The Gut-Brain Connection with Max Lugavere

About This Episode

How does food impact your brain health? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly break down the gut-brain connection with Genius Foods author and science journalist, Max Lugavere. 

What are the best foods for your brain? We discuss the science of what foods help keep your brain strong, healthy, and could delay the onset of dementia. Discover DHA fats, carotenoids, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Learn about the intersection of diet and lifestyle and how what you eat impacts your brain health. Are egg yolks really bad for you?

If you have an Alzheimer’s risk gene are you guaranteed to get the disease? Find out how epigenetics affects genetic outcomes and how obesity impacts the brain. How does diet connect to mental health? We explore how nutritional changes can help with depression treatment outcomes. Can food be medicine? Could you put everything nutritious in one pill? Find out why you can’t distill food down to just its essential nutrients.

Is there a best way to eat? We discuss polarization of different diets and how you should be eating. Why are ultra-processed foods so bad for you? How do you start eating for your brain health? Is bespoke nutrition the answer?

Thanks to our Patrons Elle M., Shredstick72, Vern Keskinen, beverly mcclain, Tressa Eubank, and Mark howell for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.