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Have you ever hit a wall at 3:00 PM and felt your brain battery completely die? As an adult navigating executive dysfunction and a chaotic schedule, I know that feeling all too well. We often chalk up our afternoon crashes and cognitive fatigue to simple laziness, but science tells us a completely different story. Our brains burn a massive amount of energy to get through a typical day. When our cellular power plants get overwhelmed, we hit a wall.

This season is sponsored by Sucreabeille, an incredible indie perfume house based in storytelling. We recently collaborated on a custom fragrance called “Why Did I Walk Into This Room,” which is a gender-neutral love letter to the ADHD community. You should definitely check it out over at https://sucreabeille.com/products/why-did-i-walk-into-this-room.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Burres, the founder and chief scientist at MyVitalC. He has spent over three decades working with a Nobel Prize-winning molecule called ESS60. We talk about longevity science, the biological cost of masking, and how giving our bodies the right tools helps us take accountability for our daily energy.

What Does It Mean To Age Without Decline?

For a lot of people in our community, we feel exhausted and old even in our 30s. We have falsely accepted chronic fatigue as a normal part of getting older. Chris challenges this idea entirely. He explains that we have the ability to separate living longer from living in a state of infirmity.

Chris shares a fascinating piece of longevity science. His lab worked with the ESS60 molecule, which is essentially a tiny, spherical structure of 60 carbon atoms. When researchers tested it, the results were astounding.

  • “Instead of being toxic, the test subjects that they gave it to… lived a 90% longer than the control group,” Chris explains.

It proves that aging chronologically does not necessarily mean our quality of life has to decline.

The Biology Behind ADHD Fatigue and Brain Burnout

When you have an adhd brain, you burn energy differently. Hyperfocusing, masking, and trying to function in a neurotypical world put a massive amount of physical stress on our bodies. This often leads to severe adhd fatigue.

Clinical research supports this. According to the National Institutes of Health, oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development and manifestation of ADHD symptoms. The imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants causes cellular damage, which contributes directly to the cognitive exhaustion many of us experience (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11435085/). Another meta-analysis concluded that patients with ADHD have an insufficient response to oxidative stress, leading to further oxidative damage (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5293138/).

Chris uses a brilliant analogy to explain how our mitochondria process this oxidative stress. He compares it to a wild night in New Orleans.

  • “It’s the end of Mardi Gras, and you’ve got these drunk reactive oxygen species on Bourbon Street, smashing into windows, causing a ruckus,” Chris says.

He explains that our bodies have natural defenses like glutathione and melatonin that act as the police force to handcuff these troublemakers. But when we are overwhelmed by stress, poor sleep, or environmental factors, that police force needs backup. That is exactly where cellular supplements come into play.

Practical Ways to Improve Mitochondrial Function

You might be wondering how to improve mitochondrial function so you do not feel so drained. I always say that medication, therapy, and supplements are tools, but you still have to put in the work. It is impossible to take a supplement and expect your entire life to magically organize itself. We have to take accountability for our routines.

Aside from cellular support tools, Chris emphasizes the importance of movement. When you struggle with an adhd lack of energy, the thought of an hour-long gym session feels impossible. Instead of setting an unrealistic goal, Chris recommends finding your non-negotiable minimum.

  • If you do not have the energy for a full workout, commit to five squats or a quick walk around the block. Building the habit is more important than the intensity of the exercise.

Accountability and Neurodivergent Parenting

Chris is also a father to a 15-year-old son who is autistic and has ADHD. As a scientist, his initial instinct is often to fix variables and solve problems. As a parent, he had to learn how to sit in the chaos and meet his son where he is.

He shared how important it is to guide neurodivergent youth through their struggles rather than letting them give up. Chris and his wife hold their son accountable, encouraging him to push through difficult moments because it builds resilience.

Guest Resources

  • Grab the ESS60 virgin olive oil shots here: https://www.myvitalc.com/vibewithky (Get $30 off your initial order).
  • Pick up a copy of his book, Live Longer and Better, available right on his website.

People Also Ask

Q: What causes ADHD fatigue? A: ADHD fatigue is often caused by the massive amount of energy required to manage executive dysfunction, regulate attention, and mask neurodivergent traits. Biological factors like oxidative stress and poor mitochondrial function also play a massive role in draining our daily energy reserves.

Q: What is the ESS60 molecule? A: ESS60 is a naturally occurring molecule consisting of 60 carbon atoms shaped like a soccer ball. It is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to process oxidative stress within our cells.

Q: How do you improve mitochondrial function? A: You improve your cellular energy by focusing on foundational habits like consistent sleep, proper nutrition, and daily movement.

A Final Thought To Take With You

The next time you hit that afternoon wall, remember that it is a biological response, not a character flaw. Try establishing a non-negotiable minimum habit tomorrow morning. Even if it is taking five deep breaths or doing a few stretches, those small actions compound over time.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed mental health professional. I am a guy sharing my story. Please seek professional help if you are struggling.

Much love. Good vibes. – Ky