The Neuro Experience

• 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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• Heart Attacks in Women Skyrocket After Menopause: Top Surgeon Reveals 3 Vital Tests

  In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy London—a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 26 years of experience—to uncover the often-overlooked truths about cardiovascular disease, especially in women. Dr. London shares why menopausal women face triple the risk for heart disease, and what you can do to protect yourself. From the life-saving power of simply moving your body to the three essential tests everyone should be asking for, this conversation breaks down complex health topics into clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re navigating midlife or looking to take preventative measures, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to take control of their heart health. About Dr. Jeremy London: Dr. Jeremy London is a Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon with over 26 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his surgical training in Denver and Charlotte. A passionate advocate for patient education, Dr. London is on a mission to make health information more accessible through his newsletter, podcast, and social media. He lives in Savannah, Georgia with his wife and their three sons. *** 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: Caraway: www.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. MUD\WTR - The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping. David’s Protein: Buy four cartons and get your fifth one completely free | Head to www.davidprotein.com/neuro Branch Basics: www.branchbasics.com to shop their Premium Starter Kit and save 15% | Code: NEURO *** Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Why women’s cardiovascular risk triples after menopause 00:03:40: Two out of three Alzheimer’s disease patients are women 00:04:47: What are lipid panels 00:05:20: Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide 00:06:13: The three buckets of heart disease 00:07:27: Cholesterol  00:08:47: ApoB 00:10:15: Plaque 00:10:53: Lp(a) 00:14:39: Louisa’s mother’s lab results 00:16:09: Going beyond lab work: Screen tests 00:17:39: Cardiac catheterization  00:19:49: Carotid ultrasound  00:21:07: What is atrial fibrillation and how is it diagnosed? 00:26:37: What you can do yourself to diagnose Afib 00:31:14: What was COVID like in the cardiovascular department? 00:35:47: Blood pressure 00:41:48: AI in the medical field 00:48:07: Exercise to minimize risk of cardiovascular disease 00:53:21: Healthy nutrition to minimize risk of cardiovascular disease 00:55:01: Can supplement eliminate plaque? 00:56:09: Changing our lifestyle and diet to mitigate diseases 00:57:31: Sleep quality to minimize risk of cardiovascular disease *** 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_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Heart Attacks in Women Skyrocket After Menopause: Cardiovascular Surgeon Reveals 3 Essential Tests

  In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy London—a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 26 years of experience—to uncover the often-overlooked truths about cardiovascular disease, especially in women. Dr. London shares why menopausal women face triple the risk for heart disease, and what you can do to protect yourself. From the life-saving power of simply moving your body to the three essential tests everyone should be asking for, this conversation breaks down complex health topics into clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re navigating midlife or looking to take preventative measures, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to take control of their heart health. About Dr. Jeremy London: Dr. Jeremy London is a Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon with over 26 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his surgical training in Denver and Charlotte. A passionate advocate for patient education, Dr. London is on a mission to make health information more accessible through his newsletter, podcast, and social media. He lives in Savannah, Georgia with his wife and their three sons. *** 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: Caraway:  Head to www.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. MUD\WTR - The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to www.mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping. David’s Protein: Buy four cartons and get your fifth one completely free. Head to www.davidprotein.com/neuro  Branch Basics:   Head to www.branchbasics.com to shop their Premium Starter Kit and save 15% | Code: NEURO *** 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_

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• Everything You’ve Heard About Seed Oils Is Wrong — Olive Oil Expert Explains | Dr. Rod Mailer

  In this eye-opening episode, I am joined by renowned olive oil expert Dr. Rod Mailer to uncover the shocking truths behind one of the most misunderstood ingredients in our kitchens: olive oil. Together, we explore the science, sourcing, and scandals behind olive oil—what it really means when a bottle says “extra virgin,” how processing and storage impact its quality, and why so much of what we buy may not be what it claims to be. We also dive into the science of why seed oils—like canola, soybean, and sunflower—pose serious health risks, and how they’ve infiltrated modern diets to a dangerous degree. Whether you’re a health-conscious consumer or just want to know what’s actually in your food, this episode will change the way you think about fat. About Dr. Rod Mailer: Dr. Rodney Mailer is a leading expert in olive oil quality and production, instrumental in developing Australia’s olive oil industry. He founded and led the Australian Oils Research Laboratory and has worked globally to combat adulteration and ensure authenticity in extra virgin olive oil. Dr. Mailer continues to help shape international standards for edible oils through his roles with the International Standards Organisation, Codex Alimentarius, and Standards Australia. *** Subscribe to The Neuroscience 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: Fatty15: Get 15% off your 90-day Starter Kit when you visit www.fatty15.com/neuro | Code: NEURO Boncharge: www.boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 Branch Basics: www.branchbasics.com to shop their Premium Starter Kit and save 15% | Code: NEURO Ketone IQ: www.ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment MUD\WTR - The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping. *** Topics discussed: 00:00:08: The harmful effects of seed oils 00:01:35: Misinformation via social media 00:02:56: Why are seed oils killing us? 00:09:51: Why fry in seed oil and not olive oil? 00:17:50: How olive oil is manufactured 00:19:33: Different types of olives 00:23:01: Olive oil tasting 00:25:24: The controversy of the olive oil industry 00:28:09: Cold pressed olive oil 00:35:00: Which oil to buy in Australia 00:37:11: Storage and shipment issues 00:38:36: What to look for in the supermarket 00:41:12: What makes olive oil bad? 00:44:10: The importance of the manufacturer 00:45:09: Labeling discrepancies of olive oil 00:49:38: Anything can sell on Amazon 00:51:01: Unknowing blending of oils 00:53:27: Consuming olive oil for longevity 00:54:52: Clinical epidemiology *** 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_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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