Mad in America: Rethinking Mental Health Food First, Pharma Last - Part Two of our Interview with Chris Masterjohn
Jan 28, 2026
Chris Masterjohn, PhD, nutritional scientist and founder of Mitome, explains translating mitochondrial biology into practical testing. He discusses the sigma-1 receptor and its role in stress and mitochondria. Conversations cover how SSRIs differ in sigma-1 activation, the energetic roots of withdrawal symptoms, breathwork and hypoxic training, and a food-first approach for mitochondrial health.
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Sigma‑1 And Serotonin Share Mitochondrial Roles
- Sigma‑1 improves mitochondrial energy and helps cells respond to low oxygen similarly to serotonin.
- It also increases intracellular serotonin by boosting synthesis and transport, affecting mitochondrial function.
SSRIs Vary Hugely In Sigma‑1 Effects
- Different SSRIs vary widely in their ability to activate sigma‑1 once they enter cells.
- This 52‑fold variation may explain heterogeneity in withdrawal experiences and conflicting animal studies.
Symptoms Mask A Common Energetic Cause
- Symptoms of withdrawal can mislead clinicians about underlying causes because manifestations reflect weak links.
- A common underlying issue may be energetic/metabolic dysregulation manifesting variably across people.
