Health
Brain and memory are boosted by eating one particular diet, study finds
The Mediterranean diet has continuously shown benefits for overall health.
Researchers at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans recently discovered that the diet is linked to improved memory through balanced bacteria in the gut.
In the study, which was published in the journal Gut Microbe Reports, rats were fed a Mediterranean-style diet over a 14-week period. This included foods rich in olive oil, fish and fiber.
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Compared to those who ate a Western diet high in saturated fat, the rats that consumed the Mediterranean diet showed increases in four types of beneficial gut bacteria and decreases in five other types.
Researchers at the Tulane University School of Medicine recently discovered that the Mediterranean diet is linked to improved memory through balanced bacteria in the gut. (iStock)
The rats were then tasked with maneuvering a series of mazes that tested their memory.
Those that were on the Mediterranean diet exhibited improved performance in the maze challenges.
“This study reinforces how the foods we choose can profoundly impact our gut microbiome and, in turn, our cognitive performance.”
The researchers deduced that individuals who follow the Mediterranean diet develop different gut bacteria patterns compared to those following a “typical Western diet,” and that those gut changes were associated with learning and memory.
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“Our results suggest that there may be a relationship between diet-modulated microbiota, peripheral immune function and cognitive function,” the research concluded.
“Additional studies are needed to determine the causality between diet-modulated gut microbiota, immune function and cognitive function, and to explore additional brain mechanisms.”
Gut microbiome developed by certain dietary choices can improve cognitive function, the study suggested. (iStock)
The Mediterranean diet group also demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility and working memory – and maintained lower levels of “bad” cholesterol.
Cory Mygrant, a California-based registered dietitian nutritionist at WellTheory, was not involved in the study but shared her reactions.
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“As a dietitian, I’m thrilled to see more evidence highlighting the Mediterranean diet’s incredible power, not just for heart health but also for brain health,” she told Fox News Digital.
“This study reinforces how the foods we choose can profoundly impact our gut microbiome and, in turn, our cognitive performance.”
The Mediterranean diet group demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility and working memory, and maintained lower levels of “bad” cholesterol. (iStock)
Gut health is considered “foundational to overall well-being,” Mygrant noted, as it influences “everything from immunity to mental health.”
“The Mediterranean diet is a fantastic option for supporting this vital system,” she continued. “Rich in vibrant, flavorful foods, it can easily be woven into daily life with simple adjustments.”
“The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a 50% lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.”
In an interview with Fox News Digital, study co-author Demetrius Maraganore, MD, a neurology professor at Tulane University, emphasized the difference in cognitive function and gut microbial compositions between the Mediterranean and Western diets.
The Western diet’s reduced gut bacterial diversity and over-growth of bacterial species is similar to what is observed in Alzheimer’s patients, he told Fox News Digital.
The researchers aim to develop novel therapies to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease by harnessing nutrition and gut microbiome. (iStock)
The expert noted that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may improve scholastic and work performance.
“The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a 50% lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and promotes higher global intelligence, memory function and executive function across the lifespan,” he stated.
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Tips for going Mediterranean
To begin adopting a more Mediterranean-style diet, Mygrant suggested the following simple steps:
- Swap butter for olive oil
- Add an extra serving of veggies to meals
- Experiment with plant-based proteins, like lentils or chickpeas
- Enjoy fish a couple of times a week
- Snack on nuts or fresh fruits instead of ultra-processed foods
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“It’s about celebrating real, whole foods while keeping things flexible and enjoyable,” she said.
Mygrant acknowledged that accessing fresh produce and Mediterranean staples can be challenging for some, but noted that the diet does not have to be “all or nothing.”
A dietitian recommended adding more fish and vegetables to a daily diet, as well as nuts, fresh fruits and olive oil. (iStock)
“You can start by making small, affordable swaps — like using canned fish, frozen vegetables and whole grains — and gradually increase the focus on more plant-based foods,” he suggested.
“The goal is to make nourishing choices more accessible, no matter your circumstances, while prioritizing the connection between food and well-being.”
In future research, the Tulane team aims to develop novel therapies to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease by harnessing nutrition and gut microbiome changes, according to Maraganore.
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A New Jersey family is desperately seeking a living donor to save Thaddeus Giansanti, an eighth-grader who was born with kidney disease.
Thaddeus has had multiple surgeries throughout his 13 years, including one to remove a kidney as a baby.
Despite his struggles, he has remained positive and optimistic, his parents shared with Fox News Digital.
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“His remaining kidney is now failing,” said his father, Carlo Giansanti. “We are not a match, so now we’re asking for help from the community.”
The family first found out about their son’s kidney disease before he was born, when an ultrasound detected a potential issue.
Christa DeMark and Carlo Giansanti are pictured with their son Thaddeus, who has battled kidney disease his entire life. (Christa DeMark)
“It was nothing alarming at that point — it looked like he had extra fluid when he was born,” Thaddeus’ mother, Christa DeMark, told Fox News Digital. “Everything seemed normal, but right before we were leaving, they noticed an elevated creatinine number (a measure of kidney function in blood tests) that led to us being in touch with nephrology.”
She added, “There was something wrong with the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and the formation of the kidneys.”
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Thaddeus spent an extended period of time in the NICU, where he had multiple procedures. Before he was even 5 months old, he underwent a left nephrectomy to remove his left kidney.
His remaining kidney was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, which has required lifelong medications.
“He’s been with nephrology and nephrologists his entire life, and up until last year, everything’s been stable, but that’s been slowly changing,” DeMark said. “He’s getting bigger, and it’s been putting more stress on his remaining kidney.”
Thaddeus, now 13, has had multiple surgeries throughout his life, including one to remove his kidney as a baby. (Christa DeMark)
Doctors informed the family that their best course of action would be to find a living donor.
“Everything’s been sped up based on his bloodwork lately,” DeMark said. “So it’s looking like we need something quicker than we thought, which is why we’re looking for living donors.”
“It has pushed us to rely on faith in a way that’s very palpable — we are just coming together as a family and taking each day as it comes.”
If Thaddeus does not receive a kidney transplant within a couple of weeks, he will need to be put on dialysis, according to his doctors.
“It’s obviously been challenging for him,” DeMark said. “He’s dealing with it very well, but these are difficult situations we’re navigating.”
His parents describe Thaddeus as a smart, outgoing boy — a straight-A student who was recently awarded multiple scholarships for next year, when he will become a high-school freshman.
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Thaddeus is very athletic and enjoys playing soccer, golfing and fencing. He also plays piano and often volunteers in his community, including being an altar server and working with the local food pantry.
“He loves his family, and loves doing things with his family,” DeMark said. “He’s just a great kid.”
The boy’s remaining kidney is failing, and his family is asking the community to help find a life-saving donor. (Christa DeMark)
Thaddeus’ parents said they have not shared much about their son’s medical condition until now. “We wanted Thad to just be the bright, happy person that he is, so we’ve minimized it for years,” DeMark said.
But in the last couple of weeks, as their son’s condition has become more dire, they have started to speak out about their situation.
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“We never expected to have such an outpouring of people who cared or people trying to help — it’s been incredibly humbling,” DeMark said.
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“It has pushed us to rely on faith in a way that’s very palpable — we are just coming together as a family and taking each day as it comes,” she went on. “We are remaining hopeful because we know there’s a solution to this problem. We just need help.”
“The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up,” his mother said. “He is a great kid, a kind kid.” (Christa DeMark)
To be considered for the donation program, kidney donors must be 45 or younger, have a BMI under 30 and match Thaddeus’ O blood type.
For those who are considering becoming donors, DeMark emphasized that it entails a laparoscopic procedure with a “fairly quick” healing process that is covered by their insurance, not the donor’s.
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“The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up,” she added. “He is a great kid, a kind kid.”
Those interested in being considered as a donor can complete this Kidney Transplant Living Donor Questionnaire.
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Country music star Jessie James Decker is getting real about her health and fitness this year, alongside her family.
In a viral moment posted to Instagram, Decker, who is married to former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker, shared a video of her squatting with a barbell at the gym. The caption reads: “2026 energy! LFG💪”
The video, which has more than 111,000 likes, promotes a focus on “marriage body,” rather than “revenge body.”
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“Forget revenge body. How about marriage body,” the text on the video reads. “How about we get hotter & hotter for the person who chose us forever”
Screenshots from a video posted to Jessie James Decker’s Instagram account on Jan. 19, 2026. (Instagram @jessiejamesdecker)
The post received praise from other celebrities and influencers.
“Biggest fan of this belief,” actress and wellness influencer Daniella Monet commented.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Decker revealed some of her top wellness habits that help her uphold these standards, while feeling her best mentally and physically.
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The mother of four responded that her No. 1 wellness tip is drinking lots of water.
“Water, water, water,” she said. “I drink water all day. I even have it next to my bed, drinking it all night.”
The celebrity swears by drinking water throughout the day and night for better overall health, although it’s the “boring answer.” (iStock)
“My mom swears by it. My mom walks miles and miles every day, drinks tons of water, and she literally looks like she’s aging backwards,” the singer added. “We’re like Benjamin Button. We’re about to meet in the middle and look the same age here soon. She looks incredible.”
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In addition to focusing on hydration, Decker continues to follow many of her mother’s practices, including eating “really healthy.”
“We cook everything at home. I mean, I barely go out,” she said. “Everything I make is from scratch from home.”I really think when you know what you’re putting in your body, that’s the best bet always.”
Jessie James Decker is seen during a segment of “Good Day New York” on Jan. 29, 2026, in New York City. (Michael Simon/Getty Images)
She summarized, “Water, cook at home and just stay active — it’s really that simple.”
Decker also instills this mentality into her children — Vivianne, Eric Jr., Forrest and Denver — as sports, outdoor play and pickleball are daily rituals in their household.
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“You know, Vivi’s a gymnast — she’s in the gym five days a week … And little Eric is constantly doing sports,” she told Fox News Digital.
“They’re active … they are busy, busy, busy. They don’t sit around on iPads. They’re out there in the wildlife, barefoot and being free.”
Staying active is something the entire family embraces together, especially when they’re traveling.
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“We’ve done family workouts together, [and] we stay active together,” the singer said. “Maybe when we’re on vacation, we’re doing bike rides together, or whether it’s a football game outside or throwing the ball on the beach.”
One sport in particular has become a family favorite.
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“We love pickleball. That’s probably the thing we all do every day,” Decker said. “We have a pickleball court in the backyard, and if we go on vacation, my husband’s like, ‘Is there a pickleball court at this place?’”
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