Your Brain on Food

Neuroscience

A Beneficial Psychedelic That Does Not Cause Hallucinations

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on March 14, 2023

A recent study found that it is possible to disconnect the hallucinogenic effects of LSD from its therapeutic effects.

Trauma

Is MDMA a Safe and Effective Therapy for PTSD?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on March 13, 2023

The FDA recently granted "breakthrough therapy” status for MDMA-assisted therapy due to evidence supporting its efficacy. But the treatment is not without risks.

Appetite

A Chemical in Cannabis and Rosemary Can Reduce Food Cravings

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on March 7, 2023

A novel drug may help women, in particular, to reduce their cravings for highly tasty, palatable foods.

Sleep

If You Need to Pull an All-Nighter, This Should Be Your Diet

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on March 1, 2023

Chips and fries can produce irresistible sleepiness and cognitive impairments during periods of sleep deprivation.

Sleep

How Diet Affects Sleep

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on February 20, 2023

Everything that we consume, whether drugs or nutrients, can affect brain function and the quality of our sleep.

Antioxidant

A Novel Cannabinoid May Help Protect the Brain From Aging

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 27, 2023

Dietary PEA supplementation may help prevent age-related neurodegeneration without getting you high.

Loneliness

The Unique Exercise Needs of the Young and Lonely

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 22, 2023

Loneliness responds to exercise only if you enjoy it, if you feel competent at it, and if it does not require too much effort.

Placebo

The Next-Day Effects of Cannabis Use

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 13, 2023

A recent analysis investigated when it is safe to drive a car, fly a plane, or perform complex tasks safely.

Loneliness

How Social Isolation Affects the Brain

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 7, 2023

Society’s response to COVID-19 provided insights into which brain regions are most vulnerable to being alone.

Anxiety

Reducing Negative Self-Talk With Dietary Folate

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on January 5, 2023

A recent study discovered a correlation between genes that control depression, rumination, and worry and an adequate dietary folate intake.

Persuasion

Why Do the Contents of Simple Plants Affect My Big Brain?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on December 22, 2022

How is it possible that the chemicals produced by one kingdom can influence the function of a species from a very different kingdom?

Sleep

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Might Help Avoid Cancer

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on December 17, 2022

Lying awake at night worrying about getting cancer might increase your chances of getting some cancers.

Dementia

Can a Houseplant Help Prevent Dementia?

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on December 6, 2022

The beautiful forsythia plant may contain chemicals to slow Alzheimer's disease.

Aging

Why Cannabis Could Benefit the Middle-Aged Brain

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on November 11, 2022

A recent study identified the benefits of long-term cannabis use on cognitive function in middle-aged and older humans.

Addiction

Coffee at Breakfast Alters the Action of Nicotine

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on November 4, 2022

Roasting coffee beans produces chemicals that alter the physiological and addictive properties of nicotine.

Diet

How Blueberries May Help Reduce Brain Fog

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on November 2, 2022

This is an easy way to modify your diet to counter the effects of the pandemic, brain fog, aging, and poor sleep.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

The Potential Health Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin With Chocolate

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on October 23, 2022

Women may benefit more from this ancient Aztec practice of “stacking” foods and drugs.

Dreaming

How Dreams Change From Infancy to Old Age

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on October 4, 2022

The evolution and maturation of brain regions involved in social interactions in concert with patterns of brain activation determine the features of our dreams.

Trauma

Endocannabinoids May Defend the Body When It's Being Threatened

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on September 27, 2022

Preparing the body for pain and helping the brain to forget the traumatic experience.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Why Daily Chocolate Could Save Your Brain From Decline

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on September 3, 2022

Recent studies reveal the current evidence for the neuroprotective benefits of daily, long-term intake of cocoa powder for the human brain.