#276: Nick Gant, PhD - Neurometabolism: Brain Function, Fatigue & Nutritient Interventions

#276: Nick Gant, PhD - Neurometabolism: Brain Function, Fatigue & Nutritient Interventions

Author: Danny Lennon April 2, 2019 Duration: 1:15:54

Links: 

About This Episode:

Nick Gant is Director of the Exercise Neurometabolism Laboratory at the University of Auckland.

His group uses interdisciplinary approaches from the nutritional sciences and neurosciences to investigate the role of nutrition in brain health and performance. Nick is particularly interested in foods and supplements that prevent brain fatigue and improve physical and cognitive function.

His research is currently funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand, the Health Research Council of New Zealand, and several industrial partnerships. He partners with clinicians and dieticians within the NZ Centre for Brain Research and provides scientific and educational support for elite athletes, government and military organisations

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • Understanding fatigue
  • Hypoxia-induced decrements in cognitive performance
  • Role of caffeine and stimulants in "rescuing" performance in high-fatigue/high-stress states
  • Creatine for cognitive function and brain health
  • Potential for creatine mitigating traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Can ketones aid in mitigating traumatic brain injury?
  • Thoughts on cognitive impact of nicotine
  • CHO mouth rinsing: proposed mechanism of action

Sigma Nutrition Radio, hosted by nutrition scientist Danny Lennon, moves beyond the noise of diet trends and simplistic advice to explore the complex, fascinating world of human nutrition. This is a space for deep, evidence-based conversations that acknowledge the nuance and often contradictory nature of scientific research. Each episode delves into a specific topic within health, fitness, or dietetics, breaking down the underlying physiology, examining the latest studies, and discussing practical implications with expert guests. The goal isn't to hand out rigid meal plans but to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nutritional science. You'll hear detailed analyses of how research is conducted, thoughtful debates on contentious issues, and explorations of how evidence translates-or doesn't-into real-world recommendations for different individuals. Tuning into this podcast means committing to a more sophisticated understanding of how food, movement, and metabolism interact, leaving you better equipped to make informed decisions about your own health and skepticism towards the next big headline. Danny’s approach is both rigorous and accessible, making even the most detailed biochemical pathways relevant to everyday life. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the real story behind a nutrition claim and values substance over soundbites.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 620

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