Acetylcholine: Nature's Nootropic for Boosting Brain Function

Diet Science

#Health and Well-Being #Fitness #Alternative Health #Dee and Michael McCaffrey #Michael McCaffrey #Weekly Dee

38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join.…

about a year ago 9:09

MP3•Episode home

Nakazaki, E., Mah, E., Sanoshy, K., Citrolo, D., & Watanabe, F. (2021). Citicoline and memory function in healthy older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Nutrition, 151(8), 2153–2160. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662200267X?via%3Dihub

Link to purchase choline supplement: https://amzn.to/40Mmg6c

581 episodes

Acetylcholine: Nature's Nootropic for Boosting Brain Function

Diet Science

1,899 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Reference:

Link to purchase choline supplement: https://amzn.to/40Mmg6c

581 episodes

#Health and Well-Being #Fitness #Alternative Health #Dee and Michael McCaffrey #Michael McCaffrey #Weekly Dee

All episodes

Diet Science

1
Cocoa and Carob: A Sweet Duo for Managing Diabetes 6:57

3 days ago6:57

6:57

A new study shows that a specific blend of cocoa and carob powder improves metabolic health markers in people with Type 2 diabetes. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study, the specific ratio of cocoa to carob used in the study, and how this delicious duo offers a new strategy for supporting blood sugar balance. Reference: Villalva, M., García-Díez, E., Del Carmen López De Las Hazas, M., Lo Iacono, O., Vicente-Díez, J. I., García-Cabrera, S., Alonso-Bernáldez, M., Dávalos, A., Martín, M. Á., Ramos, S., & Pérez-Jiménez, J. (2025). Cocoa-carob blend acute intake modifies miRNAs related to insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic subjects: A randomised trial. Food & Function, 2025(8), 3211–3226. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/fo/d4fo04498c…

Diet Science

1
Can You Be Healthy with High Cholesterol? 12:49

10 days ago12:49

12:49

Groundbreaking new research challenges conventional beliefs about cholesterol and heart disease. A one-year prospective study of 100 metabolically healthy adults following a long-term ketogenic diet found no correlation between extremely high LDL cholesterol and the progression of coronary artery disease. Listen in this week as Dee explains the study, the importance of personalized risk assessment, why cardiac imaging might matter more than cholesterol levels alone, and what this means for patients, practitioners, and the future of cardiovascular health. Reference: Soto-Mota, A., Norwitz, N. G., Manubolu, V. S., Kinninger, A., Wood, T. R., Earls, J., Feldman, D., & Budoff, M. (2025). Plaque begets plaque, ApoB does not. JACC Advances, 101686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.101686…

Diet Science

1
Thyroid Signals: What Your Body’s Symptoms Are Really Saying 11:29

17 days ago11:29

11:29

If you’re struggling with fatigue, chronic constipation, weight gain, or weight loss resistance, an underactive thyroid could be the hidden cause. Listen in this week as Dee explains how the thyroid gland plays a big part in regulating metabolism, digestion, and energy, and the role of diet and lifestyle in treating the root cause of thyroid hormone imbalance. Work with Dee: https://deemccaffrey.com/…

Diet Science

1
Talkin’ Tallow: Is This Rendered Beef Fat Good for Your Health? 11:02

24 days ago11:02

11:02

Beef tallow, aka rendered beef fat, was once a staple in American home cooking and fast-food kitchens throughout much of the 20th century. Though it declined in popularity due to concerns over its saturated fat content, it’s now making a comeback. Listen in this week as Dee breaks down the sizzling truth about beef tallow—its nutritional perks, potential pitfalls, and whether it earns a spot in a healthy diet. Reference: Limmatvapirat, C. (2020). Beef tallow consumption and health. The Journal of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 1(2), 16–34. https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jcra/article/view/222030…

Diet Science

1
Longtime Efforts to Ban Artificial Food Dyes & Preservatives Finally Coming to Fruition! 11:27

4 weeks ago11:27

11:27

In March 2011, Processed-Free America (aka Center for Processed-Free Living) submitted arguments against artificial food coloring to the United States Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Now, 14 years later, the country is starting to pay attention. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the recent ban on 7 food dyes in West Virginia, and similar proposed bans in 23 other states. She explores the science behind artificial colorings, the potential effects on behavior and health that led to this decision, and tips on how to avoid artificial colors in your diet. References: Link to Processed-Free America's arguments against artificial food colors: https://processedfreeamerica.org/center-submits-arguments-against-artificial-food-coloring/ Rogers, K. (2025, March 29). Over half of US states are trying to eliminate food dyes. Here’s what you can do now. CNN Health. https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/29/health/food-dye-bans-states-wellness/index.html Here's the link to Dee's book The Science of Skinny ( the chapter she was referring to is Chapter 7: Food Chemistry Gone Mad): https://amzn.to/426Bwdu…

Diet Science

1
Prickly Power: Unlocking the Health Benefits of Red Cactus Pears 7:40

5 weeks ago7:40

7:40

A staple of the Native American diet for centuries, Red Cactus Pears are packed with incredible health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses why this small, watermelon-like fruit is a true superfood, and how to incorporate it into your meals. Reference: Giraldo-Silva, L., Ferreira, B., Rosa, E., & Dias, A. C. P. (2023). Opuntia ficus-indica fruit: A systematic review of its phytochemicals and pharmacological activities. Plants, 12(3), 543. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9919935/ Link to Red Cactus Pear Fact Sheet: https://www.friedas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CactusPearsFactSheetNL.pdf…

Diet Science

1
Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Universal Antioxidant 11:37

6 weeks ago11:37

11:37

Known as the "universal antioxidant," alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerhouse for fighting oxidative stress and supporting overall health. Listen in this week as Dee explores how ALA helps combat diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, fatty liver, and more—plus, why it’s essential for your metabolism! Reference: Salehi, B., Berkay Yılmaz, Y., Antika, G., Boyunegmez Tumer, T., Fawzi Mahomoodally, M., Lobine, D., Akram, M., Riaz, M., Capanoglu, E., Sharopov, F., Martins, N., Cho, W. C., & Sharifi-Rad, J. (2019). Insights on the use of α-lipoic acid for therapeutic purposes. Biomolecules, 9(8), 356. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6723188/ Link to purchase Alpha Lipoic Acid: https://amzn.to/43FqMFh…

Diet Science

1
Stop the Microplastics Mayhem! Proactive Steps to Minimize Exposure 14:57

7 weeks ago14:57

14:57

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles—smaller than a grain of sand—shed from bottles, bags, tires, synthetic fabrics, and even cosmetics. Linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, these invisible invaders are everywhere. Listen in this week as Dee shares nutrition and detox strategies to help clear them from your body. Reference: Marfella, R., Prattichizzo, F., Sardu, C., Fulgenzi, G., Graciotti, L., Spadoni, T., D’Onofrio, N., Scisciola, L., La Grotta, R., Frigé, C., Pellegrini, V., Municinò, M., Siniscalchi, M., Spinetti, F., Vigliotti, G., Vecchione, C., Carrizzo, A., Accarino, G., Squillante, A., . . . Paolisso, G. (2024). Microplastics and nanoplastics in atheromas and cardiovascular events. New England Journal of Medicine, 390(10), 900–910. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822…

Diet Science

1
Can Eating Grapes Keep Your Muscles Strong as You Age? 7:46

8 weeks ago7:46

7:46

Could eating a simple bowl of grapes be the key to stronger muscles? A groundbreaking study says yes—especially in aging women. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of this new research ane explores how the 1,600 natural compounds in grapes work together to support lean muscle mass, why these findings matter for healthy aging, and what it could mean for yyour health. Reference: Dave, A., Park, E., Piya, S., & Pezzuto, J. M. (2025). Long-term dietary consumption of grapes alters phenotypic expression in skeletal muscle of aged male and female mice. Foods, 14(4), 695. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040695…

Diet Science

1
Boost Your Brainpower with Walnuts for Breakfast 8:25

9 weeks ago8:25

8:25

Could your breakfast choice set the tone for sharper thinking all day long? A new study says yes, especially if your breakfast includes walnuts. Listen in this week as Dee breaks down the science behind this brain-boosting nut and how you can easily incorporate it into your diet for lasting cognitive benefits. Reference: Bell, L., Dodd, G. F., Jeavons, M., Fisher, D. R., Whyte, A. R., Shukitt-Hale, B., & Williams, C. M. (2025). The impact of a walnut-rich breakfast on cognitive performance and brain activity throughout the day in healthy young adults: A crossover intervention trial. Food & Function. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4fo04832f Link to Dee's Breakfast Recipe: https://processedfreeamerica.org/10625-2/…

Diet Science

1
The Probiotic Shield: Yogurt’s Role in Colon Cancer Risk 11:41

11 weeks ago11:41

11:41

A recent study suggests that long-term yogurt consumption, which typically contains a genus of probiotic Bifidobacterium, is associated with a 20% decreased incidence of colorectal cancer. Listen in this week as Dee explains how Bifidobacterium works in the gut, why it may protect against the formation of tumors, and how much yogurt you need to eat each week to get the same amount reported in the study. References: Ugai, S., Liu, L., Kosumi, K., Kawamura, H., Hamada, T., Mima, K., Arima, K., Okadome, K., Yao, Q., Matsuda, K., Zhong, Y., Mizuno, H., Chan, A. T., Garrett, W. S., Song, M., Giannakis, M., Giovannucci, E. L., Zhang, X., Ogino, S., & Ugai, T. (2025). Long-term yogurt intake and colorectal cancer incidence subclassified by Bifidobacterium abundance in tumor. Gut Microbes, 17(1). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2025.2452237 Link to Probiotics: https://amzn.to/41jCNyP…

Diet Science

1
Heart-Healthy Sips: How 3 Red Juices Can Lower Blood Pressure 13:24

11 weeks ago13:24

13:24

February is Heart Health Month, making it the perfect time to explore the power of nutrition to naturally lower high blood pressure. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research showing how adding one or more of three powerhouse red juices--beet juice, tomato juice, and pomegranate juice--to your diet can help keep your blood pressure in check and support overall cardiovascular health. References: Benjamim, C. J. R., Porto, A. A., Valenti, V. E., Sobrinho, A. C. D. S., Garner, D. M., Gualano, B., & Bueno Júnior, C. R. (2022). Nitrate derived from beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 823039. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.823039 Odai, T., Terauchi, M., Okamoto, D., Hirose, A., & Miyasaka, N. (2019). Unsalted tomato juice intake improves blood pressure and serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level in local Japanese residents at risk of cardiovascular disease. Food Science & Nutrition, 7(7), 2271–2279. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1066 Sahebkar, A., Ferri, C., Giorgini, P., Bo, S., Nachtigal, P., & Grassi, D. (2016). Effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacological Research, 115, 149–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.018…

Diet Science

1
Acetylcholine: Nature's Nootropic for Boosting Brain Function 9:09

13 weeks ago9:09

9:09

Acetylcholine enhances memory, focus, and muscle function, earning its reputation as a natural nootropic. But, as we age, the body's ability to produce it declines, potentially impacting brain health and physical performance. Listen in this week as Dee explains how acetylcholine is made in the body, and practical ways to boost its production through diet and supplementation. Reference: Nakazaki, E., Mah, E., Sanoshy, K., Citrolo, D., & Watanabe, F. (2021). Citicoline and memory function in healthy older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Nutrition, 151(8), 2153–2160. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662200267X?via%3Dihub Link to purchase choline supplement: https://amzn.to/40Mmg6c…

Diet Science

1
Why Iodine Deficiency is Making a Comeback 9:38

13 weeks ago9:38

9:38

A century ago, goiters resulting from iodine deficiency were rampant in people living in inland states from Appalachia and the Great Lakes to the northwest United States---an area that came to be known as the "goiter belt." Iodized salt solved that problem. But now iodine deficiency and goiters are making a comeback in the U.S. Listen in this week as Dee discusses why this is happening and how to ensure you get enough iodine in your diet without iodized salt. Reference: Hatch-McChesney, A., & Lieberman, H. R. (2022). Iodine and iodine deficiency: A comprehensive review of a re-emerging issue. Nutrients, 14(17), 3474. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9459956/ Link to Purchase Gourmet Seaweed Seasoning Salt: https://tinyurl.com/gourmetseasoningsalt…

Diet Science

1
A Win for Safer Foods: FDA Finally Bans Red Dye No. 3 11:29

14 weeks ago11:29