Control Your Vagus Nerve to Improve Mood, Alertness & Neuroplasticity

In this episode, I discuss the importance of oral health for dental and microbiome health and general physical and mental well-being. I explain science-supported protocols for strengthening your teeth and gums, including how to remineralize your teeth. I cover the best approaches and timing for brushing and flossing, tongue, gum, and oral microbiome care and how oral health is critically important to offset metabolic, cardiac, and brain diseases, including dementia. I also discuss proper nutrition for oral health, fluoride, and how sugar and mouth breathing can accelerate tooth decay. This episode ought to be of interest to everyone seeking to improve their physical health, mental health, and lifespan, given the critical role that oral health plays in all of these. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Timestamps 00:00:00 Oral Health   00:03:44 Sponsor: LMNT   00:07:13 Oral Health Quiz   00:13:53 Teeth Biology, Cavity Repair   00:20:01 Mouth, Gums, Saliva   00:23:54 Sponsor: AG1   00:28:51 Cavity Formation, Bacteria, Sugar, Acidity   00:35:10 Teeth Remineralization, Fluoride, Water   00:43:58 Tools: The “Do Nots” of Oral Health, Mouth Breathing   00:54:48 Tools: Fasting & Teeth Remineralization; Nighttime Toothbrushing   01:03:23 Proper Teeth Brushing; Tooth Sensitivity & Gums   01:08:16 Bacteria, Plaque & Tartar; Tooth Polishing   01:11:02 Proper Flossing Technique, Waterpik; Children & Flossing   01:14:23 Tool: Xylitol, Bacteria & Cavity Prevention   01:19:43 Toothpastes: Xylitol, Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite   01:22:38 Mouthwash & Alcohol, Antiseptic Mouthwash   01:26:29 Tools: Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide?, Salt Water Rinse   01:32:36 Alcohol-Based Mouthwash, Nitric Oxide   01:34:52 Tools: Canker Sore Prevention & Gut Microbiome; Sleep   01:37:47 Tools: Tongue Brushing; Toothbrush Care   01:41:38 Teeth Sealants; Metal Fillings, Mercury, Mastic Gum; Root Canals   01:48:43 Dentist Visits, Daily Routines & Oral Health   01:54:17 Practices for Oral Health, Oil Pulling   01:58:21 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter   Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Feb 20241h 56min

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Kay Tye, Ph.D., Professor of Systems Neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator. We discuss the neural circuit basis of social interactions and loneliness. We also discuss how animals and people establish themselves in a group hierarchy by rank and how the brain responds to dominance and subordination. Much of our discussion relates to how social media impacts our sense of social connectedness or lack thereof. The topics covered in this episode are directly relevant to anyone interested in the neuroscience of mental health, work-life balance, abundance versus scarcity mindset, and interpersonal dynamics. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Kay Tye   00:02:56 Sponsors: LMNT   00:06:40 Amygdala; “Valence”   00:12:43 Novelty; Reward & Punishment Response   00:20:06 Amygdala & Hunger; Social Interaction   00:26:21 Social Media & Social Connection; Tool: Email & Time Management   00:31:21 Sponsor: AG1   00:36:30 Social Media; Friction & Feedback, Leadership   00:43:44 Social Isolation, Harlow Experiments, “Loneliness Neurons”   00:51:47 Social Homeostasis, COVID-19 Pandemic & Loneliness   01:01:29 Quality of Social Contact, Social Homeostasis, Social Media   01:09:42 Social Media, Relationships; Social Isolation & Exclusion   01:18:26 Empathy: Friend vs. Foe   01:28:40 Background & Empathy, Diversity, Emotional Regulation   01:34:34 Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset   01:37:22 Social Rank & Hierarchy, Sibling Order, Development   01:45:54 Dynamic Hierarchy; Dominants vs. Subordinates; Mentors   01:55:32 Psychedelics: Research & Mechanisms; Psilocybin   02:06:28 Work-Life Balance, Fitness & Extracurriculars   02:11:56 Personal Life, Diversity, Happiness; Typical Day   02:15:42 Science & Academia; Future Directions   02:23:48 Research & Science Outreach   02:28:48 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Feb 20242h 26min

Welcome to a preview of the 15th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. Huberman Lab Premium was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support for the main Huberman Lab podcast — which will continue to come out every Monday at zero-cost. Second, it was launched as a means to raise funds for important scientific research. A significant portion of proceeds from the Huberman Lab Premium subscription will fund human research (not animal models) selected by Dr. Huberman, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Tiny Foundation. Read our Annual Letter 2023. If you're an existing Premium member, you can login to access the full episode. If you're not a member, you can join Huberman Lab Premium to enjoy exclusive content, including monthly Ask Me Anything (AMA) episodes, AMA transcripts, podcast episode transcripts, early access to live events and help advance human scientific research. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:46) Why Is Fluoride in Water and Is It Harmful? (00:26:44) Huberman Lab Premium In the full AMA episode, we discuss: What Are the Effects of the Vagus Nerve on Calming the Body and the Brain? Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Feb 202429min

In this episode, I discuss working memory, which is critical for learning and productivity, strategy setting, goal seeking, and navigating new environments. I explain the key role of dopamine and the biological mechanisms underlying working memory and how working memory differs from both short- and long-term memory. I also describe science-supported tools to enhance working memory and attention—including zero- or low-cost behavioral, supplemental and pharmacologic approaches. I include how to assess your working memory and how to use memory tasks to determine your baseline dopamine levels in certain brain circuits. This episode provides listeners with highly actionable tools to assess and improve their attention to specific tasks and task-switching capacity and to enhance their overall productivity. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our chat-based tool, for summaries, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Timestamps 00:00:00 Working Memory   00:01:12 Sponsors: Mateina, BetterHelp & Helix Sleep   00:05:00 Short- vs. Long-Term Memory   00:09:59 Neuroplasticity   00:15:42 Working Memory; Attention & Focus   00:20:04 Working Memory Test   00:25:35 Sponsor: AG1   00:27:02 Brain & Working Memory; Dopamine   00:36:13 Working Memory Capacity Test   00:44:37 Increasing Dopamine & Working Memory   00:49:26 Task Switching, Distractions   00:54:42 Sponsor: LMNT   00:56:04 Tool: Yoga Nidra, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) & Dopamine   01:03:08 Tool: Deliberate Cold Exposure & Dopamine   01:11:02 Tool: Working Memory & Binaural Beats   01:15:23 Supplements to Increase Dopamine: L-Tyrosine, Mucuna Pruriens   01:22:53 Dopamine Prescriptions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)   01:29:12 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Jan 20241h 26min

In this journal club episode, my guest is Dr. Peter Attia, M.D., a Stanford and Johns Hopkins-trained physician focusing on healthspan and lifespan and the host of The Drive podcast. We each present a peer-reviewed scientific paper chosen because it contains novel, interesting, and actionable data. First, we discuss a paper on how bright light exposure at sunrise and throughout the day and dark exposure at night independently improve mental health and can offset some of the major symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Then, we discuss an article that explores a novel class of immunotherapy treatments to combat cancer. We also discuss some of the new data on low-calorie sweeteners and if they are safe. This episode should be of interest to listeners curious about maximizing their vitality and longevity and to anyone seeking science-supported ways to improve mental health and lifespan. Read the full shotes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Peter Attia, Journal Club 00:02:56 Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up 00:07:14 Light, Dark & Mental Health; Retina 00:11:16 Outdoor vs. Indoor Light, Cataracts, Sunglasses 00:16:17 Tools: Sunrise & Sunsets, Circadian Rhythm; Midday Light 00:24:55 Tools: Night & Light Exposure; Waking Before Sunrise 00:31:05 Article #1, Light/Dark Exposure & Mental Health 00:32:36 Sponsor: AG1 00:38:18 Odds Ratio, Hazard Ratio 00:45:43 Night vs. Daylight Exposure, Mental Health Disorders 00:51:35 Major Depression & Light Exposure; Error Bars & Significance 01:00:39 Prescriptions; Environmental & Artificial Light; Red Lights 01:08:14 Nighttime Light Exposure; Sleep Trackers & Belief Effects 01:13:54 Light Directionality, Phone, Night 01:17:21 Light Wavelengths & Sensors; Sunglasses 01:20:58 Hawthorne Effect, Reverse Causality, Genetics 01:26:26 Artificial Sweeteners, Appetite 01:31:16 Natural Light Cycles, Circadian Rhythm & Mental Health 01:39:53 Article #2, Immune System & Cancer 01:43:18 T-Cell Activation; Viruses 01:50:41 Autoimmunity; Cancer & Immune System Evasion 02:00:09 Checkpoint Inhibitors, CTLA-4 02:06:45 Anti-CTLA-4 Study Drug Ipilimumab, Melanoma 02:12:07 Patient Population, Randomization, GP100 02:18:09 Response Rate 02:22:52 Overall Survival & Response 02:28:38 Median Survival vs. Overall Survival, Drug Development 02:35:45 Gender & Dose 02:40:32 Adverse Events; Autoimmunity 02:46:42 Pancreatic Cancer; Aging & Immune System Health 02:53:57 Melanoma; Lynch Syndrome, Keytruda 02:58:43 Immunotherapy & Cancer Treatment; Melanoma Risk 03:06:26 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Jan 20243h 4min

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Sean Mackey, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine and Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine and Neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine. His clinical and research efforts focus on using advanced neurosciences, patient outcomes, biomarkers and informatics to treat pain. We discuss what pain is at the level of the body and mind, pain thresholds, and the various causes of pain. We also discuss effective protocols for controlling and reducing pain, including the use of heat and cold, acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, nutrition, and supplementation. We also discuss how pain is influenced by our emotions, stress and memories, and practical tools to control one’s psychological perception of pain. And we discuss pain medications, including the controversial use of opioids and the opioid crisis. This episode will help people understand, manage, and control their pain as well as the pain of others. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Sean Mackey (00:02:28) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:06:13) Pain, Unique Experiences, Chronic Pain (00:13:05) Pain & the Brain (00:16:15) Treating Pain, Medications: NSAIDs & Analgesics (00:22:46) Inflammation, Pain & Recovery; Ibuprofen, Naprosyn & Aspirin (00:27:51) Sponsor: AG1 (00:30:19) Caffeine, NSAIDs, Tylenol (00:32:34) Pain & Touch, Gate Control Theory (00:38:56) Pain Threshold, Gender (00:44:53) Pain in Children, Pain Modulation (Pain Inhibits Pain) (00:53:20) Tool: Heat, Cold & Pain; Changing Pain Threshold (01:00:54) Tools: Psychology, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Catastrophizing (01:08:29) Tool: Hurt vs. Harmed?, Chronic Pain (01:12:38) Emotional Pain, Anger, Medication (01:20:43) Tool: Nutrition & Pain; Food Sensitization & Elimination Diets (01:28:45) Visceral Pain; Back, Chest & Abdominal Pain (01:34:02) Referenced Pain, Neuropathic Pain; Stress, Memory & Psychological Pain (01:40:23) Romantic Love & Pain, Addiction (01:48:57) Endogenous & Exogenous Opioids, Morphine (01:53:17) Opioid Crisis, Prescribing Physicians (02:02:21) Opioids & Fentanyl; Morphine, Oxycontin, Methadone (02:07:44) Kratom, Cannabis, CBD & Pain; Drug Schedules (02:18:12) Pain Management Therapies, Acupuncture (02:22:19) Finding Reliable Physicians, Acupuncturist (02:26:36) Chiropractic & Pain Treatment; Chronic Pain & Activity (02:31:35) Physical Therapy & Chronic Pain; Tool: Pacing (02:36:35) Supplements: Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Creatine (02:42:25) Pain Management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Biofeedback (02:48:32) National Pain Strategy, National Pain Care Act (02:54:05) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Jan 20242h 52min

In this episode, I explain the biology of the common cold and flu (influenza) and how the immune system combats these infections. I describe behavior, nutrition and supplementation-based tools supported by peer-reviewed research to enhance immune system function and better combat colds and flu. I also dispel common myths about how the cold and flu are transmitted and when you and those around you are contagious. I explain if common preventatives and treatments such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and echinacea work. I also highlight other compounds known to reduce contracting and duration of colds and flu.  I discuss how to use exercise and sauna to bolster the immune response. This episode will help listeners understand how to reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu and help people recover more quickly from and prevent the spread of colds and flu. Correction: I misspoke in the episode. A micron is 1/10,000 of a centimeter, not 1,000. Additionally, 1 millimeter equals 1/10 of a centimeter, not 1/100. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Avoid Colds & Flu (00:01:58) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:06:00) Common Cold: Source & Transmission; Cold Temperature Myth (00:13:48) Spreading a Cold; Symptoms & Contagious Myths (00:17:43) Flu Virus & Transmission; Flu Shots (00:23:56) Tools: Injections & Safety; Charting Health Trends & Sickness (00:26:13) Sponsor: AG1 (00:28:44) Spreading Cold & Flu, Symptoms (00:30:43) Immune System, Physical Barriers (00:39:33) Tool: Social Connection & Touch, Avoiding Flu & Cold (00:45:14) Innate Immune System (00:54:15) Adaptive Immune System; Lymphatic System (01:00:19) Tools: Enhance Innate Immune System (01:06:19) Tool: Microbiome & Nasal Breathing (01:10:58) Tools: Enhance Gut Microbiome: Foods & Water Protocol (01:16:13) Exercise When Feeling Sick?, Sleep (01:21:39) Tool: Exercise & Preventing Sickness (01:28:13) Exercise When Sleep Deprived? (01:32:24) Tool: Exercise Recovery & Carbohydrates (01:34:52) Tool: Sauna & Enhance Immune System (01:42:20) Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin D (01:50:58) Echinacea, Zinc (01:55:08) N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Decongestants (02:03:42) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 Jan 20242h 1min

In this episode, my guest is David Goggins, retired Navy SEAL, highly accomplished ultramarathoner, best-selling author, and influential public speaker. David explains how he mastered his inner dialogue to build extraordinary levels of discipline and mental and physical toughness. He describes how confronting his early hardships, including physical and mental abuse, learning disorders, and obesity, became a practice of deep and excruciating self-reflection — eventually allowing him to transmute those experiences into a superhuman work ethic. This conversation is a unique window into David Goggins’ process in that it focuses both on the underlying science and how David manages and directs his inner dialogue. It’s a conversation that will inform and inspire anyone wondering how exactly to go about building discipline and confidence and reach their potential. Note: This conversation includes profanity. Some content might not be suitable for all audiences and ages. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) David Goggins (00:03:39) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:07:58) Learning, Studying & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (00:14:59) Writing & Learning, ADHD & Focus (00:20:35) Friction, Focus, “Conqueror’s Mindset” (00:25:16) Early Hardships, “Haunted” (00:30:48) Anger, Social Media; Growth & Challenges (00:34:41) Sponsor: AG1 (00:37:11) Stick vs. Carrot, Negative Inner Dialogue, “Stay Hard” (00:42:39) Inspiration, Characters & Self Image (00:46:09) Willpower & Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (00:53:23) Friction & the “Suck”, Willpower (00:59:14) Building Willpower, Brain & “No Days Off” Mentality  (01:09:54) Losing Weight, Challenge & Willpower (01:18:47) Self-Criticism & Discipline; Recovery; Stutter & Building Confidence (01:26:45) Relationships & Honest Conversations, People Pleasing (01:34:49) Self-Reflection & Empowerment (01:39:06) Unseen Work, Real Passion & Purpose, Medicine Cabinet Analogy (01:46:32) Feeling Lost, Self-Reflection & Individual Process (01:54:11) Challenges & Two Internal Voices, Misunderstood (01:59:32) Running, Smoke Jumping; Success; Willpower & Perishable Skills (02:07:04) Self-Reflection & Action, Distractions (02:15:27) Inner Dialogue; Failing Properly (02:24:59) Introspection & Unconscious Mind, Cleaning “Cupboards” (02:35:19) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors,  Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Jan 20242h 33min