Jan 13, 2022
Most of us believe that eating three meals a day with a few snacks is the typical, healthy way to eat. But that is not always the case. Human bodies and minds developed to function well in circumstances where food was only available intermittently. In the primitive era, when we examine our ancestors' eating habits, we can see that intermittent fasting was common—but eating three meals a day was not. In fact, Dr. Mark Mattson, a well-known neuroscientist, demonstrates that intermittent fasting is not only normal but also beneficial to our health.
Intermittent fasting has become increasingly fashionable in recent years, and scientists have been studying its long-term implications on physical health. In this episode, Dr. Mark Mattson joins us to talk about his studies on metabolic switching, calorie restriction, and the cognitive benefits of intermittent fasting. He also provides information for physicians and parents, as well as practical guidance on how to follow an intermittent fasting eating pattern.
Guest Bio: Mark Mattson
Mark Mattson is the former Chief of the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging and is now on the faculty of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research has advanced an understanding of the cellular signaling mechanisms that control the formation and plasticity of neuronal networks in the brain, and cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. His research has also elucidated how the brain responds adaptively to challenges such as fasting and exercise, and he has used that information to develop novel interventions to promote optimal brain function throughout life. Dr. Mattson is among the most highly cited neuroscientists in the world with more than 900 publications and 180,000 citations. He was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has received many awards including the Metropolitan Life Foundation Medical Research Award and the Alzheimer’s Association Zenith Award.