The Empowering Neurologist is an interview series with some of the most exciting thought leaders in the field of health and wellness.
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Today on The Empowering Neurologist podcast we are going to explore PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, a pervasive issue that can be profoundly debilitating. PTSD is experienced by about 6% of the US population at some point in their lifetime and at any given time approximately 5% of American adults are living with this disorder. Certainly, we see high risk and veterans with PTSD affecting about 11 to 20% of veterans who served in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Vietnam veterans experience a lifetime prevalence somewhere in the neighborhood of 30%. PTSD symptoms usually begin within three months of a traumatic event, but can actually surface many years later making the diagnosis and the relationship to a traumatic event challenging. In about 1/3 of cases, PTSD becomes chronic and can last for years or even decades.
We know that there are significant comorbidities associated with PTSD, including other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety disorder, substance use disorders, and even cognitive decline.
While cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, and pharmaceutical intervention are the “go to” treatments for this problem, hyperbaric oxygen therapy presents us with a new and emerging therapy now receiving global recognition. We will review research on this podcast demonstrating the profound effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen in treating PTSD, research that makes it clear that this is one of the most powerful interventions ever developed for treating this challenging disorder.
We will visit the Aviv Clinic in Central Florida, and spend time with Dr. Mohammad Elamir.
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0:00 Intro
4:55 Why Hyperbaric Works for PTSD Patients
8:44 Evaluating patients with PTSD
12:30 How the Protocol Was Chosen & Implemented
16:40 Potential Side Effects
18:00 Youngest People Treated with This
19:32 Combining Therapy Modalities for PTSD
20:14 Other Conditions that Can Be Helped By This
22:04 Amazing Results From These Studies
24:06 Using this with Our Military
26:00 Getting to the Root Problems
26:48 Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries
28:54 Why This Isn’t More Widely Being Offered
29:49 The Right Formula for This
32:55 Get Involved Today
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Dr. Mohammed Elamir, or “Dr. Mo”to his patients, has been part of the Aviv Clinics team in The Villages since the clinic opened in 2020. As lead physician, he oversees the medical treatment for all clients in the Aviv Medical Program, collaborating with other members of Aviv’s clinical team to provide truly comprehensive care. As a presenter, his seminars often sell out, thanks in part to his ability to translate complex scientific concepts and data into easily-relatable language.
Prior to joining Aviv Clinics, Dr. Elamir practiced internal medicine at the MM Jersey Breathing Center while also owning a medical spa in New Jersey. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at RWJ-Barnabas: Jersey City Medical Center where he was chief resident and a member of the ethics committee. Dr. Mo has a passion for helping others who are pursuing a career in medicine and continues to mentor pre-med and medical school students.
Dr. Elamir became involved with Aviv Clinics after his late father suffered a stroke, which sparked Dr. Mo’s interest in novel approaches to healing the brain. He is the father of two children, including a son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Elamir considers it his life’s mission to help progress his son’s development and better understand the causes and treatment of ASD.
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In this compelling episode of The Empowering Neurologist, I sit down with Dr. Ray Dorsey, a leading voice in the world of neurology and author of the important new book, The Parkinson’s Plan. Dr. Dorsey is a passionate advocate for changing how we view and address Parkinson’s disease. His message is bold—and urgently needed: Parkinson’s is not simply a disease of aging or bad luck. It is, in his words, “a man-made disease,” driven by preventable environmental exposures.
Dr. Dorsey’s work shines a much-needed spotlight on the role of toxins in triggering Parkinson’s. In his new book, he lays out a comprehensive framework for understanding and reversing the rising tide of Parkinson’s cases, which have more than doubled in recent decades. He argues that this surge is no coincidence—it correlates with increased exposure to industrial chemicals, pesticides, and air pollutants that interfere with the brain’s delicate dopamine system.
One of the most striking recent contributions from Dr. Dorsey’s research is a JAMA-published study linking Parkinson’s risk to proximity to golf courses—locations that are frequently treated with high volumes of chemical herbicides and pesticides. The study found a significantly increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in individuals living near these manicured greens. This adds to a growing body of evidence that toxic environmental exposures play a key role in the development of this neurodegenerative condition.
In our conversation, Dr. Dorsey discusses how Parkinson’s (once a rare disease) has become the world’s fastest-growing brain disorder, and why its rise can’t be explained by aging populations alone. He shares practical strategies for individuals and families looking to reduce their toxic burden and offers hope for a new paradigm. One in which we actively prevent, treat, and ultimately aim to eliminate Parkinson’s.
Try Lichen Air, an air filter carefully constructed to remove the maximum amount of PM 2.5 and smaller air pollutants possible:
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0:00 Intro
2:40 Living Near to a Golf course Raises Parkinson’s Risk
4:58 How Pollutants Lead to Parkinson’s
7:12 Danger of Dry cleaning Chemicals
11:45 Parkinson’s is not just about Genetics
14:15 Why aren't these chemicals illegal?
17:07 Toxicity of Weed Killer
21:00 Chemicals that Damage Mitochondria
26:39 Why Diabetes Increases Parkinson’s Risk
29:38Air Pollution & WildFires
34:04 The Air Purifier We Recommend
34:49 Dealing with Indoor Air Pollution
37:02 Wash All Produce (Even Organic)
38:12 Best Diet for Parkinson’s Prevention
41:26 Safe Practices for Farming & Dry Cleaning
45:23 Benefits of Exercise
48:01 Public Figures Who Faced Parkinson's Disease
49:58 Why Men are More Likely to Get It
51:21 An Empowering Message for Us
54:27 Conclusion
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Dr. Ray Dorsey is the director of the Center for the Brain & the Environment at the Atria Health and Research Institute. The center’s mission is to identify the root causes of brain diseases from autism to Alzheimer’s so that we can prevent them. With his colleagues, he wrote Ending Parkinson’s Disease and the forthcoming The Parkinson’s Plan, which details a new path to preventing and treating this terrible disease.
Ray previously directed the Center for Health + Technology at the University of Rochester, chaired the international Huntington Study Group, led the movement disorders division at Johns Hopkins, and consulted for McKinsey & Company.
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I’m thrilled to announce this exciting podcast episode featuring an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mai Nguyen, CEO and Co-founder of OptoCeutics. Dr. Nguyen is a pioneering force in the field of neurotechnology, and in this episode, we unpack her revolutionary work using non-invasive light stimulation to enhance brain function and potentially prevent neurodegenerative disease.
At the center of our conversation is the EVY, a 40 Hertz light stimulation device developed by OptoCeutics under Dr. Nguyen’s leadership. This device is designed to target and enhance gamma oscillations in the brain—a specific frequency range of neural activity (around 40 Hz) that is critically involved in memory, attention, and perception. In recent years, scientific studies have linked disruptions in gamma oscillations with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. By restoring these rhythms, the EVY device aims to provide a non-pharmacological, non-invasive way to support brain health.
During our podcast, Dr. Nguyen explains how EVY works: the device emits flickering light at a precise 40 Hz frequency, which is thought to entrain brain activity to resonate at that same frequency. This gentle stimulation may help reduce amyloid-beta accumulation, improve neural connectivity, and promote immune system engagement in the brain—mechanisms that could slow or even reverse aspects of cognitive decline.
What sets Dr. Nguyen apart is not just her scientific brilliance, but her deep commitment to translating research into real-world solutions. She leads OptoCeutics with a clear mission: to bring accessible, evidence-based neurotechnology into homes and clinics, empowering people to take charge of their cognitive well-being. Her approach is both deeply human and rigorously scientific, blending innovation with empathy.
As you’ll hear in the interview, Dr. Nguyen's work exemplifies the exciting convergence of biology, technology, and therapeutic application.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of brain health, the science of neuroplasticity, and the promise of light-based therapies. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, caregiver, or simply curious about how to support your brain as you age, Dr. Nguyen’s insights will leave you informed, inspired, and hopeful.
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0:00 Intro
2:46 How Dr. Mai Started Studying it
5:16 How Light Enhances Gamma Oscillation
7:22 Promise of These Studies
8:51 How the EVY Device Works
11:20 Early Clinical Results + Potential Side Effects
13:53 Application of this technology
16:36 Why Mainstream is Late to Adopt This
22:04 Impact of Auditory Stimulation
23:38 The Future of This Research
25:25 Get Involved Today
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Dr. Nguyen is a trailblazer in neurotechnology, pioneering advancements in non-invasive brain stimulation technology for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia. As CEO and Co-founder of OptoCeutics, Dr. Nguyen leads the charge in bridging the gap between neuroscience and therapeutic innovation, offering new hope to millions affected by cognitive decline.
Under Dr. Nguyen’s leadership, Optoceutics has become a frontrunner in brain stimulation technology and a recognized authority in non-invasive neuromodulation. Her unique approach combines rigorous scientific methodology with groundbreaking therapeutic solutions.
This vision is shaped by her academic excellence, including a PhD in Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley with a specialization in Neuroendocrinology, and her extensive training in management, technology innovation, and entrepreneurship.
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In our modern world, we are surrounded by a staggering number of invisible threats. These chemicals and pollutants can silently undermine our immune systems, increase our risk for chronic illness, and sabotage our health at the cellular level. That’s why I’m especially excited to welcome Dr. Aly Cohen to this episode of The Empowering Neurologist. This conversation is not only eye-opening, it’s empowering and filled with practical, actionable steps that each of us can take starting today.
In our conversation Dr. Cohen takes us through the science and the soul of her mission. We explore what inspired her to write Detoxify, a journey that began at the intersection of clinical frustration and personal awakening. Over the years, she began noticing that many of her patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and neurological complaints shared a common thread: consistent exposure to environmental toxins. This wasn't just about vague “bad stuff.”Dr. Cohen has zeroed in on a specific category of chemicals she terms “Immune-disrupting chemicals (IDCs).” These are substances that directly interfere with the immune system's ability to regulate and repair.
Dr. Cohen doesn’t stop at theory… she gets specific - with personal care products to avoid, water purification tips every household should know, and simple DIY recipes for safer cleaning and skincare. Her “Detoxify Food Pyramid” reimagines what a clean, immune-supportive diet looks like in a world of processed foods and contaminated agriculture.
We also touch on how environmental toxins can act as potent triggers for autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis - diseases Dr. Cohen treats in her clinical practice almost every day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of modern toxicity, this episode offers a clear and hopeful path forward. Dr. Cohen emphasizes that detoxifying your life doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It’s about starting small. Things like switching to a glass water bottle, choosing fragrance-free detergents, and reading ingredient labels can lead to profound health benefits.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
02:15 Welcoming Dr. Amy Cohen & Her Inspiration for Her Book
05:45 Water & How Contamination Dysregulates Our Immune System
10:44 Recommendations for Filtration and Purification
13:13 Quality of Bottled Water Is Sub Par & Likely Tap Water
18:03 Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Contaminants Found In Our Water
21:47 Sparking Change with The Four A's: Assess, Avoid Or Swap, Add, Allow
27:39 How Did These Chemicals Enter Our Food & Water Supply?
34:10 How Do Genetics Determine Your Ability To Detoxify?
37:50 Air Quality, Pollution, and The Impact On Our Bodies
43:49 Navigating How To Improve The Air You Breath
47:41 Detoxifying The Body From Air Pollution
51:18 Hidden Threats In Your Personal Care Products & How To Avoid Them
1:04:19 Conclusion
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Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified physician practicing in rheumatology and integrative medicine, as well as an environmental health expert in Princeton, New Jersey. Her new book, DETOXIFY: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, available now for preorder, connects the dots between everyday chemicals and the epidemic rise in immune disorders and autoimmune disease...and what we CAN all do about it! You can follow her health and wellness tips and recommendations on Facebook at The Smart Human, Twitter, and Instagram: @thesmarthuman, and TikTok.
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The ketogenic diet has become a household term, often associated with rapid weight loss and an effective means of shedding stubborn fat. However, as my guest on this episode of The Empowering Neurologist, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, will explain, there is so much more to the ketogenic lifestyle than simply dropping a few pounds. We’re diving deep into the science of metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and how our lifestyle choices impact long-term health, particularly brain health.
While many people adopt a ketogenic diet for its well-documented benefits in weight management, its effects on metabolism reach far beyond simple fat burning. Nutritional ketosis helps the body transition from relying primarily on carbohydrates for energy to efficiently burning fat and producing ketones, an alternative fuel source for the brain and muscles.
As Dr. D’Agostino will discuss, one of the most crucial aspects of metabolic health is insulin sensitivity. When insulin function is compromised, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even cognitive decline. By keeping insulin sensitivity in check through dietary choices, fasting, and exercise, we can enhance our metabolic health and lower the risk of chronic disease.
The brain is an energy-intensive organ, and its function is directly influenced by our metabolic state. Research has shown that ketones provide a more efficient and neuroprotective fuel source for the brain compared to glucose. This is particularly relevant for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and even traumatic brain injury.
By making intentional choices about what we eat, how we move, and how we recover, we can take control of our metabolic health and improve our longevity.
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00:00 Introduction
02:21 How Dr. D’Agostino Went From Seizure Research To Nutrition Science
03:31 From Drug Failures To The Medical Power Of Ketosis
05:15 What Ketones Really Are And Why They’re A Metabolic Game-Changer
09:37 Why Ketogenic Therapy Is Now In 400+ Clinical Trials Worldwide
12:21 GLP-1 Drugs, Weight Loss, And Keto: What They Do To Your Metabolism
15:10 Inside A Ketogenic Body: Fat Burning, Fuel Switching, And More
17:25 How Lowering Insulin Turns On Fat Burning And Ketone Production
20:03 Why Ketones Keep The Brain Stable And Cravings Under Control
23:54 The Right Amount Of Protein For Muscle, Aging, And Staying In Ketosis
27:03 Do You Actually Need Fiber? The Carnivore Diet And Gut Health
30:00 How Ketosis Reduces Inflammation And Repairs The Gut Barrier
34:31 Genomics of Ketonics: Beta-Hydroxybutyrate’s Epigenetic Power
45:38 Allulose: The Sweetener That Lowers Blood Sugar And Boosts GLP-1
52:03 Why MCT Oil Might Be The Most Underrated Keto Hack Available
54:30 Conclusion
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Dominic D’Agostino, Ph.D., is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. He teaches medical neuroscience, medical physiology, nutrition and neuropharmacology. He is also a Senior Visiting Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) to assist with their efforts towards optimizing the safety, health and resilience of the warfighter and astronaut. His primary research focuses on developing and testing nutritional and metabolic-based therapies for a variety of disease states and advancing the use of metabolic-based therapies into human clinical applications.
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Cancer remains a formidable global challenge, with nearly one in six deaths worldwide attributed to the disease. Over 60% of patients undergoing conventional treatments experience severe side effects, highlighting the need for complementary therapies that enhance efficacy and reduce harm.
Dr. Valter Longo, a leading figure in aging and nutritional science, has introduced a groundbreaking approach known as the fasting mimicking diet (FMD). Through years of research, Dr. Longo has shown that cycles of controlled fasting can trigger cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health.
His work has reshaped our understanding of nutrition’s role in health and disease, providing a scientific basis for fasting as a tool to support standard cancer therapies. The fasting mimicking diet offers a promising adjunct to traditional treatments. By strategically reducing calorie intake, FMD protects healthy cells and makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation.
This dual effect boosts the effectiveness of treatment while mitigating debilitating side effects. Dr. Longo’s new book, Fasting Cancer, the subject of our podcast, explores the science behind fasting and its potential to transform cancer care. He shares practical guidelines, compelling case studies, and robust research that illustrate how FMD can be integrated with standard therapies for better outcomes.
Listeners of The Empowering Neurologist were captivated by Dr. Longo’s ability to translate complex science into actionable advice in his previous appearance, and this episode is no exception. His work continues to inspire both patients and healthcare professionals to explore innovative, science-driven approaches in the fight against cancer.
As research unfolds, the fasting mimicking diet stands as a testament to the power of nutritional science in modern medicine. Embracing this strategy, patients and clinicians alike are witnessing a promising future in cancer care.
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00:00 Introduction
02:10 The Cancer Nutrition Scientist Changing Everything
04:36 How Cancer Cells Hack Aging And Stay Immortal
06:00 The Hidden Danger Of Cancer Cell Survival After Chemo
07:30 Why Young People Are Getting More Cancer Than Ever
10:48 Are We Eating Too Much Protein For Longevity
13:22 A Diet That Weakens Cancer But Shields Healthy Cells
17:55 What Is The Fasting Mimicking Diet And Why It Works
21:40 The Critical Timing That Makes Chemo More Effective
23:00 How Starving Cancer Creates A Predictable Weak Spot
27:30 The Multi-Angle Attack That Slows Glioblastoma
29:15 Could This Diet Delay Or Reverse Alzheimer’s
32:50 Clinical Trials Show This Diet Reverses Diabetes
36:30 How Fasting Triggers Organ Regeneration In Humans
41:05 The Shocking Risks Behind Popular Weight Loss Drugs
57:14 Conclusion
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Valter Longo is the director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He studies basic and clinical research on nutrition, aging, and disease, with a focus on cancer, autoimmunity, Alzheimer’s, and cardiometabolic illness. Dr. Longo has received multiple awards including the 2010 Nathan Shock Lecture Award from the National Institute on Aging, the 2013 Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award, and the 2016 Glenn Award for Research in the Biological Mechanisms of Aging. In 2018, Time named him one of the 50 most influential people in health care, and in 2021 Science magazine called him a pioneer in nutrition and cancer. He is the author of Fasting Cancer and The Longevity Diet.
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Welcome back to The Empowering Neurologist! In this episode we have a truly fascinating conversation lined up with none other than Dr. Steven Gundry, a world-renowned heart surgeon-turned-functional medicine expert, whose work has transformed the way we understand diet, disease, and longevity.
Dr. Gundry is no stranger to challenging conventional medical wisdom. In his latest book, The Gut-Brain Paradox: Improve Your Mood, Clear Brain Fog, and Reverse Disease by Healing Your Microbiome (HarperCollins; April 15, 2025), he flips the script on the traditional gut-brain connection. His research reveals a startling truth: your microbiome is not just influencing your brain—it’s controlling it.
For years, we’ve heard that the brain sends signals to the gut. But Dr. Gundry shows that it’s actually the other way around: the microbes in our gut are shaping our thoughts, emotions, and even personality. From food cravings to mental health struggles, from cognitive decline to addiction—these tiny gut-dwelling organisms are the real puppet masters. And when our gut falls out of balance, neurological dysfunction follows.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
✅ How gut bacteria influence cravings, mood, and even personality
✅ The surprising link between gut inflammation and drug tolerance
✅ Why a leaky gut can lead to brain fog, neurodegeneration, and mental health issues
✅ How to reclaim control of your mind by healing your microbiome
Dr. Gundry lays out a powerful, science-backed plan to restore gut health and optimize brain function, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever struggled with brain fog, anxiety, depression, or unexplained neurological symptoms, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to this eye-opening conversation and discover how fixing your gut provides an important step to unlocking your brain’s full potential.
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00:00 Introduction
03:00 Why a Heart Surgeon Wrote a Book on the Brain
06:18 The Forgotten Hero Who Was Beaten to Death for Washing His Hands
09:08 A Parkinson’s Case Reversed by Healing the Gut?
13:28 Gluten Cross-Contamination and a Son’s Cutting Board: A Shocking Relapse
19:16 Gut Leaks, Brain Barriers, and Immune Sabotage: The Mechanism Explained
23:15 The Alzheimer’s Barrier Theory: Why Beta-Amyloid Might Be the Brain’s Defense System
26:20 Can Depression Be Healed Through the Gut?
30:27 Are Bacteria Controlling Your Addictions and Cravings?
34:02 The Scariest Mind-Control Parasite You’ve Never Heard Of
38:41 Eat This, Not That: How to Hack Your Gut for Better Brain Health
41:23 Neu5Gc and How it Impacts Our Brains
48:03 Are Polyphenols the Brain’s Secret Weapon?
56:38 Dead Bacteria, Live Benefits: Why Your Probiotic Doesn’t Need to Survive
01:05:05 Conclusion and Thank you
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Steven R. Gundry, MD, is the director of the International Heart and Lung Institute in Palm Springs, California, and the founder and director of the Center for Restorative Medicine in Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. After a distinguished surgical career as a professor and chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at Loma Linda University, Dr. Gundry changed his focus to curing modern diseases via dietary changes. He has written more than three hundred articles published in peer-reviewed journals on using diet and supplements to eliminate heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and multiple other diseases. He is the host of the top ranked nutrition podcast The Dr. Gundry Podcast and founder of Gundry MD, a wellness brand. Dr. Gundry lives with his wife, Penny, and their dogs in Palm Springs and Montecito, California.
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We hear so much these days about various “biohacking” techniques that are purported to be helpful for us in terms of improving our health and even extending our lifespan. But I think it's really important that we unpack some of these ideas and get a good understanding as to what they involve and what we can expect if we were to engage them. We're going to explore a variety of hot topics like exosome therapy, peptide therapy, cryotherapy hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other innovative techniques. But most importantly we will explore how our simple, day-to-day lifestyle choices impact our health in terms of preserving our resistance to disease, and possibly even extending our lives.
Our guest is Dr. Darshan Shah, a powerful influencer in the area of health-span improvement.
Let me tell you a little bit more about Dr. Shah.Darshan Shah, MD, is a health and wellness specialist, board-certified surgeon, published author, entrepreneur, and founder of Next Health, the world's first and largest Health Optimization and Longevity clinic. As a Longevity Medicine specialist, he has advised thousands of patients on how to optimize their well-being and extend their healthspan and lifespan. Dr. Shah began his career at an accelerated MD program and earned his medical degree at the age of 21, becoming one of the youngest doctors in the United States. He continued his training at the Mayo Clinic, one of the most prestigious medical institutes in the country. Dr. Shah’s belief in continual education and self-improvement has earned him alumni status at Harvard Business School, Singularity University, and other prestigious institutions. His passion is speaking on the topics of longevity and health, having done over 100+ speaking engagements and appearances.
0:00 Intro
2:52 How Dr. Darshan Shah Began Studying Longevity
9:14 The Next Health Clinic: Cutting-Edge Longevity Science
12:11 The Biggest Health Mistake People Don't Realize
14:47 Evaluating Biomarkers & Their Clinical Importance
20:52 Key Biomarkers to Monitor Inflammation & Uric Acid
23:43 Why Uric Acid Matters
25:32 Clarifying the Confusion Surrounding Cholesterol
29:20 Hormone Levels as a Key Marker of Health (TRT)
35:22 Cutting Edge Science: Peptide Therapy
41:54 The Success of These Treatments
43:05 Science of Exosome Therapy
44:55 NAD & Stimulating the Mitochondria
46:41 Effectiveness of Cryotherapy
48:19 How Mainstream Physicians View this Approach
50:37 Cognitive Decline
52:09 His #1 Health Practice for Longevity
53:40 Conclusion
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Dr. Darshan Shah is a health optimization expert, board-certified surgeon, and founder of Next Health, the world’s first Health Optimization and Longevity clinic. A graduate of an accelerated MD program, he earned his medical degree at 21 and trained at the Mayo Clinic. With over 20,000 surgeries performed and multiple ventures in the wellness space, Dr. Shah now focuses on helping people extend their healthspan through cutting-edge science and personalized care. He’s also a sought-after speaker and lifelong learner with credentials from Harvard Business School and Singularity University.
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The idea that we can live however we want and then rely on a magic treatment for cognitive issues is unrealistic and dangerous. The reality is that our daily choices profoundly impact our brain’s future, and once cognitive decline begins, there is no clear-cut pharmaceutical solution.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Dale Bredesen, whose book The Ageless Brain is an incredible resource for protecting brain health. He has pioneered a comprehensive approach to preventing and even reversing cognitive decline. This book offers a powerful blueprint not only for sharpening your mind but also for building resilience against neurodegenerative diseases.
In The Ageless Brain, Dr. Bredesen distills decades of research into actionable steps. He explores key lifestyle factors—nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress management, and supplementation—that influence cognitive performance and long-term brain resilience. What’s exciting is his proactive, personalized approach. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, Dr. Bredesen shows us how to build a brain that resists aging from the start.
Today, we’ll unpack some of the most impactful strategies from his book, discuss major breakthroughs in neuroscience, and explore how we can all take charge of our cognitive health. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to maintain lifelong clarity and vitality, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Dale Bredesen, MD, is an internationally recognized neurologist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases. He is the Senior Director of Precision Brain Health at Pacific Neuroscience Institute® and the Chief Scientific Officer at Apollo Health.
Guided by his belief that Alzheimer’s is not just preventable but reversible, Dr. Bredesen’s groundbreaking research has helped explain the biological mechanisms behind memory loss. His decades of study have led to new treatment approaches, including the ReCODE Protocol™—also known as the Bredesen Protocol—a strategy designed to prevent, slow, and even reverse cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to Guest
2:48 Phase 3 Trial Upcoming
10:11 Alzheimer’s: Different Triggers, Different Outcomes
13:11 Could Brushing Your Teeth Save Your Brain? (Oral Microbiome & Alzheimer’s
18:45 The 3 Major Players in Brain Health
22:24 How to Make Sure You Never Get Dementia
22:33 Blood Markers for Alzheimer’s: What Your Tests Reveal
28:10 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s: The Hidden Connection
34:18 The #1 Contributor to Cognitive Decline: Insulin Resistance
39:54 How to Match Your Brainspan to Your Lifespan
40:31 Top Supplements for Brain Health
43:15 The Power of Nitric Oxide for Your Brain
48:07 Leaky Gut & Cognitive Decline
54:15 Metformin & Brain Longevity
57:31 Why Do More Men Than Women Get Parkinson’s
1:05:24 ADHD & Alzheimer’s: The Fruit Fly Discovery ("Alzflymers")
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Dale Bredesen, M.D., is an expert in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. He is a graduate of Caltech and received his MD from Duke University Medical Center. His career includes serving as Chief Resident in Neurology at UCSF, working as an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, and holding faculty positions at UCSF, UCLA, and UC San Diego. He was the director of the Program on Aging at the Burnham Institute and the founding President and CEO of the Buck Institute. His work has led to a new therapeutic approach for treating Alzheimer’s. He is the author of The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline.
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Yes, we need stress in our lives! Staying in our comfort zone may be doing us more harm than good. That’s probably surprising to hear from me having spoken about the importance of reducing stress over the years. But, nonetheless, a level of stress that is not overly damaging, and that may actually have positive benefits.
Today we are going to learn much more about that will be looking at the book, The Stress Paradox with Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist. We're going to learn about the"Stress dilemma" that we face, how stress enhances, cellular resilience, how our life compares to the lives of our ancestors in terms of the physical stresses that we endure. We will explore how stressing ourselves in relation to the times that we eat, our physical exercise, and even explore how sleep or lack of sleep, may affect us in negative and even perhaps positive ways. All in all, we"re learning these days how we want to do our best to leverage the value of being out of our comfort zone but also recognizing our
boundaries.
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Welcoming Sharon and Introducing The Stress Paradox
06:33 Sleep is Critical
07:12 Good Stress (HIIT) vs. Bad Stress (Financial Hardship)
09:50 Hormetic Stress? Current Environment vs. Ancestors' Stress Levels
13:20 Stress Responses Stored in Phytochemicals and our Evolutionary Relationship with Plants
19:01 10,000 DNA Injuries Any Given Day, 7 Per Minute
22:03 The Biggest Factor Related to Longevity
26:01 Relationship with Decreased Risk of Alzheimer’s & The Role of Myokines
30:17 Microglia Cells Can Share Mitochondria (Before & After)
35:13 Heat Exposure Mimics the Benefits of Exercise
38:01 Key Strategies for Longevity and Vitality
45:32 Personalized Health Strategies for Optimal Performance
50:25: The Cortisol Spike and Why It is Necessary
58:20 Why You Need Non-negotiables In Your Physiology
50:20 Conclusion
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Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD, is an award-winning physician, innovative healthcare leader, and visionary researcher renowned for spearheading a science-based approach to applying lifestyle as medicine. She has helped lead numerous clinical trials, including the Emory Healthy Aging Study and the NIH funded Emory Healthy Brain Study. Dr. Bergquist is widely published in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to over 200 news
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We all want to live a stress-free life. But as it turns out, this may not necessarily be in our best interest having a low level of stress of various types turns out to be good for our physiology and can even help us recover from illness. When stress is implemented in this way, it is termed, other words, the upside of low-grade stress. That stress can be exercise, immersion ourselves in cold or hot temperatures, time restricted eating, or even various forms of light exposure all of which we will explore on my podcast today, which is an interview with my good friend, Jeff Krasno. His new book, Good Stress, that he wrote along with his wife Schuyler Grant
He is the CEO and founder of Commune Media, a masterclass platform for well-being that features renowned authors and teachers. He hosts the Commune podcast, which has over 520 episodes and generates more than 750,000 monthly downloads, featuring interviews with luminaries such as Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Matthew McConaughey, and Gabor Maté. Additionally, Jeff writes a weekly "Commusing" essay exploring well-being, spirituality, and culture, distributed to an email list of over one million subscribers.
Prior to founding Commune Media, Jeff co-created Wanderlust, a global series of wellness events that have significantly contributed to popularizing yoga practices and principles in the U.S. and beyond. In 2016, Oprah Winfrey selected him as part of the SuperSoul100, recognizing him as one of the nation's leading entrepreneurs.
Jeff's latest book, "Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things," co-authored with his wife, Schuyler Grant, is set to be released on March 25, 2025. I've had the opportunity to read the galley and it's a terrific book that will open a lot of doors for each and every one of you in terms of regaining your health.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection with Jeff Regarding the Los Angeles Wildfires
8:51 Introducing Jeff’s Book, Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things
13:42 The Personal and Societal Costs of Poor Health
18:27 Jeff’s Background and Personal Approach to Wellness
22:54 Homeostasis as the Foundation of Health
25:42 Rethinking "Normal"—The Flaws of the Bell Curve Perspective
29:24 Evolutionary Perspectives on Health and Adaptation
34:55 Thermoregulation as a Pathway to Homeostatic Flexibility
38:15 Hypoxia and Its Role in Physiological Adaptation
47:04 The Therapeutic Potential of Thermal Shock
49:51 The Concept of Good Stress and the Evolutionary Mismatch of Modern Lifestyles
55:01 Optimal Timing and Approaches for Cold Plunging
1:00:46 Jeff’s Personal Biohacking Journey
1:07:08 Exploring the Benefits of Light Therapy and the Revival of Raw Milk Consumption
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Jeff Krasno is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being and co-creator of Wanderlust, a global series of wellness events. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of luminaries from Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. His latest venture expands Jeff’s personal story and protocols into a book, Good Stress: The Benefits of Doing Hard Things (Hay House, March 2025). The book dives deeper into the concepts from the course, distilling insights from over 400 podcast conversations Jeff has conducted, along with his personal experiences applying these ideas to transform his own health. It explores deliberate, self-imposed behaviors that promote social, psychological, and physical well-being, offering both a philosophical exploration of true wellness and practical steps to achieve it.
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