Podcast Summary: The WATER Hack That Boosts Mitochondria by 11%! (Episode 1343)

Podcast: The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance
Host: Dave Asprey
Guest: Rowena Gates (ENG3 Nanovi)
Date: October 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delves deep into the science and practical biohacking applications of structured (“ordered”) water and its effects on mitochondrial function, with a specific focus on the Nanovi device developed by ENG3. Dave Asprey, renowned biohacker, hosts Rowena Gates to unpack compelling new research and user results showing mitochondrial performance, cognitive benefits, resilience, and recovery from using the Nanovi. The conversation is frank, challenging, and rich with actionable insights and skepticism, aimed at both newcomers and seasoned biohackers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction to Nanovi & Ordered Water

• What is Nanovi?
  A device that alters the structure of cellular water to support protein folding and mitochondrial activity.
  Rowena Gates [00:34]: “The nanov is a medical device that influences the water in the cells in a way that supports protein activities and specifically protein folding.”

• How does it work?

  • Utilizes specific electromagnetic wavelengths to create “ordered water” droplets, which, when inhaled, transfer energy to the body and enhance protein functioning.
  • Distinction between structured/ordered water and typical hydration.

• Scientific Support & Skepticism

  • Dave and Rowena address skepticism directly, emphasizing robust pilot studies and established biophysics research.
  • Dave Asprey [05:25]: “There are a bunch of people listening... are going, that is the biggest of bunk I’ve ever heard. How do we know this is real?”
  • Rowena: “You look at the study results, look at summaries... who did them, and then go from there.”

Mitochondrial Performance: Data & Insights

Immediate, Quantifiable Benefits

• Respiratory Exchange Ratio:
  • One session of Nanovi showed an 11% improvement (mitochondrial function).
  • Rowena [01:57]: “The mitochondrial function is just indicated by respiratory exchange ratio, which was 11%.”
• VO2 Max Improvement:
  • One session led to 7.8% increase in VO2 max.
  • Dave [02:19]: “Now, a 12% increase in VO2 max is equal to two additional years of life expectancy. So 7.8 is probably around a year and a quarter.”
• Usage Recommendations:
  • Regular daily usage is ideal, or 2-3 times per week at wellness centers.

Longitudinal Effects & Advanced Biomarkers

• 30-day study in people over 60:
  • Improvements in mitochondrial respiration, membrane voltage, and mitochondrial connectivity (+12% connectivity).
  • Dave [13:13]: “Mitochondria are not little power plants. They're actually a power grid. And...that connectivity is what will increase their ability to boost and...be resilient.”

Cognitive Metrics

• Prefrontal Cortex Benefits:
  • 9% improvement in brain blood oxygen metabolism; 12% in cerebral blood flow after use.
  • Rowena [19:05]: “So those were 9% improvement in metabolism, blood oxygen. And a 12% improvement in cerebral blood flow.”

Recovery & Resilience

• Stress Reduction (Heart Rate Variability):

  • 45% drop in stress index, 19% increase in parasympathetic activity after one 15-20 min session.
  • Rowena [28:35]: “...showed a 45% drop in the stress index and a 19% growth of the parasympathetic system.”

• Athletic Recovery:

  • Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies: faster immune and physical recovery.
  • 17% reduction in exercise-induced lactate when pre-treated.
  • Rowena [34:39]: “Reduction in lactate when...pre-treated with nanov was 17%. I mean, it’s huge.”

• Self-reported Results:

  • Over one month, users reported 53% improvement in mood variables (depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain).
  • Rowena [36:57]: “...self-reported difference over the course of a month was 53% in these mood variables.”

Mechanisms and Biohacking Integration

How Ordered Water Works in Biology

• Explanation:

  • Ordered water forms on protein surfaces, facilitating protein folding, which is fundamental to all biochemical reactions.
  • Mitochondria require ordered water to efficiently produce ATP.

• Device Limitations:

  • Cannot deliver benefits through drinking; needs to be inhaled for mucosal membrane absorption.

Practical Stacking & Complementary Practices

• Device Use:

  • Can be used passively during work, meditation, or after exercise.
  • Best used after intense heat (e.g., sauna), not during.

• Compatibility with Other Supplements/Practices:

  • Works synergistically with foundational supplements (minerals, vitamin D, CoQ10, mitochondrial nutrients).
  • No contraindications; “lets the body’s wisdom prevail.”
  • Can be used simultaneously with molecular hydrogen for compounded effects.

• Recovery/Resilience Strategies:

  • Pre-treating before stress exposure (athletics, surgery, demanding mental activities) improves resilience and may reduce damage.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Scientific Validation:
  • “Let’s question it, and let’s teach.” — Dave [06:07]
• On Core Biohacking Philosophy:
  • “A lot of biohacking is just saying: what are the signals inside the body? And how do we go in and create signals to tell the body do what we want?” — Dave [26:46]
• On Personalized Optimization:
  • “No one’s like you, Dave.” — Rowena [39:54]
  • “It has to be personal, personalized. So I love your answer.” — Dave [39:56]

Important Timestamps by Topic

| Time (MM:SS) | Topic | |------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:34–04:12 | What is Nanovi? How does it work? | | 05:25–06:16 | Addressing skepticism, scientific evidence | | 10:43–12:26 | Efficacy: VO2 max, mitochondrial improvements | | 13:13–16:36 | Mitochondrial connectivity, 30-day studies | | 19:05–21:41 | Cerebral blood flow & cognitive implications | | 28:35–29:33 | HRV: Stress reduction & parasympathetic activation | | 30:26–34:39 | Use post-exercise, lactate & athletic performance | | 36:31–38:36 | Mood, pain, fatigue improvements (user reports) | | 43:43–44:13 | Comparison with molecular hydrogen | | 52:06–53:49 | Use in intense mental training (40 Years of Zen) | | 55:15–58:41 | Resilience, brain injury, and surgical recovery |

Additional Memorable Segments

• ChatGPT cameo
  (07:03): Dave asks ChatGPT about the scientific validity of ordered water.
  “You did a really good job. I appreciate you. Okay, so if even ChatGPT... will say that, yes, structured water or ordered water is real, and this is interesting…” — Dave Asprey

• Device accessibility & cost:
  High-end medical device, models start somewhat below $10,000, but usage can be daily and accumulative value considered high for devoted biohackers.

• Rowena on resilience:

  • “The resilience is huge. And some of that testing on proteins showed that pretreatment followed by damage had significantly less damage afterwards to the proteins.” [56:17]

Episode Takeaways

• Nanovi and “ordered water” present a scientifically-backed, emerging tool for enhancing mitochondrial function, cognitive resilience, physical recovery, and overall stress management.
• The device’s effects are quantifiable (improvements in VO2 max, VO2, HRV, mood, recovery markers), and its utility spans both acute (one session) and cumulative (daily/regular use) contexts.
• Nanovi is best stacked with foundational dietary and mitochondrial supplements, and works synergistically with molecular hydrogen.
• Its most profound role may be as a “resilience generator,” both before and after exposure to stressors—physical, mental, or environmental.
• While not inexpensive, its value is positioned as a biohacking, longevity, and cognitive performance cornerstone for those who want maximal results.

For more information:

• ENG3 Nanovi Device
• Dave Asprey’s Human Upgrade Podcast