Today we’re looking at how jacked up my brain is — and how I'm going to fix it.
A few weeks ago, I traveled to the Amen Clinic in Orange County to work with Dr. Daniel Amen, one of America’s leading psychiatrists and brain health experts. My visit started with a SPECT scan of my brain, which is an imaging test used to get 3D images of internal organs. Then, we sat down for this interview to talk about my results and what I can do to improve my brain health, as well as what everyone should be doing to maintain cognitive health.
I was actually a little shocked and disappointed to learn that my brain has some fairly serious issues with brain flow. But if I’m going to get that news from anyone, at least it was one of the world’s foremost experts, who was able to provide some clear and concise directions for reversing the damage.
If you normally listen to the podcast, you might want to watch the video for this episode. We recorded the whole thing, and you’ll very literally get to take a peek inside of my head.
WATCH
LISTEN
A quick video to show you how
the Oxyhealth Hyperberic Chamber works
11:55 — What is a SPECT scan?
The 3 main things that SPECT results can tell you about your brain
Putting the scan into the context of your life
14:00 — The results of my SPECT scan
Irlen syndrome, a visual processing issue as a result of traumatic brain injury
My brain is good at sustained attention and processing speed, not so good with flexibility or executive function
How addiction has affected my brain
What a healthy brain looks like vs. an unhealthy brain
Programs you can do to activate your cerebellum, such as Zing Performance
The benefits of coordination exercises (and why people who play racket sports live longer than everyone else, even table tennis)
How Kundalini Yoga affects your brain
The long-term effects of trauma on your brain
“Brain Envy”
How maintaining good brain health as you age can extend your cognitive life 20 to 30 years
Can you trick a SPECT scan?
What happens when you scan a drunk brain
The cognitive benefits of regular hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Learn more HERE, use code LUKE in the inquiry form to receive a discount
Would Dr. Amen let their kid play soccer or football?
50:50 — Mental Illness
Why Dr. Amen hates the phrase “mental illness” — and why it’s not accurate
When are psychiatric drugs useful versus harmful?
Alternatives to psychiatric drugs
What the brain scan of a mass shooter looks like
The real work of healing trauma
01:09:05 — Dr. Amen’s strong feelings about psychedelics and microdosing
The results of a brain scan after taking ayahuasca
Why Dr. Amen things CBD and cannabis are negative contributors to brain health
The dramatic negative impacts of smoking as a teenager
Ways to heal trauma that have absolutely no negative side effects, like Kundalini Yoga
Undiagnosed brain injuries are a huge contributor to psychiatric problems
01:25:50 — The biological effects of psychological and spiritual treatments
The results of EMDR therapy on police officers who were involved in shootings
A fascinating study on how prayer affects the brain
The work of Dr. Joe Dispenza
Physiological changes as a result of spiritual practices
01:35:00 — The different kinds of addiction
Impulsive addicts
Compulsive addicts
Impulsive-Compulsive Addicts
Sad addicts
Anxious addicts
Temporal lobe addicts
Honoring the organ that makes us who we are
The dangers of caffeine, sugar, and nicotine
How you change the world starts by changing yourself
01:40:58 — Nootropics
Why Dr. Amen is a big fan of nutriceuticals, especially ginkgo, Rhodiola, ginseng, ashwagandha, and green tea extract (without caffeine)
Methylene Blue Nicotine (Blue Cannatine)
01:46:05 — The different types of ADD and how to treat them effectively
“The ring of fire” Vs. “sleepy brain”
01:52:48 — Neurofeedback’s role in healing your brain
RESOURCES:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/doc_amen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drdanielamen
Twitter: twitter.com/DocAmen
Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades by Dr. Daniel Amen
The End of Mental Illness by Dr. Daniel Amen
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
Oxyhealth Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (HBOT) by Conarium Wellness
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 142: The War Is Over: Making Peace With Your Mind with Byron Katie
Episode 246: Brain Breakthrough: The Cerebellum Secret For ADD, Deep Learning, & Finding Hidden Potential
Episode 259: The Heart/Mind Connection & Supernatural Healing With Dr. Joe Dispenza
Episode 240: Healing Almost Anything W/ Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Feat. Dr. Scott Sherr
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