Why You're Exhausted After 40 (It's NOT Just Aging!) | Baran Dilaver #1397

Summary

The episode explores whether persistent fatigue after age 40 may relate to cellular energy and mitochondrial function, rather than aging alone. Guest Baran Dilaver discusses NAD and creatine, while host Ben Azadi emphasizes lifestyle, purpose, relationships, and gratitude.

The discussion also includes supplement claims and customer experiences. These are not presented as established medical treatments, and several research questions remain unresolved.

Key Ideas and Strategies

• NAD and cellular energy: Dilaver describes NAD as essential to many biological processes, including energy production. He says declining NAD may contribute to low energy and could affect organs differently, though fatigue can have many causes.
• Mitochondria and mental fatigue: The speakers compare mitochondria to cellular batteries. They suggest that low energy may affect cognitive function and use post-meal sluggishness as an example of how digestion can leave someone feeling less alert.
• NAD depletion: They discuss CD38, an immune-related enzyme that may increase with age and consume NAD. The speakers acknowledge that the reasons for its increase are not fully understood.
• Lifestyle basics: Dilaver recommends focusing on foundational habits such as eating and sleeping well. The conversation does not provide a detailed plan for either.
• Creatine and consistency: The speakers describe creatine as helping transfer usable energy where cells need it. They say regular use matters more than taking it sporadically and mention 3–5 g daily as a commonly used range. People should consider their individual needs and consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements.
• Supplement quality: Dilaver advises choosing NMN or NR products from a trustworthy source, noting potential quality and purity concerns. He favors oral NAD precursors over oral NAD itself, while saying evidence about NAD IVs is incomplete and the approach should not be dismissed outright.
• Other supplements discussed: The speakers mention ergothioneine, TMG/betaine, astaxanthin, and vitamin D. They share personal impressions and hypotheses, not a comprehensive or clinically validated supplement protocol.
• Purpose and social connection: Azadi highlights meaningful work, living in line with personal goals, maintaining relationships, and addressing loneliness as parts of well-being and healthy aging.
• Gratitude: They describe gratitude as something that can be cultivated through practice and discuss love, relationships, and meaningful work as sources of gratitude.

Claims and Cautions

• Dilaver shares customer reports of eczema improvement and early laboratory findings involving ingredient combinations. He says these findings are not consistently replicated or published, and that the company is conducting research. They should not be treated as proof that the product treats eczema or other conditions.
• The episode’s suggestion to try a particular branded NAD product and creatine bar for 30 days is a host’s promotional challenge, not a medically established recommendation.
• Persistent fatigue, brain fog, or sleep that does not feel restorative can have many explanations. The conversation does not establish that low NAD is the cause or that supplements will resolve these symptoms.

Presenters and Sources Mentioned

• Presenters: Ben Azadi; Baran Dilaver (Wonderfeel).
• Other people or organizations mentioned: Andrew Salzman (medical director, as identified in the conversation); the Buck Institute; Dr. Halliwell; a Penn State professor; a Stanford research professor; Earl Nightingale; and Dr. Sassman (name as rendered in the subtitles).