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Huberman Lab on Emotions and Nutrition

May 10, 2025

Huberman Lab Podcast Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Host: Andrew Huberman, Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford
  • Aim: Provide science-based tools and information to the public free of charge

Sponsors

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    • Benefits: Easy interpretation of body data
    • Offer: 25% off programs with code Huberman
  3. Athletic Greens

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    • Personal use: Since 2012, once/twice per day
    • Benefits: Includes probiotics for gut health
    • Offer: Year supply of vitamin D3K2 with purchase

Main Topic: Emotions

  • Emotions are central to life experiences
  • Not just brain-generated; involve body chemical events
  • No consensus on good vs bad emotions

Biology of Emotions

  • Interaction of brain and body
  • Tools for regulating emotions
  • Importance of food and nutrition in emotion regulation

Understanding Emotions

  • Darwin and Universality of Emotions
    • Universal facial expressions
    • Attraction and aversion behaviors

Brain-Body Connection

  • Vagus Nerve
    • Connects brain and body, sensory and motor pathways
    • Polyvagal theory and its limitations

Nutrition and Neurotransmitters

  • Dopamine

    • Role: Motivation, desire
    • Foods: Rich in L-tyrosine
    • Supplements: L-tyrosine, caution advised
  • Serotonin

    • Role: Calmness, satisfaction
    • Foods: Carbs increase serotonin
    • Supplements: 5-HTP, potential risks

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • Importance: Mood improvement
  • Study findings: Comparable to Prozac
  • Sources: Fish oil, plant-based sources

L-Carnitine

  • Effects on depression, fertility, and autism
  • Sources: Meat, supplements

Gut Microbiome

  • Importance for mood, immune function
  • Misconceptions and real effects on health
  • Diet's impact on microbiome

Belief Effects

  • Impact of belief on physiological responses
  • Studies by Aaliyah Crum on mindset

Conclusion

  • Importance of understanding brain-body mechanisms
  • Encouragement to explore tools and behaviors
  • Support options: Podcast subscriptions, Patreon
  • Partner: Thorne supplements, 20% off with link

For a deeper dive into the topics discussed, please refer to the provided studies and examine.com for supplement details.