The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 In our modern world, we are surrounded by a staggering number of invisible threats. These chemicals and pollutants can silently undermine our immune systems, increase our risk for chronic illness, and sabotage our health at the cellular level. That’s why I’m especially excited to welcome Dr. Aly Cohen to this episode of The Empowering Neurologist. This conversation is not only eye-opening, it’s empowering and filled with practical, actionable steps that each of us can take starting today. In our conversation Dr. Cohen takes us through the science and the soul of her mission. We explore what inspired her to write Detoxify, a journey that began at the intersection of clinical frustration and personal awakening. Over the years, she began noticing that many of her patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and neurological complaints shared a common thread: consistent exposure to environmental toxins. This wasn't just about vague “bad stuff.”Dr. Cohen has zeroed in on a specific category of chemicals she terms “Immune-disrupting chemicals (IDCs).” These are substances that directly interfere with the immune system's ability to regulate and repair. Dr. Cohen doesn’t stop at theory… she gets specific - with personal care products to avoid, water purification tips every household should know, and simple DIY recipes for safer cleaning and skincare. Her “Detoxify Food Pyramid” reimagines what a clean, immune-supportive diet looks like in a world of processed foods and contaminated agriculture. We also touch on how environmental toxins can act as potent triggers for autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis - diseases Dr. Cohen treats in her clinical practice almost every day. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of modern toxicity, this episode offers a clear and hopeful path forward. Dr. Cohen emphasizes that detoxifying your life doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It’s about starting small. Things like switching to a glass water bottle, choosing fragrance-free detergents, and reading ingredient labels can lead to profound health benefits. ==== TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Welcoming Dr. Amy Cohen & Her Inspiration for Her Book 05:45 Water & How Contamination Dysregulates Our Immune System 10:44 Recommendations for Filtration and Purification 13:13 Quality of Bottled Water Is Sub Par & Likely Tap Water 18:03 Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Contaminants Found In Our Water 21:47 Sparking Change with The Four A's: Assess, Avoid Or Swap, Add, Allow 27:39 How Did These Chemicals Enter Our Food & Water Supply? 34:10 How Do Genetics Determine Your Ability To Detoxify? 37:50 Air Quality, Pollution, and The Impact On Our Bodies 43:49 Navigating How To Improve The Air You Breath 47:41 Detoxifying The Body From Air Pollution 51:18 Hidden Threats In Your Personal Care Products & How To Avoid Them 1:04:19 Conclusion ==== Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified physician practicing in rheumatology and integrative medicine, as well as an environmental health expert in Princeton, New Jersey. Her new book, DETOXIFY: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, available now for preorder, connects the dots between everyday chemicals and the epidemic rise in immune disorders and autoimmune disease...and what we CAN all do about it! You can follow her health and wellness tips and recommendations on Facebook at The Smart Human, Twitter, and Instagram: @thesmarthuman, and TikTok.  ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 The ketogenic diet has become a household term, often associated with rapid weight loss and an effective means of shedding stubborn fat. However, as my guest on this episode of The Empowering Neurologist, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, will explain, there is so much more to the ketogenic lifestyle than simply dropping a few pounds. We’re diving deep into the science of metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and how our lifestyle choices impact long-term health, particularly brain health. While many people adopt a ketogenic diet for its well-documented benefits in weight management, its effects on metabolism reach far beyond simple fat burning. Nutritional ketosis helps the body transition from relying primarily on carbohydrates for energy to efficiently burning fat and producing ketones, an alternative fuel source for the brain and muscles. As Dr. D’Agostino will discuss, one of the most crucial aspects of metabolic health is insulin sensitivity. When insulin function is compromised, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even cognitive decline. By keeping insulin sensitivity in check through dietary choices, fasting, and exercise, we can enhance our metabolic health and lower the risk of chronic disease. The brain is an energy-intensive organ, and its function is directly influenced by our metabolic state. Research has shown that ketones provide a more efficient and neuroprotective fuel source for the brain compared to glucose. This is particularly relevant for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and even traumatic brain injury. By making intentional choices about what we eat, how we move, and how we recover, we can take control of our metabolic health and improve our longevity. ==== 00:00  Introduction  02:21 How Dr. D’Agostino Went From Seizure Research To Nutrition Science 03:31 From Drug Failures To The Medical Power Of Ketosis 05:15 What Ketones Really Are And Why They’re A Metabolic Game-Changer 09:37 Why Ketogenic Therapy Is Now In 400+ Clinical Trials Worldwide 12:21 GLP-1 Drugs, Weight Loss, And Keto: What They Do To Your Metabolism 15:10 Inside A Ketogenic Body: Fat Burning, Fuel Switching, And More 17:25 How Lowering Insulin Turns On Fat Burning And Ketone Production 20:03 Why Ketones Keep The Brain Stable And Cravings Under Control 23:54 The Right Amount Of Protein For Muscle, Aging, And Staying In Ketosis 27:03 Do You Actually Need Fiber? The Carnivore Diet And Gut Health 30:00 How Ketosis Reduces Inflammation And Repairs The Gut Barrier 34:31 Genomics of Ketonics: Beta-Hydroxybutyrate’s Epigenetic Power 45:38 Allulose: The Sweetener That Lowers Blood Sugar And Boosts GLP-1 52:03 Why MCT Oil Might Be The Most Underrated Keto Hack Available 54:30 Conclusion ==== Dominic D’Agostino, Ph.D., is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. He teaches medical neuroscience, medical physiology, nutrition and neuropharmacology. He is also a Senior Visiting Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) to assist with their efforts towards optimizing the safety, health and resilience of the warfighter and astronaut. His primary research focuses on developing and testing nutritional and metabolic-based therapies for a variety of disease states and advancing the use of metabolic-based therapies into human clinical applications.   ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com [http://www.drperlmutter.com/]. ✉️🌱 Cancer remains a formidable global challenge, with nearly one in six deaths worldwide attributed to the disease. Over 60% of patients undergoing conventional treatments experience severe side effects, highlighting the need for complementary therapies that enhance efficacy and reduce harm. Dr. Valter Longo, a leading figure in aging and nutritional science, has introduced a groundbreaking approach known as the fasting mimicking diet (FMD). Through years of research, Dr. Longo has shown that cycles of controlled fasting can trigger cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health. His work has reshaped our understanding of nutrition’s role in health and disease, providing a scientific basis for fasting as a tool to support standard cancer therapies. The fasting mimicking diet offers a promising adjunct to traditional treatments. By strategically reducing calorie intake, FMD protects healthy cells and makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation. This dual effect boosts the effectiveness of treatment while mitigating debilitating side effects. Dr. Longo’s new book, Fasting Cancer, the subject of our podcast, explores the science behind fasting and its potential to transform cancer care. He shares practical guidelines, compelling case studies, and robust research that illustrate how FMD can be integrated with standard therapies for better outcomes. Listeners of The Empowering Neurologist were captivated by Dr. Longo’s ability to translate complex science into actionable advice in his previous appearance, and this episode is no exception. His work continues to inspire both patients and healthcare professionals to explore innovative, science-driven approaches in the fight against cancer. As research unfolds, the fasting mimicking diet stands as a testament to the power of nutritional science in modern medicine. Embracing this strategy, patients and clinicians alike are witnessing a promising future in cancer care. ==== 00:00 Introduction 02:10 The Cancer Nutrition Scientist Changing Everything 04:36 How Cancer Cells Hack Aging And Stay Immortal 06:00 The Hidden Danger Of Cancer Cell Survival After Chemo 07:30 Why Young People Are Getting More Cancer Than Ever 10:48 Are We Eating Too Much Protein For Longevity 13:22 A Diet That Weakens Cancer But Shields Healthy Cells 17:55 What Is The Fasting Mimicking Diet And Why It Works 21:40 The Critical Timing That Makes Chemo More Effective 23:00 How Starving Cancer Creates A Predictable Weak Spot 27:30 The Multi-Angle Attack That Slows Glioblastoma 29:15 Could This Diet Delay Or Reverse Alzheimer’s 32:50 Clinical Trials Show This Diet Reverses Diabetes 36:30 How Fasting Triggers Organ Regeneration In Humans 41:05 The Shocking Risks Behind Popular Weight Loss Drugs 57:14 Conclusion ==== Valter Longo is the director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He studies basic and clinical research on nutrition, aging, and disease, with a focus on cancer, autoimmunity, Alzheimer’s, and cardiometabolic illness. Dr. Longo has received multiple awards including the 2010 Nathan Shock Lecture Award from the National Institute on Aging, the 2013 Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award, and the 2016 Glenn Award for Research in the Biological Mechanisms of Aging. In 2018, Time named him one of the 50 most influential people in health care, and in 2021 Science magazine called him a pioneer in nutrition and cancer. He is the author of Fasting Cancer and The Longevity Diet. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ [https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/] Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ [https://www.drperlmutter.com/] Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1]

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 Welcome back to The Empowering Neurologist! In this episode we have a truly fascinating conversation lined up with none other than Dr. Steven Gundry, a world-renowned heart surgeon-turned-functional medicine expert, whose work has transformed the way we understand diet, disease, and longevity. Dr. Gundry is no stranger to challenging conventional medical wisdom. In his latest book, The Gut-Brain Paradox: Improve Your Mood, Clear Brain Fog, and Reverse Disease by Healing Your Microbiome (HarperCollins; April 15, 2025), he flips the script on the traditional gut-brain connection. His research reveals a startling truth: your microbiome is not just influencing your brain—it’s controlling it. For years, we’ve heard that the brain sends signals to the gut. But Dr. Gundry shows that it’s actually the other way around: the microbes in our gut are shaping our thoughts, emotions, and even personality. From food cravings to mental health struggles, from cognitive decline to addiction—these tiny gut-dwelling organisms are the real puppet masters. And when our gut falls out of balance, neurological dysfunction follows. In this episode, we’ll explore: ✅ How gut bacteria influence cravings, mood, and even personality ✅ The surprising link between gut inflammation and drug tolerance ✅ Why a leaky gut can lead to brain fog, neurodegeneration, and mental health issues ✅ How to reclaim control of your mind by healing your microbiome Dr. Gundry lays out a powerful, science-backed plan to restore gut health and optimize brain function, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever struggled with brain fog, anxiety, depression, or unexplained neurological symptoms, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to this eye-opening conversation and discover how fixing your gut provides an important step to unlocking your brain’s full potential. ====   00:00 Introduction 03:00 Why a Heart Surgeon Wrote a Book on the Brain 06:18 The Forgotten Hero Who Was Beaten to Death for Washing His Hands 09:08 A Parkinson’s Case Reversed by Healing the Gut? 13:28 Gluten Cross-Contamination and a Son’s Cutting Board: A Shocking Relapse 19:16 Gut Leaks, Brain Barriers, and Immune Sabotage: The Mechanism Explained 23:15 The Alzheimer’s Barrier Theory: Why Beta-Amyloid Might Be the Brain’s Defense System 26:20 Can Depression Be Healed Through the Gut? 30:27 Are Bacteria Controlling Your Addictions and Cravings? 34:02 The Scariest Mind-Control Parasite You’ve Never Heard Of 38:41 Eat This, Not That: How to Hack Your Gut for Better Brain Health 41:23 Neu5Gc and How it Impacts Our Brains 48:03 Are Polyphenols the Brain’s Secret Weapon? 56:38 Dead Bacteria, Live Benefits: Why Your Probiotic Doesn’t Need to Survive 01:05:05 Conclusion and Thank you ==== Steven R. Gundry, MD, is the director of the International Heart and Lung Institute in Palm Springs, California, and the founder and director of the Center for Restorative Medicine in Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. After a distinguished surgical career as a professor and chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at Loma Linda University, Dr. Gundry changed his focus to curing modern diseases via dietary changes. He has written more than three hundred articles published in peer-reviewed journals on using diet and supplements to eliminate heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and multiple other diseases. He is the host of the top ranked nutrition podcast The Dr. Gundry Podcast and founder of Gundry MD, a wellness brand. Dr. Gundry lives with his wife, Penny, and their dogs in Palm Springs and Montecito, California. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 We hear so much these days about various “biohacking” techniques that are purported to be helpful for us in terms of improving our health and even extending our lifespan. But I think it's really important that we unpack some of these ideas and get a good understanding as to what they involve and what we can expect if we were to engage them. We're going to explore a variety of hot topics like exosome therapy, peptide therapy, cryotherapy hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other innovative techniques. But most importantly we will explore how our simple, day-to-day lifestyle choices impact our health in terms of preserving our resistance to disease, and possibly even extending our lives. Our guest is Dr. Darshan Shah, a powerful influencer in the area of health-span improvement.  Let me tell you a little bit more about Dr. Shah.Darshan Shah, MD, is a health and wellness specialist, board-certified surgeon, published author, entrepreneur, and founder of Next Health, the world's first and largest Health Optimization and Longevity clinic. As a Longevity Medicine specialist, he has advised thousands of patients on how to optimize their well-being and extend their healthspan and lifespan. Dr. Shah began his career at an accelerated MD program and earned his medical degree at the age of 21, becoming one of the youngest doctors in the United States. He continued his training at the Mayo Clinic, one of the most prestigious medical institutes in the country. Dr. Shah’s belief in continual education and self-improvement has earned him alumni status at Harvard Business School, Singularity University, and other prestigious institutions. His passion is speaking on the topics of longevity and health, having done over 100+ speaking engagements and appearances. 0:00 Intro 2:52 How Dr. Darshan Shah Began Studying Longevity 9:14 The Next Health Clinic: Cutting-Edge Longevity Science 12:11 The Biggest Health Mistake People Don't Realize 14:47 Evaluating Biomarkers & Their Clinical Importance 20:52 Key Biomarkers to Monitor Inflammation & Uric Acid 23:43 Why Uric Acid Matters 25:32 Clarifying the Confusion Surrounding Cholesterol 29:20 Hormone Levels as a Key Marker of Health (TRT) 35:22 Cutting Edge Science: Peptide Therapy  41:54 The Success of These Treatments 43:05 Science of Exosome Therapy  44:55 NAD & Stimulating the Mitochondria 46:41 Effectiveness of Cryotherapy 48:19 How Mainstream Physicians View this Approach 50:37 Cognitive Decline 52:09 His #1 Health Practice for Longevity 53:40 Conclusion ==== Dr. Darshan Shah is a health optimization expert, board-certified surgeon, and founder of Next Health, the world’s first Health Optimization and Longevity clinic. A graduate of an accelerated MD program, he earned his medical degree at 21 and trained at the Mayo Clinic. With over 20,000 surgeries performed and multiple ventures in the wellness space, Dr. Shah now focuses on helping people extend their healthspan through cutting-edge science and personalized care. He’s also a sought-after speaker and lifelong learner with credentials from Harvard Business School and Singularity University. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1