How To Build A Better BRAIN (+ Ketamine, Nicotine, Alcohol & More!) With Dr. Tommy Wood.

Key Takeaways

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  Brain usage habits determine long-term function

  “The core thesis of the book is that how we use our brains as the primary determinant of how they function. Very much like if you want to be bigger, stronger, fitter, your training is how you change physical function. And so how you use your brain is how you change brain function. Whatever you want your brain to be good at is what you should be doing on a daily basis, because that's what helps build and maintain function.”

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  Environment shapes human brains more than other species

  “The human brain is more attuned to adapt to its environment than any other species' brain. It's kind of, at birth, we're born with a brain that's essentially, the most complex parts of the brain are completely undeveloped, and then they are shaped by the environment more than any other species. That's what's allowed us to thrive in so many different environments.”

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  Home environments drive recovery more than clinical settings

  “When we do these big studies looking at what determines, or what predicts how well their brains function later on in childhood, the biggest predictor or the most important factor is the home environment. There are different ways to measure this, but it's basically then related to socioeconomic status, reading, education, nutrition. All that kind of stuff that happens at home is more important than what happens in the hospital.”

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  Complex motor skills and risky play build capacity

  “We're talking about in childhood, something that we'd call risky play. So that's types of play where there's maybe a small risk of injury, maybe there's a risk of getting lost, but it requires learning of complex motor skills, emotional regulation. So sports, languages, music, and at the same time, making sure they're getting a nutritious diet.”

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  Modern technology causes overstimulation without deep learning

  “Nowadays, you might think that we are at the same time over-stimulated, multitasking, task switching, social media, technology, all that kind of stuff. And then we're also under-stimulated from like a skill development, complex learning, focus, attention kind of stuff. I like that it kind of will force people to think about that because there is a balance between this potential for over-stimulus in the modern environment versus not getting enough of this kind of truly deep stimulus.”

Episode Description

Full Show Notes: bengreenfieldlife.com/stimulatedmind In this episode with Dr. Tommy Wood, you'll explore what actually determines how well your brain functions across your entire lifespan, from the inputs that drive cognitive development in infancy all the way through the habits, environments, and daily choices that either accelerate or protect against decline in adulthood and old age, all grounded in the research behind his new book, The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age.  You'll discover why the modern world leaves you simultaneously overstimulated by technology and understimulated in the ways that actually build cognitive capacity, why lactate from intense exercise may be one of the most underrated brain health tools you have, and which types of exercise target different parts of the brain. Dr. Wood also gets personal on his own diet and supplement stack, breaks down what AI is actually doing to your cognitive capacity, and gives his honest take on alcohol, nicotine, ketamine, and exogenous ketones. You can purchase his new book, The Stimulated Mind, here. Episode Sponsors: TruDiagnostic: TruDiagnostic is an advanced at-home health test that uses epigenetic analysis to measure over a million biomarkers, giving you personalized, data-driven insights into your aging, energy, and overall health so you can stop guessing and start optimizing with a clear plan. Visit TruDiagnostic.com and use code BEN20 for 20% off. Quantum Upgrade: Recent research has revealed that the Quantum Upgrade was able to increase ATP production by a jaw-dropping 20–25% in human cells. Unlock a 15-day free trial with the code BEN15 at quantumupgrade.io. Hiya: Give your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. I’ve secured a special deal with Hiya on their best-selling children's vitamin—get 50% off your first order today! To claim this deal, you must go to hiyahealth.com/BEN (it is not available on their regular website). MTE: MTE is a caffeine-free daily drink mix with adaptogens, nootropics, and superfoods for clean energy, sharp focus, and balanced mood, without the crash. Boost your wellness at a systemic level with MTE's 13 healthy ingredients. Check them out at GetMTE.com/BENG and use code BENG for 20% off your first order. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.