In this episode we discuss how to build a rockstar brain. We get into the neurochemical compositions that create moods from happiness to depression and look at you can change the building blocks of the neurochemicals by changing your diet and your habits. In a world were people are more stressed than ever, sleeping less, and trying to do more - we look at the causes of “brain drain” and what we can do to have physically happier and more productive brains with Dr. Michael Dow. 

  

 Dr. Michael Dow is a psychotherapist, neurotherapist, and a New York Times Bestselling author. He has been the host of several television series examining relationships, brain health, addiction, and mental illness. Dr. Mike is frequently a guest cohost on The Doctors and his work has been featured in Today, Good Morning America, Nightline, and more.

  

 

Your brain is being drained every day by stress, life, etc 

The 3 subtypes of brain drain

Adrenaline

Norepinephrine

Cortisol

What happens, neurologically, when you suffer from “brain drain” or brain fog

The brain balancing neurochemicals that are the antidotes to stress hormones

EPA and DHA Omega 3 Acids - and why they are important co-factors in building a healthy brain

People are feeling more stressed than ever, working more, sleeping less

How are we causing “brain drain” with our daily habits and activities?

The 24 hour relationship between cortisol and melatonin

Throughout the day, your melatonin level rises and your cortisol level decreases

What we do every single day has a far more profound effect on our neurochemicals than we even realize

Lifestyle interventions you can implement to rebalance and change your neurochemicals

Sugar and flour drain and shrink the hippocampus - which is the main site of neurogenesis

How do we cultivate GABA?

Glutamine from spinach

Vitamin B6 in bananas, magnesium and zinc

Eat seven servings of whole fruits and vegetables every day

Are vitamins and supplements are useful tool or should we get all our nutrients from whole foods?

The importance of getting Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)

EPA = Feel Better Omega 3 (stress less Omega 3)

DHA = Sleep soundly Omega 3 (promotes restful sleep)

EPA and DHA compete for space in your cells

Omega 3s are one of the best foods you can eat for your brain - they are the building blocks of yo

You can build a “rockstar brain” with a modified mediterranean diet

Lean protein

Nuts

Olive Oil

Fish

Lots of fruits and vegetables

The modified mediterranean diet has been shown via research to combat major depressive disorder

Common sources of omega 6 fats - soybean oil and factory farmed meat products - most intense source of omega 6 fats which cause brain inflammation

Strategies for shifting the brain from the sympathetic to the parasympat

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.