Dr. Rick's Insights

From VO₂ Max to Vascular Age: Real Metrics That Predict Your Healthspan Forget fad diets and biohacking gimmicks. If you want to know how long and well you’ll live — and what to actually do about it — there are a few key metrics that stand head and shoulders above the rest. In this article, we break down the three most powerful (and underutilized) markers of real-world healthspan: VO₂ max, vascular age, and heart rate recovery. These aren't abstract data points. They’re actionable, predictive, and scientifically validated to track how well you’re aging — and what you can do to...

The Hidden Cause of Fatigue No One’s Talking About (And How to Fix It) If you're dragging through the day, craving caffeine, and waking up tired — the problem isn’t your schedule. It’s your mitochondria. Fatigue isn’t just about stress or sleep — it’s often a deep biological signal that your energy systems are breaking down. Let’s break down the real reasons you're exhausted — and what to do about it. 🔋 1. Low NAD+: The Spark of Cellular Energy Is Dying NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule your mitochondria need to produce ATP — your body's energy currency....

Adaptogens vs. Stimulants: Which One Fuels Longevity? Most energy solutions are short-term fixes that come with long-term costs. You grab another cup of coffee, another pre-workout drink, another “clean” energy bar — only to crash later, wired but tired, and no closer to long-term vitality. It’s time to rethink energy. If you want true stamina, mental clarity, and cellular resilience, you need to shift from stimulants to adaptogens + mitochondrial support. The Problem with Stimulants Stimulants (like caffeine) push your adrenals, spike cortisol, and flood the system with temporary energy. But they don’t build resilience — they borrow it. Over...

Why Mitochondria Are the New Metabolism: What Science Gets Wrong About Energy If you're still counting calories or chasing the next keto fad, you're missing the real engine behind energy: your mitochondria. These microscopic powerhouses are the foundation of every physical and mental performance outcome — and most modern approaches to energy optimization fail to support them. The Outdated Metabolism Myth Traditional views of metabolism center around calorie intake and macronutrient ratios. But that framework ignores how your cells actually generate usable energy (ATP). Mitochondria convert oxygen, nutrients, and signals into the fuel that powers every organ, muscle, and thought....