On this week’s episode of The Metabolic Link, host Dr. Dominic D’Agostino is sitting down with neuroscientist, Tommy Wood, MD, PhD, to discuss optimizing human health and cognitive function. In this interview, Dom explores a wide variety of fascinating topics with Dr. Wood. They uncover why cognitive demand may be important in preventing devastating neurological disorders like dementia, the importance of monitoring cardiovascular risk biomarkers including insulin, ApoB, homocysteine, and the potential benefit (or not) of using uric acid as a marker of health. They also explore the science of using the sauna, if Dr. Wood thinks seed oils and polyunsaturated fatty acids are problematic, and how omega-6 fatty acids might affect brain function and development. They even discuss a personal story on how Dr. Wood survived a viper bite in a jungle in Costa Rica… and much more!Tommy Wood MD, PhD is a neuroscientist and professional nerd who has coached world class athletes in a dozen sports. He received an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, a medical degree from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Oslo. Tommy is currently an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, where his research focuses on brain injury and brain health across the lifespan, as well as developing easily-accessible and equitable methods with which to track health, performance, and longevity in both professional athletes and the general population. Tommy serves as associate editor of the Wiley journal Lifestyle Medicine, is a founding Director of the British Society for Lifestyle Medicine, and consults for a number of digital health companies and charities that focus on how lifestyle and the environment can affect long-term health and chronic disease.Every Tuesday, we'll be sharing a new podcast episode that uncovers the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in! You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel: Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon Music, and BuzzsproutThanks for listening! Follow us on social media @metabolichealthsummit for the latest science on metabolic health and therapy. Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.