Dr. Tommy Wood discusses the importance of nutrition and exercise for brain health and cognitive function. He and Dr. Stephanie also explore the benefits of brain stimulation, continued learning to prevent cognitive decline and the impact of head injuries and concussions on cognitive function.
Dr. Tommy Wood is a Neuroscientist, Researcher, and Athletic Performance Consultant and in this episode, he and Dr. Stephanie explore the crucial links between muscle strength, nutrition, and brain health, addressing age-related decline and prevention.
Dr. Wood, a distinguished scholar with extensive expertise, also covers topics ranging from the impact of muscle on cognitive health to nutrition strategies for optimal aging. The episode also delves into systemic inflammation, omega-3s, and supplementation’s role in reducing cardiovascular risks.
Discover the fascinating connection between language learning and a healthy brain, followed by a deep dive into Dr. Wood’s specialization – head injuries. Gain valuable insights into injury mechanisms, metabolic demands, and effective strategies for acute and chronic stages of concussion.
Episode Overview:
0:00 Introduction to Dr. Tommy Wood
0:13 Sleep, exercise, and supplementation for head injury recovery.
2:59 Exercise and cognitive function: The minimum effective dose
12:47 Importance of muscle quality and evaluation
17:30 Strength relative to body size predicts cognitive function
22:16 Working on a simple predictor of muscle quality based on blood tests
25:55 Understanding FFMI and its importance in healthy living
35:53 The importance of Omega-3s and brain health
39:13 Debunking myths about Omega-3s
45:11 Creatine supplementation and cognitive function in older individuals
49:11 Complementary roles of EPA and DHA in the brain
52:35 The importance of eggs as a primary source of choline
57:09 Age-related cognitive decline and lifestyle factors
1:01:59 Stimulating the brain for optimal cognitive function.
1:10:56 The benefits of coordination-based movements and social activities
1:14:06 Pushing boundaries and the importance of failure for learning
1:19:16 Defining a concussion: Impact on neuronal function
1:22:06 The traumatic impact of an accident
1:24:57 The challenges of concussion research and individual variations
1:27:58 Exploring the role of sex effects in brain injuries
1:30:35 Lack of evidence for cooling caps and devices in concussion treatment
1:34:21 Palm cooling not effective for brain temperature control
1:37:57 Ketone bodies show promise, but more research needed
1:41:12 Importance of sleep and supplements for concussion recovery
Bio
Tommy Wood MD, PhD is a neuroscientist, elite-level professional, and performance consultant to world-class athletes in a dozen sports. He received an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, a medical degree from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Oslo. Tommy is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington and a Visiting Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. His research focuses on brain health and brain injury treatment across the lifespan, as well as developing easily accessible methods with which to track health, performance, and longevity in both professional athletes and the general population. Tommy serves as deputy editor of the Wiley Journal Lifestyle Medicine, is a Director of the British Society for Lifestyle Medicine, and consults for several digital health companies and charities that focus on how lifestyle and the environment can affect long-term health and chronic disease.
Resources mentioned
Cod Liver Oil https://www.greenpasture.org/product/blue-ice-blend-liquid/
Podcast https://www.brainjo.academy/the-better-brain-fitness-podcast/
Citicoline (Cognizin) in the treatment of cognitive impairment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695184/
Thorne Vitamins https://www.thorne.com
Connect with Dr. Tommy on
Website https://www.drtommywood.com
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