Can Bigger Muscles Give You A Bigger Brain? - With Louisa Nicola

The Model Health Show

Shawn Stevenson

Nutrition, Health & Fitness, Fitness

4.8 • 7.2K Ratings

🗓️ 16 June 2025

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Building and maintaining an adequate amount of muscle mass has a variety of health benefits. Muscle can help optimize your metabolism, reduce your risk of injuries, and allows you to have a level of functional fitness to perform everyday tasks. Today, you’re going to learn about the fascinating connection between muscles and brain health. On this episode of The Model Health Show, our guest is neurophysiologist and human performance coach, Louisa Nicola. Louisa’s work is focused on the intersection of modern neurosurgery and the science of brain optimization. Her mission is to end Alzheimer’s disease through actionable strategies and helping people build resilient, athletic brains. In this interview, you’re going to hear the latest science on how your muscle mass impacts your brain function. We’re also going to discuss how video games can actually improve cognitive function, the truth about using creatine, and so many more tips on building a stronger brain and body. I hope you enjoy this rich, science-packed conversation with Louisa Nicola! In this episode you’ll discover: The connection between the size of your leg muscles and the size of your brain. (2:12) How your brain plasticity is affected by your muscle mass. (3:32) One of the main causes of neurodegeneration and how to improve your brain. (4:16) What power is and how to improve it. (5:52) The important role of myokines. (7:20) How resistance training impacts cancer mortality rates. (10:03) Why bone density decreases during menopause, and how to counter it. (12:07) The symptoms of brain atrophy. (18:38) Which exercises allow you to reap the most brain and body benefits. (22:07) How playing video games can grow your brain. (27:33) Four specific reasons that video games can create new connections in the brain. (28:40) The impact that travel has on spatial awareness. (32:52) What creatine is and its benefits on the brain and body. (37:14) How much creatine you need to saturate the brain tissue. (39:16) Why creatine is neuroprotective against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. (39:43) The critical role of omega 3 fatty acids for brain health. (44:12) Why there’s an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. (45:35) How having adequate vitamin D levels affects the brain. (47:11) Items mentioned in this episode include: DrinkLMNT.com/model - Get a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any order! 7 Mind-Blowing Ways to Extend Your Lifespan - Listen to episode 484! Neuro Athletics Coaching Certificate - Sign up for the 6-week course! Connect with Louisa Nicola Website / Instagram Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Pandora YouTube This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by LMNT. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase.

Transcript

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0:00.0	You are now listening to The Model Health Show with Sean Stevenson.
0:04.8	For more, visit the modelhealth show.com.
0:11.5	Today, you're going to discover how getting bigger muscles can help you to get a bigger brain.
0:18.5	Now, there are specific muscles to target target in particular, and the science on this
0:24.0	is incredible. You're also going to discover how video games can impact our cognitive health.
0:31.2	Now, there's a specific video game that might conjure up some nostalgia for many of us that's actually been found to have
0:41.1	some benefits when it comes to having a healthy brain, in particular healthy brain aging. Plus,
0:48.2	you're going to learn the latest research on one of the most remarkable nutrients ever discovered
0:53.3	for brain health and cognitive function.
0:57.1	All this and so much more with our special guest, neuroscientist, Louisa Nicola.
1:04.4	Luisnaecola is a neurophysiologist, global educator, and the founder of neuroathletics.
1:10.9	Louisa is at the cutting edge of modern neurosurgery,
1:14.5	specializing in the neurophysiology of brain tumors,
1:18.1	neuroplastic surgical techniques,
1:20.4	Alzheimer's disease prevention,
1:21.8	and the science behind brain optimization.
1:25.5	Her ultimate mission is to create a world free from Alzheimer's
1:29.2	disease. Louisa graduated from the University of Sydney Medical School where her doctoral focus
1:34.5	was in neurophysiology spotlighting lifestyle interventions and defense against neurodegeneration.
1:41.8	After relocating to New York, she advanced her research career by working
1:46.0	alongside world-class neuroscientists with a particular emphasis on the role of exercise and
1:52.7	nutrition in recovery and brain health. You're about to discover the incredible connection between
	...

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