Summary
The Huberman Lab Podcast features an interview with Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at New York University, who is an expert in learning and memory. Dr. Suzuki's laboratory has contributed to our understanding of how the hippocampus and related brain circuits allow us to commit experiences to memory. In the podcast, Dr. Suzuki discusses the positive effects of exercise on the brain, particularly the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. She explains that exercise releases neurochemicals, including dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps grow new brain cells in the hippocampus. The speaker recommends at least 10 minutes of walking to experience mood effects and cardio workouts to improve brain function.
The podcast also discusses the relationship between exercise and cognitive function, particularly in aging individuals. Dr. Suzuki shares a study done on Swedish women that found those who were high fit gained nine more years of good cognition later in life compared to low fit or mid fit women. She also discusses her own study, which found that two to three times a week of cardio exercise for 45 minutes can improve positive mood states, body image, and motivation to exercise in low fit 30-to-50-year-olds. The study also showed improved performance on cognitive tasks and spatial episodic memory tasks that are dependent on the hippocampus.
In addition to exercise, the podcast touches on the importance of meditation and its effects on reducing stress and improving cognitive performance. The discussion includes a study on a 10-minute daily meditation and its positive effects on stress reduction and mood improvement. The importance of focusing on the present moment and building habits is emphasized, especially in the age of technology and constant distraction. The podcast also mentions the incorporation of these practices into undergraduate education.
Overall, the podcast provides valuable insights into the positive effects of exercise and meditation on the brain, particularly in terms of memory and cognitive function. The guest speaker shares her personal experience and research findings, highlighting the importance of building habits and incorporating these practices into daily life. The podcast is sponsored by Athletic Greens, InsideTracker, and Blinkist.
