Podcast Summary: Biohack-it

Episode: She’s 70 with the Brain of a 30-Year-Old: The Algae Secret

Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Iman Hasan
Guests: Catherine Arnston (algae researcher and CEO of ENERGYbits), Dr. Josh Axe

Episode Overview

This episode explores the extraordinary health impact and global future of algae—specifically spirulina and chlorella—as a superfood and biohack for longevity, vitality, and chronic disease prevention. The guest, Catherine Arnston, shares her personal journey from corporate career to algae evangelist, delving into the scientific reasons why algae is considered the most nutrient-dense food on Earth and telling how it helped her retain a biological age of 30 at the age of 70. She discusses research, addresses why algae isn't mainstream in the US, and provides practical advice for integrating it into daily wellness routines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Algae Origin Story: Personal Motivations and Discovery

• Catherine began researching holistic diets after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and advised to follow an alkaline diet ([01:51]).
• Through her research, she discovered algae (spirulina and chlorella) as "the most alkaline, nutrient-dense food on the planet."
• “I literally had an epiphany. This was going to be my mission. … How can something with so many healing properties, so much nutrition not be known outside of Asia?” – Catherine ([14:12])

2. Algae’s Global Status & Domestication Dream

• Algae is a multi-billion-dollar agricultural crop in Asia with a 60-year legacy. In the US, awareness is minimal ([03:24]).
• “It's as normal there as chia or matcha… It should be its own category on the food pyramid.” – Catherine ([00:15], [09:58])
• Catherine aims to build an American algae industry and place algae on the US food pyramid.

3. Nutritional Profile & Unique Mechanisms

• Spirulina offers the highest protein content (>3x steak) and unique antioxidants, notably superoxide dismutase (SOD), crucial for protecting mitochondria ([06:50]).
• "Superoxide dismutase is absolutely required by your mitochondria to protect it from free radical damage... It’s almost gone by the time you’re 40.” – Catherine ([06:50])
• Raw spirulina is essential—processing with high heat destroys the SOD enzyme.

4. Algae as the ‘First Biohack’ & Science Deep Dives

• Catherine describes algae as “the first life on Earth, not just the first plant,” highlighting its foundational status in biology and biohacking ([03:24]).
• She invested years summarizing dense, foreign scientific papers to bridge the knowledge gap for the mainstream, including 300+ short educational videos ([12:25]).

5. Health Benefits: Longevity, Detox, and More

• Daily use is linked to improved energy, brain health, skin, gut health, and detoxification.
• Chlorella boasts highest chlorophyll content—effective at binding to and eliminating heavy metals and endotoxins ([14:12]).
• “Chlorella is known as a gut health algae. It’s been used for IBS and Crohn’s disease for decades.” – Catherine ([14:12])

6. Biohacking Studies & Personal Evidence

• Catherine recounts brain and inflammation tests, including an example where her biological age tested as 30 at age 67 after an hour with algae ([19:04]).
• Small-scale studies with war veterans and blood markers show reduced inflammation and improved mitochondrial function—better in 7 days with spirulina than 90 days of intermittent fasting ([28:53]).

7. Women’s Health & Fertility

• Mitochondria concentration is highest in the brain, eggs, heart, and muscles—indicating potential for fertility and IVF outcomes ([22:26]).
• “The nutrients in spirulina are almost identical to the nutrients in mother’s breast milk.” – Catherine ([22:57])
• Spirulina contains GLA, beneficial for brain development.

8. Practical Usage, Safety, and Integration

• Spirulina and chlorella are whole foods, not supplements; no upper limit, no drug interactions, suitable for all ages and even pets ([45:22]).
• "Every single person, instead of asking why you should be taking spirulina and chlorella, you should be asking yourself, why wouldn't I?" – Catherine ([21:15])
• Olympic athletes use it for stamina and faster recovery ([21:15]).
• Chlorella before bed improves sleep quality and stimulates regular bowel movements, with a measurable impact on Oura ring sleep scores ([39:44]).

9. Challenges to Mainstreaming in the US

• Lack of visibility (no local algae farms), overwhelming amount of scientific literature, and absence of clear communication have kept algae niche ([12:25]).
• “Nobody’s taken the science and made it understandable. … Literally nobody else in the world doing this.” – Catherine ([12:25])

10. Entrepreneurial Journey & Advocacy

• Catherine’s mission expanded from helping her sister to growing a business, launching clinical trials, and advocating for industry change, documentaries, and public education ([26:34]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Catherine:

• "How can something with so many healing properties, so much nutrition, not be known outside of Asia?" ([14:12])
• "It replaces a multi, a CoQ10, a biotin, fish oil, collagen powder. So you save time, you save money. It’s food." ([38:39])
• "Chlorella stimulates what's called peristalsis... It helps you get into a deeper REM sleep. It will give you a nice bowel movement in the morning." ([41:35])
• “I don’t have extensions. I don’t use Botox. I sleep well.” ([38:22])
• "Taking chlorella is like giving your body a shower from the inside every single day...” ([44:35])
• “…It literally loves your body back to health. And so I just want everyone to experience that for themselves.” ([47:43])

Dr. Josh Axe:

• “It’s amazing that spirulina in seven days can give you the same effect that intermittent fasting has to give you in 90 days.” ([31:42])
• “I know people in their 30s and 40s, which I'm in my 40s, who have, like, brain fog... And, like, you're, like, at 70 years old. This is what I take, and I swear by it.” ([38:26])

Important Timestamps

• [00:15] Algae’s nutrient density and place on food pyramid
• [01:51] Discovering the power of an alkaline diet for immune health
• [06:50] Spirulina’s SOD content and mitochondrial health explained
• [14:12] How Catherine’s sister’s cancer diagnosis sparked her mission
• [19:04] Catherine’s biological age testing and comparison to extreme biohacking
• [21:15] Algae’s adoption among athletes for performance and recovery
• [22:26] Mitochondria’s role in egg health, fertility, and how algae can help
• [28:53] Summary of mini clinical trials showing rapid impact on inflammation and energy
• [31:42] Spirulina vs. intermittent fasting and advice for busy people/women
• [38:22] Catherine reveals her age, health status, and minimalist supplement usage
• [39:44] Chlorella’s effect on sleep and colonic health (with Oura ring tracking)
• [41:35] Bowel health, chlorella’s benefits, and pineapples for digestion
• [47:43] The “algae love story”—from family health to global wellness mission

Actionable Takeaways & Recommendations

• Try the 30-tablet/day protocol for spirulina and chlorella for measurable health outcomes; higher doses safe for more intensive needs ([45:22]).
• For improved sleep and detox, take chlorella before bed ([39:44]).
• Integrate spirulina for energy and focus, especially for athletes, busy professionals, and during fasting.
• Monitor results with blood work, Oura rings, and inflammation markers.
• Explore ENERGYbits resources for further education and try products with discount code BIOHACKIT.

Conclusion

This episode offers a compelling and accessible case for algae as a foundational food for modern wellness and longevity, debunking misconceptions and advocating for its mainstream adoption. With a blend of scientific rigor, personal testimony, and practical advice, Catherine and Dr. Axe illuminate why algae could be the next big thing in health—“a health insurance and nutritional insurance” from one of the world’s oldest and most potent foods.