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Austin Perlmutter, M.D. - Unsticking the Brain: Psychedelics, Inflammation, and Mental Health

The Psychedelic Podcast

Release Date: 03/11/2025

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More Episodes

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul welcomes Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, and researcher.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-294/?ref=278

Dr. Perlmutter shares his perspective on how psychedelics can help "unstick" the brain from harmful patterns, explores the relationship between inflammation and mental health, and discusses his current research on ayahuasca's effects on epigenetics and the microbiome. From understanding the biological basis of our mental states to finding balance in a modern world that often works against our wellbeing, this conversation offers valuable insights on integrating psychedelics with healthy lifestyle practices for optimal brain function and mental health.

Dr. Austin Perlmutter is a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, published researcher and international educator. His mission is to help people improve their health by targeting the biological basis of "stuckness" in our brains and bodies. His writing, presentations, podcasts, and online educational programs have reached millions. Dr. Perlmutter has been featured on PBS, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, NPR and other media outlets. He is a co-producer of the Alzheimer's, the Science of Prevention series, and host of the Better Brain Blueprint series. Dr. Perlmutter currently serves as the managing director at Big Bold Health, a food-as-medicine company where he published a pioneering study on plant nutrients and human aging through epigenetics. He also consults with the Helfgott Research Institute, researching the effects of ayahuasca on epigenetics, metabolism, microbiome and immune function.


Highlights:
The biology of mental health and decision-making
Inflammation's crucial role in brain function
How psychedelics create perspective shifts
Balancing psychedelic use with lifestyle practices
Breaking the cycle of chronic inflammation
Understanding the autonomic nervous system's response
The microbiome's connection to brain health
Research on ayahuasca's epigenetic effects
The importance of post-psychedelic environments
Moving beyond the "psychedelic as panacea" mindset

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