#389: How Migraines, Mitochondria Dysfunction, and Modern Lifestyles Impact Brain Health and Aging With Dr. Elena Gross
Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Elena Gross, a neuroscientist with an inspiring story and a relentless drive to solve the mysteries behind chronic migraines and brain health. Dr. Gross’s personal journey—enduring twenty days of migraine each month and navigating countless failed treatments—led her from crawling through the pain to founding Brain Ritual, a company reimagining brain fuel for longevity.
Together, we dive deep into why your brain might be starving for energy even if you’re well-fed, how ketones act as “bomb neutralizers” for oxidative stress, and the surprising link between migraines, mitochondria, and even your favorite perfumes. Dr. Gross shares her groundbreaking research using bioidentical ketone bodies and micronutrients to support brain metabolism, and explains why so many common headache triggers—from hormonal shifts to environmental toxins—ultimately come down to oxidative stress and mitochondrial health.
If you’re searching for practical strategies to boost brain vitality, minimize inflammation, and take control of your well-being—whether you deal with migraines or just want to age vibrantly—this episode is packed with science, actionable advice, and hope for everyone ready to master their health from the inside out.
What I Discuss:
Intro and offers ... 00:00:00
Elena Gross’s journey from chronic migraines to neuroscience ... 00:46
Distinguishing migraines from headaches ... 08:13
Energy deficit in the brain and ketones as a solution ... 15:05
Mechanisms and benefits of ketones for brain health ... 23:03
Micronutrients and mitochondrial support ... 28:20
Perfume, toxins, and migraine triggers ... 32:30
Hormonal, dietary, and oxidative stress factors in migraines ... 34:33
Exogenous ketones: Types, safety, and application ... 44:43
Brain Ritual supplement overview ... 47:04
Expanding beyond migraines: Mitochondria and neuropsychiatric health ... 57:31
Four pillars for mastering migraines ... 67:00
Actionable starting step for listeners ... 71:58
How to access Brain Ritual and community ... 73:10
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