[Nutrition for Brain Health] How to Eat for Brain Performance and Longevity w/ Dr. Tommy Wood, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #722
Nov 22, 2023
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Dr. Tommy Wood, an expert in nutrition and brain health, joins the hosts to discuss the impact of nutrition on cognitive function, highlighting the importance of overall diet quality and specific nutrients. They delve into the benefits of intermittent fasting and explore the effects of alcohol on long-term brain health. The episode concludes with a discussion on Formula One races and the importance of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle on mental health.
A diet rich in whole foods, such as sardines, eggs, and liver, can provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and B vitamins, which are beneficial for brain health.
Intermittent fasting can have cognitive benefits, increasing focus and mental clarity by switching the brain to a ketone-based metabolism, although extended fasting can lead to hyper-focus on finding food.
Gaining muscle mass through exercise, rather than caloric surplus without exercise, is beneficial for cognitive function and mental health.
Deep dives
The importance of nutrition for brain health
Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function and brain health. Eating a diet rich in whole foods, such as sardines, eggs, and liver, can provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and B vitamins, which are beneficial for brain health. These nutrients support the structure and function of the brain, improve cognitive function, and prevent cognitive decline. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids or algal long-chain omega-3s can also be helpful. Testing nutrient status through blood tests and supplementing if necessary is recommended for optimal brain health.
The potential benefits of intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting can have cognitive benefits, as it increases focus and mental clarity. The brain is capable of functioning even during periods of fasting, as it switches to a ketone-based metabolism. Fasting does not lead to a broad shutdown of cognitive functions. However, extended fasting can result in hyper-focus on finding food and changes in brain activation patterns related to the drive for food. Additionally, fasting can have positive effects on mood by avoiding the consumption of refined carbohydrates and experiencing fewer swings in blood sugar levels.
The impact of body weight on mental health
Body weight and composition can influence mental health. Individuals with higher body fat and central adiposity may experience smaller brain volumes, particularly in the gray matter regions. On the other hand, muscle mass, especially when gained through resistance training, is beneficial for cognitive function. While gaining muscle mass through caloric surplus without exercise may not have the same positive effects on brain health. Therefore, focusing on improving physical health and gaining muscle through exercise is recommended for optimal mental health.
The importance of hydration for brain health
Hydration plays a vital role in brain health and function. Maintaining adequate fluid levels is necessary for proper cell function and vascular volume. Dehydration can lead to acute changes in cognitive function, and it may also affect hunger and overeating. Essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are crucial for maintaining hydration and overall brain health. Testing and optimizing hydration status through blood tests can help individuals ensure they are properly hydrated for optimal brain function.
The significance of sleep for brain health
Sleep is crucial for long-term brain health. It allows the brain to adapt, repair, and recover. Using the brain actively during the day by challenging it with mental tasks and stimulation is important for driving adaptation. Sleep provides the necessary recovery time for these adaptations to occur. Short sleep or poor sleep quality are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Addressing factors that may hinder sleep, such as alcohol consumption, is also important for maintaining optimal brain health.
Tommy Wood is a Senior Fellow in the Pediatrics Department at the University of Washington, and Chief Scientific Officer of Nourish Balance Thrive, an online-based company using advanced biochemical testing to optimize performance in athletes.
Tommy was born in the US to Icelandic and British parents (which means he has three passports in two different names).
He was predominantly raised in the UK, but also spent periods of time at school in Iceland, Germany, and France.
Tommy received a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge before studying medicine at the University of Oxford.
He worked as a junior doctor in central London for two years after medical school, and then moved to Norway to complete a PhD in physiology and neuroscience at the University of Oslo.
Tommy is currently President-elect of Physicians for Ancestral Health, he is a director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and the Icelandic Health Symposium, and is on the scientific advisory board of Hintsa Performance.
Tommy has also coached and competed in multiple sports including rowing, CrossFit, powerlifting, and ultra-endurance racing. Alongside his career in medicine and research, Tommy has published and spoken on multiple topics surrounding functional and ancestral approaches to health, including examining the root causes of multiple sclerosis and insulin resistance.