This Is Your Brain on 2025: The Biohacker’s Guide to Mental Clarity & Mood | Dr. Drew Ramsey
Dave Asprey
Mar 25, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Implement Mediterranean diet to achieve depression remission
In the AMEND trial, a Mediterranean-style diet helped more than a third of young men with clinical depression go into full remission after only two counseling sessions.
Choose Lacinato kale for lowest oxalate content
If you eat kale, Lacinato (or Dino) kale is the best choice as it is lowest in oxalates, while lacy kale is the highest.
Consider saffron extract for mood support beyond depression
Saffron extract has data showing effects similar to SSRIs and can be considered for use even by people who are not clinically depressed.
Reduce melatonin dosage to 0.5-1 mg for safety
Many people take dangerously high doses of melatonin (5-10mg), while the American Psychiatric Association's training suggests a dose of only 0.5 to 1 milligram.
Reduce ultra-processed food intake to protect brain health
Neuroimaging shows that individuals in their 60s who eat more ultra-processed foods have a significant amount of extra brain shrinkage compared to those who eat whole foods.
Recognize lack of music as a warning sign for mental health
A psychiatrist views a person no longer engaging with music—playing, singing, or even listening—as a missed neuroplastic opportunity and a potential sign that something is wrong.
Engage in movement to release 'molecule of hope' for brain growth
Physical movement releases myokines, which induce brain growth through BDNF, a molecule the speaker refers to as the 'molecule of hope'.
Combat loneliness to improve health outcomes
The negative health effects of being lonely are estimated to be equivalent to smoking about three-quarters of a pack of cigarettes a day.
Dance to combat clinical depression more effectively than gym workouts
Dancing on a Friday night can be more beneficial for beating clinical depression than structured exercise like spending 150 minutes a week in a class.
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