LONGEVITY with Nathalie Niddam #389: How Migraines, Mitochondria Dysfunction, and Modern Lifestyles Impact Brain Health and Aging With Elena Gross
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Nov 21, 2025 Dr. Elena Gross, a neuroscientist and founder of Brain Ritual, shares her journey from battling chronic migraines to pioneering research on brain health. She discusses the energy deficit in the brain and how ketones can serve as a superior fuel source. Elena highlights the impact of environmental toxins, hormonal changes, and dietary factors on migraines, advocating for personalized treatment plans. She also presents four key pillars for managing migraines effectively and hints at exciting upcoming research on neuropsychiatric conditions.
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From Pills And Pain To Neuroscience
- Elena Gross described developing chronic migraine after years on the contraceptive pill and long medication use that left her debilitated.
- She pursued neuroscience at Oxford and later found a patient who improved with fasting, inspiring ketone research.
Migraine As A Brain Energy Warning
- Gross realized migraine can be an energy-deficit warning when a fasting patient suddenly improved.
- She concluded some brains can't use glucose well and need ketone bodies as alternative fuel.
Ketones: Fuel And Signaling Molecules
- Ketone bodies are small fat-derived molecules that cross into the brain and serve as an efficient alternative fuel.
- They act as signaling molecules with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects beneficial for brain health and aging.
