What if skipping a meal could help save your brain? In this episode, Dr. Mark Mattson and I discuss the fascinating world of intermittent fasting. We explore cutting-edge science and groundbreaking research that shows how intermittent fasting can not only prevent Alzheimer’s but may also reverse its effects.

Dr. Mattson, a neuroscientist and a leading expert in brain health, shares his insights on how lifestyle changes, especially fasting, influence brain health by enhancing neuroplasticity, improving memory, and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. 

Whether you're looking to boost brain function or protect your cognitive future, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover the potential of fasting to transform brain health, backed by decades of research. This enlightening conversation could change the way you think about food and its impact on your brain!

This episode is sponsored by Organifi

- Get 20% off organic superfood blends at www.organifi.com/DRJOSH with code DRJOSH

“The reason that exercise and intermittent fasting or short-term fasts are so safe is because they're so evolutionarily common in the history of evolution of animals and our human ancestors.” 

~ Dr. Mark Mattson

In this Episode

08:37 - Glutamate, fasting, and exercise connection

21:07 - The cyclic metabolic switching theory of intermittent fasting

39:07 - The role of the enzyme Glutamate Decarboxylase (GAD) 

42:02 - How to get your ketone levels up

51:27 - How long is fasting supposed to last?

1:02:18 - The future of Alzheimer's treatment

Resources:

- Top Supplements for Alzheimer's Guide - https://bit.ly/drjoshguide

- Adaptive Stress Response (PDF) - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TKOygHIyD4zrgE-uvEvfeBQN09qZ15tV?usp=sharing

- Book: The Intermittent Fasting Revolution by Dr. Mark Mattson - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262046407

- The Cyclic Metabolic Switching Theory of Intermittent Fasting by Dr. Mark Mattson - https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01254-5

- What Doesn't Kill You Dr. Mark Mattson - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26204714/

- Potential Benefits and Harms of Intermittent Energy Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Amongst Obese, Overweight and Normal Weight Subjects by Dr. Michelle Harvie - https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/7/1/4

Connect with Dr. Mark Mattson:  

- Website - https://neuroscience.jhu.edu/research/faculty/57

- Email - mmattso2@jhmi.edu

- YouTube (Podcast)  - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgWFU7DT5meHnrDbtlL4Yxw

Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbrainsMD

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenbrainsmd/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjosh

- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greenbrainsmd

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMtFP2icmNEhOaSsd-CrSg?sub_confirmation=1

- Others - https://linktr.ee/greenbrainsmd

Disclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.