pregnenolone. The loss of both energy and steroid hormones would have serious consequences." 1989 â January â Ray Peats Newsletter |
Toxic effects of unsaturated oils on health and metabolism"Research demonstrating the toxic effects of unsaturated oils dates back more than 60 years. An article published in my newsletter in 1985 cites some of the most important sources. These substances inhibit many enzymes (e.g., in digestion, the immune system, the removal of blood clots, and thyroid function), disrupt mitochondrial energy production, and impair communication between cells. We hear very little about these toxic effects, and there is hardly any funding available for further research in these areas." 1989 â February/March â Ray Peat's Newsletter |
Szent-Györgyi's contribution to the understanding of energy processes"Albert Szent-Györgyi elaborated on some of Koch's ideas and in doing so discovered vitamin C (which possesses a free radical state). He also investigated many other energy exchange processes, including the activation of free radicals by biological pigments." 1988 â August/September â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The dependence of virus assembly on specific solvent environments"The most energy-rich states of the cell tend to exclude water-soluble substances and absorb fat-soluble substances. The components of a virus have very specific affinities for water and oil, and they can only be assembled in a very special solvent environment." 1988 â August/September â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The role of glucose in protection against cortisol-related catabolism"Sufficient energy â for example in the form of available glucose â has a protective effect against the catabolism triggered by cortisol. White blood cells can protect themselves by breaking down cortisol, provided that enough glucose is available." 1988 â August/September â Ray Peats Newsletter |
The use of the Achilles tendon reflex to indicate thyroid-related metabolism"The Achilles tendon reflex test uses the slow relaxation of the calf muscle to demonstrate the low metabolism in hypothyroidism. In contrast, in energetic people, the relaxation occurs immediately." 1986 â February |
Epilepsy and insomnia as low-energy stations of brain cells"Epilepsy is an example of a very low energy status of brain cells. Insomnia is also a low energy status and is usually cured by the correct dose of thyroid hormone as well as sufficient glucose and other nutrients." 1986 â February |
Relationship between reflex patterns and energy deficiency"Certain symptom constellations can be generated by reflexes, and these reflexes can remain in a fixed state due to a lack of energy." 1986 â February |
Low energy levels hinder focused activity and alertness."Low energy levels prevent focused activity and alertness, and can lead to us getting stuck in inappropriate activities â from worry to autoimmune conditions." 1986 â February |
Ray Peat on biological energy
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