Get The STUCK Out Austin Perlmutter, MD

Depression is a worldwide issue experienced by hundreds of millions. For years, the main theory of what was going wrong in the brain focused on the neurotransmitter serotonin. This theory is called the serotonin hypothesis, and it's based on a number of data points. But recently, researchers have questioned whether serotonin plays a central or even a major role in depression at all. In this episode, I explore:
-The current landscape of depression
-The serotonin hypothesis and issues with it
-The recent publication "The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence" From Nature's Molecular Psychiatry
-Other systems involved in the brain in depression like neuroplasticity, inflammation and the endocrine system
-How this research links to diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors
-Where we need to go next
Let me know what you think!

In this episode of Get the STUCK Out, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (Dr. B) explores the role of gut health on diseases like autoimmunity, allergy cancer and inflammation. We talk about the best diets to support gut health, and how the microbiome shapes us. We compare different diets (e.g keto and more plant based) for their effects on health and talk actionable strategies to improve gut health. 
You can find out more about Dr. B's new book on his website, theplantfedgut.com. 
For more tips and science on how to get your brain and body unstuck, join the thousands receiving my newsletter at austinperlmutter.com/newsletter. 
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How does nature influence our brain function?
In this episode we'll review the science connecting exposure to nature, or "vitamin N" with improvements in general as well as brain health, and the pathways that might help explain some of these findings. We'll cover the connection between nature and stress, the sympathetic nervous system and the immune system, and how our lives spent away from nature may be negatively influencing those pathways. Then we'll dive into the research connecting nature with brain function including better cognition, better interpersonal skills and even more creativity! 
Links from this episode: 
How air pollution changes our decisions: 
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-modern-brain/201910/how-air-pollution-changes-our-decisions
How to dose vitamin N: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-modern-brain/201910/how-dose-vitamin-n
 

Deep dive episode!
With millions reporting symptoms of brain fog, depression, anxiety and trouble focusing alongside infection with COVID-19, many want to know: how is the virus influencing the brain? In this video, we'll explore: Historical context for microbes influencing brain function. Methods by which SARS-CoV-2 could enter the brain. Evidence for infection in the brain. Alternative explanations for brain-related symptoms related to COVID-19. 
For more on the confluence between COVID-19, the brain and depression, see "Immunological Interfaces: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Depression" on pubmed or my website
Full write up of studies cited soon available 
My website: Austinperlmutter.com
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Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change itself over the course of our lives. Impairments in neuroplasticity have been linked to depression, and many antidepressive therapies may actually work in part by boosting neuroplasticity. In this podcast we'll cover:
-How neuroplasticity changes over the lifespan
-The connection between impaired neuroplasticity and depression psychology
-How neuroplasticity maps onto imaging studies in depresssion
-How antidepressants may increase neuroplasticity 
-How psychedelics may augment neuroplasticity 
-How lifestyle modification including diet and sleep and exercise can improve neuroplasticity 
I will be updating the complete show notes on my website, austinperlmutter.com 
Noted article from Peter Attia: 
https://peterattiamd.com/my-nutritional-framework/
 
 

Trauma is certainly a popular topic of conversation these days. But few in this space share the level of expertise offered by Dr. James. S. Gordon. Dr. Gordon has been helping people around the world to understand and heal from their trauma for decades. Listen as he shares his years of clinical and research experience on how trauma manifests in the brain, body and psychological state, and what to do to start healing it. Dr. Gordon's new book Transforming Trauma is exceptional, and we discuss it in depth in this powerful interview. You can connect with Dr. Gordon at cmbm.org.