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The Modern Brain

The interplay between the modern world, our brains, our decisions, and our health outcomes.

Diet
5 Nutrients That May Slow Brain Aging

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on April 14, 2025

Could your diet help slow brain aging? New science reveals key nutrients—from omega-3s to fiber—that protect memory, support cognition, and keep your brain younger longer.

Could your diet help slow brain aging? New science reveals key nutrients—from omega-3s to fiber—that protect memory, support cognition, and keep your brain younger longer.

Dementia
Is Fasting Bad for Your Brain?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on March 29, 2025

Is fasting brain fuel or danger in disguise? The latest science on fasting’s impact on mental clarity, mood, and long-term brain health.

Is fasting brain fuel or danger in disguise? The latest science on fasting’s impact on mental clarity, mood, and long-term brain health.

Sleep
Is Napping Good or Bad for the Brain?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on March 14, 2025

Is napping good for your brain or just a lazy habit? Science reveals the surprising benefits—and potential risks—of daytime naps. Find out how to nap smarter!

Is napping good for your brain or just a lazy habit? Science reveals the surprising benefits—and potential risks—of daytime naps. Find out how to nap smarter!

Brain Fog
The Top Causes of Brain Fog

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on February 24, 2025

Brain fog causes fatigue, confusion, and focus issues, and can stem from issues with sleep, hormones, illness, or diet. Lifestyle changes and medical care can help restore clarity.

Brain fog causes fatigue, confusion, and focus issues, and can stem from issues with sleep, hormones, illness, or diet. Lifestyle changes and medical care can help restore clarity.

Diet
Can Your Diet Help Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on February 17, 2025

Research finds that 40 percent of dementia cases may be preventable—and healthy diets rich in polyphenols, healthy fats, and whole foods play a key role.

Research finds that 40 percent of dementia cases may be preventable—and healthy diets rich in polyphenols, healthy fats, and whole foods play a key role.

Environment
Wildfire Smoke: The Impact on Your Brain and Body

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on January 13, 2025

Wildfire smoke harms respiratory, cardiovascular, and brain health with toxins like PM2.5 and VOCs. Protect yourself with air purifiers, masks, and healthy habits.

Wildfire smoke harms respiratory, cardiovascular, and brain health with toxins like PM2.5 and VOCs. Protect yourself with air purifiers, masks, and healthy habits.

Personality
Can Food Change Your Personality?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on January 12, 2025

Diet influences personality through gut health, neuroplasticity, metabolism, and inflammation, with potential influence on traits like adaptability and emotional stability.

Diet influences personality through gut health, neuroplasticity, metabolism, and inflammation, with potential influence on traits like adaptability and emotional stability.

Microbiome
The Best and Worst Foods for Gut-Brain Health

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on November 25, 2024

The right diet can strengthen the powerful connection between your gut and brain. Learn the best foods to eat—and avoid—for optimal mood, focus, and mental health.

The right diet can strengthen the powerful connection between your gut and brain. Learn the best foods to eat—and avoid—for optimal mood, focus, and mental health.

Cognition
4 Plant Compounds That Transform the Brain

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on September 28, 2024

Plant compounds like caffeine, L-theanine, tryptamines, and polyphenols can alter brain function, potentially influencing focus, stress, cognition, and mental health.

Plant compounds like caffeine, L-theanine, tryptamines, and polyphenols can alter brain function, potentially influencing focus, stress, cognition, and mental health.

Diet
Is Sugar Really Toxic to Your Brain?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on September 13, 2024

Is sugar toxic to your brain? Science shows us that the answer is nuanced. Specifically, there's a big difference between blood sugar and dietary sugar. Find out more here.

Is sugar toxic to your brain? Science shows us that the answer is nuanced. Specifically, there's a big difference between blood sugar and dietary sugar. Find out more here.

Diet
Do These Plant Nutrients Slow Brain Aging?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on August 13, 2024

As we age, our brains do too. New research highlights how polyphenols—powerful nutrients in plant foods—might help slow down brain aging.

As we age, our brains do too. New research highlights how polyphenols—powerful nutrients in plant foods—might help slow down brain aging.

Cognition
Creatine for Brain Energy?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on August 12, 2024

Creatine may enhance brain energy, potentially combating fatigue, cognitive decline, dementia, and more. Here's how.

Creatine may enhance brain energy, potentially combating fatigue, cognitive decline, dementia, and more. Here's how.

Diet
Are These Plant Molecules the Secret to Brain Health?

Austin Perlmutter M.D. on July 17, 2024

Hidden molecules in plant-based foods may boost brain health. Learn how polyphenols can activate neural pathways and get practical tips on how to enhance your diet.

Hidden molecules in plant-based foods may boost brain health. Learn how polyphenols can activate neural pathways and get practical tips on how to enhance your diet.

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Magazine
March 2025 magazine cover
March 2025
Are You Too Nice?

Being overly polite might seem kind, but it often leads to problems anyway, in relationships, with friends, and at work.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.