EP 20: The Secret to Brain Health

The Better Prescription

Everybody thinks that exercise, diet, or sleeping better could be the key to brain health, but actually understanding the brain’s plumbing system is really important; that is the drainage system that gets rid of toxins and helps you perform at top notch, and it is very important. The recent discovery of the glymphatic system has changed how we think about the central nervous system, and Dr. Minni Malhotra tells us why in today’s episode. She touches on the role of proteins, how the glymphatic system facilitates brain function by distribution of compounds, and how the metabolism interacts with the amount of lymph tissue that is present. Dr. Malhotra lets shares the research that shows that sleep does not only serve to conserve energy, and why medication cannot replace the function of the lymphatic system in facilitating it. She goes on to share a host of actionable tips to create healthy sleep patterns for yourself in order to support your health. We hope you join us for some life-altering tips today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Common perceptions around what the key to brain health would be.
• The real solution: addressing the brain’s plumbing system.
• How the discovery of the glymphatic system has changed how we think about the central nervous system.
• Why it can be useful to remove certain proteins because they are not all useful to your body.
• How the glymphatic system facilitates brain function through the distribution of compounds.
• What we are still learning about the glymphatic system’s structural elements and functions.
• How the metabolism interacts with the amount of lymph tissue that is present.
• Research that has shown that sleep does not only serve to conserve energy.
• The effect of aging on the glymphatic system and how exercise can help improve its function.
• The role of the glymphatic system in facilitating sleep.
• Why medication is not a replacement for this and practicing sleep hygiene is important.
• The importance of consuming foods that reduce cortisol and promote the circadian cycle.
• How a common magnesium deficiency leads to poor sleep.
• Potassium as another nutrient that supports sleep and how sleep position helps.
• Tips for better sleep, from getting 7 to 9 hours every night to creating complete darkness.
• High quality fish oil and avoiding environmental toxins as powerful habits to implement.
• Exercise and sufficient hydration as additional essential elements.
• A recommendation for lymphatic massage to assist drainage for those with lymphatic issues.
• Nutrition as an essential way to take control of your health and nurture wellness.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anchor Wellness Center

Jane Foster

John Cryan

James Parkinson

Dr. Minni Malhotra

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

The Institue for Functional Medicine