Try This

Now that we’ve learned that chronic stress ages the brain, let’s put what we learned into practice. Join “Try This” host Cristina Quinn as she leads a 5-minute box breathing exercise.For more on ways to reduce your risk of dementia, check out some of The Post’s reporting:How to calm your mind with breathing, according to scienceHow to use your voice to reduce your stress and feel calmer5-minute breathing exercises can improve your mood and reduce anxietySubscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

When we’re in constant stress, our brains become less resilient. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation of the brain — increasing our risk of cognitive decline. Breathing exercises hold a lot of power for calming the body and brain. Host Cristina Quinn talks to Washington Post Brain Matters columnist Richard Sima, as well as neuroscientist and psychiatrist Helen Lavretsky from UCLA, about steps we can take to reduce stress and improve our brain health. Sima unpacks what inflammation does to our brains and why this can lead to more cognitive decline in the future. Lavrestsky walks us through her research on breathwork, yoga and other practices that have shown positive impacts on brain aging and cognitive health.  For more on ways to reduce your risk of dementia, check out some of The Post’s reporting:How to calm your mind with breathing, according to scienceHow to use your voice to reduce your stress and feel calmerTeen brains aged faster than normal from pandemic stress, study says5-minute breathing exercises can improve your mood and reduce anxietySubscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

In this engaging discussion, Laura Baker, a professor of gerontology and geriatrics, reveals key findings from the U.S. POINTER study, which investigates lifestyle changes to reduce dementia risk. She explains how better nutrition, increased physical activity, and social engagement can significantly slow cognitive decline. Laura shares insights on structured versus self-guided lifestyle programs, emphasizing the impact of community support. Neurologist Monica Parker adds that monitoring sleep, sensory health, and even vaccinations can also play crucial roles in maintaining cognitive function.

Your brain does a lot of work. It’s processing and adapting to changing environments and routines throughout our lives.In this episode, host Cristina Quinn talks with The Washington Post’s “Brain Matters” columnist, Richard Sima, about our aging brains, what a healthy one looks like, and why we don’t necessarily have to worry about forgetting where we put our keys. For more on brain health and aging, check out some of The Post’s reporting: How does the brain age across the lifespan? New studies offer clues.How does alcohol affect your risk of dementia? Your brain health questions, answered.Is this dementia or normal brain aging? Here’s how to tell the difference.Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

Gretchen Reynolds, a health columnist for The Washington Post, shares her expertise on strength training and its crucial impact on health and longevity. She demystifies the idea that gyms are necessary by suggesting alternative methods and discussing the flexibility of resistance training. Listeners learn that even a few minutes of strength exercises each week can make a significant difference in combating age-related muscle loss. Gretchen emphasizes that simple moves like squats and push-ups can enhance independence and promote a sustainable fitness journey for all ages.

Shane O’Neill, a writer for The Washington Post’s Style Memo, and Rachel Tashjian, a fashion critic for the same outlet, dive into the essence of personal style. They emphasize the importance of comfort over fleeting trends and encourage listeners to embark on a journey of self-expression. Tips on using accessories to enhance confidence and the value of sustainable fashion choices are discussed. They also explore effective online resources for inspiration, promoting a stylish yet authentic wardrobe that aligns with individual identity.

In this engaging conversation, travel reporter Natalie Compton from The Washington Post shares savvy tips for traveling smarter and cheaper. She reveals the best timing for booking flights and the benefits of packing light with carry-ons. Natalie discusses essential travel logistics, like checking passport validity and navigating customs efficiently. With insights on budget-friendly destinations like Portugal and strategies to beat over-tourism, she helps listeners enjoy their travels without breaking the bank or losing their patience.

A new newsletter offers a fresh take on gut health, focusing on science-backed insights without the fluff. The host dives into the truth about probiotics and whether fermented foods really deliver benefits. Practical tips on how to increase fiber intake without drastic changes to your diet are explored. The initiative encourages community discussions and personal stories to enhance understanding of gut wellness.

Gut health advice can be overwhelming. But science suggests that supporting the gut doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, Trisha Pasricha and Karen Corbin break down what research says about how to care for the gut in everyday life.They explain how to make gut-friendly choices at the grocery store, what to consider before taking a daily probiotic, and why it’s possible to support gut health without stress or strict rules. Their tips focus on what works and what’s less reliable. For more on gut health, read the 8 tips to improve gut health and why probiotics are often a waste of money.Now “Try This” has a newsletter! Think of it as a supplemental guide and sign up here.Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

What you eat changes your gut, and your gut affects your metabolism. Host Cristina Quinn talks to researcher Karen Corbin about how your gut and metabolism work together to process certain foods, all while managing your body’s energy. Karen Corbin, a nutrition and metabolism researcher at AdventHealth Translational Research Institute, walks us through her latest research on how our gut and metabolism respond to whole vs. ultraprocessed foods. Foods that optimize this gut-and-metabolism relationship allow your body to create and use up energy. To read Corbin’s study, click here. For more on her work, go to her page on AdventHealth Translational Research Institute here. Now “Try This” has a newsletter! Think of it as a supplemental guide and sign up here.Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.An earlier version of this episode incorrectly stated that each participant in the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute study consumed a 2000-calorie diet. In fact, study participants were given customized menus so that the calories matched each person’s energy expenditure. This episode has been updated to reflect this correction.