Top Risk Factors Destroying Your Brain & How To Repair It For Longevity | Dr. Majid Fotuhi

Dwindling memory is thought to be a normal part of aging. But just because something is common doesn’t make it normal. There is a lot we can do to safeguard the memory center of our brain, and it’s never too late to get started.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with Dr. Majid Fotuhi to discuss the top diet and lifestyle factors that shrink our brains and insightful tips on what we can start doing to grow and preserve our brain health today.
In this episode, Dr. Fotuhi shares how our hippocampus is the hub of our memory and that, in order to ward off Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related neurodegenerative diseases, we must protect it with a healthy diet, quality sleep, regular physical activity, and so much more. We also get insights into the importance of stress management and having a sense of purpose for a healthy, high-functioning brain.
Dr. Fotuhi is a neurologist with expertise in the fields of memory, concussion, and successful aging. Through his 30 years of teaching, clinical work, and neuroscience research at Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Fotuhi has developed a multidisciplinary program for helping people of all ages improve their memory and attention. The results of his program have been published in several scientific journals and his three books. His passion lies within public education on brain health, and he teaches in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at George Washington University and Harvard Medical School.
In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Majid Fotuhi dive into:
-The top things that shrink our brains as we age
-How a big belly relates to a shrinking hippocampus
-Why trans fats are so bad for the brain
-Protective fats for the brain
-How a sedentary lifestyle shrinks the brain
-Dr. Fotuhi’s prescription for exercise
-How walking helps grow the hippocampus
-The role of the hippocampus in chronic disease
-A testimonial of a patient under Dr. Fotuhi’s care
-How snoring, sleep apnea, and stress impair our sleep
-Dhru’s dad’s experience of sleep apnea and how he fixed it
-Why sugar is so damaging to the brain
-The link between elevated uric acid levels and brain aging
-Key strategies to help us grow our brain
-Why having a sense of purpose is so important for brain health
Also mentioned in this episode
-Boost Your Brain: The New Art + Science Behind Enhanced Brain Performance: a.co/d/0bmNwXk
-The New York Times Crosswords to Keep Your Brain Young: The 6-Step Age-Defying -Program: a.co/d/0E7Lpu0
-The Memory Cure: How to Protect Your Brain Against Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease: a.co/d/d5rJTdg
For more on Dr. Majid Fotuhi:
-Instagram @dr_fotuhi
-KZbin @DrFotuhi
-Website: drfotuhi.com
This episode is brought to you by:
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[@DhruPurohit]

Get my FREE guide Raise Your Omega 3's when you sign up for my weekly health newsletter at www.dhrupurohit.com/omega3

[@sandrap4188]

Really inspired by the advice here. Over age 60, and had recent brain MRI that noted brain shrinkage & abdomen cat scan showing fatty liver. Very well aware of noticeable brain fog these past 5+ years. Now retired for 2 years & trying to back pedal to restore my brain/body from a lifetime of a very unhealthy, stressful lifestyle. My job now is to eat organic whole foods, intermittent fast, drink 3 L water/day, walk 3X/day day in nature, and sleep enough/stress less, volunteer to be around people. Red light therapy & supplements like coq10, omega 3, multi vitamins, probiotics. Have lost a ton of weight in 2 years & feel like I am now being proactive to stave off dementia & immobility. Better late than never hopefully pays off. Time will tell. (Love that he mentioned Lyme testing because its under the radar for a big cause of hurting the brain & devastating a person's health)

[@ramzanfarooqi2609]

Thanks again

[@MrQuadcity]

The key takeaways are: 1. **Lifestyle Factors Affecting Brain Health**: Poor sleep, high stress, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet, particularly one high in trans fats, are major risk factors that can damage the brain and contribute to cognitive decline. 2. **Importance of the Hippocampus**: The hippocampus, crucial for memory and learning, is particularly susceptible to damage from these negative lifestyle factors. This damage is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. 3. **Protective Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids**: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, olive oil, and avocados, are essential for brain health. They help build neuron membranes and are associated with a larger hippocampus and lower Alzheimer's risk. 4. **Exercise as a Brain Booster**: Physical activity, even in small amounts, is beneficial for brain health. Regular exercise can lead to hippocampal growth, reduce Alzheimer's risk, and improve overall cognitive function. 5. **Sleep's Critical Role**: Proper sleep is vital for brain health. Sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea, can lead to hippocampal shrinkage and increase Alzheimer's risk. Managing sleep issues is crucial for maintaining cognitive health. 6. **Dietary Impacts on Brain Health**: A diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance and brain damage, while a diet rich in complex carbohydrates and low in processed sugars is beneficial. 7. **Holistic Approach to Brain Health**: Combining lifestyle modifications, brain training, and biofeedback can lead to significant improvements in memory and cognitive functions, especially in older adults. 8. **Sense of Purpose and Enjoyment**: Having a clear sense of purpose and engaging in enjoyable activities are important for maintaining brain health and overall well-being. 9. **Educational and Awareness Efforts**: Dr. Fotuhi emphasizes the importance of educating both the public and healthcare professionals about brain health and the effectiveness of lifestyle changes in preventing cognitive decline. 10. **Personalized and Comprehensive Care**: Case studies highlight the need for personalized and comprehensive care in treating brain health issues, considering the individual's entire lifestyle and health profile.

[@mares3841]

Thank you for jumping right in! And for all of your work!

[@samnadim9913]

Very true. I stopped sugar and carbohydrates (which are the complex sugars) and I became no longer tired all the time, which helped me get back into exercising. I do that regularly and after walking I am watching this now. Those oils too are very inflammatory (the omega 6 oils). The omega 3 oil fat food from high good fat ketogenic diet helped me a lot too with my mood and memory and outlook

[@PPPfamily135]

I will focus on my brain health daily now. And my husband’s. Thank you. So informative. ❤

[@Ariella-mx3xq4cw6n]

At 76, Yes exercise is hard if you are in pain, and that exercise makes the pain worse. What about butter. I much prefer it to olive oil, homemade butter mayo is lovely, full of flavour.

[@mariannemedina4202]

Beef tallow and Grass fed butter is way better than olive oil. Use it as much as you like. 95% of all olive oils on the market are oxidized before you even buy them. Others are cut with toxic seed oils to increase profits. Same thing with fish oils do your research before buying. Stick with animal fats for optimal health. They have more vitamins than bottled oils and they don’t oxidize! There is a documentary about all the fraud in the olive oil industry. Best to stay away from them all.👍

[@michaelengel3045]

Dhru is an important relay station that filters complex health data and amplifies it to educate people like me. Thanks.

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

Both of my parents who died of Alzheimer's were very committed exercisers right up to the point of memory loss symptoms.

[@loewenberg11]

Sorry for that❤ what did thay eat?

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

@@loewenberg11 one ate lean Cuisines, oatmeal, whole grains etc. The other ate almost nothing but the cheapest fast junk food you could find. Completely different diets, same Alzheimer's.

[@loewenberg11]

@@theantiqueactionfigure ok to bad, insulin and glucose must be low 🙏

[@jodyjackson5475]

That sounds like the same diet actually

[@severineroque918]

Wouaaaw this is incredible !😩

[@enea3820]

Thank you so much for such a high quality channel! This is such an important topic.

[@robertcunningham9626]

These recommended interventions require good choices for each individial. Good sleep, exercise, avoiding sugar, avoid unnecessary medications, healthy eating, meditation (stress mediation)...

[@samieramohamed2467]

Clear focused controlled no wast of time on self selling very very good to dig in the subject immediately. Thanks from a medical doctor who took notes inspite knowing all but repeating makes better.

[@anacarmona596]

Waaaooo, every program gets better and better. Difficult to say which was the vez because each one is unique. Thank you so much.

[@fernandavasconcelos2910]

Very interesting interview! Thanks for bringing this knowledge to us

[@snowdriftwood]

Great information! Thanks for the actionable tips for reducing cognitive decline.

[@Stardustter]

Fantastic talk. Thank you!! I’ve already looked up the clinic. I’ve suffered six concussions. Thank you to you both!

[@eahehbahrehmand2148]

Great doctor, great conversation, thank you❤

[@dianedlbeserra9004]

Extremely informative. Things we should know & be reminded of…as much as we don’t want to hear sometimes. Thanks to you both!

[@debbiewood-holland5909]

Makes me laugh when people who live within walking distance get in their cars to go to the gym or go swimming. Always a full car park at the leisure centre where I live. I also notice when I go for walks, there are always plenty of people driving around and not many actually using their legs.

[@mariarooney6262]

Another most excellent guest. Thank you. ❤️

[@leslieguerrero4834]

So much valuable information! I'll be sharing this with all of my loved ones. Thank you! 😊

[@gordonhalstead9846]

❤😊😊❤best health podcast lecture healthy brain and nutrition really knowledgeable educational information

[@georgehorn2354]

Stop eating anything with wheat corn soy potatoes and sugar.

[@Stardustter]

I don’t see Clinic information in the notes. That would be a great add. Thanks!

[@samnadim9913]

He mentions it in the video I think it was this one it I heard right maps.app.goo.gl/CxSYDceygY2DJuw36

[@PadmanabhanAnanth]

Amazing interview! Many thanks

[@krishnakantsharma1]

Very informative,practical and helpful. Thanks.

[@anacarmona596]

Oh, I need to hear some information on holistic dentistry please. Thanks

[@jeff911rn99]

The story of the woman with the concussion... Should have been told to get Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy before or concurrent with any other treatment. Shocked this doctor did not know this 😮.

[@marie-joelleraussou]

Very informative! Dr Mosconi deals with brain health after menopause, would an interview with her make sense?

[@cathyjennings5580]

Thanks SO MUCH for your knowledge. We do not desire to shrink our brain. Better regrow our brain Organs for health. Bad STRESS vs Eustress is good health!!! 😊😊😊😊😊 More information please

[@belindamolina6354]

This is life changing stuff. Thank you❤

[@boseisgood]

What a great interview, still watching and have copied and shared link - this video is one of those I feel everyone should absorb. Thank you!

[@lulusp1023]

This information is gold. Excellent Doctor omg.

[@cathyjennings5580]

Wow! There is hope for our BEAUTIFUL BRAINS!!! WALKING ONE Mile (10 blocks) everyday. Or everyother day ??😮

[@erwinrogers9470]

Excellent episode🔥👏

[@erwinrogers9470]

Great interview👍

[@erwinrogers9470]

Love it🔥👏

[@gitanjalinandan]

What a lovely wise man. Suggest he wear more cheerful clothes if he likes. But a true delight. Thank you!

[@isabelisabel6670]

is coconut oil a good fat for the brain? he did not mentioned it.

[@inParis1969]

Hi! What can wheelchair users do who aren't capable of standing? Thank you!

[@michaelhimes8778]

NSDR and Yoga Nidra has been a game changer for my sleep. Better than pills. Get some good noise canceling headphones and try it.

[@LadyRebecca363]

What is NSDR...?

[@MostAlpha]

Great POD

[@gladysma308]

23:10 half the patients grow their hippo 3% more in 3 months, that eqi to 6 years younger

[@Liyaxs]

Treadmill under your desk helps with a standing desk

[@julieyoutu]

What about alcohol?!?!

[@ranjansudra2114]

Is it true that omega 3 gives atrial fibrillation?

[@judyjackson2260]

Can a shrunk brain actually grow??

[@raoSENSEI]

Do you speak any other languages Dhru San... Another language is highly therapeutic. How much of an American are you? How much an Indian? Just curious. You are an amazing doctor and influencer. I wish you would communicate all this for your poor, lesser educated, long-lost brothers and sisters in India.

[@timnestor3005]

Anything that blames meat can't be right

[@elizabethtencer7950]

I can't believe that there is any body besides very old and sick people who doesn't walk at least 30 min a day. This is what zoning did to America! But Americans sim to be ok with this inhumane system....😢

[@bradleystuart8608]

You had me till Will Smith

[@angies5082]

Disappointed that he doesn’t do a fasting insulin test routinely. My new doctor told me I looked healthy … guess all that medical school comes down to that.

[@IsabellaBoshoff-g9j]

A great omega 3 is Zinzino

[@tool_fighter]

Terrible audio! Why do people insist on using Zoom?

[@bendeleted9155]

I subconsciously assumed that was Joe Biden in my peripheral vision in the thumbnail. Would have been perfect.

[@booswalia]

At 15:20 he say's you cut ??? by 48%. Anyone?

[@kayfsolomon]

You cut your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease…

[@booswalia]

Thank you. @@kayfsolomon

[@donnasven4433]

Think he combines or said super fast “ hyperglycemic and Alzheimer’s rate” ,..lol. He was excited to tell us!

[@DaDa-xi9tk]

He missed the top reason: alcohol.

[@samnadim9913]

Second comment!

[@DavidElCid300]

Wendy's and McDs and BK hamburger patties are 100% real meat. I can't listen to false information.

[@anonymousarab8226]

Oh boy are you wrong 🤪 McDonald’s once was sued because there meat 🥩 was mixed of dog meat human meat pig meat horse meat it was silenced the lawsuits n gusee who won definitely was not McDonald’s 🙏

[@DavidElCid300]

@@anonymousarab8226 BS

[@user-uh2dn9ks3k]

@@anonymousarab8226omg i never heard of this