Taming the Flames: Understanding and Addressing Inflammation for Optimal Brain Health

Inflammation is a hot topic in health and wellness, and for good reason! In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-Up, Laurel Myers Hurst explores the far-reaching impacts of inflammation on the brain and body. Discover the surprising connection between inflammation and the #1 most profitable drug in the US, learn about the vital role of brain-based white blood cells, and gain practical strategies for taming the flames of inflammation and optimizing your nervous system health.

Key Takeaways:

• The Surprising Link Between Inflammation and a Chemotherapy Drug: According to pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA, 500,000 methotrexate prescriptions a month were written in the past year. The use of methotrexate, a drug used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation, highlights the widespread prevalence of inflammation and its impact on various health conditions.

CORRECTION: In this podcast, I state that methotrexate was the #1 best-selling drug in 2023 with revenue of US $26 billion. In fact, another immune blocking drug, Keytruda, holds the #1 spot for 2023 with revenue in excess of $25 billion and growing 21% just last year. This information stems from a misstatement from guest Dr. Adeel Khan on The Doctor's Farmacy podcast where Dr. Khan accidentally swapped the two immune regulating medications: methotrexate and Keytruda. Revenue from methotrexate is reported as US $590.4 million in 2023 with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 2.9% in coming years.

• Inflammation and Brain Health: Inflammation affects not only the body but also the brain. Overactive immune cells in the brain, called microglia and astrocytes, can contribute to irritability, brain fog, mood problems, and even serious mental illness.
• The Three-Pronged Approach to Well-being: Laurel emphasizes her signature approach to feeling better: reduce inflammation, improve nervous system supportive nutrition, and change the structures of the brain through neuromodulation.
• The WellTuned Woman Program: This workshop series offers a comprehensive approach to addressing inflammation and optimizing nervous system health. It includes a 14-checkpoint overhaul of physical, relational, and emotional aspects of your health to help you feel your best.
• Neuromodulation for Brain Health: Laurel discusses various forms of neuromodulation, including bilateral movement and primitive reflex integration, to support brain health and overall well-being.
• The Importance of Testing and Addressing Deficiencies: Identifying and addressing nutritional deficiencies, particularly those related to nervous system health, is crucial for reducing inflammation and optimizing brain function.

Action Items:

• Join the WellTuned Woman workshop series: Learn more about this comprehensive program and register for upcoming sessions on the WellTuned Woman website. https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texas2025
• Attend a WellTuned Woman Luxe Retreat: Experience a transformative retreat with Laurel and other like-minded women in beautiful locations.
• Visit the Brain Health Hook-Up website:

DISCLAIMER: Brain Health Hook-up Podcast, GROOVE THERAPY™, GROOVE SESSIONS®, and WellTuned Wellness LLC may benefit health, but are not substitutes for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

Music for this Podcast is provided by: Kevin "Aries" Lee and Troy "Big Baby" Capers

You can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with