Dhru Purohit Show
How to Prevent Brain Shrinkage and the Role of the Hippocampus in Chronic Disease with Dr. Majid Fotuhi
Oct 5, 2023
Dr. Majid Fotuhi, a neurologist, shares insights on safeguarding brain health and memory improvement. They discuss factors that shrink our brains like poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. They delve into the damaging effects of trans fats on the brain and the role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain health. Dr. Fotuhi also explores functional medicine's benefits and shares success stories of lifestyle modifications. They highlight the impact of sugar on brain aging.
01:26:56
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Quick takeaways
- Poor diet, stress, sleep apnea, and lack of sleep can shrink the hippocampus, while a Mediterranean diet high in omega-3 fatty acids promotes hippocampal growth and protects brain health.
- Body size, particularly belly size, is closely linked to the size of the hippocampus, with larger bellies associated with smaller hippocampi, emphasizing the negative impact of obesity and excessive trans fat consumption on brain health.
Deep dives
Impact of Lifestyle on Brain Health
Researchers at the Alzheimer's Conference in Amsterdam found that poor diet, stress, sleep apnea, and lack of sleep can shrink the hippocampus, which is associated with memory formation. Diet plays a significant role, with high levels of trans fats linked to a smaller hippocampus. Stress and anxiety increase cortisol levels, which are toxic to the brain. Sleep apnea and inadequate sleep also contribute to hippocampal shrinkage. Conversely, adopting a Mediterranean diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can promote hippocampal growth and protect brain health.
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