dispelling trends and getting to the truth about what to eat for your health, according to experts
Yesterday, we had the honor of co-sponsoring the Ascension Mind Body Summit at the historic City Tavern Club in Washington, DC. Co-hosted by supermodel and health devotee Carolyn Murphy alongside brain health advocate Kristin Cecchi, the event brought together leading experts to share cutting-edge research and practical advice on the crucial connection between our digestive system, brain function, and longevity. The intimate gathering featured an impressive panel of specialists including Mona Sharma, renowned nutritionist and podcast host; Dr. Dawn Mussallem, an expert in integrative medicine and oncology; and Dr. Phyllis Ferrell, a prominent advocate for brain health and Alzheimer's prevention.
The summit's core message was refreshingly straightforward: food is medicine, and maintaining both gut and brain health is essential for longevity. The experts emphasized that true longevity isn't about fighting the aging process but rather about aging well. Dr. Ferrell delivered a particularly sobering insight that Alzheimer's and dementia typically begin developing approximately ten years before any noticeable symptoms appear, highlighting the importance of proactive brain health measures regardless of age, but especially for those in midlife. Simple practices like regular cognitive testing during annual check-ups can play a significant role in early detection and prevention of neurodegenerative conditions.
The panelists challenged several common health misconceptions during their presentations. Mona Sharma addressed the protein obsession prevalent in today's wellness culture, asserting that consuming your body weight in protein is unnecessary and potentially harmful. This point was powerfully reinforced by Carolyn Murphy's personal experience, as she shared how excessive protein consumption became toxic for her body, especially her liver, from which she's still recovering. Dr. Mussallem provided crucial guidance on supplements, warning against purchasing products promoted on social media without proper research. She advised only using supplements that are NSF-certified and consulting with healthcare professionals before adding any to your regimen. In a wellness world overrun by unregulated supplements, this advice is paramount.
The experts reached unanimous consensus on several key dietary principles: sugar and ultra-processed foods trigger inflammation, which they identified as the root cause of numerous diseases including cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Similarly clear was their stance on alcohol—best eliminated entirely or reserved only for special occasions. Instead of complex restrictive diets, the panel advocated for a more intuitive approach: eat real, whole foods; increase fruit and vegetable intake; be mindful of cultural and ancestral eating patterns that may work best for your body; and most importantly, pay attention to how different foods make YOU feel. The summit's encouraging takeaway was that improving health doesn't require dramatic lifestyle overhauls—even small changes like starting the day with deep breathing can set you on a path toward better gut-brain health and overall wellness.
We were beyond honored to co-sponsor and even more to be guests at the panel!