The Well Nurtured Brain

In this episode of the Well Nurtured Brain Dr. Pamela Hutchison sits down with Dr. Jaime de Melo, a fellow naturopathic doctor and the co-founder of Evolve Medical, to discuss the intricate world of blood sugar regulation and its profound impact on our brain health. From the basics of insulin resistance to the far-reaching consequences of blood sugar dysregulation, Dr. Jaime shares invaluable insights and practical advice on maintaining balance, and how this has far reaching effects on brain health over time.

Whether you're navigating diabetes, seeking preventive measures, or simply curious about optimizing your health, this episode could transform the way you think about your body and your health.

About Dr. Jaime de Melo ND

Dr. Jaime de Melo (he/him) is passionate about helping people learn to self-manage chronic health conditions through lifestyle medicine. He is a co-founder of Evolve Medical, a company empowering people to live healthier and happier lives through technology, behavioural science and customized lifestyle medicine.

Connect with Evolve Medical and Dr. Jaime:

Evolve Medical https://www.evolvemedical.co/

Acacia Health https://acaciahealth.ca/team/jaime-de-melo/

Connect with Dr. Pamela Hutchison ND:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

Kleinridders A, Cai W, Cappellucci L, Ghazarian A, Collins WR, Vienberg SG, Pothos EN, Kahn CR. Insulin resistance in brain alters dopamine turnover and causes behavioral disorders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Mar 17;112(11):3463-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1500877112. Epub 2015 Mar 2. PMID: 25733901; PMCID: PMC4371978.

He D, Aleksic S. Is it time to repurpose geroprotective diabetes medications for prevention of dementia? J Am Geriatr Soc. 2023 Jul;71(7):2041-2045. doi: 10.1111/jgs.18405. Epub 2023 May 25. PMID: 37227136; PMCID: PMC10524156.

Enzinger, C., Fazekas, F., Matthews, P. M., Ropele, S., Schmidt, H., Smith, S., & Schmidt, R. (2005). Risk factors for progression of brain atrophy in aging: six-year follow-up of normal subjects. Neurology, 64(10), 1704–1711. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.WNL.0000161871.83614.BB

In this episode of the Well Nurtured Brain, join Dr. Pamela Hutchison as she geeks out over the intriguing link between inflammation and depression. While discussing the current research, she simplifies the science for easy understanding.

Expect to revisit this compelling topic in future episodes as more research emerges. Meanwhile, savor the valuable insights shared in this episode – there are some truly enlightening nuggets waiting for you.

Connect with Dr. Pam:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

1. Nedic Erjavec G, Sagud M, Nikolac Perkovic M, et al. Depression: Biological markers and treatment. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2021;105:110139. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110139

2. Usnich, T., Hauptmann, B., Hanssen, H. et al. Depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease are insufficiently but more often treated than in other chronic conditions. npj Parkinsons Dis. 9, 113 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-023-00551-8

3. Kofod J, Elfving B, Nielsen EH, Mors O, Köhler-Forsberg O. Depression and inflammation: Correlation between changes in inflammatory markers with antidepressant response and long-term prognosis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2022;54:116-125. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.09.006

4. Mischoulon D, Dunlop BW, Kinkead B, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder With High Inflammation: A Randomized Dose-Finding Clinical Trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2022;

In this episode of the Well Nurtured Brain Dr. Pamela Hutchison ND will compare greens powders to their natural, leafy counterparts.

Join Dr. Pamela as she explores the pros and cons of both options. Are greens powders truly the ultimate solution for those on-the-go or in need of an extra boost of nutrients, or can nothing replace the goodness of whole, leafy greens?

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

Zhang J, Oxinos G, Maher JH. The effect of fruit and vegetable powder mix on hypertensive subjects: a pilot study. J Chiropr Med. 2009 Sep;8(3):101-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.004. PMID: 19703665; PMCID: PMC2732245.

Nutrients and bioactives in green leafy vegetables and cognitive decline: Prospective study.

Morris MC, Wang Y, Barnes LL, Bennett DA, Dawson-Hughes B, Booth SL. Neurology. 2018 Jan 16;90(3):e214-e222.

doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000004815.

Associations of vegetable and fruit consumption with age-related cognitive change.

Morris MC, Evans DA, Tangney CC, Bienias JL, Wilson RS.

Neurology. 2006 Oct 24;67(8):1370-6.

doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000240224.38978.d8.

Welcome to the conclusion of Beyond the Headache: Navigating the Complex Puzzle of Migraines on the Well Nurtured Brain. In our first part of this two part series we discussed the true nature of migraines, their impact on those who suffer from them, and why they're so much more than just a headache.

In this anticipated final instalment Dr. Pamela Hutchison will guide us through a number of studies that dissect the effectiveness of well known approaches to reducing the pain, frequency and duration of migraines. Some of the results may surprise you!

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

Moskatel, L.S., Zhang, N. Migraine and Diet: Updates in Understanding. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 22, 327–334 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-022-01195-6

Migraine, Brain Glucose Metabolism and the "Neuroenergetic" Hypothesis: A Scoping Review Lorenzo Del Moro 1, Eugenia Rota 2, Elenamaria Pirovano 3, Innocenzo Rainero 4 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.02.006

Tereshko, Y., Dal Bello, S., Di Lorenzo, C., Pez, S., Pittino, A., Sartor, R., Filippi, F., Lettieri, C., Belgrado, E., Garbo, R., Merlino, G., Gigli, G. L., & Valente, M. (2023). 2:1 ketogenic diet and low-glycemic-index diet for the treatment of chronic and episodic migraine: a single-center real-life retrospective study. The journal of headache and pain, 24(1), 95. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-023-01635-9

Gazerani P. (2020). Migraine and Diet. Nutrients, 12(6), 1658. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061658

Barber, M., & Pace, A. (2020). Exercise and Migraine Prevention: a Review of the Literature. Current pain and headache reports, 24(8), 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00868-6

Lemmens, J., De Pauw, J., Van Soom, T., Michiels, S., Versijpt, J., van Breda, E., Castien, R., & De Hertogh, W. (2019). The effect of aerobic exercise on the number of migraine days, duration and pain intensity in migraine: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

In this episode of The Well Nurtured Brain Dr. Pamela Hutchison is joined by Dr. Richard McIlmoyle, a chiropractor from Victoria with more than two decades of expertise. Together, they discuss the nature of pain and its management, as Dr. Richard shares his perspective on pain as an embodied phenomena.

About Dr. Richard McIlmoyle:

Dr Richard McIlmoyle is a chiropractor with over 24 years of experience. He utilizes the most current science regarding pain and biomechanics to guide his treatment, using multiple manual therapies to promote changes with his patients. His goal when treating patients is to maintain or return them to activities that they enjoy, as it is the best supported intervention when it comes to relieving pain (whether that be recent injury or persisting pain.) Understanding that our body is a robust and adaptable system helps the elite athlete to perform at their best and exercisers to enjoy daily activities.

Treating individuals experiencing persistent pain has become one of his areas of focus, due to its debilitating effects on our population and the poor understanding that most practitioners have of the biopsychosocial framework of pain.

In the upcoming month, Dr. McIlmoyle will be sharing his expertise in Vancouver, where he'll be instructing on "Trauma and Psychologically Informed Pain Care for Manual and Exercise Therapists." Additionally, in November, he will be conducting a course in Victoria titled "Advanced Pain Care for Practitioners."

For more information visit his website at https://www.drrichardmcilmoyle.com/

Connect with Dr. Pamela Hutchison:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to a highly requested two-part series on the Well Nurtured Brain. Join Dr. Pamela as she digs into the world of migraines, shedding light on their intriguing facets. Gain insight into the true nature of migraines, their impact on those who suffer from them, and why they're so much more than just a headache.

Stay tuned for the second installment of this series on October 17th where Dr. Pamela will guide you through effective strategies for coping with migraine attacks.

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

New York Times Migraine Case - Utter exhaustion main symptoms

• https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/magazine/acephalgic-migraine-diagnosis.html

In this enlightening episode of the Well Nurtured Brain Dr. Pamela Hutchison is joined by Dr. Jordan Robertson. Dr. Jordan discusses the complex landscape of mental and neurological health during the peri and menopausal years. We'll explore how hormonal fluctuations, mood swings, and cognitive shifts can shape this transformative journey. This engaging conversation will help you gain valuable insights, dispel common myths, and hopefully leave you feeling empowered. Whether you're personally navigating perimenopause or menopause, or simply seeking to expand your knowledge, this episode is a must-listen for you.

About Dr. Jordan Robertson:

Dr. Jordan Robertson is on a mission to better educate women and people with ovaries on the impact of their hormones on their bodies and brains and to equip them with the tools, strategies and solutions to take care of themselves during the hormone transitions people face over 40.

Equipped with training in research and critical appraisal, a University teaching position on research and integrative care (that she's held for 15 years) and as the owner of The Confident Clinician, a practitioner support database that does research for practicing clinicians to better help their patients, not only does Dr. Jordan know what you're experiencing first hand - she's also changing evidence based practice for integrative practitioners in North America to bring you better clinicians wherever you live, and ultimately better care.

Dr. Jordan shares her experience and research through her podcast Women's Health Unplugged and through publications you can access through her website at www.drjordannd.com. Her clinical team in Ontario serves people virtually throughout the province or in person in the GTA and can be found at www.clarityhealthburlington.ca

The best place to hang with her is Instagram. Especially if you like golden retrievers and weightlifting. www.instagram.com/drjordand

Connect with Dr. Pamela Hutchison:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Join us in this important episode of the Well Nurtured Brain as Dr. Pamela Hutchison ND discusses the inescapable connection between the health of the environment AND human brain health. Discover the link between the chemicals we use in agriculture and industry, and the fastest growing neurological condition on the planet.

Inspired by her experience at the World's Parkinson's Congress this July, Dr. Pam sheds light on this crucial relationship.

In today's episode we'll discuss:

1. How exposure to pesticides is associated with PD risk, progression and mortality.

2. The increased use of pesticides and the correlation to increased PD diagnosis.

3. The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen - fruits and vegetables edition.

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

Dorsey ER, Sherer T, Okun MS, Bloem BR (2020) Ending Parkinson's disease: A prescription for action, New York: Public Affairs. (Book - Highly Recommended Reading)

Schneider Medeiros, M., P Reddy, S., P Socal, M., Schumacher-Schuh, A. F., & Mello Rieder, C. R. (2020). Occupational pesticide exposure and the risk of death in patients with Parkinson's disease: an observational study in southern Brazil. Environmental health : a global access science source, 19(1), 68. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-020-00624-8

Brouwer, M., Koeman, T., van den Brandt, P. A., Kromhout, H., Schouten, L. J., Peters, S., Huss, A., & Vermeulen, R. (2015). Occupational exposures and Parkinson's disease mortality in a prospective Dutch cohort. Occupational and environmental medicine, 72(6), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2014-102209

Ritz, B., & Yu, F. (2000). Parkinson's disease mortality and pesticide exposure in California 1984-1994. International journal of epidemiology, 29(2), 323–329. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/29.2.323

Welcome back to the Well Nurtured Brain. In this episode Dr. Pam is joined by Dr. Bruno Follmer Ph.D who is an important researcher and voice in the sport and concussion community with a focus in understanding concussions in combat sport. On today's episode he will dispel many concussion myths and misconceptions, and shed some light on the truths behind concussions.

Join us as we tackle some of the most common concussion myths, including:

• A Concussion Is Just a Bump on the Head: Delve into the complex nature of concussions and learn why even seemingly minor head impacts can have significant consequences.

• A Dark room and Rest are the Only Cure: Explore the latest research on concussion management and discover the multifaceted approach to recovery, which goes beyond just physical rest.

• You Need to Lose Consciousness to Have a Concussion: Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness and understand the range of symptoms that can indicate a head injury.

• Helmets Prevent Concussions Completely: Gain insights into the role of helmets in head injury prevention, and understand their limitations in protecting against all types of concussions.

About Dr. Bruno Follmer:

Dr Bruno Follmer is an instructor at the School of Kinesiology at Capilano University in Vancouver BC Canada, and he has a Masters degree in Biodynamics of Human Movement and a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria. Dr. Follmer is a scientific researcher with over 27 articles published. He can be found on Instagram @brunofollmer

Connect with Dr Pamela Hutchison:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Welcome back to the second installment of the Well Nurtured Brains series on the MIND diet. In our first episode we discussed some of the research and science behind this diet slowing neurodegenerative disease. The MIND Diet is a dietary plan that has gained significant attention for its potential to promote brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

In this episode Dr. Pamela Hutchison will help us to understand what the MIND diet is and theories underlying the MIND Diet's effectiveness. Dr. Pamela will dive into the broader implications of the MIND Diet, examining how it can be integrated into everyday life and discussing the potential benefits for individuals of all ages. Whether you're seeking to optimize brain health, maintain cognitive vitality, or simply make mindful dietary choices, this podcast equips you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to embark on your own MIND Diet journey.

Connect with Dr Pamela Hutchison:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, Sacks FM, Bennett DA, Aggarwal NT. MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2015 Sep;11(9):1007-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009. Epub 2015 Feb 11. PMID: 25681666; PMCID: PMC4532650.

MIND diet effect on cognitive performance and brain structure in healthy obese women

Arjmand, G., Abbas-Zadeh, M., & Eftekhari, M. H. (2022). Effect of MIND diet intervention on cognitive performance and brain structure in healthy obese women: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific reports, 12(1), 2871. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04258-9

Cherian L, Wang Y, Fakuda K, Leurgans S, Aggarwal N, Morris M. Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet Slows Cognitive Decline After Stroke. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2019;6(4):267-273. doi: 10.14283/jpad.2019.28. PMID: 31686099; PMCID: PMC7199507.

Metcalfe-Roach A, Yu AC, Golz E, Cirstea M, Sundvick K, Kliger D, Foulger LH, Mackenzie M, Finlay BB, Appel-Cresswell S. MIND and Mediterranean Diets Associated with Later Onset of Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord. 2021 Apr;36(4):977-984. doi: 10.1002/mds.28464. Epub 2021 Jan 6. PMID: 33404118; PMCID: PMC8248352.

Liu, X., Morris, M. C., Dhana, K., Ventrelle, J., Johnson, K., Bishop, L., Hollings, C. S., Boulin, A., Laranjo, N., Stubbs, B. J., Reilly, X., Carey, V. J., Wang, Y., Furtado, J. D., Marcovina, S. M., Tangney, C., Aggarwal, N. T., Arfanakis, K., Sacks, F. M., & Barnes, L. L. (2021). Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) study: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial of the MIND diet on cognitive decline. Contemporary clinical trials, 102, 106270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2021.106270

Devranis, P., Vassilopoulou, Ε., Tsironis, V., Sotiriadis, P. M., Chourdakis, M., Aivaliotis, M., & Tsolaki, M. (2023). Mediterranean Diet, Ketogenic Diet or MIND Diet for Aging Populations with Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 13(1), 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010173

Agarwal, P., Wang, Y., Buchman, A. S., Holland, T. M., Bennett, D. A., & Morris, M. C. (2018). MIND Diet Associated with Reduced Incidence and Delayed Progression of ParkinsonismA in Old Age. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 22(10), 1211–1215. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-018-1094-5