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Are We Missing an Obvious Energy Source?

In my years of focused research into biohacking and performance optimization, one thing became abundantly clear—there’s no shortage of information. From nutrition to sleep hacks, the to-do list for optimizing energy levels seems infinite. Yet, I often wondered: are we overlooking something fundamental?

For years, I believed food and supplements were the primary drivers of energy. But what if the answer has been hiding in plain sight? My curiosity led me to explore the wider topic of water—initially through the lens of quantum physics (spoiler: an article on "quantum beings" is coming soon!).

Growing up, we all learned that water exists in three states: liquid, solid, and gas. But groundbreaking research from Dr. Gerald Pollack introduced me to the 4th phase of water. His discoveries completely shifted my perspective. Water, it turns out, is not just something we drink to hydrate—it’s a biological battery that powers our cells.

As I explored this concept further, I realized water is only part of the story. Light and temperature play equally critical roles. From sunlight stimulating gel-like water production in our cells to cold exposure activating brown fat (the good kind!), these natural forces have the power to transform how we perform, recover, and thrive.

This article breaks down these concepts into simple, actionable insights to help you tap into this untapped energy source and unlock new levels of performance and resilience.

The Discovery of the 4th Phase of Water

If you are just a 1% geeky as I am, you may have wondered why gels behave differently from liquid water. That’s because water has another state scientists only recently identified. Dr. Gerald Pollack, a bioengineering professor at the University of Washington, discovered Exclusion Zone (EZ) water, a gel-like phase that forms near hydrophilic (water-attracting) surfaces.

What makes EZ water so fascinating is its negative charge and ability to store energy. Unlike the water we drink, EZ water is structured at the molecular level, forming layers of molecules aligned in a specific pattern. This structured water acts as a biological battery, storing energy from infrared light (like sunlight) and powering our cells.

Think of your body as a solar-powered device. The sunlight you absorb helps your cells build and use EZ water, which in turn supports energy transport, detoxification, and overall performance.

When I first learned about EZ water, I was skeptical, especially because of the many ones around the internet calling out “bs” on this topic. But scientific research is backing this new understanding and for me, what matters is how we can leverage it for our wellbeing and performance: rethinking what hydration means. It isn’t just about drinking enough water then, it’s about drinking the right kind of water, eating hydrating foods, and exposing myself to sunlight to activate this energy system.

Water as a Biological Battery

Understanding EZ water made me rethink hydration entirely. Structured water, like EZ water, is better aligned with the water in our cells, enhancing mitochondrial function—the powerhouses inside our cells that produce our energy.

But it’s not just about drinking water. EZ water forms in your body through exposure to infrared light (like sunlight) and certain hydrating foods. That means how you hydrate and when you get sunlight directly impacts your energy levels.

Even traditional remedies hint at this. Remember your grandma’s warm water with lemon ritual? Decades ago, this became a go-to remedy for metabolism and longevity. Unbeknownst to them, it was likely activating EZ water and jumpstarting cellular metabolism.

Here’s a simple hack: boost your morning water’s alkalinity with a pinch of salt and lemon juice. This "activator" ignites your metabolism and energizes you within minutes.

For founders balancing high-stress, high-performance lives, tweaking hydration and light exposure can mean better focus, productivity, and stamina—without relying on a midday caffeine fix.

Cold Exposure: Tapping into Resilience

Cold exposure has moved beyond wellness buzzword status—and for good reason. Whether it’s ice baths, cold showers, or plunges, this practice offers profound benefits. Who never heard about the Ice Man? The mythical Wim Hof?

Practices like ice baths and cold plunges activate brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat. This not only boosts your metabolism but also strengthens your immune system and enhances your body’s resilience.

The connection to EZ water is equally compelling. Cold exposure helps structure water in your cells, enhancing energy flow and reducing inflammation. After just a few weeks of cold showers and short cold plunges, I noticed sharper focus during meetings and quicker recovery from physical fatigue.

A New Energy Paradigm

The discovery of the 4th phase of water, combined with the benefits of sunlight, structured hydration, and cold exposure, offers a radical shift in how we understand and optimize energy. By aligning these natural forces, you can unlock untapped potential for performance, health, and resilience.

Start small—drink better water, soak in the sun, and take a cold shower. These simple, powerful practices reconnect you with your body’s natural energy systems, helping you thrive in both work and life.