Change Your Brain: Top Experts Reveal the Foods, Sleep & Stress Habits That Boost Brain Health

We’re not taught how to protect our brains. We’re not taught how food, sleep, and stress shape memory and mood. We’re not taught why dementia is rising or that prevention starts decades earlier. But we should be. This week’s Brain Health Masterclass brings together leading neurologists, scientists, and longevity experts to explore what really keeps our minds sharp. From anxiety and PTSD to dementia, menopause, psychedelics, gut-brain connection, and even the oral microbiome, you’ll learn why your daily choices matter more than you think. In this conversation, I’m joined by world-leading voices, including: Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett – neuroscientist redefining how emotions shape the brain Dr. William Li – physician-scientist on food as medicine and brain regeneration Dan Buettner – founder of the Blue Zones uncovering the world’s longest-lived communities Dr. Sarah McKay – neuroscientist bringing clarity to women’s brain health Dr. Chris Palmer – psychiatrist linking nutrition, metabolism, and mental health Dr. Rick Doblin – pioneer in psychedelic research for trauma and healing Dr. Katie Lee – oral microbiome researcher revealing surprising links to dementia Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai – neurologists on preventing Alzheimer’s with lifestyle Together we explore: - The Brain’s #1 Job (It’s Not What You Think) - How gut health, diet, and even flossing impact dementia risk - What Blue Zones teach us about friendship, purpose, and longevity - The myths of menopause brain fog, and the resilience science reveals - Can psychedelics safely rewire trauma circuits? - Daily habits that protect memory, mood, and cognition Love, Sarah Ann 💛 *** This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement. This is a product I genuinely believe in — one I’ve used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that’s incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset — just one naturally sourced ingredient that works. If you’re looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots ** This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day. Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at https://londonnootropics.com/ *** Let’s be friends! 📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin 📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah   🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin   💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/ *** If you enjoyed this episode you might also like: Your “Healthy” Food Is the Problem | How Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Women’s Hormones & Gut Health http://youtube.com/watch?v=VN5wS6ZpsoE *** Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:  Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/ *** Highlights: The Brain vs. Immune System: Which Came First? (00:00) What Is the Brain’s Main Job? (04:42) Why Dementia Is Rare in Blue Zones (11:23) How Oral Health Can Trigger Dementia (19:22 ) Dementia Prevention: What Really Works (23:25) How MDMA Rewires the Brain in PTSD (35:30) Lion’s Mane: Brain-Boosting Food for Memory & Focus (39:32) Can the Brain Really Regenerate? (49:03) Mediterranean vs Keto: Which Diet Supports Brain Health? (54:23) Are Men’s and Women’s Brains Really Different? (58:09) Menopause Brain Fog: Myth or Fact? (1:01:25) Simple Daily Habits to Boost & Protect Brain Health (1:07:02) *** Love what you’re hearing? My small ask is to please rate and review Live Well Be Well. This helps the show expand and allows me to keep producing these with the best quality guests. It means a huge amount to me, so thank you.