
Brain Food: Nutrition for Mental Performance
Learn exactly why you need to start taking nutrition seriously (not what you've been told!).
Latest episodes

Jan 4, 2022 • 15min
Neurotransmitters 101 and How to Manage Adrenal Fatigue
Everything that makes you uniquely human comes from the brain, and the brain is held up by neurotransmitters. Without neurotransmitters, the brain couldn't function. This week, Casey gives you a quick rundown on what neurotransmitters are, as well as how to keep them in balance. Specifically, he discusses the perils of chronic stress and elevated adrenaline, and several key strategies to manage both. Give it a listen if you are overworked and constantly stressed!
If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!

Dec 28, 2021 • 10min
How to Manage Your Dopamine
Modern humans have access to all sorts of stimuli that can artificially elevate dopamine levels beyond those seen naturally. This leads to downregulation of natural dopamine production, and a loss of motivation for things that SHOULD motivate you. In this episode, Casey walks through 8 tips to help you recalibrate your system to help normalize your dopamine levels.
If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!

Dec 22, 2021 • 13min
Bacopa Monnieri - Memory Enhancer or Bust?
In this episode, Casey reviews Bacopa Monnieri - a compound that has been used for thousands of years to help with cognitive function and health. Despite its history, there are very few well-controlled research trials investigating its usefulness. Casey looks at the only trial done in healthy adults that investigated Bacopa's use as a memory enhancer. Give it a listen, the results may surprise you!
If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!

Dec 15, 2021 • 9min
Does Choline Enhance Fine Motor Control?
Another listener wrote in asking Casey to review choline supplementation. There are many bold claims made regarding choline, and we have broken up the answer into two parts. In part 1 (last week), Casey reviewed the most popular claim - that choline supplementation can enhance your memory. In part 2 (this episode), Casey reviews whether choline supplementation can enhance fine motor control - a more rare claim, but particularly relevant to the typical purchaser. You will be surprised by the results!
If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!

Dec 7, 2021 • 13min
Is Choline a Memory Enhancer?
Another listener wrote in asking Casey to review choline supplementation. There are many bold claims made regarding choline, and we have broken up the answer into two parts. In part 1 (this episode), Casey reviews the most popular claim - that choline supplementation can enhance your memory. In part 2 (released next week), Casey reviews whether choline supplementation can enhance fine motor control - a more rare claim, but particularly relevant to the typical purchaser. You will be surprised by the results!
If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!

Nov 30, 2021 • 12min
The Best Diet Strategy
Ever wonder what the best way to undergo ANY diet is? This week, Casey reviews two different dietary strategies - flexible vs. rigid dieting. There are merits to both, but only one will get you the lasting results that you want. Don't start dieting until you give this week a listen.If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!

Nov 23, 2021 • 11min
Quick Tips to Manage Your Nutrition Over the Holidays
With a return to more 'normal' holidays coming up, Casey wanted to provide you with some practical strategies so that you can get the most out of the experience WITHOUT it setting you back. Admittedly, this is not a strict episode on nutrition for mental performance, but it will be practically useful for anyone surrounded by tempting and dangerous foods. Give it a listen if you want some effective tips!If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!

Nov 16, 2021 • 11min
Juice Cleanse for the Holidays?
Another listener wrote in asking for Casey to weigh in on the juice cleanse trend. Juice cleanses make all sorts of claims - that it will help you feel better, look better, think better, and shed weight like crazy. This week, Casey tells you what the science actually says regarding juice cleanses. Hint: We have very little data. Give this episode a listen if you're curious about the trend!If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 9, 2021 • 15min
How Nutrition Researchers Scam People
This week, Casey talks about two big strategies that nutrition researchers use to scam people. These scams plague the field and contribute to the misinformation and lack of credibility that nutrition research has. If you want to learn how to protect yourself and become a more savvy consumer, give this week's episode a listen!If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 2, 2021 • 13min
How Probiotics Influence the Brain
We've highlighted the role of the gut-brain axis in previous episodes. This week, Casey looks at probiotic supplementation and the impact it has on both the mood state and cognitive performance. The results suggest that even single strains of bacteria can have a significant effect on our brain. Check out this week's podcast to learn what strain!If you enjoy this series and have found any value from it, please share it with a friend. My goal is to cut through the crap and spread some credible nutrition information! And if you have any other feedback, or would just like to say 'Hello', my email is caseythomasrd@gmail.com. I read everything you guys send me!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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