The bigger your goals, the slower you need to go......

I was thankful to participate in the 11th Annual Brain Mapping Day at the United States Congress on June 5th where I gave a presentation highlighting the need to expand access to and insurance approval for laser and light therapy for pain management. This approach not only offers effective pain relief but also plays a crucial role in reducing opioid use.

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of brain-related conditions—and the more effective we can be at detecting and treating the early stages the better. Innovative diagnostic methods, such as advanced imaging techniques can lead to earlier detection of diseases like significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

A special thank you goes to Babak Kateb , a neuroscientist and CEO of the Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics (SBMT) . His efforts have been instrumental in bringing together such a diverse and dedicated group of professionals, all working towards improving brain health and patient care.

Wellness at the Speed Of Light

If you haven’t already, I would urge you to check out my podcast Wellness at the Speed of Light where I talk to a spectrum of doctors, surgeons, and healthcare professionals. In one of my recent episodes, I talked to two exceptional guests, Emmae Weaver and Michelle McCrory where we explored the importance of a holistic approach to medicine. As a spine surgeon, I often feel like I see my patients too late. If I could have seen them earlier, they might not have had to get surgery at all. It’s unfortunate that many of my patients come to me after many years of suffering and dealing with pain.

That is why I advocate that the healthcare system must integrate physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Physical health is just one piece of the puzzle. Mental and emotional health are equally crucial for a balanced, healthy life. When these elements are in harmony, we can experience true wellness. This approach encourages us to pay attention to all aspects of our lives, from our diet and exercise routines to our mental and emotional health practices.

However, embracing holistic health requires a shift in how we perceive and approach well-being. By understanding the necessity of a comprehensive approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional health, we can foster a healthier and more balanced society.

I would also like to highlight how community-driven support systems play a critical role in tackling health challenges—particularly when it comes to mental health. Friends, family, and community groups can provide essential emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging. These networks cannot be underestimated and are lifelines for individuals facing mental health issues, offering encouragement and resources that professional services alone might not provide. Building strong, supportive communities can significantly improve mental health outcomes and overall well-being.

This Month’s Biohack

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, offers significant benefits for brain health. A vegan diet provides high levels of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which, according to recent studies, can be linked to Alzheimer's progression. Additionally, lowering blood cholesterol through a vegan diet reduces the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

Another tactic to increase brain health is intermittent fasting. This approach can enhance brain health through several mechanisms. Fasting promotes the body's natural process of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating new ones, helping to remove harmful protein clumps like amyloid-beta. Moreover, intermittent fasting improves insulin sensitivity and promotes the use of ketone bodies as an alternative energy source for the brain, enhancing overall metabolic health.

Lastly, a ketogenic diet is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, prompting the body to produce ketones, a type of chemical that your liver produces that helps break down fats, as an alternative energy source. This diet provides the brain with an efficient energy source, improving mitochondrial function and energy production.

I hope you have come away with some tactics that help you in your daily life. To stay notified of upcoming newsletters hit the bell icon. This way, you won’t miss out on any important health updates and information.

Talk soon!

Dr. Sinicropi