Red light therapy
How effective is red light therapy? Does it provide varying benefits on different parts of the body? I am particularly interested in a product called "Neurowrap," which wraps around the head and is advertised as capable of improving sleep and concentration and elevating mood. Would a product like this that shines red lights on one's head actually provide the benefits of the Neurowrap?
Blood Testing
In the context of optimizing health and performance through blood testing, what is your perspective on where these tests should be conducted for the most accurate and beneficial results? Should we opt for tests performed under the supervision of a medical doctor in a clinical setting, or are at-home testing kits, where samples are collected personally and mailed in, equally reliable? Additionally, could you provide guidance on which specific minerals, vitamins, hormones, etc., should be prioritized in these tests? Lastly, once we have our results, how can we effectively interpret them to discern whether they fall within healthy ranges or indicate areas of concern? Best, Simon Burger (Munich)
Jet Lag
Based on your expertise, what are the most effective strategies for combating jet lag and efficiently realigning our circadian rhythm to a new time zone? Are there specific practices, timing for light exposure, supplements, or sleep hygiene tips you recommend to expedite this adjustment and minimize the negative impacts of time zone changes on our bodies? Best, Simon Burger (Munich)
Regaining ability post-TBI through parallel processes & neuroplasticity
My mom (age 64) started experiencing vertigo and slurred speech about a year and a half ago, and was eventually diagnosed with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration resulting from an immune response to stage 4 ovarian cancer. Basically, the cancer triggered an immune response that caused her immune system to attack neurons in her cerebellum, resulting in irreversible damage to the cerebellum, in particular the Purkinje cells within it. This is a rare condition affecting about .008% of the population that has caused her to lose much of her ability to walk, speak, and move normally and she requires 24 hour care for everyday living. She was receiving speech and physical therapy but insurance will soon no longer cover these services. Her cancer has been treated and she's received various immunosuppressant therapies. I think I remember you mentioning on the podcast (and forgive me if this is wrong) that almost every function governed by one part of the brain has a parallel process in another part of the brain/nervous system. My question is this: What, if any, are the parallel areas to the cerebellum that overlap with functions such as speech and movement? And if so, are there any protocols that can strengthen and/or enhance neuroplasticity in these areas enough that it might help improve my mom's quality of life? Would something like TMS, ketamine, and/or psilocybin therapy possibly help? Hopefully that makes sense and has some relevance to helping listeners understand the function of the cerebellum and how parallel processes work in the brain. Thanks for everything you do! - Corey
Strategies to Improve Nasal Breathing
I know you mentioned that there are exercises to improve nasal breathing and restructure the nasal cavity. For people who have some obstructed breathing, like a mild deviated septum, are there techniques you can use to at least somewhat improve nasal breathing?