The Neuro Experience

• This Type of Oral Bacteria Increases Cancer Risk

  What if your bleeding gums could be the reason you can’t get pregnant—or why your brain is at risk of Alzheimer’s? In this groundbreaking conversation with functional dentist Dr. Staci Whitman, we uncover how your oral microbiome impacts far more than just your smile. From fertility struggles and pregnancy loss to Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even depression, the bacteria in your mouth may be silently shaping your entire health span. Dr. Whitman breaks down the science of “leaky gums,” reveals why saliva is the body’s golden elixir, and explains how simple shifts in diet, hygiene, and oral microbiome testing could change the future of medicine. This is not just about teeth—it’s about your brain, hormones, longevity, and life itself.About Dr. Staci Whitman: Dr. Staci Whitman is a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry in Portland, Oregon, where she practices a whole-body, functional approach to children’s oral health. A graduate of Tufts University and OHSU, she has specialized expertise in sleep, airway health, and myofunctional therapy. Dr. Staci is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a Breathe Institute Ambassador, and an active member of several holistic and biological dentistry organizations. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to create a world without cavities and to empower families with practical, science-backed tools for lifelong health. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health: The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola and use code NEURO100 or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. Boncharge: Go to www.boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 for 15% off FIGS: You can get 15% off your first order at https://wearfigs.com with the code FIGSRX.  Manukora: Head to www.manukora.com/neuro to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts with the Starter Kit. Cozy Earth Head to cozyearth.com and use my code NEURO for 40% off!  Rula Go to Rula.com/NEURO to get started today. For convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.  *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Oral health, gum disease & fertility connection 00:02:46 Inflammation & systemic effects 00:06:00 Defining true oral health (nutrition, saliva, airway) 00:08:25 Diet, processed foods & cavities 00:15:00 Saliva, dry mouth & gut health 00:19:49 Oral microbiome testing & treatments 00:24:17 Treatment plan, family transmission & genetics 00:26:30 Alzheimer’s, brain health & strokes 00:33:07 Oral health & cancer links 00:41:50 Inflammation causing pancreatic cancer 00:42:27 Failing dental work and cancer 00:43:37 Fertility & Menopause 00:46:31 Spit test & depression/mood disorders 00:48:39 Oral health toolkit & practical hygiene tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• How Women of 40 Should Train for Fat Loss and Muscle Building with Ben Bruno

  This week, I am joined by Ben Bruno—a Los Angeles–based trainer whose client roster ranges from professional athletes to musicians, actors and models. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Ben believes that while every person is different, the principles of good training remain the same: simple, consistent, and effective work tailored to the individual. In this conversation, Ben cuts through the noise of social media fitness trends and breaks down what really works for building strength, staying mobile, and aging well. With nearly two decades of experience, he’s trained stars like Jessica Biel and Chelsea Handler, yet his message applies to anyone with a goal, a positive attitude, and the willingness to work hard. In this episode, Ben Bruno shares why consistency and the basics always outperform flashy trends, and how real-world training differs from what we see online. He breaks down the three pillars of longevity—strength, mobility, and conditioning—explains why full-body workouts often work best, and highlights the key exercises everyone should master. Ben also dives into how women can stay strong and confident into midlife, the dangers of comparison culture, and why sustainable, smart training beats gimmicks every time. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health: Learn more and join using our/my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit ⁠www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola⁠ and use code NEURO100 or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. Troscriptions: Go to www.troscription.com/neuro | Code: NEURO for 10% your first order  Ketone IQ:  Go to https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. Timeline: Head to timeline.com/neuro to get 20% off Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/TNE and use code TNE to get our exclusive discount of up to 35% off Honeylove: Save 20% Off Honeylove at honeylove.com/NEURO ***Where to find Ben Bruno Instagram: benbrunotraining Twitter: @benbruno1 Fitness app: https://benbruno.com/start/ *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00: Consistency over quick fixes; Jessica Biel & Chelsea Handler’s long-term training 05:18: Social media fitness vs. real-world training; flashy trends vs. basics 07:18: Longevity & aging 11:09: Full-body training vs. body-part splits; flexibility & practicality 14:11: Unrealistic fitness standards 20:05: Nutrition & biohacking noise 26:05: Exercise dose & sustainability: overtraining risks, exercise as medicine 29:00: Men vs. women in training; goals vs. needs; injury considerations 35:00: Progressive overload, RPE (rate of perceived exertion), strength testing 42:07 : Essential exercises: Bulgarian split squat, chin-ups (vs. squats/deadlifts) 44:11: Core training, injury prevention, importance of rotational strength Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The $20 Billion Lie: What the Fertility Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know

  In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with the founders of WeNatal, a company redefining preconception health for both women and men. Together, we dive into the overlooked science of Trimester Zero—the 3 - 4 months before trying to conceive—and why this time frame can be a game-changer for both natural conception and IVF outcomes. This episode breaks down the science, dispels myths, and provides tangible, realistic steps you can take to optimize your fertility—without the stress of perfectionism. We also unpack why the conversation around fertility needs to shift from being a “women’s health” issue to a team sport. About the WeNatal Founders: After experiencing miscarriages just a week apart, best friends Vida and Ronit were left devastated and searching for answers. Despite being healthy and on prenatal vitamins, doctors dismissed their losses as “random” or “age-related.” Digging deeper, they discovered a missing piece in fertility care: men’s health. Determined to change that, they partnered with experts, pored over research, and created a science-backed prenatal system for both women and men. What began as a personal mission has grown into WeNatal—a movement giving couples the knowledge, tools, and products to support conception, pregnancy, and the lifelong health of future generations. *** Get a free month of WeNatal’s Rest + Digest magnesium when you subscribe today at wenatal.com/neuroexperience *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Boncharge: Go to https://boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 for 15% off Caraway: https://caraway.com/neuro for an additional 10% off your purchase LMNT: Use code drinklmnt.com/neuro to get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase. Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/neuro to get 30% off your first order, and a free $60 gift. OSEA: Get 10% off your first order site wide with code NEURO at https://OSEAMalibu.com. You’ll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 — The #1 thing ruining women’s fertility 00:03:09 — Trimester Zero: preconception importance00:05:14 — Male fertility: sperm quality & regeneration 00:06:42 — Epigenetics & passing traits to children 00:08:36 — Role of mitochondria in egg quality 00:10:46 — Myth-busting egg quantity vs. quality & aging 00:12:07 — Environmental changes & food nutrient depletion 00:17:10 — Plastics, toxins & lifestyle adjustments 00:21:25 — AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) misconceptions 00:28:08 — Fertility industry concerns & preparing for conception 00:32:01 — Biological vs. chronological age in fertility 00:38:09 — IVF, diet changes & improved outcomes 00:42:01 — Key supplements: CoQ10, PQ, omega-3s 00:48:48 — Supplement regulation & quality control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Why “Normal” Cholesterol Isn’t Normal with Dr. Rupy Aujla

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rupy Aujla, an NHS GP and the founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, an app that includes doctor-approved recipes to cook at home. In this conversation, we dive into why cardiovascular disease remains the #1 killer worldwide, the connection between cholesterol and heart health, how fiber acts as a “magical nutrient” for the body, how to introduce it into your daily meals, and the role of lifestyle choices in preventing illness and supporting long-term brain and heart health. *** About Dr. Rupy Aujla: After suffering a significant heart condition, he dove deep into the science of nutritional medicine and was able to reverse his condition through food and lifestyle. In 2015, he launched The Doctor’s Kitchen as a way to teach people how to cook their way to better health and to showcase the medicinal effects of eating well. The incredible “Doctor’s Kitchen” cooking app has over 1000 delicious, science-backed recipes and 20 brand new ones added each month. There’s also a handy meal planner that will personalise recipes based on your preferences. It actually suggested a delicious looking salmon poached in harissa coconut sauce, and  olive and date braised chicken, which suit my personal dietary needs and all sound great. You can download and use the app completely for free using this link. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: David’s Protein: Buy four cartons and get your fifth one completely free | Head to https://davidprotein.com/pages/neuro Ketone IQ: Go to https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. FIGS: You can get 15% off your first order at https://wearfigs.com with the code FIGSRX. Caraway: https://caraway.com/neuro for an additional 10% off your purchase MUD\WTR: The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to https://mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics: 00:02:43: Lipid panels & overlooked markers 00:05:21: Atherosclerosis explained 00:08:13: Misleading “normal” cholesterol panels 00:10:48: Why heart disease remains #1 killer & prevention timeline 00:12:51: Cholesterol & Alzheimer’s; LDL targets for brain health 00:15:12: Cholesterol causality, very low LDL safety 00:19:23: Statins & pharmacological interventions 00:26:02: Ultra-processed foods & saturated fats 00:29:26: Fiber’s role in lowering LDL 00:32:05: How fiber binds bile acids & removes cholesterol 00:33:29: Gut microbiome & short-chain fatty acids from fiber 00:35:05: Lowering ApoB, LDL by eating plant-rich foods, portfolio diet 00:37:15: Oats & heart health 00:41:51: Pesticides in fruits and vegetables 00:45:37: Eggs and cholesterol 00:48:18: Soy 00:53:55: Balanced eating 00:57:40: Stress, sleep & cardiovascular disease 00:59:55: Memorable patient stories, family member with stent 01:04:04: How to reduce risk of heart attack or stroke with diet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Should Women Skip Zone 2 Training?

  Is Zone 2 cardio really the key to longevity and fat loss—or have we been misled? In this solo episode, Louisa challenges the fitness status quo and reveals why low-intensity steady-state cardio might be wasting your time—especially if you're a woman. Drawing on new 2025 research and her deep background in exercise physiology, Louisa explains how men and women respond differently to training, and why higher-intensity workouts may be far more effective for improving mitochondrial health, brain aging, VO2 max, and metabolic flexibility. If you're a woman in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 60s trying to optimize your longevity, brain function, and body composition—this is a must-listen.  True optimization and longevity never come from comfort alone. You'll learn: Why Zone 2 may not improve mitochondrial health like you think The real training zones that boost VO2 max, fat oxidation & brain function How perimenopausal and menopausal women must train differently The exact weekly routine to optimize longevity, body comp & cognition *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Troscriptions: Head to www.troscription.com/neuro | Code: NEURO for 10% your first order Boncharge: Head to www.boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 for 15% off Ketone IQ: Head to www.ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. Manukora: Head to www.manukora.com/neuro to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts with the Starter Kit. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Exercising in zone 2 is a waste of time 00:00:43: Research that shifted her views, especially for women 00:01:41: What Is Zone 2? – Definition and physiology explained 00:02:17: Zone 2 in Practice – How it's measured in real-world settings  00:03:23: Comfort Zone Training – Why Zone 2 is easy but not effective  00:04:16: Elite Athletes vs. The Rest of Us 00:05:10: Why intensity matters more 00:08:11: Time efficiency and real-life experience 00:09:23: Brain Health & Mitochondria – Higher intensity for cognition  00:10:15: Why Zone 2 doesn’t have special signaling power  00:12:25: Why higher zones burn fat better  00:13:35: Zones 1 through 5 explained 00:14:00: Zone 5: The Death Zone 00:15:18: Menopause & Muscle Fibers  00:16:55: Lactate Fuels the Brain 00:18:11: How to Train for Longevity – Resistance, intensity, and logic 00:23:59: VO2 Max   00:26:40: Norwegian 4x4 and weekly training strategy  00:30:00: Resistance Training 101 – 5x5 sets, compound lifts, and strength focus  00:31:38: Zone 2 as Recovery – When and how to actually use it 00:33:07: Final Takeaway – Zone 2 isn’t bad, but it shouldn’t be your priority  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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