In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey delivers a solo masterclass on methylene blue, the century old compound that boosts mitochondrial energy, improves mood, sharpens focus, and supports long term cellular resilience when used correctly. Dave breaks down how methylene blue works inside the electron transport chain, why it shows up in neurology and anti aging research, and the real risks that come from incorrect dosing, SSRIs, psychedelics, and G6PD deficiency. He explains how to find your ideal dose, how timing affects sleep and circadian rhythm, and how the compound interacts with red light therapy, ketosis, fasting, creatine, and other mitochondrial enhancers. You’ll learn how to choose pharmaceutical grade formulas, how to track your physiological response, and how to decide whether methylene blue belongs in your biohacking and longevity strategy.
Methylene blue is one of the most misunderstood compounds in biohacking, yet it can upgrade your energy, mood, memory, and cellular resilience when you use it the right way. We are back again with another solo masterclass, and this one breaks down how to use methylene blue as a precision tool for brain optimization, longevity, and human performance while avoiding the dosing mistakes that create jitteriness, sleep disruption, or dangerous interactions.
Host Dave Asprey guides you through more than a century of research on methylene blue. He has been hacking this compound since the early 2000s and brings deep insight into mitochondria, neuroplasticity, metabolism, supplements, fasting, red light, ketosis, nootropics, and functional medicine. You will learn how methylene blue works inside the cell, how it improves electron transport, and why it appears in neurology, psychiatry, and anti-aging research at the same time. This episode shows you how to test your own dose, how to stack it with light and ketosis for maximum effect, and how to avoid serotonin syndrome or sleep disruption.
Methylene blue also touches nearly every major system that biohackers care about, which is why this solo masterclass shows you how it interacts with mitochondria, neuroplasticity, metabolism, sleep optimization, and long-term anti-aging pathways. You will hear how it influences redox balance, ATP production, brain optimization, and stress resilience, and how it behaves when combined with ketosis, fasting, creatine, NAD boosters, red light therapy, or other nootropics. Host Dave Asprey explains why methylene blue pairs well with certain supplements but clashes with psychedelics or SSRI medications, how it fits into functional medicine protocols for mitochondrial repair, and how to use data and wearable tracking to dial in your response. This episode gives you a complete framework to evaluate whether methylene blue belongs in your personal longevity strategy and how to use it with precision instead of guesswork.
You’ll Learn:
Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
Keywords: methylene blue dosing, mitochondrial electron transport, Complex IV cytochrome c oxidase, redox cycling, MAO inhibition, serotonin syndrome risk, G6PD deficiency caution, neuroplasticity enhancement, dendritic spine density, mitochondrial stress adaptation, red light therapy stacking, cognitive performance optimization, ketone supported ATP production, nitric oxide independent focus boost, mitochondrial bottleneck repair, pharmaceutical grade methylene blue, sleep disruption signals, biohacking fertility support, oxidative stress buffering, functional medicine mitochondria repair
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0:00 — Trailer
A rapid preview of the key benefits and breakthroughs covered in this methylene blue masterclass.
1:25 — Introduction
Dave sets the stage by explaining why methylene blue is misunderstood and how he first discovered its mitochondrial effects.
4:51 — History of methylene blue
A walk through the surprising origin story from synthetic dye to antimalarial to cognitive enhancer.
7:38 — How methylene blue works
Dave explains electron transport, redox cycling, MAO effects, and why the right dose creates clean energy instead of noise.
14:05 — Safety
Clear warnings about serotonin syndrome, contraindications, SSRI interactions, and genetic risks like G6PD deficiency.
17:53 — Dosing and timing guidelines
How to find your personal Goldilocks range, when to take it, and how it affects sleep and circadian rhythms.
20:41 — Combining with red light therapy
Why methylene blue amplifies mitochondrial light responses and how to pair it with lasers, LEDs, or sunlight.
22:41 — Quality and sourcing
How to choose pharmaceutical grade methylene blue and avoid contaminants found in aquarium formulas.
23:17 — Dosing protocols
Biohacker tested dose ranges, pulse versus microdose strategies, and how Dave uses it in real life.
25:24 — Longevity and fertility effects
Early research on telomeres, neuroprotection, sperm motility, mitochondrial repair, and reproductive resilience.
29:24 — Stacking options
Best synergistic pairings including creatine, NAD boosters, ketosis, fasting, and smart caffeine combinations.
32:10 — Common questions and FAQs
Dave answers practical questions about blue pee, sleep changes, storage, staining, and topical skin use.
33:40 — Future research and wrap up
A look at upcoming clinical trials, potential for TBI recovery, and next generation methylene blue derivatives.
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