EP 1263
1263. This Is Your Brain on 2025: The Biohacker’s Guide to Mental Clarity & Mood | Dr. Drew Ramsey
What’s really going on with the modern brain? In this bold and insightful episode, nutritional psychiatrist Dr. Drew Ramsey joins Dave Asprey to uncover the hidden forces sabotaging your focus, mood, and mental energy—and the tools to take your brain back.
From the effects of processed food and porn to the healing power of dancing, connection, and neuroplasticity, you’ll discover cutting-edge science on how to rewire your mind for resilience in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re navigating burnout, brain fog, or just want to optimize mental clarity, this conversation will shift how you think about your brain—and what it really needs to thrive.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
You think you’re optimizing your brain—but what if the real culprit behind your brain fog, anxiety, and burnout is the modern world itself?
In this episode, Columbia University psychiatrist and nutritional neuroscience pioneer Dr. Drew Ramsey joins Dave Asprey to decode the biological chaos hijacking your mind—and how to fight back. From inflammation and gut dysbiosis to screen-induced disconnection and hidden trauma, this is the ultimate roadmap for healing the modern brain.
You’ll explore the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity, discover how movement and social connection trigger brain growth, and learn why food is still your most powerful antidepressant. Plus: dancing, psychedelics, kale debates, and why porn is quietly reshaping the male brain.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
- Why brain fog, anxiety, and mood swings might be signs your brain is inflamed
- How movement—especially dancing—can literally help your brain grow stronger
- What your gut has to do with your mental health (and why some “healthy” foods can backfire)
- The truth about antidepressants, supplements, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all fix
- Why porn, ultra-processed food, and doomscrolling are silently wrecking focus and drive
- A new way to think about mental fitness—like a workout plan for your brain
SPONSORS
BodyHealth | Go to https://bodyhealth.com/ and use code DAVE20 for 20% off your first order of PerfectAmino.
Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order.
“The modern brain is up against something different—and we’ve got to address it differently. Mental health awareness isn’t enough anymore. It’s time for mental health action.”
Drew Ramsey
00:00 – Trailer
Quick teaser of the episode’s biggest insights on mental clarity and brain health.
01:43 – Intro
Dave Asprey welcomes Dr. Drew Ramsey and sets the stage for a deep dive into mental health.
02:51 – The State of Mental Health Today
Exploring the rising rates of anxiety and depression and why the modern brain is under siege.
04:00 – Nutritional Psychiatry and Personal Experiences
Dave and Drew share personal stories and the science behind food’s impact on mood.
05:21 – Environmental Factors and Brain Health
How toxins, secondhand smoke, and dietary triggers shape mental health outcomes.
05:55 – Chemical Balance and Psychiatry
Rethinking the “chemical imbalance” model and how psychiatry is evolving.
09:19 – Mental Fitness and Connection
The neuroscience behind social connection, loneliness, and mental resilience.
14:17 – Modern Brain Challenges
What makes today’s brains different—from microplastics to overstimulation.
16:26 – The Role of Movement and Dance
How physical movement, especially dancing, boosts neuroplasticity and mood.
22:44 – Sex, Relationships, and Mental Health
Why modern relationships and dopamine habits affect male mental health.
34:02 – Microbiome and Mental Health
How your gut health shapes emotional regulation and cognitive clarity.
36:50 – Transitioning to Urban Life and Mental Health
Personal reflections on environment, nature, and mental wellness.
37:29 – The Role of Nature in Mental Well-being
The science of phytoncides, forest air, and nature’s calming power.
38:14 – Personal Experiences with Gut Health
Dave’s gut recovery journey and how fermented foods can backfire.
39:45 – Trial and Error in Mental Health
Why finding the right brain support plan is highly individual.
42:16 – Cognitive Resilience and High Performance
What cognitive reserve is and how to build it over a lifetime.
45:37 – The Importance of Family Meals
Why shared meals are one of the most powerful habits for emotional stability.
46:33 – Challenges of Rural and Urban Living
Comparing brain health factors in rural vs. urban settings.
47:53 – Brain Health: Beyond Neurons
Exploring the vital role of glial cells, waste management, and inflammation.
49:01 – Neuroplasticity and Mental Fitness
How mental fitness training rewires the brain and boosts BDNF.
52:50 – Biohacking Mental Health
Tools and frameworks for upgrading mood and clarity through biology.
57:31 – The Role of Serotonin in Depression
Drew and Dave dissect serotonin science and the limits of SSRI theory.
01:03:57 – Debating the Benefits of Kale
A hilarious but science-backed showdown on kale, oxalates, and thallium.
01:12:03 – Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Resilience
Closing reflections on hope, empowerment, and mental health tools.
Resources:
- A Day of Biohacking and Consciousness Event April 12th: https://daveasprey.com/biohacking-and-consciousness/
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Drew’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewramseymd/?hl=en
- Drew’s Linktree: https://shorturl.at/CIIR5
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
- Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
- Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
- Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com
Enjoy the show!
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