PODCAST · health
Nourished Brain Podcast
by Sarah Thomsen Ferreira
The Nourished Brain Podcast is your trusted source for understanding the science-backed connection between nutrition, mental health, and brain function. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian Sarah Ferreira, MS, MPH, RD, IFNCP, each episode dives into the field of nutritional neuroscience and explores how nutrition affects mood, cognition, and emotional well-being.Through expert interviews and evidence-based strategies, episodes focus on practical ways to support brain health at every stage of life.
Episodes
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{Research Brief} Nonlinear Dose–Response Relationship Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
In this episode of The Nourished Brain, I break down a new systematic review and meta-analysis titled “Nonlinear Dose–Response Relationship Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” I explore: • Why chronic low-grade inflammation is now...
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{Research Brief} How the Mediterranean and MIND Diets CAN IMPACT Cognitive Aging: Insights from a 60-Month Study
In this episode, I break down a 2025 paper published in Scientific Reports titled “The long-term neuroprotective effect of MIND and Mediterranean diet on patients with Alzheimer’s disease” by Liu and colleagues. Over a 60-month observational period, researchers explored how two well-studied…
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How Caffeine Shapes Your Brain — Focus, Fatigue, and Long-Term Brain Health
Caffeine — it’s the world’s favorite stimulant and a daily ritual for millions. But what does it really do to your brain? In this episode of The Nourished Brain Podcast, we unpack the science behind caffeine’s short- and long-term effects on focus, mood, sleep, and brain health. Learn how…
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Magnesium for Mental Clarity: Understanding the Nutrient You’re Probably Missing
Feeling mentally drained or on edge? Your brain might be craving magnesium — one of the most powerful, calming minerals for the mind. In this episode, we dive into how magnesium supports focus, stress resilience, and long-term brain health. You’ll learn: • Why 60–70% of adults don’t get enough...
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Your Pumpkin Spice Upgrade: The Brain Health Benefits of Fall Flavors
Did you know that your spice rack could offer brain-protective benefits? In this episode of The Nourished Brain Podcast, I explore the science behind cozy fall spices cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and cardamom — and how they could boost overall brain health. You’ll also hear practical ways to use...
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The Role of Protein in Addiction Recovery with Christina Veselak, LMFT, CN
In this episode, I speak with Christina Veselak, LMFT, CN to explore the vital role of adequate protein intake in recovery. Christina shares her perspective on how protein influences focus, energy, and emotional stability, and why it’s especially important in the journey of addiction recovery and...
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Feed Your Mindset: Self-Reflection for Brain-Healthy Eating
What if the secret to better focus, memory, and mood started with the way that you think about how you eat? In this episode, I explore 'big picture' how to prompt yourself for brain-healthy eating—using small mindset shifts and practical cues to guide your food choices without stress or...
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Brief Research Review: Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with Cognitive Function in Children and Adolescents
Does the Mediterranean Diet impact the cognitive abilities of children and adolescents? In this brief research review, I summarize highlights of a recent publication featured in the Brain Food Digest newsletter. ------------------------- Join other readers exploring the science of brain health....
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Brief Research Review: Food addiction severity is associated with decreased functional connectivity and responses to palatable food pictures in brain areas involved in emotion and cognitive control
Interested in learning more about what food addiction could 'look like' in the brain? In this brief research review, I summarize highlights of a recent publication featured in the Brain Food Digest newsletter. ------------------------- Join other readers exploring the science of brain health....
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Brief Review: Role of Flavonoids in Protecting Against Neurodegenerative Diseases—Possible Mechanisms of Action
Looking for natural ways to support brain health and protect against cognitive decline? In this brief research review, I summarize highlights of a recent publication featured in the Brain Food Digest newsletter. Join other readers exploring the science of brain health. Subscribe to the Brain Food...
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The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Mental Health
Jennifer Hanes, MS, RDN, LD joined me to explore the intricate relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and mental health. -------- Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Omega-3s and Mental Health 02:56 Types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids 06:01 The Role of Omega-3s in Inflammation and Mental Health 09:00...
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8 Foods to Boost Your Mood(and how they work!)
Doug Cook, RDN, known as the 'Gut Brain Guy', is talking brain food business in this episode. We talk about how the quality of our diet can impact mood, with some of Doug's super-specific and actionable recommendations for how to harness brain-friendly nutrients on a day-to-day basis. For those…
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Clinical Herbalism for ADHD, Attention & Focus with Maria Noël Groves, RH(AHG)
Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG) is the bestselling author of the award-winning Body into Balance (now a core textbook in herb schools across the country) and Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies as well as the owner of Wintergreen Botanicals Herbal Clinic & Education Center in New Hampshire. She’s a…
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The Nutrition-Autism Connection with Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD
Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD is a dietitian specializing in autism spectrum disorders and is also a sibling of an individual on the autism spectrum. Through her life and her studies, she realized how much overlap there is between nutrition and autism. During graduate school at the University of...
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Using Nutrition to Beat Chronic Migraines with Danielle Aberman, RD
Did you know that diet and nutrition can play a strong role in triggering migraine pain...as well as in finding relief? Using her degree in clinical nutrition and training as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Danielle changed her career to focus only on helping…
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Inositol, Anxiety & Panic Disorder: An Integrative Nutrition Perspective with Ashley Hurst, MS,RD
Ashley Hurst,MS,RD works with individuals with complex digestive challenges like Crohn’s, Colitis, Acid reflux, and IBS. Many of her patients also struggle with fatigue, anxiety and low mood and have been down several paths trying to find answers. Ashley works with each person closely considering...
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Microbes at the Table: The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders are complex psycho-behavioral metabolic illnesses that arise from socio-cultural, environmental, biochemical & nutritional interactions with serious consequences for physical and mental health. Novel approaches to treatment are emerging from biomedical and behavioral sciences,...
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Adapting using Adaptogens: A Next-Level Wellness Strategy for the Millennial Woman with Kiki Athanas
Resources Mentioned: Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston and Steven Maimes David Wolfe Dragon Herbs // Ron Teeguardan More about Kiki Athanas: As a wellness advocate, who specializes in adaptogens and CBD, but remembers the feeling of being overwhelmed by…
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The MIND Diet: Eat to Prevent Alzheimer's with Martha Clare Morris
The MIND diet, an acronym for the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, combines the DASH and Mediterranean diets to reduce the risk of dementia and decline in age-related brain health. Martha Clare Morris, nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University, joins me to discuss...
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Bitter: The Forgotten Flavor for Digestive Health with Herbalist Guido Masé
Guido shares from his rich knowledge about history and science of 'the forgotten flavor' bitter, including significance to modern digestive health and eating concerns with a focus on sugar and carbohydrate cravings! We talk here about: -The history of 'Bitter' and historical applications -How an...
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Eat to Beat Depression: The SMILES Trial
Eat to Beat Depression: The SMILES Trial by Sarah Ferreira
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Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor(BDNF): Nutrition & Lifestyle Considerations
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has survival and growth promoting actions on a variety of neurons, with a role in learning and memory, mood & regulation of food intake. In this episode, we take a deep dive on my take for harnessing nutrition and lifestyle choices to promote production of...
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Understanding Food Sensitivities with Christa Biegler
The terms 'food sensitivities' and 'food intolerances' cause a lot of confusion. Join Christa and I for a conversation about how food sensitivities and adverse food reactions can be understood and addressed, including the role of professional support. Christa Biegler is an award-winning dietitian...
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Understanding the Role of Self-Compassion to Manifest Confidence in Eating with Dr. Ellen Albertson
Dr. Ellen Albertson, PhD, RDN, CD, CPHWC is a Psychologist, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Wellcoach® and Reiki Master. She is an internationally recognized expert on women’s health and wellness. A sought after speaker, author and mentor, Dr. Ellen is dedicated to helping women...
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Anti-Inflammatory Eating for a Happy Healthy Brain
Michelle Babb,MS,RD, has a private practice in West Seattle where she specializes in mind-body nutrition, weight management and inflammatory digestive disorders. Michelle is a Bastyr-trained functional medicine practitioner and was a clinical nutritionist at the functional medicine research…
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Emerging Trends in Behavioral Health Nutrition with Ruth Wallace,PhD
Ruth Leyse-Wallace, PhD was in one of the first dietetic internship programs that became Registered Dietitians in 1971 continuing the credential for 44 years. Her studies in dietetics began at Oklahoma State University and continued through the University of California at Davis earning a BS…
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How Nutrition Helps to Heal Addiction with David Wiss,MS,RDN
David Wiss, MS, RDN is the founder of Nutrition in Recovery, an organization which specializes in addictions, eating disorders, mental health, body image and general wellness. In this episode, you'll learn about: How nutritional status could influence addictive behavior(s) Why the concept of…
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What's the Point of an Eating Philosophy?
What's the Point of an Eating Philosophy? by Sarah Ferreira
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Episode 0
Episode 0 by Sarah Ferreira
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Addressing Nutritional Imbalances
Addressing Nutritional Imbalances by Sarah Ferreira
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Nourished Brain Podcast is your trusted source for understanding the science-backed connection between nutrition, mental health, and brain function. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian Sarah Ferreira, MS, MPH, RD, IFNCP, each episode dives into the field of nutritional neuroscience and explores how nutrition affects mood, cognition, and emotional well-being.Through expert interviews and evidence-based strategies, episodes focus on practical ways to support brain health at every stage of life.
HOSTED BY
Sarah Thomsen Ferreira
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Nourished Brain Podcast have?
Nourished Brain Podcast currently has 30 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Nourished Brain Podcast about?
The Nourished Brain Podcast is your trusted source for understanding the science-backed connection between nutrition, mental health, and brain function. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian Sarah Ferreira, MS, MPH, RD, IFNCP, each episode dives into the field of nutritional neuroscience...
How often does Nourished Brain Podcast release new episodes?
Nourished Brain Podcast has 30 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Nourished Brain Podcast?
You can listen to Nourished Brain Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Nourished Brain Podcast?
Nourished Brain Podcast is created and hosted by Sarah Thomsen Ferreira.
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