Optimising Brain Energy, Mood and Cognitive Resilience: Evidence-Based Nutraceutical Strategies with Jo Grabyn

Brain fog, anxiety, low mood and memory slips are often brushed off as “stress” or “menopause” until life starts shrinking. We sit down with degree-qualified functional nutritionist Jo Grabyn to challenge that story and unpack a more useful lens: brain health as a bioenergetic problem where mitochondria, inflammation and fuel supply shape how well we think, feel and sleep.Jo shares what pulled her into dementia prevention and cognitive optimisation, including the impact of family history, brain injury, and seeing reversal-focused research that pushes beyond the outdated “nothing can be done” narrative. We talk about why genetics like ApoE4 raise risk but don’t write your future, and why a proper assessment has to look at hormones, toxins, gut-brain signalling, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and the small details that most rushed consults miss.You’ll also hear practical prevention strategies you can start early: better sleep hygiene, smarter exercise with strength training, protein needs in perimenopause and menopause, and how to have a better conversation with your GP about tests that matter such as homocysteine, B vitamins, vitamin D and high-sensitivity CRP. We finish with clinician-loved tools that support calm and cognition, including saffron, L-theanine, creatine and nicotinamide riboside (NR), plus a case study where addressing mould exposure helped reverse a frightening cognitive trajectory.If you care about dementia prevention, mental health, cognitive resilience and healthy ageing, hit play, share this with a friend who’s been dismissed, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. If you found it helpful, leave a review and tell us what brain-health question you want answered next.Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health websiteRegister as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.auFollow us on SocialsInstagram: DesignsforhealthausFacebook: DesignsforhealthausDISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health