• Loneliness Uncovered: Strategies to Overcome and Reconnect
    56 mins
  • Gluten-Friend or Foe?
    Sep 2 2024

    Learn the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity in our latest podcast episode. Listen now for clarity on whether gluten is your friend or foe. Did you know gluten sensitivity can manifest in various symptoms beyond gut issues? From brain fog to joint pain, anxiety to skin conditions and schizophrenia, gluten can impact more than you think. Fertility issues or recurrent miscarriages? Gluten could be a hidden trigger.

    • Introduction to Gluten: 00:00:00-00:02:02
    • Defining Gluten: 00:02:03-00:02:34
    • Personal Experience with Gluten Sensitivity: 00:03:59-00:04:09
    • Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity: 00:04:09-00:04:52
    • Differentiating Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity: 00:15:17-00:16:56
    • Testing for Gluten Sensitivity: 00:18:43-00:19:04
    • Celiac Disease and Autoimmune Conditions: 00:22:07-00:23:11
    • Importance of Testing for Celiac Disease: 00:25:53-00:26:56
    • Being Gluten-Free vs eating gluten-free food: 00:34:50-00:35:46
    • Final Thoughts and Recommendations: 00:37:47-00:39:58
    Quiz: Are You Sensitive To Gluten?
    Reference

    Catassi, Carlo, et al. "Diagnosis of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS): the Salerno experts’ criteria." Nutrients 7.6 (2015): 4966-4977.

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    40 mins
  • Blue-Light Blocking Glasses: Trendy Accessory or Must Have?
    Jul 28 2024

    In this episode of the Brain Podcast, we delved into the topic of blue light-blocking glasses with guest Glen Lubbert, founder of Stamina Lab. The discussion revolved around the effectiveness of blue light glasses, the importance of blue light in our circadian rhythm, and the misconceptions surrounding blue light exposure. Glen emphasized the need for a balanced approach to using blue light glasses, highlighting the importance of personal preference and individual needs.

    Glen shared valuable insights, debunking myths about blue light glasses and shedding light on their real benefits. He emphasized the significance of finding what works best for each individual, whether it’s wearing blue light glasses, adjusting light exposure throughout the day, or implementing Tiny Habits like putting the phone to bed early as part of a wind-down routine.

    • 00:00:00 – Introduction to Blue Light Blocking Glasses
    • 00:05:30 – Importance of Getting Enough Blue Light in the Morning
    • 00:11:14 – Research on Blue Light Blocking Glasses Effectiveness
    • 00:13:58 – Impact of Content on Sleep Quality
    • 00:16:39 – Discussion on Melatonin and Blue Light Glasses
    • 00:19:43 – Types of Blue Light Glasses and Their Benefits
    • 00:24:09 – Cognitive Chewing Gum for Sleep
    • 00:27:06 – Hype or Not: Blue Light Glasses Evaluation
    • 00:27:52 – Tiny Habit Recipe: Putting Phone to Bed at Night
    • 00:28:38 – Where to Find Glenn Lubert

    About our guest, Glen Lubbert

    The Stamina Lab

    Watch the audio-only version on YouTube References

    Bauducco, Serena, et al. “A bidirectional model of sleep and technology use: A theoretical review of How much, for whom, and which mechanisms.” Sleep Medicine Reviews (2024): 101933.

    Shechter, Ari, et al. “Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of psychiatric research 96 (2018): 196-202.

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    29 mins
  • Harnessing Spirituality And Gratitude For Better Blood Pressure Levels
    Apr 19 2024

    In this episode, we delved into the fascinating world of cardiovascular health, specifically focusing on hypertension, with the esteemed cardiologist Dr. Maria Emilia Figueiredo Teixeira from Brazil. Dr. Maria Emilia shared insights from her groundbreaking research on the influence of gratitude, forgiveness, and spirituality on hypertension control.

    00:00:00 – Introduction to Hypertension Concerns
    00:05:30 – Research on Central Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function
    00:09:39 – Defining Spirituality, Religiosity, and Religion
    00:13:10 – Simple Intervention Approach in the Study
    00:14:40 – Participants and Hypertension Stages
    00:16:33 – Utilization of WhatsApp for Messaging
    00:20:16 – Discussion on One-Time Actions
    00:22:44 – Results of the Study
    00:24:11 – Standard of Care in Brazil
    00:25:17 – Future Plans and Scaling the Intervention
    00:28:50 – Gratitude and Conclusion

    Our podcast guest:

    Dr. Maria Emilia Figueiredo Teixeira MD, PhD, FESC

    Cardiologist and Researcher at the Hypertension Unit of the Federal University of Goiás, Brazil.

    Dr. Maria Emilia on Instagram

    Watch the audio-only version on YouTube Reference

    FEEL Study: Focus on Spirituality, Gratitude Can Lead to Decrease in BP, Increase in FMD

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    30 mins
  • What do vision, hearing, and smell have to do with brain health?
    Mar 27 2024

    We discuss the importance of vision, hearing, and sense of smell to the risk of dementia. Changes in these senses can serve as signals for potential dementia and how addressing these root causes can help prevent dementia down the line. We emphasized the connection between these senses and the nervous system, as well as the role of inflammation in impacting them. We also shared practical strategies such as getting regular vision check-ups, testing hearing, and engaging in olfactory training to improve brain function.

    • Introduction to the Importance of Senses: 00:00:00
    • Vision, Hearing, and Smell as Indicators of Dementia: 00:02:00
    • Impact of Vision on Brain Function: 00:03:25
    • Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk: 00:09:39
    • The Significance of Sense of Smell: 00:20:26
    • Olfactory Training and Brain Function: 00:27:19
    • Common Connections Between Senses and Dementia: 00:31:54
    Audio-only version on YouTube

    References

    Test your hearing. Hear WHO app

    Unusual sense of smell and detection of Parkinson’s Disease.

    Woo, Cynthia C., et al. “Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults.” Frontiers in Neuroscience 17 (2023): 1200448.

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    34 mins
  • What Can You Do If You Have The High-Risk Alzheimer’s Disease ApoE4 Gene?
    Dec 30 2023

    (00:00) – Intro: Nine ways to reduce Alzheimer’s risk

    (01:47) – Importance of ApoE4 in dementia

    (03:15) – Different ways to reduce dementia risk

    (04:12) – 9 Things You Can Do to Support Your Brain Health

    (07:00) – Pay attention to brain, body, and supplements for optimal health

    (07:51) – RDAs and benefits of supplements

    (08:34) – Omega3 testing and supplementation

    (10:08) – Omega3 supplements for atrial fibrillation

    (11:38) – Supplementing with a symphony of nutrients, not just one

    (12:32) – Vitacog Supplementing with Vitamin B and Omega3

    (14:10) – Taking supplements for long-term benefits

    (17:07) – B vitamin testing for correcting genetic variations

    (17:32) – A positive aging mindset reduces dementia risk

    (19:15) – Tiny habits shift mindset for healthy aging

    (20:57) – A positive mindset helps with knee pain

    (21:36) – Longevity questions to ask yourself

    (22:06) – Inspiration for physical fitness in older age

    (22:46) – Hormones and Alzheimer’s disease in women

    (26:39) – Head trauma and dementia risk importance for people with ApoE4

    (29:24) – Impact of Alcohol on women’s health

    (31:40) – What is the easiest place to quit alcohol?

    (32:36) – Loss of sense of smell increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease

    (33:13) – Using Essential Oil for Memory Training

    (35:03) – Home sniff tests for brain health

    (36:42) – Outro: Support yourself with these tips

    Chapters created by ChapterMe

    Audio-only version on YouTube References

    Woo, Cynthia C., et al. “Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults.” Frontiers in Neuroscience 17 (2023): 1200448.

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    37 mins
  • Living With The High-Risk Alzheimer’s Disease ApoE4 Gene
    Nov 6 2023

    If you’ve been told you have the ApoE4 gene that puts you at risk for Alzheimer’s or think you may have it, most likely your doctor told you there’s nothing you can do. That’s not entirely true. We’ll share the nine things you can do to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. Many people learn they have a genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and feel like victims. We’ll help you protect your brain now so the risk is mitigated.

    (00:00) – Have You Got the APOE4 Gene Associated with Alzheimer’s?

    (00:33) – Heads Up: Julie Bergfeld on Her Alzheimer’s

    (01:07) – Julie Bergfeld on Her Alzheimer’s Gene

    (01:35) – The APOE4 gene associated with Alzheimer’s

    (02:21) – APOE4 gene associated with Alzheimer’s disease

    (02:58) – Julie’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease

    (08:15) – Brain Games for APOE 4

    (08:33) – Challenging Your Brain

    (09:44) – Dementia and behaviour change

    (11:11) – Starting small: How to Get Out of the Tiny Habits

    (11:44) – Mental health: Start small and build momentum

    (12:23) – How to Keep From Getting Down or Defeated Over a Diagn

    (15:25) – Does thinking about getting older affect your dementia risk?

    (19:33) – Genetic Testing

    (24:54) – Julie on the Genetic Testing

    (27:58) – APOE4 gene test

    (29:11) – Alzheimer’s risk for women, genetics and the treatment

    (31:31) – A message about hope for your brain in your 30s

    (33:34) – Outro

    Chapters created by ChapterMe

    Audio-only version on YouTube About Julie Bergfeld Audio-only version on YouTube

    References

    1. Levy, Becca R., et al. “Positive age beliefs protect against dementia even among elders with high-risk gene.” PloS one 13.2 (2018): e0191004.
    2. Alzheimer’s Disease genetic fact sheet.

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    34 mins
  • Your Brain On Circadian Rhythms
    Sep 19 2023

    You may have heard the term circadian rhythm and think it only affects air travel across multiple time zones or shift workers, but it really affects every aspect of your day. Listen to learn more about how to keep your body clock in tip-top shape.

    (00:03) – Intro

    (00:46) – What is Circadian Rhythm?

    (02:20) – Best Analogy for Circadian Rhythm

    (03:43) – Effect on our Body Organs

    (05:44) – Impact on Food: Snack Culture

    (08:49) – Zeitgebers Influences: Effect of Sleep on Circadian Rhythm

    (11:41) – Behavior Design Suggestions

    (13:48) – Out of Sync with your Circadian Rhythm

    (16:16) – Importance of Circadian Rhythm and Sleep for Younger People

    (18:29) – Circadian Rhythm Impact on Blood Pressure

    (22:15) – SAD in Winter: Are Light Boxes Helpful?

    (26:00) – Time Restricted Eating and Intermittent Fasting

    (27:53) – Benefits of Reducing Exposure to Artificial Light after its Dark

    (30:04) – Using Flux App and Sleep Masks

    (31:46) – Final Thoughts

    (34:09) – Outro

    Chapters created by ChapterMe

    Reference

    Gill, Shubhroz, and Satchidananda Panda. “A smartphone app reveals erratic diurnal eating patterns in humans that can be modulated for health benefits.” Cell metabolism 22.5 (2015): 789-798.

    Audio-only version on YouTube

    Podcast Episode: What is the Tiny Habits Method For Behaviour Change?
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    35 mins