
Brain Expert: Stop Ignoring This Hidden Cause of Depression, Pain & Burnout | Daniel Amen
Rangan Chatterjee
Dec 8, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Recognize undiagnosed mild brain injuries to prevent psychiatric issues
Undiagnosed mild traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of psychiatric issues like depression and addiction, as they often don't show up on standard MRI or CT scans.
Utilize SAM-e to alleviate pain and depression
The supplement SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine) is effective for both depression and arthritis because physical and emotional pain share the same brain circuitry.
Reduce sugar intake to maintain testosterone levels
A single sugar burst can cause an immediate 25% drop in testosterone levels.
Utilize saunas to reduce dementia risk
Frequent sauna use is associated with the lowest incidence of dementia, likely because it helps the body get rid of toxins.
Utilize hyperbaric oxygen therapy for brain injury recovery
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a highly recommended treatment for functional damage from brain injuries, with studies showing its effectiveness on soldiers with blast injuries.
Leverage female brain activity for enhanced judgment
A study of 46,000 brain scans showed that women have significantly more activity in their frontal lobes, which are responsible for focus, impulse control, and judgment.
Maintain healthy anxiety levels for better decision-making
Having a healthy level of anxiety is crucial for making good decisions, as people who are never worried tend to die earlier from accidents and preventable illnesses.
Play racket sports to enhance longevity and decision-making
People who play racket sports like tennis or table tennis live longer than those in other sports, possibly because activating the cerebellum for coordination also improves decision-making.
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