Search results for bdnf

“When produced during exercise (especially high intensity workouts like cycling, which shifts metabolism toward glycolysis to more quickly meet the high energetic demands), lactate switches on more than 600 genes involved in muscle adaptation, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis – the process of making new mitochondria – and promotes protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle growth.”

Dr. Rhonda Patrick answers audience questions on various health, nutrition, and science topics in this Q&A session.

“The increase in dopamine in response to exercise may require brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The increase in dopamine from exercise appears to be nowhere near the increase observed with transient cold exposure – and it doesn’t last as long.”

“Synaptic plasticity Feeding aged rats a diet containing about 2% blueberry powder for 12 weeks improved spatial working memory and increased activity in hippocampal pathways involved in memory formation and retention, including CREB phosphorylation and BDNF signaling.”

“Peak plasma flavan-3-ol metabolites after the banana smoothie were 84 percent lower than after the capsule, while the low-PPO berry smoothie produced levels similar to the capsule. PPO is released when plant tissue is cut, bruised, or blended and can react with selected polyphenols before they reach circulation.”

“Another study suggests that intermittent fasting combined with exercise training increased serum ketone levels, increased the number of mitochondria in muscle cells, and improved endurance. In this clip, Dr. Mark Mattson describes how fasting and exercise work together to promote brain health.”

“Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses how conditioning the body to heat stress through sauna use, called "hyperthermic conditioning" may cause adaptations that increase athletic endurance (by increasing plasma volume and blood flow to heart and muscles) and potentially even muscle mass. She also discusses the profound effects of hyperthermic conditioning on the brain including cognitive function.”

“A small one-year randomized trial in older adults appeared to buffer decline on a verbal-learning task and increased activation in selected frontal regions; the result needs replication and does not establish broad cognitive enhancement.”

“Cognitive enhancement is a hot topic, but the best ways to sharpen focus, boost motivation, and support brain health aren't always clear-cut. Stimulants like nicotine and caffeine offer immediate benefits but come with trade-offs—some minor, others riskier.”

“Continued physical, social, and intellectual engagement offers a practical way to support multiple parts of peakspan throughout later life, while the framework helps people think about function one domain at a time.”