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Try This-Try This – 3 Studies You Need to See About Brain Health
Carb cravings, the next big thing in depression, magnesium, and more...
Dhru Purohit
May 23, 2025
I’m so passionate about brain health.
And I think a lot of you are too.
With things like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and depression on the rise in all populations, I believe, and most experts agree, we need new solutions—fast!
Today, I’m sharing some fascinating studies about brain health that hopefully give us some insight into alternative therapies when it comes to disorders like depression or diseases like Alzheimer’s.
If anyone you know is struggling with depression, wants to improve their memory, or is just looking to take preventative action (which we should ALL be doing), send this to them.
Let’s jump in!
Shout Out to Our Sponsor BiOptimizers Who Helps Keep this Newsletter Free
Struggling to Quiet Your Mind at Night? You’re Not Alone.
If your brain flips on like a light switch the second your head hits the pillow, you’re in good company. I used to wake up exhausted, already thinking about when I could go back to bed—only to spend the night stuck in the loop of what-if thoughts, unable to unwind.
After testing dozens of options, I found something that actually worked.
Sleep Breakthrough by BiOptimizers is a powerful, melatonin-free sleep formula designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up genuinely refreshed. It builds on the success of Magnesium Breakthrough—but goes a step further.
The formula is designed to optimize your sleep architecture by supporting your body’s natural production of melatonin and key neurotransmitters—without overriding your system with artificial hormones. That means no dependency, no morning grogginess, just better sleep.
Since I started using Sleep Breakthrough, I’ve noticed a dramatic shift in my energy, mood, and focus during the day. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my evening routine.
Here’s why it works: it targets all five key sleep pathways, supports deeper REM and slow-wave sleep, and avoids the melatonin hangover by using clinically backed, non-habit-forming ingredients. If you’re tired of being tired, this might be your next best step.
BiOptimizers is offering my community an exclusive deal: Just visit bioptimizers.com/DHRU and use code DHRU to save 10% and receive a free gift with purchase.
Here’s to real rest—your body and brain will thank you.
This is such an interesting share from my friend Nicholas Fabiano, MD. New research shows that those who struggle with depressive symptoms exhibit a preference toward carbohydrate-rich foods over protein-rich foods. What could be the cause? Perhaps changes in the gut microbiome.
Depression, which can be driven by inflammation in many cases, may be altering the relationship between the gut and the brain.
The challenge is that we know that a diet rich in processed carbohydrates can exacerbate depressive symptoms. So, it’s kind of like a vicious cycle: depression can cause refined-carb cravings, and these excessive refined carbs can also fuel depression.
This means that addressing the gut microbiome with nutrition, eliminating ultra-processed foods, and introducing gut-building foods could have a massive impact on depression.
Experts like Dr. Drew Ramsey and Dr. Uma Naidoo have also shared detailed overviews about the role of nutrition and gut health in depression on my podcast, if you want to learn more about this growing area of research.
I’m excited to see what the future of treating depression looks like. I imagine a comprehensive approach using lifestyle therapies such as diet, gut rebuilding and balancing, and exercise will become the norm—at least I hope so!
Saffron might be the next big thing when it comes to mood-boosting supplements.
This recent large-scale review looked at over 50 studies comparing different natural supplements for depression, and saffron came out as a top performer.
Here’s what they found:
Saffron had a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.69 compared to a placebo. That’s a decent effect size, meaning it significantly improved depressive symptoms. For context, an SMD over 0.5 is considered a moderate-to-large effect. Saffron didn’t just help a little—it moved the needle.
Even better? Saffron’s effect was comparable to common antidepressants but with fewer side effects.
Researchers believe saffron helps by supporting serotonin levels and reducing inflammation in the brain—two big players when it comes to mood regulation.
While dose recommendations in this review vary depending on the study, previous clinical studies have commonly used saffron dosages ranging from 30 to 50 mg per day. One supplement that I have not personally tried but am curious about is Dr. Daniel Amen’s Happy Saffron Plus, which features 30 mg of saffron in addition to curcumin and zinc.
Saffron extract is generally considered safe, but if you’re taking medication for depression for sure consult your doctor.
Those with higher levels of dietary magnesium have younger brains. This is pretty cool.
A study of over 6,000 people found that those who got more magnesium—around 550 mg a day—had bigger brains (literally) than those getting closer to 350 mg. The difference? Their brains looked about a year “younger” by the time they hit 55.
Here’s what they found: 1) People with about 40 percent more magnesium had less brain shrinkage with age. 2) Bigger brain volume means better memory, sharper thinking, and lower risk of dementia.
Here’s a good breakdown of this study from @drwilliamwallac on X if you want to learn more.
So why does magnesium help? It boosts brain cell energy, lowers inflammation, and helps your neurons stay flexible and connected.
I aim for about 500 mg of magnesium daily via supplements, and I also try my best to eat magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, bananas, nuts, avocado, beans, and salmon…basically, a whole-foods diet!
I hope you enjoyed these brain studies as much as I did.
Here’s to your health,
Dhru Purohit
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