Why Americans Have 20x More Dementia Than Amazon Tribes

In the Amazon, the rate of dementia is just 1 in 100 people. In America, it's 1 in 5. What ancient secrets do indigenous cultures hold for protecting the brain, and how can we use them to fight the modern epidemic of cognitive decline? I am thrilled to sit down with my dear friend, medical anthropologist, and shaman, Dr. Alberto Villoldo, to discuss the powerful insights from his new book, "Grow a New Brain". Alberto bridges the worlds of cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient spiritual wisdom, revealing that our brains are not fixed. We have the innate ability to repair, regenerate, and upgrade our most vital organ. In this mind-altering conversation, Alberto shares the secrets he discovered in the Amazon for activating our body's own detoxification and regeneration systems—pathways like NRF2 that shut down for most of us after age 35. We explore the foods, supplements, and spiritual practices that can help you clear out brain fog, heal trauma, and create a brain that is resilient to disease and optimized for a long, healthy life. 🧠 In this episode, you will learn about: The master detoxification switch, NRF2, and how to turn it on with specific foods like broccoli sprouts. How to boost Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) to grow new stem cells and regenerate your brain. The critical role of your gut in producing serotonin to repair your hippocampus, the brain's learning and memory center. How to clear out "zombie cells" (senescent cells) that accelerate aging and inflammation throughout the body and brain. Why trauma isn't what happened to you, but the story you wrap around it, and how to rewrite that story by first healing your brain. The connection between mitochondria, your energy levels, and your brain's "death clock". How we can inherit not only our ancestors' trauma but also their extraordinary gifts of resilience, courage, and brightness. Find Alberto Villoldo’s book, "Grow a New Brain," and learn more about his work at: https://thefourwinds.com View Show Notes From This Episode https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/pod... Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_c... Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?u... This episode is brought to you by Big Bold Health, Timeline Nutrition, Paleovalley, and BonCharge. Receive 30% off Big Bold Health's Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat sprouted powder. Head to bigboldhealth.com and use code DRMARK30 at checkout. Support essential mitochondrial health and save 10% on Mitopure. Visit timeline.com/drhyman to get 10% off today. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Order BON CHARGE’s Max Red Light Therapy device today and get 15% off. Visit boncharge.com and use code DRMARK. 0:00 - Why Dementia is 20x Higher in the US than the Amazon 7:06 - The Shaman's Secret for Activating Your Brain's Master Detox System (NRF2) 12:13 - How to Boost BDNF: The Miracle-Gro for Your Brain 13:43 - How Trauma Physically Shrinks Your Brain's Memory Center 22:35 - The Gut-Brain Axis: Your Second Brain's Role in Mood & Cognition 32:14 - Mitochondria: The Power Plants That Control Your Brain's Aging 44:13 - How to Kill "Zombie Cells" and Stop Rapid Aging 53:37 - The Neuroscience of Psychedelics for Brain Repair 58:40 - You Inherited Your Ancestors' Resilience. Here's How to Access It. #BrainHealth #Dementia #AlbertoVilloldo