Change Your Brain, Change Your Body

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"Walk with those seeking truth. Run from those who think they've found it."- Deepak Chopra

This month's book review is on Daniel Amen's Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. Dr. Amen is a psychiatrist, medical director of the Amen Clinics, and has authored several New York Times bestselling books, including Change Your Brain, Change Your Life and Magnificent Mind at Any Age. For the past few decades, the Amen Clinics have been performing brain SPECT imaging, scans that show not just what the brain looks like, but also, how the brain is functioning. This allows doctors to determine which, if any, parts of the brain are overactive, and which, if any, parts of the brain are under active. The balance of activity in different parts of the brain allows for normal human function. If an imbalance is present, patients can use medicines, supplements, foods, or lifestyle changes for improved stability.

One example in the book explains how one patient "was a compulsive over-eater. She couldn't stop thinking about food. Her brain SPECT study showed too much activity in the front part of her brain (anterior cingulate gyrus), likely due to low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin." In this case, the person could be prescribed an SSRI or take the supplement 5-HTP or St. John's wort to boost serotonin, engage in physical activity, and spend time practicing willpower in order to help with her compulsive overeating. A similar thought process could be applied to a vast amount of other symptoms and conditions.

This book is all about using the brain to change the way you look and feel. It is full of facts about the brain and its function, case studies demonstrating the brain as the missing link keeping someone from reaching their goals, and tips to help incorporate brain healthy actions into your lifestyle. When the brain is healthy, every part of the body functions better.

One reason I enjoyed this book is because it covers the physical brain more than any other book I have read. I have reviewed quite a few books that detail the power of positive thinking and using thoughts to change your life, but this is the first one I've come across that takes brain chemistry and regional activity into consideration. How much do these factors influence habits, thoughts, self-image, individual strengths, and financial tendencies? What happens when someone with a balanced brain and someone with an unbalanced brain both decide to start a diet and exercise program? It will likely be significantly easier for the person with balanced brain to stick to the program, enjoy the program, and achieve results.

Over the next few months, I'll be reviewing books on the brain and mind, and relaying the most relevant information onward, so you can have the necessary strategies for using the most powerful tool on this planet to achieve any goal you set and live the lifestyle of your dreams.

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