In the latest episode of A Healthy Point of View, Sam Tejada, Sam Tejada, CEO and Founder of Liquivida®, sat down with two brothers at the forefront of advanced biohacking, Miguel Bertonatti and Carlos Bertonatti, founders of Medical Health Institute in Miami. What followed was a deep dive into the science, lifestyle, and mindset shifts that can help you not just live longer, but live better—sharper, stronger, and more energized at any age.
The Science-Backed Protocol That Helped Miguel & Carlos Bertonatti Defy Aging | | Ep. 73
The Journey into Biohacking
Miguel’s entry into functional medicine was deeply personal. Struggling with unexplained erectile dysfunction as early as age 18, he explored everything from acupuncture and chiropractic care to meditation and nutrition. Nothing worked until he discovered hormone therapy. That treatment changed everything, bringing back not just his libido but his energy, mental clarity, and overall vitality.
Carlos had a different experience. For him, the symptoms of low testosterone weren’t physical but cognitive mental fog, lack of focus, and low drive. Like many men today, neither of them fit the traditional “low T” mold. This revelation drove them to look at hormonal health not as a simple number game but as a nuanced system influenced by lifestyle, stress, and even medication.
The Myth of Aging Gracefully
If you think aging means slowing down, think again. Carlos and Miguel argue that you can be fitter, sharper, and more vibrant in your 40s and 50s than in your 20s if you understand your biology and invest in your health. At 45, Carlos says he’s stronger and faster than ever before, able to ski, climb mountains, and perform at elite levels thanks to biohacking protocols involving recovery, nitric oxide, and smart supplementation.
“You are as young as your oldest organ,” Miguel explains. “If your liver is aging faster than your heart or your brain, your whole system has to compensate for that. That’s how people fall apart.”
Understanding True Biohacking
Contrary to popular belief, biohacking isn’t just peptides and IVs. It’s about detoxing the body, replenishing nutrients, and optimizing cellular function. The brothers outline what they call “unsexy foundations”: sleep, micronutrients, water quality, reducing toxin exposure, and fixing gut and liver health before even touching advanced therapies.
“You can’t throw peptides into a broken system and expect miracles,” says Carlos. “You have to build the foundation first.”
The Dark Side of Modern Living
They expose harsh truths about modern health: the average American between the ages of 40 and 64 is on 4–5 prescription drugs. Poor sleep, processed food, environmental toxins, and high stress are aging us rapidly. Even food isn’t what it used to be, soils have lost up to 80% of their micronutrients. As Miguel puts it, “You’re eating, but you’re not nourishing.”
To combat this, the Bertonattis advocate for regular detoxification, personalized nutrition, and carefully monitored hormone therapy using only bioidentical substances and lab-grade supplements, not over-the-counter junk.
On Alcohol, Culture, and Conscious Choices
One of the most relatable moments came when they discussed alcohol. Both admitted to partying hard in their youth, but their current philosophy is rooted in performance and ROI.
“We invest so much into our health. Why ruin that with alcohol that sets us back for days?” Carlos shared. They described alcohol as a cultural norm that’s actually just an adrenaline-triggering toxin and offered healthier alternatives for people looking to feel good without the hangover.
Peptides: A Tool, Not a Shortcut
After laying the groundwork, they turned to peptides, a hot topic in biohacking. But the brothers are clear: peptides only work if the body has the raw materials (nutrients) to respond.
“You wouldn’t hire a contractor to build a mansion with no bricks,” Miguel said. “Peptides are the instruction manual. Nutrients are the materials.”
They explained their tiered approach to care. Peptides, like CJC/Ipamorelin, thymosin alpha-1, and BPC-157, are introduced only after hormone balance, detoxification, and nutritional repletion are addressed.
Brain, Immunity, and Mitochondria: The Core Systems
They covered peptides that support:
- Brain health: CMAX, Selank, Hexarelin, and cerebral lysine for neuroplasticity, memory, and mood.
- Immune health: Thymosin alpha-1 and LL-37 to modulate inflammation, fight infections, and rebuild the thymus (which shrinks dramatically with age).
- Mitochondrial health: SS-31 and methylene blue to protect and optimize cellular energy production.
These therapies, combined with high-dose vitamin C, zinc, NAD, and regular IVs, have helped them maintain resilience even during major health crises like COVID.
The Real Goal: Quality of Life
Beyond aesthetics or energy, their mission is clear: extend healthspan, not just lifespan. They want people to live well, surfing, skiing, hiking, playing with grandkids, without being tethered to a pillbox or walker.
As Sam put it, “We don’t want to end up in an old age home with someone wiping our butt. We want to live with vitality until the very end.”
Biohacking isn’t about copying someone else’s routine—it’s about knowing your body, your triggers, and your goals. As Carlos summed up, “The greatest biohack of all is: know thyself.”