We explore the vital link between gut health and brain function with Luca Cuccia, founder of InJoy. Luca shares his health journey and how InJoy leverages AI and microbiome science for personalized gut health solutions.

Key Topics:

• Gut health’s impact on mental health and inflammation
• The role of food, lifestyle, and symptom tracking
• AI-driven personalized health recommendations
• Sustainable strategies for better gut health

00:00:00 – Introduction to Gut Microbiomes and Brain Health
00:00:14 – Meet the Guests: Dr. Shabnam Das Kar, Andrea Spyros, and Luca Cuccia
00:01:17 – Luca’s Personal Journey with Health and Gut Issues
00:04:11 – The Importance of Discussing Gut Health
00:05:13 – Connecting Symptoms: Skin Issues and Gut Health
00:08:54 – Personalization in Gut Health Solutions
00:09:40 – Indicators of a Healthy Gut Microbiome
00:13:08 – Understanding Validated Results in Gut Health Testing
00:14:10 – Assessing Gut Health Through Symptoms and Testing
00:16:29 – The Role of Gut Health in Overall Well-Being
00:21:00 – AI’s Role in Gut Health Analysis
00:22:09 – The Importance of Sustainable Health Changes
00:25:33 – Tracking Diet and Its Impact on Gut Health
00:30:27 – Building a Better Relationship with Food
00:33:26 – Final Thoughts on Health and Behavior Change
00:39:31 – Where to Find InJoy and Final Remarks

About Luca Cuccia and Injoy

In this episode, we explore the impact of the gut microbiome on brain health. We discuss how gut bacteria influence blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and chronic inflammation—three key factors in cognitive function.

Learn how the microbiome contributes to mental health issues and autoimmune conditions, often without apparent symptoms. To simplify gut health, we introduce an analogy: understanding who is present, who their friends are, and what they do together.

While food plays the most significant role in shaping the microbiome, there is no quick-fix supplement. We encourage small, manageable food changes, starting with the easiest meals and incorporating more protein. We also highlight the importance of a supportive food environment, such as a well-stocked “super fridge” and “super pantry.”

00:00:00 – Introduction to Gut Microbiome and Brain Health
00:00:10 – Blending Medical Insights with Behavior Design
00:00:28 – Meet the Hosts: Dr. Shabnam Daskar and Andrea Spyros
00:00:40 – Defining the Gut Microbiome
00:01:08 – Understanding Microbes in the Gut
00:02:16 – The Role of Bacteria: Good vs. Bad
00:02:31 – The Evolution of Gut Bacteria
00:04:07 – Foundations of Brain Health
00:04:44 – Gut Microbiome’s Impact on Blood Glucose
00:06:36 – Identifying Gut Microbiome Problems
00:09:36 – Framework for Understanding the Gut
00:10:06 – The Complexity of Gut Microbiome Relationships
00:14:11 – Managing Expectations About Gut Microbiome Knowledge
00:17:24 – Actionable Steps for Improving Gut Health
00:17:34 – Behavioral Change and Food Choices
00:22:02 – Creating a Super Fridge and Pantry
00:24:43 – The Importance of Self-Compassion in Dietary Changes
00:26:25 – Final Thoughts on Gut Microbiome and Food Choices
00:33:45 – Conclusion and Next Steps

Did you know that loneliness can impact your health even more than smoking?

Loneliness is not just being alone; it’s a mismatch between the connections you want and the ones you have.

00:00:00 – Introduction to Loneliness
Did you know that a sense of malaise or burnout can actually be a sign of loneliness?

00:00:29 – Meet the Experts
Introduction of Dr. Shabnam Daskar, Andrea Spyros, and guest Amy Vest.

00:01:39 – Defining Loneliness
Understanding loneliness as a deficit in desired relationships versus actual relationships.

00:03:23 – Loneliness vs. Isolation vs. Solitude
Exploring the differences between loneliness, isolation, and solitude.

00:04:14 – Factors Impacting Loneliness
Discussing life circumstances that can lead to feelings of loneliness.

00:07:28 – Health Impacts of Loneliness
Exploring the serious health consequences associated with loneliness.

00:09:47 – Understanding Subjective Loneliness
Amy shares her personal experience with loneliness and the importance of recognizing it.

00:14:12 – Identifying Personal Needs
How to identify what factors contribute to your feelings of loneliness.

00:18:08 – Action Steps for Connection
Practical steps listeners can take to decrease loneliness and increase social connection.

00:19:22 – The Importance of Small Actions
Emphasizing the significance of small, consistent actions in building connections.

00:21:05 – Navigating Rejection
Addressing the challenges of reaching out and dealing with non-responses.

00:25:10 – The Power of Experimentation
Encouraging an experimental mindset in social interactions.

00:28:15 – Building Connections Through Shared Moments
Sharing personal stories about the impact of small gestures on relationships.

00:36:10 – Quality Relationships and Life Satisfaction
Discussing findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development.

00:38:08 – Practical Actions for Social Engagement
Listing actionable steps to foster social connections.

00:42:15 – The Role of Sunny
Introduction to Sunny, a project aimed at enhancing social well-being.

00:54:47 – Conclusion and Next Steps
Wrapping up the discussion and encouraging listeners to take action.

Our Guest is Amy Vest, Behavior Designer in Public Health and Wellbeing

Sunny

Learn the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity in our latest podcast episode. Listen now for clarity on whether gluten is your friend or foe. Did you know gluten sensitivity can manifest in various symptoms beyond gut issues? From brain fog to joint pain, anxiety to skin conditions and schizophrenia, gluten can impact more than you think. Fertility issues or recurrent miscarriages? Gluten could be a hidden trigger.

• Introduction to Gluten: 00:00:00-00:02:02
• Defining Gluten: 00:02:03-00:02:34
• Personal Experience with Gluten Sensitivity: 00:03:59-00:04:09
• Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity: 00:04:09-00:04:52
• Differentiating Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity: 00:15:17-00:16:56
• Testing for Gluten Sensitivity: 00:18:43-00:19:04
• Celiac Disease and Autoimmune Conditions: 00:22:07-00:23:11
• Importance of Testing for Celiac Disease: 00:25:53-00:26:56
• Being Gluten-Free vs eating gluten-free food: 00:34:50-00:35:46
• Final Thoughts and Recommendations: 00:37:47-00:39:58

Reference

Catassi, Carlo, et al. “Diagnosis of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS): the Salerno experts’ criteria.” Nutrients 7.6 (2015): 4966-4977.

In this episode of the Brain Podcast, we delved into the topic of blue light-blocking glasses with guest Glen Lubbert, founder of Stamina Lab. The discussion revolved around the effectiveness of blue light glasses, the importance of blue light in our circadian rhythm, and the misconceptions surrounding blue light exposure. Glen emphasized the need for a balanced approach to using blue light glasses, highlighting the importance of personal preference and individual needs.

Glen shared valuable insights, debunking myths about blue light glasses and shedding light on their real benefits. He emphasized the significance of finding what works best for each individual, whether it’s wearing blue light glasses, adjusting light exposure throughout the day, or implementing Tiny Habits like putting the phone to bed early as part of a wind-down routine.

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to Blue Light Blocking Glasses
• 00:05:30 – Importance of Getting Enough Blue Light in the Morning
• 00:11:14 – Research on Blue Light Blocking Glasses Effectiveness
• 00:13:58 – Impact of Content on Sleep Quality
• 00:16:39 – Discussion on Melatonin and Blue Light Glasses
• 00:19:43 – Types of Blue Light Glasses and Their Benefits
• 00:24:09 – Cognitive Chewing Gum for Sleep
• 00:27:06 – Hype or Not: Blue Light Glasses Evaluation
• 00:27:52 – Tiny Habit Recipe: Putting Phone to Bed at Night
• 00:28:38 – Where to Find Glenn Lubert

About our guest, Glen Lubbert

The Stamina Lab

Bauducco, Serena, et al. “A bidirectional model of sleep and technology use: A theoretical review of How much, for whom, and which mechanisms.” Sleep Medicine Reviews (2024): 101933.

Shechter, Ari, et al. “Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of psychiatric research 96 (2018): 196-202.

In this episode, we delved into the fascinating world of cardiovascular health, specifically focusing on hypertension, with the esteemed cardiologist Dr. Maria Emilia Figueiredo Teixeira from Brazil. Dr. Maria Emilia shared insights from her groundbreaking research on the influence of gratitude, forgiveness, and spirituality on hypertension control.

00:00:00 – Introduction to Hypertension Concerns
00:05:30 – Research on Central Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function
00:09:39 – Defining Spirituality, Religiosity, and Religion
00:13:10 – Simple Intervention Approach in the Study
00:14:40 – Participants and Hypertension Stages
00:16:33 – Utilization of WhatsApp for Messaging
00:20:16 – Discussion on One-Time Actions
00:22:44 – Results of the Study
00:24:11 – Standard of Care in Brazil
00:25:17 – Future Plans and Scaling the Intervention
00:28:50 – Gratitude and Conclusion

Our podcast guest:

Dr. Maria Emilia Figueiredo Teixeira MD, PhD, FESC

Cardiologist and Researcher at the Hypertension Unit of the Federal University of Goiás, Brazil.

Dr. Maria Emilia on Instagram

FEEL Study: Focus on Spirituality, Gratitude Can Lead to Decrease in BP, Increase in FMD

We discuss the importance of vision, hearing, and sense of smell to the risk of dementia. Changes in these senses can serve as signals for potential dementia and how addressing these root causes can help prevent dementia down the line. We emphasized the connection between these senses and the nervous system, as well as the role of inflammation in impacting them. We also shared practical strategies such as getting regular vision check-ups, testing hearing, and engaging in olfactory training to improve brain function.

• Introduction to the Importance of Senses: 00:00:00
• Vision, Hearing, and Smell as Indicators of Dementia: 00:02:00
• Impact of Vision on Brain Function: 00:03:25
• Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk: 00:09:39
• The Significance of Sense of Smell: 00:20:26
• Olfactory Training and Brain Function: 00:27:19
• Common Connections Between Senses and Dementia: 00:31:54

Test your hearing. Hear WHO app

Unusual sense of smell and detection of Parkinson’s Disease.

Woo, Cynthia C., et al. “Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults.” Frontiers in Neuroscience 17 (2023): 1200448.

(00:00) – Intro: Nine ways to reduce Alzheimer’s risk

(01:47) – Importance of ApoE4 in dementia

(03:15) – Different ways to reduce dementia risk

(04:12) – 9 Things You Can Do to Support Your Brain Health

(07:00) – Pay attention to brain, body, and supplements for optimal health

(07:51) – RDAs and benefits of supplements

(08:34) – Omega3 testing and supplementation

(10:08) – Omega3 supplements for atrial fibrillation

(11:38) – Supplementing with a symphony of nutrients, not just one

(12:32) – Vitacog Supplementing with Vitamin B and Omega3

(14:10) – Taking supplements for long-term benefits

(17:07) – B vitamin testing for correcting genetic variations

(17:32) – A positive aging mindset reduces dementia risk

(19:15) – Tiny habits shift mindset for healthy aging

(20:57) – A positive mindset helps with knee pain

(21:36) – Longevity questions to ask yourself

(22:06) – Inspiration for physical fitness in older age

(22:46) – Hormones and Alzheimer’s disease in women

(26:39) – Head trauma and dementia risk importance for people with ApoE4

(29:24) – Impact of Alcohol on women’s health

(31:40) – What is the easiest place to quit alcohol?

(32:36) – Loss of sense of smell increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease

(33:13) – Using Essential Oil for Memory Training

(35:03) – Home sniff tests for brain health

(36:42) – Outro: Support yourself with these tips

Chapters created by ChapterMe

Woo, Cynthia C., et al. “Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults.” Frontiers in Neuroscience 17 (2023): 1200448.