Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Change Your Brain Every Day
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Amen & Tana Amen
Episode Title: This is How You Know if You Have Inflammation
Release Date: November 14, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Amen explores the crucial topic of inflammation — a key component in his "Bright Minds" framework for brain health. He explains what inflammation is, how you can spot the signs, why chronic inflammation is so dangerous for both physical and mental health, and what you can do every day to reduce inflammation in your body and brain.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is Inflammation and Why Does It Matter?

• Chronic Inflammation Defined:
  • Dr. Amen explains that inflammation comes from the Latin word meaning "to set a fire." Chronic inflammation is likened to a low-level fire in the body, slowly damaging organs and increasing the risk of diseases including depression and dementia.

    “When you have chronic inflammation, it's like you have a low level fire destroying your organs, which increases your risk of depression and dementia.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:15]

2. Recognizing Inflammation: Symptoms and Tests

• Biomarkers and Signs:
  • Blood tests such as C-reactive protein and the omega-3 index are gold standard tests for measuring inflammation.
  • Physical signs of inflammation include conditions like rosacea and joint pain.

    "Tests for inflammation include C reactive protein and the omega 3 index. Having rosacea and joint pain are also signs of inflammation." — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:22]

3. Daily Habits that Address Inflammation

• Diet and Oral Health:

  • Processed foods, excess sugar, and even gum disease can all contribute to inflammation.
  • Dr. Amen shares a personal story about neglecting flossing until he discovered its significant link to inflammation and memory loss:

    “I was always too busy to floss until I saw the research showing gum disease was a major cause of inflammation and memory loss. Now I floss every day.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:32]

• Celebrating Health Wins:

  • Dr. Amen humorously recounts his excitement at getting praise from his dentist, underscoring how small daily actions lead to meaningful health outcomes:

    “I was like a 7 year old kid so happy that I wanted to put a sticker on the refrigerator. I even called Tana to tell her and she's like, seriously, that's what makes you happy.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:42]

4. Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Strategies

• Nutritional Interventions:

  • Flossing every day is highly recommended for reducing oral-derived inflammation.
  • Cooking with turmeric, a yellow spice renowned for anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more fish or taking supplements.

    "To reduce inflammation, floss every day, cook with the yellow spice turmeric and boost your omega 3 fatty acids by eating more fish or taking omega 3 supplements." — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:50]

• Supporting Research:

  • A recent study from the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that people with the highest omega-3 levels had the healthiest hippocampus, a key brain region for memory.

    “In a new study we published… the hippocampus was healthiest in people who had the highest omega 3 levels.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:56]

5. Practical Recipes

• Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Food:
  • Dr. Amen shares his love for their salmon curry chowder—a recipe he recommends even for those who aren't big salmon fans:

    “Our salmon curry chowder is an incredible anti inflammatory dish I love, even though I usually don't much like salmon.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [01:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Every day you are making your brain better or you are making it worse.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:02]
• “Chronic inflammation…increases your risk of depression and dementia.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:15]
• “Now I floss every day. I was just at the dentist and he told me my mouth looks better than ever.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:36]
• “I was like a 7 year old kid so happy that I wanted to put a sticker on the refrigerator.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:42]
• “The hippocampus was healthiest in people who had the highest omega 3 levels.” — Dr. Daniel Amen [00:56]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02: Introduction and the impact of daily choices on brain health
• 00:15: Inflammation defined and its health risks
• 00:22: Tests and symptoms of inflammation
• 00:32: The importance of flossing and connection to memory loss
• 00:42: Personal story about oral health and celebrating progress
• 00:50: Strategies for reducing inflammation (nutritional and lifestyle)
• 00:56: New research on omega-3s and the hippocampus
• 01:05: Favorite anti-inflammatory recipe: salmon curry chowder

Summary Takeaways

• Chronic inflammation silently sabotages your brain and body health.
• Simple habits—like daily flossing, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and supplementing with omega-3s—can significantly lower inflammation.
• Tracking health wins and celebrating them, no matter how small, can reinforce positive habits.
• The latest research underscores the protective power of omega-3s for brain structure and function.

This episode blends practical advice, personal stories, and the latest science to empower listeners to fight the “fire” of inflammation and protect their brains, one daily action at a time.