The Edge Effect: Achieve Total Health and Longevity with the Balanced Brain Advantage [1 ed.] 1402722478, 9781402722479

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1

'

Achieve Total Health and Longevity with the

Balanced Brain Advantage

Reverse or Prevent alzheimer's, aging, memory loss, Weight Gain, Sexual Dysfunction,

AND MORE

PRAISE FOR THE EDGE EFFECT "When

think

I

'brain,'

I

immediately think of

Braverman. His new book

is

a

must

wants to improve their brain health that

tells

us exactly

how to

my

and colleague Dr. Eric anyone who

friend

for practitioners, patients or naturally. Finally

we have

a definite

prevent and treat Alzheimer's, improve

book

memory and

concentration, treat and prevent anxiety and depression, and more."

—Dr. Shari Lieberman, nutrition

scientist, exercise physiologist,

& Mineral Book

and author of The Real Vitamin

is care. We start with the brain and everything else will heal accordingly. Braverman has the key to this. This book is important for the planet to heal. Everyone with a brain must buy this book."

"Health

Dr.

—Ben Vereen, actor "Dr. Eric

Braverman uniquely combines... a new and

creative

approach to

medicine. Dr. Braverman teaches that brain health can be both monitored and

measured and that such

analysis

is

the key to unlocking every individual's health."

—David

J.

Steinberg, Ph.D, president,

Long Island University

"Dr. Braverman's. .approach to the aging of the brain .

we have incorporated great vision

and

its

is

unique. So

message into our curriculum.... He

is

much so that

a rare doctor of

insight."

—Ronald

American Academy of

Klatz, M.D., president,

Anti-Aging Medicine

"Dr. Braverman's connection of the brain's role in

good

health,

is

—

Dr. Jay

"At a time

all illness,

and

in maintaining

an outstanding contribution to medicine."

when

M. Holder,

Laureate, Albert Schweitzer Prize in Medicine

the U.S. population

is

aging.

.

.

[Eric Braverman's] findings

bode

well as a valuable prognostic tool for brain impairment."

—Ernest

P.

Noble, Ph.D., M.D., Former Director of NIAAA

(division of

"QEEG (BEAM mapping)

is

NIH), Professor of Psychiatry,

UCLA

community and

issued

well accepted in the medical

to assist diagnosis in medicine.

It is

an important objective measure of organic

or physical brain dysfunction."

—Robert W. Thatcher, Ph.D., Professor of Neurology and Radiology, Department of Veterans

Affairs

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2012

http://archive.org/details/edgeeffectOOeric

mw

i)

p)

q)

r)

v)

w)

SET

b)

a)

3

c)

1=-^

*

1

g)

h)

m)

n)

o)

s)

t)

u)

SET

d)

J)

P)

3

e)

f)

k)

1)

q)

r)

w)

x)

THE EDGE EFFECT

216

PART

3:

PAIRS

(Auditory and Immediate Instructions: This test

You

Have your fully

is

are going to try to

and

Memory)

most

effective if

assistant read the eight

word

Then have your

your job to

dog

If

.

tant will write

it

you have an down.

If

no

This orders.

fill

trial

in the blanks at right as best as

test consists

Once you have

of four

assis-

words

column with

you

first

pair.

to

a sheet

can.

the eight pairs in different

trials to recall

finished the

and your

available, read these

yourself aloud, and then cover the pairs in the

of paper and

care-

column you will

assistant, say apple aloud, is

column

second word of each

pair. In the recall

assistant

together.

column and read the

recall the

For example, dog-apple is a word

you.

assist

matched

one pair every three seconds.

assistant turn to the recall

pair. It is

are

pairs in the trial

slowly, at a rate of approximately

word of each

see

you have someone

remember what words

first trial,

move on

Trial 1

Recall

car-stripe

1.

garage

wasp -tree

2.

snake

snake-rainbow

3. circle

garage-magazine

4.

circle- stairs

5. giraffe

rabbit-popcorn

6.

car

daisy-box

7.

wasp

giraffe-mirror

8.

rabbit

1

daisy

_

to the next.

Improving Your Memory

Trial 2

Recall 2

circle-stairs

1.

giraffe.

giraffe-mirror

2.

wasp_

wasp-tree

3.

snake

car-stripe

4.

daisy

snake- rainbow

5. circle

garage-magazine

6.

rabbit

rabbit-popcorn

7.

garage

daisy-box

8.

car

Trial 3

Recall 3

daisy-box

1

rabbit-popcorn

2. circle

circle-stairs

3.

car

snake-rainbow

4.

daisy

giraffe-mirror

5. giraffe

wasp -tree

6.

snake

garage-magazine

7.

garage

car-stripe

8.

rabbit

wasp

.

217

THE EDGE EFFECT

218

Trial 4

Recall 4

rabbit-popcorn

1.

circle

car-stripe

2.

daisy _

circle-stairs

3.

wasp _

wasp -tree

4.

rabbit

daisy-box

5. giraffe

snake-rainbow

6.

garage

garage-magazine

7.

snake

giraffe-mirror

8.

car

PART

4:

(Visual

and Immediate Memory)

PICTURES

Instructions: details.

_

Look at each picture for ten seconds. Study all of the minute

Try to remember as

much

as

you can about the

picture.

Then

turn the page and answer the questions pertaining to that scene. Give yourself about five seconds to answer each question. If the answer after five seconds,

move on

you don't know

to the next question.

Improving Your Memory

Picture

A

219

.

THE EDGE EFFECT

220

Questions for Picture A 1

.

How would you describe the scene?

2.

How many people are walking down the street?

3.

What time

4.

How many children are in the scene?

5.

What

6. Is

the

is it?

are they carrying?

woman's

hair dark or light?

7.

What

is

the

man

8.

What

is

the

name

9.

How many buildings are in the scene?

10. 1 1

What

holding?

of the street?

type of train

is

the

man

going to take?

How is the man dressed?

12.

How many taxicabs are in the picture?

13.

How many signs

are

on the sidewalk?

Improving Your Memory

Picture

B

221

.

THE EDGE EFFECT

222

Questions for Picture B 1.

Where does

2.

What

3.

How many children

4.

What

5.

How many children are wearing hats?

6.

What

are the boys doing?

7.

What

is

the dog doing?

8.

What

is

the

9. Is it

is

is

the scene take place?

going on in the picture?

the

are in the picture?

little girl

man

_

doing?

doing?

snowing?

10.

Does the

1 1

What kind

12.

How many houses

13.

Do

girl

seem happy?

of hat

is

the girl wearing?

are in the picture?

any of the houses have fences around them?.

Improving Your Memory

Picture

C

223

.

THE EDGE EFFECT

224

Questions for Picture 1

.

C

How would you describe the woman on

2.

What

3.

Are there clouds in the sky?

4.

What

else is in the sky?

5.

What

is

6.

What

are the children doing?

7.

Does the man's bathing

8.

Whose

9.

What

is

the

the

man

the

the beach doing?

doing?

sandcastle

is

scene?.

is

suit

have

bigger?

woman on

the beach wearing?

10.

How many towels are laid out?

1 1

What

is

the

12. Is there a 13.

stripes?.

man holding?

dog

in the picture?

How many people are in the water?.

Improving Your Memory

Picture

D

225

.

THE EDGE EFFECT

226

D

Questions for Picture 1.

What

2.

How many stories

3.

What

4.

Are there any vacancies

5.

How many balconies overlook the pooj?.

6.

What

7.

What time does

8.

How many people

9.

What

is

name

the

activities

of the hotel? the hotel?

does the hotel have?

.

at the hotel?

are the pool rules?

is

man

the

the pool close? are in the

middle of the pool?

in the pool doing?

10. Is there a lifeguard 1 1

What

12.

Are they drinking?

13.

How many clouds

PART

is

on duty?

are the people at the table doing?

5:

are in the sky?

NUMBERS

(Working Memory) Section A: This it

to

you

slowly.

test will

be more

However,

if

that

effective if you is

have someone

else

read

not possible, please read the direc-

tions for taking this test alone. Instructions if you are taking this test with assistant read each

the exact order

sequence one

you heard

it.

The

at a time.

assistant

an

assistant:

Repeat back the sequence in

should record your answer in

the space provided. If you miss two consecutive sequences, the next exercise. Calculate your total

Have the

number of correct

move on

sequences.

to

Improving Your Memory

Instructions if

you are taking

sequence once, then cover sequence from the

list

until

this test alone:

the space provided. Continue to

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

down the work down

you miss two consecutive sequences. Calculate your

number of correct sequences and move on 1.

Read each number

with a piece of paper and write

it

memory in

227

8-3

-

2-9

-

6-9-2

-

-

6-1-7

-

-

5-7-3-4

-

-

-

8-6-0-9

-

-

-

1-8-6-3-9

-

-

-

-

2-7-4-5-6

-

-

-

-

7-2-5-9-4-8

-

-

-

-

-

0-8-3-1-2-5

-

-

-

-

-

to the next exercise.

2-9-8-3-5-7-6

-

-

-

-

-

-

3-9-8-6-5-2-7

-

-

-

-

-

-

8-7-9-0-2-6-1-4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

8-2-7-3-9-5-4-0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3-5-2-7-9-6-2-3-0 7-2-8-4-1-3-0-2-6

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

--------

total

THE EDGE EFFECT

228

Section B: Read the sequence of numbers, following the same instructions as in Section A. However, write reverse order. For example,

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1-3

-

2-9

-

2-8-7

-

-

5-0-8

-

-

9-7-8-6

-

-

-

7-4-2-4

-

-

-_

1-8-6-3-9

-

-

-

-

9- 1 -2-6-8

-

-

-

-

move on

please

7-2-5-9-4-8

-

-

-

-

-

0-8-3-1-2-5

-

-

-

-

-

3-0-4-2-7-1-8

-

-

-

-

-

-

3-5-4- 1 -2-8-0

-

-

-

-

-

-

6-9-7-4-1-3-7-8

8-2-7-3-9-5-4-0

PART

6:

(Working

numbers

-

-

-

-

-

down

in the

2-1. If

to the next exercise.

-

-

__.-_-_

NUMBERS AND LETTERS Memory and

Instructions:

You

read or hear

(if

recall the

Concentraton)

are going to arrange the letters

you have an

sequence contains one

you

or repeat the

sequence 1-2 would be written

you miss two consecutive sequences, 1.

down

letter

and numbers

assistant) in a certain order.

and one number. The

trick

is

The

that

sequence you must always put the number

example, both H-5 and 5-H would be recorded as 5-H.

that

you first

when

first.

For

Improving Your Memory

The sequences than one letters.

become

will

number and

229

increasingly difficult, involving

more

Continue arranging the numbers before the

letter.

Both the numbers and the

letters

should be in ascending order.

For example, 2-G-4 should be recorded as 2-4-G; 8-Z-D-2 should be recorded as 2-8-D-Z.

If

you miss two sequences,

1.

R-l

2.

D-2

3.

7-T

4.

G-P-2

-

-

5.

K-9-3

-

-

6.

A-5-P

-

-

7.

R-9-2-1

8.

C-3-4-Z

9.

7-N-2-U

10.

2-E-6-B-4

11.

X-1-C-8-H

12.

7-Y-2-6-A

13.

M-7-E-4-Y-2

14.

Q-9-I-8-K-3

-

-

-

-

-

15.

4-R-6-B-2-S

-

-

-

-

-

16.

R-3-J-1-U-5-E

17.

Y-7-D-3-N-4

-

-

-

-

-

18.

W-9-P-2-S-6

-

-

-

-

-

19.

G-1-E-7-N-2-P-6

-

-

-

-

20.

D- 1 -J-4-K-2-L-7

stop.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

_-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

THE EDGE EFFECT

230

BONUS SECTION (Passive

Memory

you

After

Recall)

finish the six parts to the test, see if

of each section. Write them Part

down

you can

recall the

names

in the spaces provided.

1

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

ANSWER KEY Part

1:

Give yourself

1

point for each correct answer. Record the

ber of correct items in the space below.

Story

1

1.

Jacob Welch

2.

Eight years old

3.

To earn the recruiter badge

4.

Walker Elementary School

6.

Andy Parkinson Andy Parkinson's

7.

Sign-up night

5.

8.

October

9.

The nineteenth

10.

father

Jacob was awarded the recruiter badge

11.

His parents

12.

They were proud of him

13.

To get

14.

Two

ice

cream

15.

Chocolate

16.

No

17.

Sugar cone

num-

Improving Your Memory Story

total (1-17):

1

Story 2

LA girl 2.

Monday

3.

To school

4.

A building

5.

Brick

6. It

was under construction/being torn down

men

7.

Five

8.

Lexington Street

9.

Crying kittens

10. Kittens 11.

Three

12.

Black and white

13.

No

14.

To school

15.

She put them in her backpack

16.

She sold them to her classmates

17.

$10 each

(V2

point for only one color)

Story 2 total (1-17):

Story 3 1.

Missy and Daniel McKinnon

2.

The Healthy Coffee Shop

3.

On the

4.

Twenty years

corner of Wilson Street and Benson Street

5.

No

6.

November

7.

Bart Styles

8.

He

9.

Found

increased the rent by over $200 per a

new location

10.

River Street

11.

January

12.

The fourteenth

13.

No

month

231

THE EDGE EFFECT

232

14.

No

15.

Coffee and health shakes (Vi point for only one right)

16. Yes 17. Strawberries

Story 3

(first recall) total

(1-17):

Story 3 (second recall) total (1-17):

Total for Part

Record the

Part

2:

1

(0-68):

total score

on the raw

score sheet

on page

236.

Give yourself two points for each correct answer.

Set 2

a.N

g.Y_

m.Y

s.Y_

b.N

h.Y

n.Y

t.N_

c.Y

i.N

o.N

u.N

d.Y

J.Y_

v.Y_

e.N

k.N

P.Y_ q.Y_

f.Y

l.N

r.N

x.N_

a.Y

g-Y_

m.Y

s.Y_

b.N

h.Y

n.N

t.N_

c.N

i.N

o.N

u.Y_

d.N

J-Y_

P.Y_

v.Y_

e.N

k.Y

q.N

w.

f.Y

l.N

r.N

x.Y_

w.

N

Set 3

Total score for Part 2 (0-48):

Record the

total score

on the raw

score sheet

on page

236.

N

Improving Your Memory

Part

3:

Recall

Give yourself

point for each correct answer.

1

Recall 2

1

1

magazine

1.

2.

rainbow

2. tree

3. stairs

233

mirror

Recall 4

Recall 3 tree

1

stairs

2. stairs

2.

box

3. tree

1

3.

rainbow

3. stripe

box

4.

box

4.

popcorn

5.

mirror

5.

mirror

4.

box

4.

5.

mirror

5. stairs

6. stripe

6.

popcorn

6.

rainbow

6.

magazine

7.

tree

7.

magazine

7.

magazine

7.

rainbow

8.

popcorn

8. stripe

8.

popcorn

8. stripe

Total (0-8):.

Total (0-8):.

Total (0-8):

Total (0-8):.

Total score for Part 3 (0-32):

Record the

Part

4:

total score

Give yourself

Picture

on the raw score sheet on page

1

236.

point for each correct answer.

A

Picture

B

1.

City street/sidewalk/afternoon

1

On a residential street

2.

Five

2.

People shoveling/playing

3.

Three o'clock

3.

Five

4.

Three

4.

Being pulled on a sled

5.

Backpacks

5.

Four

6.

Dark

6.

Having a snowball

7.

A cell phone/briefcase

7.

Jumping

8.

4th Avenue

8.

Shoveling

9.

Three

9.

Yes

10.

Subway business suit

11. In a

10. Yes 11.

Knit

Three

12.

One

12.

13.

Two

13. Yes

Picture

A total (0-13):

Picture

B

total (0-13):

fight

THE EDGE EFFECT

234

C

Picture

D

Picture

1.

The beach/seashore

2.

Setting

3.

1.

Hotel Regal

2.

Two

Yes

3.

Swimming/hot tub

4.

Seagulls

4.

No

5.

Taking something out of cooler

5.

Six

6.

Swimming/building sandcastles

6.

No

7.

No

7.

4

8.

The

8.

Two

9.

A bikini top

9.

Swimming

up an umbrella

girl's

and

wrap

a

diving

pm

10.

One

10.

No

11.

A can

11.

Snacking

12.

No

12.

No

13.

Two

13. Five

C total (0-13):

Picture

Total score for

Record the

Part

5:

all

Picture

laps

D total (0-13):

Part 4 pictures (0-52):

total score

Give yourself

1

on the raw

score sheet

on page

236.

point for each correct answer.

Section A 1.

8-3

5.

0-8-3-1-2-5

2-9 2.

6-9-2

6.

5-7-3-4

7.

1-8-6-3-9

2-7-4-5-6

Section

A total 0-16):

8-7-9-0-2-6-1-4 8-2-7-3-9-5-4-0

8-6-0-9 4.

2-9-8-3-5-7-6 3-9-8-6-5-2-7

6-1-7 3.

7-2-5-9-4-8

8.

3-5-2-7-9-6-2-3-0 7-2-8-4-1-3-0-2-6

Improving Your Memory

Section

B

3-1

1.

5.

7-8-2

6.

8-1-7-2-4-0-3

0-8-2-1-4-5-3

8-0-5

6-8-7-9

3.

8-4-9-5-2-7 5-2-1-3-8-0

9-2 2.

235

7.

8-7-3-1-4-7-9-6 0-4-5-9-3-7-2-8

4-2-4-7 9-3-6-8-1

4.

8-6-2-1-9

Section

B

total (0-14):

Total score for Part 5 (0-30):

Record the

Part

6:

total score

Give yourself

1

on the raw score sheet on page 236.

point for each correct sequence.

1.

1-R

11.

1-8-C-H-X

2.

2-D

12.

2-6-7-A-Y

3.

7-T

13.

2-4-7-E-M-Y

4.

2-G-P

14.

3-8-9-I-K-Q

5.

3-9-K

15.

2-4-6-B-R-S

6.

5-A-P

16.

1-3-5-E-J-R-U

7.

1-2-9-R

17.

3-4-7-D-N-Y

8.

3-4-C-Z

18.

2-6-9-P-S-W

9.

2-7-N-U

19.

1-2-6-7-E-G-N-P

2-4-6-B-E

20.

1-2-4-7-D-J-K-L

10.

Total score for Part 6 (0-20):

Record the

Bonus

total score

Section: Give yourself

Parti: Stories Part

2:

on the raw

Objects

Part3: Pairs

1

score sheet

bonus point

on page 236.

for each correct test

4:

Pictures

Part

5:

Numbers

Part

6:

Numbers and

Part

letters

title.

.

THE EDGE EFFECT

236

RAW SCORE SHEET FOR BRAVERMAN MEMORY TEST Individual

Raw

Scores

(Auditory/Immediate Memory)

Part

1:

Stories (0-68):

Part

2:

Objects (0-48):

Memory) (Auditory/Immediate Memory) (Visual/Immediate

Part

3:

Pairs (0-32):

Part

4:

Pictures (0-52):

Part

5:

Numbers

Part

6:

Numbers and

letters (0-20):

Section:

(0-6):

Memory) (Working Memory)

(Visual/Immediate

(0-30):

(Working Memory/ Concentration)

Bonus

Add

1.

Add

(Passive

the raw scores for Parts 5 and

total next to

2.

titles

Add the raw scores

to

Auditory/Immediate

4.

Add the raw scores

to Visual/Immediate

1

through

by

4, divide

for Parts

1

and

3,

and place the

Memory under Grand

and write the

2,

and write the

for Parts 2

total

number next

total

number next

Totals.

and 4 and write the

Memory under Grand Totals.

add any bonus points you received

in the

Bonus

GRAND TOTALS: 1.

2,

Totals.

Memory under Grand Totals.

Immediate

3.

5. Finally,

multiply by

Working Memory under Grand

the raw scores for Parts

total next to

6,

Memory Recall)

Working Memory (Dopamine) (0-100):

Memory

2.

Immediate

3.

Auditory/Immediate

4.

Visual/Immediate

5.

Bonus points

(Acetylcholine) (0-100):

Memory (GABA) (0-100): Memory (Serotonin) (0-100):

(0-6):

Section.

Improving Your Memory

237

Interpretation of Scores

90-100+: Genius

memory capabilities

at a level

few can attain

is

memory capabilities baseline of normal memory functioning Average memory capabilities can indicate

75-90: Above-average

60-75:

—your memory functioning —the minimum

—

the possibility

of an early deficiency, because most of us experience a deficiency in at least one of biochemicals at

35-60: Below-average

memory capabilities

—

all

a sign of

times

an existing

memory deficiency that needs to be addressed memory capabilities a sign of an existing memory

—

0-35: Poor

deficiency that needs to be addressed

If

your score was lower than you would

like,

do not be discouraged.

tioning well. Just

why your memory is not currently funcremember that memory deficiency can be helped and,

most important,

it

There could be

many

reasons

can be reversed.

WHEN DOES MEMORY The majority of all memory lapses

FAIL?

are for names: those of our friends

and

acquaintances, famous people, and those not truly germane to our every-

day

life.

Generally speaking, forgetting names

and

is

that

we have only a

a

normal part of our

as

not

much

of a problem

mental functioning, due to the

limited storage area for

lems present themselves as

and

brain's

is

fact

memory. True memory prob-

difficulties in speaking, reading,

and

writing,

dramatic changes in personality. These are not quaint conse-

quences of getting older

As you

age, the

—they

are

all

early signals of cognitive decline.

production of your biochemicals and their related

hormones diminishes,

potentially affecting your ability to

However, you should not be experiencing a

failure to

remember.

remember what

should be familiar places and events more than once every few months until

you reach the age of

sixty.

Forty percent of people have declining

memory, or memory dysfunction, beginning experience a decline in overall

memory

at

age

fifty,

when our

brain begins to lose

some of us

ability as early as age twenty.

Many of us experience our first "senior moments" by the forty-five,

yet

its

age of forty or

processing speed.

THEEDGEEFFECT

238

THE MANY CAUSES OF MEMORY LOSS There are multiple physiological changes in the brain that are associated

memory and mental deterioration. No matter what age memory is a signal that you are experiencing the of the Edge Effect. When memory loss occurs, your brain

with the loss of

you

are, a decline in

negative side

chemicals are imbalanced. Acetylcholine involved with

is

the biochemical

most

directly

memory loss.

Acetylcholine promotes two important functions: brain speed and

brain moisture. Changes in brain speed loss.

When

mark

our brain speed slows, we cannot think

lose the ability to recall events, directions, or

ing

memory. Our immediate memory is

ity to

the process of

names

as quickly,

twenty milliseconds of

we lose the

abil-

memory. As

little

also affected, as

lost processing

and we

stored in our work-

process information from immediate to working

as ten to

memory

speed

spells the differ-

ence between optimal and suboptimal brain functioning. Remember,

memory

is

processed as a wave and a particle; as the wave slows down,

the individual particles are dropped.

The causes of

a loss of brain speed are a lack of moisture

and the

subsequent damage to the brain s information highway. Neurons begin to lose

some of their chemical

short-circuited

firepower,

and neuronal connections

are

by a buildup of plaque (clumps of damaged neuronal

material mixed with a sticky protein called beta amyloid), the break-

down

of the insulating layer that covers neurons, and the loss of cerebro-

spinal fluid. These underlying physical changes cause cognitive decline.

to

Many acetylcholine- related medical conditions memory loss. Significant memory loss can occur

ple sclerosis

and

same

loss

have

memory

in seizure patients,

also can contribute

rapidly with multi-

both of whom are suffering from the

of myelin sheathing. Patients with attention deficit disorder processing problems due to this

bumpy

acetylcholine

highway. Infections and inflammation, including encephalitis and HIV, affect attention

nition

and reaction time. An HIV patient may have good recog-

memory but poor

Brain speed

is

neurotransmitters.

recall

memory.

also directly affected

A dopamine

the brain can manifest itself as a

by declines

deficiency

and

its

in the other three

related energy loss in

weakened working memory. The extra

Improving Your Memory

put on the brain to

stress

make up Drug

additional acetylcholine.

239

for the loss of

abuse, addiction,

power

also

consumes

and neuropsychiatric

disorders such as schizophrenia are also linked to dopamine-related

memory loss.

GABA

memory

causes

loss,

GABA levels, which

as inadequate support from painkillers lowers

monitor

overall brain rhythm.

goes, additional acetylcholine

is

used up. Mentally,

memory

rhythms indicate a

ular brain

by chronic pain. Severe pain

deficiencies are often signaled

either anxiety or depression. Physically,

which can cause memory

loss

When

brain rhythm

GABA- related

interference that can be

GABA

irreg-

due to

plays a role in epilepsy,

and amnesia.

Serotonin deficiencies cause the brain to receive inadequate

Temporary memory

losses occur

medications such as antihistamines, treatments, which can

ders,

which

in turn cause

symmetry can

memory

As we

age,

pauses. less

which can

and

all

Over

Lack of sleep also conalso impair

memory.

AND THE PAUSES

our bodies produce fewer hormones, which leads to brain produce

less

growth hormone between ages

estrogen and testosterone by ages forty or

thirty

can

We

LOSS

sleep cycle.

lead to serious sleep disor-

interference.

tributes to depression and/or trauma,

MEMORY

medicines, and antidiarrhea

flu

damage memory by affecting the

the long term, abnormal brain

rest.

with constant use of over-the-counter

sixty,

cause

fifty, less

and possibly less progesterone by age

memory loss.

thirty

fifty,

DHEA between

sixty.

These pauses

For example, a deficiency in melatonin leads

to interruptions in the sleep cycle, leaving

memory

storage damaged;

low progesterone leads to increased brain anxiety, which

memory; growth hormone

and

is

destructive to

deficiency stunts brain cell growth.

HOSPITAL PROCEDURES Hospital procedures, such as bypass surgery or even something as

mon

as general anesthesia,

can also damage memory. Researchers

that invasive procedures for saving the heart frequently ory.

For example, studies have shown that

comtell

us

mean losing mem-

five years after

bypass surgery,

42 percent of patients suffer from cognitive decline. Virtually any surgery is

a

memory challenge and

can

start the cycle

of memory

loss.

THE EDGE EFFECT

240

Alzheimer's disease: the ultimate negative edge effect Alzheimer's disease

one of the most frightening prospects of old

is

age.

Alzheimer s is a term used to describe a collection of dementias and dementia

symptoms beginning with cognitive or memory deterioration and often

definitively diagnosable only by autopsy, teristic

plaques, neuronal tangles,

disease

is

which

reveals the disease's charac-

and shrinkage of the

brain. Alzheimer's

often referred to as brain failure, the disintegration of brain func-

many stages, which begin in the temporal lobes with subtle, short-term verbal and later visual memory changes. In the most positive cases, it never progresses beyond memory loss. In the worst ones,

tion. Alzheimer's has

it

leads to the complete

tive

breakdown of all physical systems, including diges-

and metabolic functioning, vision, and speech. All Alzheimer's patients experience deterioration of their myelin

which causes plaques, or clumps of damaged neuronal

sheaths,

material, along the acetylcholine

highway

problem that occurs with multiple

in the brain. This sclerosis,

is

the

same

except that with

Alzheimer's the myelin sheaths are lost in the brain only, rather than in other parts of the peripheral nervous system.

The most common causes

of dementia are hypertension, cigarette use, heart attack, diabetes, and

high cholesterol. Cerebrovascular disease can cause ministrokes, which in turn cause considerable cognitive decline.

Some

individuals will have

neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, or abnormally twisted protein

of Alzheimer's. Cognitive failure can be exacer-

fibers, a particular sign

bated by smoking. The most

mental

state

reversible causes of

and Alzheimer's and other dementias

deficiency in vitamin

Alzheimer's rosis

common

is

B 12 and ,

change in

are depression, a

Parkinson's disease.

the total loss of the Edge Effect. Both multiple scle-

and Alzheimer's

are typical conditions occurring

from

acetyl-

choline deficiencies. However, a loss in any of the other biochemicals will exacerbate the loss of acetylcholine, thereby contributing to this

devastating disease. As

up your

I

described

acetylcholine highway

earlier,

and

a

dopamine

deficiency speeds

will eventually destroy

it.

Lack of

GABA will lead to a lack of total brain stability, which will burn out the brain faster. A serotonin deficiency might cause a lack of sleep, which will also affect the acetylcholine highway. Therefore, all diseases of the

Improving Your Memory

241

brain and body, including the aging process, ultimately contribute to the development of dementia.

WHEN MEMORY

not Alzheimer's

is

While true Alzheimer's disease occurs

who

LOSS

at

an alarming

most patients

rate,

think they are getting Alzheimer's disease are mistaken. The onset

of Alzheimer's

anxious

is

slow and frequently goes unnoticed. Ironically,

GAB A- deficient

memory first,

people

will often suffer

from changes

is

in

not Alzheimer's patients.

Paul was a forty-year-old plaints that

who

it

man who came

to see

me

with com-

he was starting to experience the symptoms of Alzheimer's

was stressed out, drinking too much coffee, working too many hours, smoking cigarettes, and generally trying to accomplish too much. He found himself unable to remember names or places and condisease. Paul

tinually misplaced his keys.

Paul had a family history of Alzheimer's disease, and he tested positive for the early signs of andropause, or

male menopause. His Braverman

Nature Assessment showed that he did not have an acetylcholine deficiency

GABA. When we

but was very low in Test,

he tested positive for attention

intact.

fear

him

gave

Memory memory was

the Braverman

deficit, yet his

working

His main problems proved to be his anxiety and nervousness

of getting Alzheimer's, rather than actually having Paul's anxiety functioned as a siren

was wrong with

his

biochemical balance.

toms of Alzheimer's, but due to a

his brain

—

the

it.

announcing that something

He

did not have classic symp-

was slowing down.

Paul's anxiety

was

GABA deficiency, exacerbated by his working extra hard at tryhormone

ing to hold himself together with lower

levels

and slower

brain function than were normal for him. I

didn't treat Paul for

Instead,

I

improved

GABA- and his

his

memory loss, because that wasn't his problem.

hormonal

profile.

explained the benefits of

serotonin-friendly nutrients and dietary changes.

andropause, because testosterone loss

By catching

I

Paul's

problem

at

is

I

treated

closely linked to Alzheimer's.

an early stage

I

was able

to reverse his

symptoms, including memory loss. After just one week of treatment, anxiety abated and his

memory was

restored.

his

THE EDGE EFFECT

242

TREATING ALZHEIMER'S AND BOOSTING YOUR MEMORY WITH THE FOUR NATURES Alzheimer's disease does not have to be

life's

many ways,

is

the

way we

worst-case scenario. In

similar to the

you can catch cardiac problems

treat heart disease. If

stages

treat Alzheimer's

way we now

in their early

and reverse the damage, then you can prevent heart

premature death. Similarly,

if

you

attacks

and

are in touch with your nature,

you

can recognize the early signs of memory loss before they lead to serious cognitive deterioration. plete reversal of

memory loss when

The same treatments natures also reverse

many

have seen

I

that

diagnosed and treated

com-

early.

use to restore or enhance the various

I

memory

it is

patients experience a

medication, hormones, diet and

loss:

nutritional supplements, exercise, lifestyle, environment,

stimulation. Each of these treatment protocols

is

and

electrical

integrally linked to the

four natures, because without treating brain chemical imbalances, there is

no hope

Dopamine

for

anyone

to

improve

stimulates working

memory;

their

memory

significantly.

acetylcholine helps to access

memory and is responsible for speed and immediate memory function;

GABA

helps organize

memory,

tonin helps with visual

particularly verbal

memory and

memory; and

sero-

perception.

TREATING MEMORY DISORDERS WITH MEDICATIONS The most dies:

serious cases of

memory loss

require the

most powerful reme-

drugs such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), memantine

(Namenda), and tacrine (Cognex). However, these drugs are used only after the disease

has progressed significantly; only then will they have any

impact, at which time they can slow

There

is

no reason

Memory Test (MMSE) most

down

to wait until

or even the

much

the worsening of symptoms.

you do poorly on the Braverman

simpler Mini Mental State

physicians will use. If you catch

minor imbalances

Exam early,

treatment can be tailored to your nature. For example, there are other

medications that seem to improve

memory

indirectly

by working on

enhancing the primary biochemicals. Diethylpropion

(Tenuate)

Improving Your Memory

dopamine

increases

GABA Zoloft

to give

to ease anxiety,

you mental energy; Klonopin increases

which helps you

retain

a serotonin medication that can help

is

sleep in order to

more information; and

you

to get a restful night's

enhance cognitive recharging of the brain.

important to remember that drug therapy contributes only

It is

part of the edge. In order to experience a

sharpen

243

full

recovery,

you have

to

along the edge by increasing your biochemicals through a

all

multifaceted approach that includes nutrient supplements, hormones,

and the

lifestyle

changes. As always, medications should only be taken for

symptoms or conditions

their use

that they were initially prescribed for,

and

should always be monitored by a physician.

TREATING MEMORY DISORDERS

WITH HORMONES memory function include human DHEA, and pregnenolone, as well as estrogen and testosterone. Hormone assessment and balancing should be included in a treatment plan for severe memory impairment. Women can experience different types of memory problems than men due to the influence of estrogen, progesterone, and other horHormones

associated with the

growth hormone, vasopressin,

mones. Estrogen receptors are present in several regions of the brain involved in lobes.

memory and

attention, including the temporal

and

These receptors activate processes beneficial to our

frontal

ability to

think. Estrogen deficits leading to cognitive issues can be differentiated

from other conditions through

careful review of

your medication

his-

tory and an exam. If in fact you are experiencing

memory loss due

to a

lack of estrogen, a personalized

hormonal regimen can be constructed

for you. Just as with prescription medications,

it

is

important to be

under the watchful care of a physician while taking hormones.

TREATING MEMORY DISORDERS WITH DIET AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS No one

needs to hear another reason to quit smoking, reduce alcohol

consumption, and stay away from

you want

to preserve

your mental

illegal

drugs. However, put simply,

faculties,

you will do

all

if

three. Studies

THE EDGE EFFECT

244

show

that

of these habits contribute to cognitive decline. Even

all

if

advances in cloning, organ replacement, gene therapies, and nanotech-

nology extend the if

your brain

life

not functioning properly.

is

The biochemicals

we

eat

of your body, you won't be able to enjoy the party

responsible for brain activity

come from the foods

and the supplements we take. As we have discussed, memory func-

tion starts in the parietal lobes,

where the neurotransmitter acetylcholine

controls brain speed. Naturally enhancing acetylcholine levels feel that

your

memory is

starting to fade

is

your

when you

first priority.

Natural supplements that are the precursors to the neurotransmitters can improve

memory. Acetylcholine

is

synthesized by the

from choline, a B vitamin-like substance that comes from the foods

body

fats in the

we eat. However, because the digestive system is inefficient and our

diet isn't always perfect,

serving

memory

it is

a

good idea

to

supplement choline for pre-

function. Natural formulations containing choline, in

any of its many forms, along with other ingredients that support culation to

and absorption by the brain,

its cir-

are a vital part of a healthy diet.

Blood-flow enhancers such as quercetin and D, L-phenylalanine and herbs such as huperzine-A, Rhodiola rosea, and ginkgo have improved

memory and

focus in Alzheimer's patients. Supplements such as

Cognitex, ProCog, and also vital to

my Brain Youth and Brain Memory formulas are

memory and

The following

lists

cognitive functions.

of nutrients are nature-specific, and you'll see

below which of the memory functions they can

restore or enhance:

DOPAMINE-BOOSTING NUTRIENTS THAT IMPROVE WORKING MEMORY •

Tyrosine (used by the brain to produce dopamine and

norepinephrine, has been shown to increase concentration and

decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression; best used in

conjunction with vitamin B 6 ) •

Phenylalanine (used in the manufacturing of dopamine and norepinephrine; improves learning and memory)

•

L-dopa (a precursor to dopamine)

•

Thiamine

•

Chromium

(a B

vitamin that has a dopamine-augmenting effect)

(a trace

element that has a dopamine-augmenting

effect) •

Yohimbine (an herb that has dopamine and acetylcholine effects on the brain)

Improving Your Memory

245

ACETYLCHOLINE-BOOSTING NUTRIENTS THAT IMPROVE IMMEDIATE

MEMORY AND FOCUSING • Choline (a precursor to acetylcholine)

•

Manganese (helps synthesize acetyl-carnitine)

•

Acetyl-carnitine (raises acetylcholine levels in the brain)

•

Phosphatidylserine (a natural preservative of acetylcholine)

•

Huperzine-A (preserves choline)

•

Lipoic acid (prevents

breakdown of

membranes)

all

GABA-BOOSTING NUTRIENTS THAT IMPROVE VERBAL MEMORY AND ANXIETY-BASED ATTENTION FAILURE •

Inositol (a B vitamin that helps build

•

Taurine (assists with

•

GABA

GABA

GABA

levels)

production)

Pentin (a modified amino acid that helps build GABA; also

sold in drug form as gabapentin) •

B vitamins

•

Kava

•

Branched-chain amino acids (block dopamine and switch energy into physical action)

SEROTONIN-BOOSTING NUTRIENTS THAT IMPROVE VISUAL MEMORY

AND REACTION TIME •

Tryptophan

•

Vitamin B 6 Melatonin St.

John's wort

Fish oils

OTHER NUTRIENTS TO CONSIDER D,

L-methionine (part of the lipotropic group of amino acids;

helps remove heavy metals, which are thought to cause

cognitive decline, from the body) Pyridoxine (vitamin B 6 ; helps increase serotonin levels) Zinc (helps build the

immune system; found

to be deficient in

children with mental retardation)

DMAE (opens

neural pathways in the brain; once

blood-brain barrier,

it

converts to choline)

it

crosses the

THE EDGE EFFECT

246

•

Pycnogenol (the brand name

for pine bark extract; a powerful

antioxidant that strengthens capillaries in the brain and

consumes

free radicals)

•

Niacin (opens blood vessels and improves blood flow to brain)

•

Garlic (like niacin,

opens blood vessels and improves blood flow

to brain)

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE MEMORY If

you don't

and you

utilize

will lose

your brains cognitive

them. While

somewhat with

dull

brain can generate

age,

new

it

it is

true that thinking and

weaken

memory will

has recently been discovered that the adult

cells

well into old age. This

capable of improving our attention and lives.

capacities, they will

means

that

we

are

memory at any point in our memory and attention

Across the country, performance scores on

tests are

lower than they should be. Most of us don't reach our

potential

due to brain- chemical imbalances and poor physical

While some of these limitations are genetic

room

for

improvement through

in origin, there

is

full

health.

plenty of

exercise.

The more we use our mental

faculties, the stronger

they will be,

much like a weight lifter uses curls to build up her biceps. Similarly, you can do exercises to build up your brain. None of the recommendations that follow will reverse a severe case of cognitive decline, but they are

the

first line

apply them.

of defense against It's

memory loss, and

it's

never too early to

important to note, however, that you cannot do a single

bicep curl and expect to build big muscles, and the same exercises.

Only by repeating these

exercises will

is

true of brain

you make progress

strengthening your memory. Ideally, you should exercise the brain as

much

as fifty

hours a month, which translates roughly to twelve hours

a week, or less than two hours a day. First, physical exercise plays

Not only does factors to

it

promote general

memory

loss,

it

which minimizes contributing

to the brain, supplying

it

sys-

with the raw

needs to function properly.

Most people want described

health,

acuity.

but maintaining a healthy cardiovascular

tem ensures proper blood flow ingredients

an important role in mental

earlier.

to

improve one of the four types of

Study your Braverman 246

memory

Memory Test in detail. The low

Improving Your Memory

scores

tell

designed

you what you need

work

to

on.

Then

247

select exercises that are

specifically for those areas.

To improve working memory, try your hand addresses,

and telephone numbers

of numbers and

letters to

memorizing names,

phone books, doing

in local

pages at a time. You can build your attention recite strings

at

by asking

skills

them

and

trivia

you performed poorly on the story

exercises,

improve your working

memory

as well as

stories

and

test yourself. Just

read before. Try to recall as

from memory

is

details.

This will help

as well as verbal

memory

newspaper and then writing down the answers

another

to

and how questions. You can pick your

the who, what, when, where, why,

own

memory exercise.

your verbal memory. Another

might help improve your visual

consists of reading the

a

have someone read you a

passage from another story and try to recite back the

exercise that

teasers,

your mental muscles.

all flex

The Braverman Memory Test itself can be used as If

a friend to

you, with you repeating

back in the exact order. Crossword puzzles, brain

games

a few

remember

much

as

to use material

you possibly

way to check and

can.

you have not

Drawing a design

strengthen visual memory.

TREATING MEMORY DISORDERS WITH MUSIC Music

relaxes the brain so that

increases your

GABA

you can

listen better.

and synchronizes the

left

Using music to relax

and

right hemispheres.

Researchers tested the benefits of music on dementia patients by

employing different background noise scenarios

music

—while asking them questions

trate deeply.

The

scientists

that

would

patients' recall ability. Singing or playing

way

in

quiet, cafeteria noise,

force

them

found that the music playing

ground while these questions were asked

active

—

significantly

to concen-

in the back-

improved the

an instrument yourself

is

an

which you can increase GABA.

TREATING MEMORY DISORDERS WITH CES For general

memory improvement,

tant tool, because earlier in this

it

boosts

chapter that

all

the

CES

device becomes an impor-

of the neurotransmitters. I've mentioned

memory loss

is

closely linked to anxiety, so

it

THE EDGE EFFECT

248

makes sense

when

that

patients use

CES

to reduce anxiety,

memory and

cognition will also improve.

ATTENTION Attention as

memory.

a cognitive state associated with working

is

withdrawing from some tasks in order to deal

It is

defined

with others.

effectively

Long-term memory is extremely dependent on attention, and attention failure

is

frequently a sign of Alzheimer's disease

The human brain has

is

if we pay attention in one may decrease. And without attention, mem-

impossible. Attention plays a role in organizing material that

can influence

its

later recall.

Improving attention depends upon the natures, adjusting those natures,

all

attention

we must maximize our

about acetylcholine, attention

dopamine burns skills

out, a person

of the four

electrical status

and eliminating emotional interference. In

order to maximize our attention,

memory is

collapse of memory.

limited resources:

area, attention to other areas

ory storage

and the

is

is all

nature.

While

about dopamine.

When

unable to stay focused. You can improve

with various dopamine-boosting supplements and tech-

niques, including Cortisol, your

own version of my dopamine Brain Energy

formula, and playing computerized games to improve brain speed.

Pam,

a thirty-two-year-old overweight editor,

came

to

PATH com-

plaining that she was always exhausted, couldn't concentrate, and had severe attention problems. She also admitted that she

prescription medications that she'd sports injury. She

begun taking

was deeply dedicated

was addicted

to

for a painful chronic

to her work,

and the

state

of her

health was affecting her ability to function in the office. I

put

Pam on a program that balanced her dopamine nature, includ-

ing a regimen consisting of dietary, hormonal, behavioral, and pharmaceutical elements.

hour. Three lost weight.

Pam also began using the CES device every night for one

months

later,

she was totally off all pain medications and had

Not only has she noticed a dramatic

and concentration, but Pam

is

back to working

increase in general energy at

top speed in the

office.

Improving Your Memory

249

MEETING YOUR OWN MEMORY NEEDS There are numerous studies of

memory

prodigies, such as the

famous

Russian mnemonists

(memory artists),

demonstrate perfect,

photographic memory. Some people with

idiot savants,

and others able

to

a pen-

chant for mathematics can perform lightning calculations, others

demonstrate incredible auditory still

others have the ability to

memory

for

memorize and

music and speeches, and

recite

reams of poetry.

While these remarkable powers are intriguing, there call for this

memory in our

type of

essarily

enhance attention,

human

being.

It is

that suits each of

suits

we

useful for a

an individual

will all

much

do not nec-

intelligence, or the overall health of

to have a well-rounded

any

memory

who

memory. Working memory and concentraa strength for a writer or a doctor. Visual

movie is

director,

involved in

and strong immediate memory

sales.

In this

new

electronic age,

be required to increase our brain speed in order to process

the masses of information available to us. Those tain the

not

our individualized needs. For example, a therapist

would be considered

memory is

daily living. These skills

more important

requires great immediate tion

is

Edge

demanding

Effect will

society.

who

be the ones to thrive in

reach and mainthis increasingly

11

BENDING YOUR PERSONALITY: EXPERIENCING THE FULL EDGE EFFECT When nature

Edge later

is

COMES

it

common and

Effect.

Even

if

to

your personality, feeling great within your

comfortable, but you aren't experiencing the

you

are peaking within your

you will find yourself vulnerable to

For example,

if

you

own

full

nature, sooner or

certain crises or health problems.

are highly extroverted,

you may find yourself

in a

dopamine zone, yet you will have diminished your ability to remain calm. If you let

extroversion go too

able to resynchronize, result.

far,

you

will lose sleep, the brain will

and a host of mental and

In order to sleep better, an extrovert might want to suppress his

intensity

by using the nature programs

for

GABA and serotonin.

As you've learned, only when the brain chemical control will you reach the rule

not be

physical illnesses can

your physical health. To reach

deficiencies

full

hits all four

Edge

Effect

this state,

peaks of bio-

and be able

you have

to truly

to balance

and enhance your nature using the suggestions

your

in the

nature chapters. Look at your lowest scores from the Braverman Nature

Assessment: those are your deficiencies, or weakest points. Those directly opposite your nature are the ones you need to build up ple,

first.

For exam-

high dopamine and acetylcholine natures need to find balance by

enhancing their

GABA

GABA and serotonin. The opposite is true as well: high

and serotonin natures

dopamine and

acetylcholine.

will find balance

Then you can

remaining minor natures and develop them

The

full

Edge

Effect puts

you

by enhancing

their

take control over the

as well.

in a position to choose

when

to use

each of the biochemicals in order to bend your brain to where you need to be at any specific point in

life.

Another example involves controlling 250

Bending Your Personality

your acetylcholine intuitiveness. Too

good

thing.

Sometimes you need

the ability to

form

relationships,

In these cases, this nature to build

to

practicality.

much consciousness emphasize

and

live

would need

up the other biochemicals By following the

251

to

common

is

not always a

sense,

enhance

within the confines of

reality.

to suppress acetylcholine in order

emphasize extroversion and more

lessons outlined in this chapter,

you

will

be

able to control your personality through biochemistry.

MODIFYING NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF YOUR NATURE The way you yet there are

see yourself

and the way others

may be more than

some ways

in

see

a grain of truth in

you may vary

widely,

both viewpoints. Here

which your nature may be perceived by others versus

how you may perceive yourself. When you compare the two, you may see why others have difficulties with you, and appreciate what you need to

modify

to gain a

more balanced

personality.

DOPAMINE NATURE

HOW PEOPLE VIEW THEMSELVES

HOW OTHERS MAY VIEW THEM

Able to rely on valid intuition

Acts on crazy hunches

Able to understand and explain

Comes up with useless ideas

complex theories Calm, not overly emotional

Aloof, distant, lacking

Correct a high percentage of

Critical, faultfinding

warmth, unfeeling

the time Efficient

Doesn't care about people

Firm-minded, able to reprimand

Arrogant

or fire if necessary

Heavily defended, unable to

Objective

open up Original,

unique

Weird, eccentric, poor dresser

THE EDGE EFFECT

252

DOPAMINE NATURE (cont'd) HOW PEOPLE VIEW THEMSELVES

HOW OTHERS MAY VIEW THEM

Powerful

Ruthless

Rational

Too abstract

Task- or goal-oriented

Unappreciative, stingy with praise for a job well

Under control

done

Unrealistic

ACETYLCHOLINE NATURE

HOW PEOPLE VIEW THEMSELVES

HOW OTHERS MAY VIEW THEM

Affirming

A pushover

Caring, compassionate

Bleeding heart

Creative

Flaky, unrealistic

Em pathetic

Groveling, fawning, obsequious

Expressive, expansive

Hopelessly naive

Idealistic

Illogical

Keeper of relationships, often

Not businesslike

the caretaker People person

Overemotional

Romantic

Slick,

Social interaction expert

Smothering

Spiritual

Stuck in the past

Trusting

Too nice, Goody Two-shoes

Unselfish

Too talkative

too smooth, manipulative

GABA NATURE

HOW PEOPLE VIEW THEMSELVES

HOW OTHERS MAY VIEW THEM

Decisive

Always trying to set the agenda

Dependable

Blind to

Executive type

Bossy, controlling

Drudge

Goal-oriented

Good at

a sorting,

new opportunities

weeding out,

Dull

and discarding Hard worker

Frustratingly difficult to work

with

Not wasting time with impossible

schemes

Judgmental

Bending Your Personality

253

Orderly, neat

Nitpicking

Practical

Sees only the obvious

Precise

Predictable

Punctual

Uncreative

Realistic

Uptight

SEROTONIN NATURE

HOW PEOPLE VIEW THEMSELVES

HOW OTHERS MAY VIEW THEM

Able to do more than one thing

Indecisive

at a time

Can deal with chaos

Unable to stick to the task at

hand

welcoming new

Curious,

Resisting closure or decision

information Scattered, cluttered, unfocused

Electric Flexible,

adaptable to changing

Uncontrollable, unpredictable, creating chaos

circumstances

Wishy-washy

Superior ability to weigh

options

TAKING ON QUALITIES OF DIFFERENT NATURES There are always aspects of our temperaments that we are proud

of.

Often these high points are overshadowed by ways in which we find ourselves lacking. However,

we can apply behavioral

out the best in each of our

less

dominant

strategies to bring

natures. In this

way we can

learn to compensate for our personality weaknesses.

Beginning on the next page are

lists

each temperament more well rounded. sense that

we

levels.

For example,

lowing the suggestions

you if you

will

are a

listed here,

make

call these competencies, in the

are trying to achieve these personality goals.

these behavioral changes,

nature

I

of exercises or ideas to

By making

naturally increase your

dreamy

you can

minor

serotonin nature, by fol-

actually raise your other

biochemical levels so that you will have a more balanced personality. In effect,

you

chemistry.

will

be bending your personality by changing your bio-

THE EDGE EFFECT

254

REACHING EXTROVERT COMPETENCE For an introvert to become more extroverted, you need to add a variety to your

how

are learning

little

life. When you are learning extroverted competence, you

on your dopamine. Dopamine

to turn

about

is all

power: by enhancing your dopamine, you can become a more powerful personality. •

Get involved dren's

in a

group or organization such

PTA, take part

in a

as

your

chil-

church event, or volunteer your time

to a nonprofit organization or city agency.

By becoming

active

with others, you will increase your dopamine and your acetyl-

more dopamine

choline levels and train your brain to exert

and acetylcholine behaviors. •

Add

a

little

variety to your

by working on a few things

life

one time, not giving too much time also raise

not.

any one thing. This

your dopamine and your acetylcholine

Meet new people.

•

to

Start conversations

when you

will

levels.

usually

would

Do not wait for someone else to initiate one. Making new

acquaintances raises your dopamine and •

at

GABA levels.

Try communicating a different way. Introverts tend to process ideas internally that will allow

them but nication

and then put them into words.

you not only to

to share is

good

relate

your feelings

for

Start a dialogue

your ideas

as

you process

as well. This type of

commu-

your dopamine and your acetylcholine

levels.

REACHING INTROVERT COMPETENCE For an extrovert to become a

on

little

more

focus, paying attention to others,

are learning

how

to turn off

At the same time, you •

will

and

silence.

dopamine and

you need

When you do

direct

at a time.

See

if

to

work

so,

you

your energy inward.

be raising your other biochemical

Try working on one thing quietly,

introverted,

you can work

levels.

alone,

without interruptions, giving yourself the time and

Bending Your Personality space to do

255

This activity will raise your acetylcholine levels

so.

and decrease dopamine. •

Spend time with say before

a close friend. Listen to

what he or she has

to

you share your thoughts. Think before you speak:

complete your thoughts before you share them. Take the time to observe facial expressions

and body language. This

both acetylcholine and serotonin

raise

levels,

will

and diminish

dopamine dominance. •

Do not let stress get to you. If you cannot handle a situation at the

moment, then whether

alone,

it

come back and and serotonin

get

be to

away from reflect

it.

Give yourself some time

or just time to cool down, then

solve the problem. This will raise

levels

both

GABA

and diminish dopamine dominance.

BECOMING MORE SENSITIVE For an intuitive acetylcholine nature to become a

you have present.

to

become more

When you

detail-oriented,

little

more

present,

know the facts, and live in the

are learning sensing competence,

you

are learning

how to turn on your serotonin levels. Serotonin controls the feeling side of life. When we release serotonin we feel things more intensely. This is how you achieve true empathy. •

Prepare a special meal for yourself and a friend. dish.

Make

Cook

new

a

sure to follow the recipe step by step. This will

lower your acetylcholine and increase your serotonin and

GABA levels. •

When you have pencil

and

review your

a decision to

list all list,

make,

sit

down

with a paper and

the pros and cons of each choice.

eliminating any assumptions you

may

Then have

made along the way, focusing only on the actual facts in order to make your decision. This will lower your acetylcholine and increase your •

GABA levels.

Review the chanting meditation sleep.

in

Chapter 7 before you go to

Take ten minutes to reboot your brain by following

meditation. See

if

you

get a better night's sleep

and

feel

this

more

THE EDGE EFFECT

256

refreshed in the morning. Meditation will raise your serotonin levels.

BECOMING MORE INTUITIVE For a sensing nature to become a ative

and

petence, all

see the bigger picture.

you

about awareness and •

how to

are learning

little

intuitive,

When you

you have

to

be

are learning intuitive

cre-

com-

turn on acetylcholine. Acetylcholine

is

creativity.

Look around your home and to

more

see

how your

furnishings relate

your personality type. What does the decor say about you?

This exercise raises acetylcholine. •

Think about what your

life

would be

exercise raises

your

How would you live your life? This

both acetylcholine and dopamine

When you first walk into close

money was never an

You could do anything you wanted, whenever you wanted,

issue.

with whomever you wanted.

•

like if

a

levels.

room, take a quick glance and then

eyes. Identify five small objects that are in the

open your

eyes,

and find them. Then

close

room,

your eyes again and

try to identify five large objects that set the atmosphere of the

room. This

exercise raises acetylcholine

and lowers

GABA levels.

INCREASING YOUR RATIONAL THINKING STYLE For the feeling to become a

know the

facts,

little

more

thought-directed, you have to

When you

use logic, and prepare for consequences.

learning thinking competence, you are learning to turn

and •

logic of

When making an important decision, make it based on facts. Do not allow others to interfere with your decision as long as dopamine

•

is fair.

This exercise raises both acetylcholine and

levels.

Try starting your sentences with feel

." .

.

Be able

cise raises •

on the power

dopamine.

your decision

are

doing

.

.

."

instead of "I

facts.

This exer-

levels.

critical it

know

back up your thoughts with

dopamine

Communicate you

to

"I

are

comments when needed. Know

that

not to hurt the individual but for his or her

Bending Your Personality

Be open and

benefit.

acetylcholine •

about

direct

and dopamine

257

This exercise raises both

it.

levels.

When problem solving, try looking at cause and effect. List all the outcomes and choose the one with the

possible

outcomes. This exercise

and drops serotonin

raises

least negative

both acetylcholine and dopamine,

levels.

INCREASING YOUR FEELING THINKING STYLE To become a

you

little

more

are learning feeling competence,

serotonin. Serotonin •

you have

feeling,

Listen, listen,

is all

open up your

to

you

are learning

heart.

how

When

to turn

on

about feeling and pleasure.

and then

listen a little

more when people

try to

share their feelings with you. This exercise raises both acetyl-

choline and serotonin levels. •

If

you can help someone, do

so,

even

if it

means

that

you miss

out on something. This exercise raises both acetylcholine and serotonin •

Do

levels.

not be afraid of saying

do not say

it

"I love

you" to others, even

in return. This exercise raises

they

if

dopamine and

decreases serotonin.

JUDGING COMPETENCE For a perceiver to become a Prioritizing

little

more judging, you need

and completing things

in life are essential to

to plan ahead.

make

a change.

When you are learning judging competence, you are learning to turn on GABA. GABA •

Make

a

oritize list

is all

list

about balance.

of activities that need to be accomplished, and pri-

them over an

entire week.

dopamine and lowers serotonin •

Work your way down

the

using the weekend as your deadline. This exercise raises

Make

levels.

sure that the essentials such as laundry

shopping are done. Also, getting ready a lot

smoother

if

in the

you plan ahead. This

and lowers serotonin

levels.

and grocery

morning can go

exercise raises

GABA

THE EDGE EFFECT

258

PERCEIVING COMPETENCE For a judging individual to become a

become more

flexible

more

little

perceiving,

by being a knowledgeable

are learning perceiving competence,

you

you need

to

risk taker.

When you

how

to turn off

are learning

GABA. •

Know your facts before you try to help someone out. It may be good advice and poor

the difference between really

This exercise lowers your •

Do or

GABA levels.

something you normally would not do. Return to a sport

hobby

you did

that

exercise lowers

choline •

advice.

your

as a child that

GABA

levels

was a

lot

of fun. This

while raising your acetyl-

levels.

Go out on the town with no plans, knowing that you're going to have fun. You do not always have to have an evening planned. This exercise lowers your

GABA

levels

while raising your

acetylcholine levels.

MANTRAS FOR THE NATURES Here are some inspiring messages to help you with the above

exercises.

Using these mantras in combination with the exercises can help you find a

more balanced mental

state.

Make

it

yourself right before you go to bed at night,

a habit to repeat these to

when you wake up

morning, and throughout the day whenever relevant problems

in the

arise.

To Soften a Dopamine Nature

Whenever someone listen to I

will learn

is

trying to share an idea with me,

what he or she has

I

will

to say.

not just to work with others but to work as a team

player.

Whenever

rules

and regulations

are implemented,

I

will try to

understand their significance and follow them.

Whenever there so that

it is

is

a task to complete,

I

will focus

completed to the best of my

on the

ability.

details

Bending Your Personality

259

To Focus an Acetylcholine Nature I

will learn to

one I

will

is

understand the meaning behind the phrase "No

perfect."

complete

all

my tasks, even the ones I wish someone else

were doing.

Whenever

a task

becomes

dull,

I

will stay

focused and get the

job done.

Whenever someone

is

making me

person and take that person

start to get tense,

I

of focusing on the

Whenever way,

I

I

feel

will trust that

her word.

I

will

look

at the big picture instead

details.

pain about others not doing things the right

need to take a step back and

Only then I

at his or

I

GABA Nature

To Relax a

When

a promise,

will others see

my good

others try their best.

let

heart.

must be patient when things do not go the way

them

I

expect

to.

To Strengthen a Serotonin Nature I

will try to

I

will assert

have a

little

sensitivity

toward others and not

just

think about myself.

my

place in this world

and ask

for things that

I

need. I

have the strength to be responsible for

my actions.

OVERCOMING THE DARK SIDE The dark icals.

sides of

our personalities are also driven by primary biochem-

These aspects often occur

as

an excess or

deficit in

your particular

nature. If you are experiencing any of the following negative personality traits

and would

like to

do something

look to increase the biochemical that

it is

is

in order to stop these behaviors,

most opposite

to

your nature.

Sometimes your dark side can work to your advantage. For example, normal to have loner tendencies as we grow older, due to hormonal

loss that will create a

dopamine

deficiency.

However, when our natures go

out of whack, each strength of a personality becomes a weakness.

THE EDGE EFFECT

260

The following text

lists

each of the personality types and

personalities can be bent through biochemistry.

against your dark side

You can win the

by recognizing which biochemical needs

enhanced and by following the treatment modalities chapters. Start

by making small

ments. However, are far

if

you or others

diet

close to

from normal, you might need

listed in the

battle

to

be

nature

and environment changes.

lifestyle

by changing your

You'll see results just

how these

and taking nutrient supple-

you

feel that

your behaviors

to seek psychiatric counseling.

Always keep in mind that that there are no pure personalities. We are

many

all

a mixture of

all

people have a

the

little

of these types. For example, at

least 10

percent of

Loner in them, and 50 to 75 percent have

Drama Queen. Most men

traits

of

(50 to 75 percent) are Self- Absorbed per-

Rule Breakers, Dukes-Up types, or Perfectionists. Women, much more than men, usually have a Nurturing, sensitive streak. Between sonalities,

5

and 10 percent of women have Abuse-Me personality components.

THE LONER Normally At

its

this

worst,

type

it is

is

no trouble

organized, neat, frugal, and

as if this personality

were born without

to others.

feelings, inca-

pable of experiencing strong emotions such as love, desire, joy, sadness,

and

rage.

Loners talk and act with

monotony

to the world.

little

animation, conveying a general

Given their natural remoteness, they prefer to

be in the background, avoiding center stage until they reach their breaking point. In order to counteract this behavior, loners need to decrease their

GABA and increase their dopamine so that they feel more assertive

and have the confidence to be treated with

to get out into the world.

dopamine

Extreme loners have

stimulants.

PAINFULLY SHY Normally

this individual

is

sensitive to others, polite, caring, sweet,

sure not to offend anyone. At worst, this person bia: hesitant, distracted, edgy,

is

vulnerable to any

and

a walking social pho-

manner of

criticism,

and so morbidly afraid of being disliked that leading a lonely and empty life

seems preferable. The painfully shy person sees himself

quate and inferior, which causes to him.

He

tends to

live in

him to

the past

and seek refuge

where he can enjoy high self-esteem

as inade-

dismiss whatever success comes

at will. In

in a fantasy world,

order to break this

Bending Your Personality

261

who are painfully shy need to decrease their serotonin their GABA, so that they can feel grounded in the real

behavior, those

and increase

up on serotonin-

world. Painfully shy personalities frequently end

enhancing drugs such

as Paxil,

and anti-anxiety medications

for their

bashful natures.

THE NURTURING TYPE Normally nurturers are caring, giving self-sacrificing,

lives.

are

tremendously

At worst, these personalities spend their entire

looking for love and opportunities to give care at the expense of

when

being hurt heavily fall

needing others' approval,

and passive decision makers who

involved in others' lives

to others,

on

their

their

own

needs are not sufficiently met. They rely

mates and authority figures for advice

into the trap of continuously craving

of their peers. In order for nurturers to learn to sibility

—and can

let

go of the respon-

of taking care of others, they need to decrease their

and increase dopamine. In

this

also

and following the information

way they

will

GABA

begin to look out for

themselves.

THE DRAMA QUEEN Normally

growth, and devel-

this type is a catalyst for creating change,

opment of self and

others.

At their worst they are theatrical to the max.

Drama queens love and live for the big moment. They have a wild streak combined with

a flirtatiousness that can often get

them

in hot water.

This dark side can emerge in almost anyone during periods of high anxiety,

when

thinking confusion, trouble calculating, backaches, headaches,

sweating, shaking,

and palpitations

will occur. If

you

are experiencing

an intense need to be helped by others without helping yourself, you

need to lower your dopamine

levels

and increase your GABA. Drama

queens usually need leveling, so they often take anticonvulsants and other GABA-boosting agents.

SELF-ABSORBED Normally is

this

type

is

a high achiever.

At worst,

this personality profile

the epitome of the snob. Flouting conventional values as beneath

them, they see themselves others be

as entitled to

damned. Rationalization

is

make

their

own

rules

and

let

part of the self-absorbed dark

THE EDGE EFFECT

262

side. If

you

are feeling

behind by your friends or

left

family,

you might

consider lowering your dopamine levels and increasing your serotonin.

Then

good look

take a

at

how you've been

treating others lately.

THE RULE BREAKER do not follow the group. They

Iconoclasts

work around sive

are

shrewd operators, able

to

the rules of any system. At worst, they tend to be impul-

and shortsighted, proceeding rashly without considering the conse-

quences of a deed. Personally irresponsible, they are given to insulting, even abusive actions about which they

They

are intolerant

and scornful of

feel little

others.

To

or no remorse or get

graces of the rest of society, rule breakers need to learn

and mellow out by decreasing

their

guilt.

back into the good

how to conform

dopamine and increasing

their

GABA.

DUKES-UP PERSONALITY Normally ing,

this profile

is

intense, entrepreneurial, ambitious, challeng-

and over achieving. However,

the drop of a hat

memories

this personality lashes

and can be verbally and physically

are virtually

out at others

abusive. Their

negative, heavy with a sense of injustice

all

the firm belief that the world has given

them

a

raw

at

deal.

It's

and

very hard

for this personality type to get along with others because of the enor-

mous chip on their shoulder. If this description fits you, you might want to decrease

your dopamine and increase your

some balance and

a

more

rational perspective

GABA

on

in order to get

life.

THE PERFECTIONIST Perfectionists are normally hardworking, detail- oriented, devoted,

exacting, fere

all

positive traits.

However, the need for perfection can

inter-

with decision making, since striving for the ideal in everything

simply not

realistic.

These people are

classic, active

workaholics

retain tight self-control at the expense of relaxation, enjoyment,

warmth.

If

you

are

you

is

who and

growing tired of this overwhelming need to control,

you can decrease your give

and

GABA and increase your acetylcholine. This will

a fresh, creative approach to

problem

solving, including the

opportunity to delegate. Perfectionist personalities can also find themselves

on medication and

are frequently referred to therapists.

Bending Your Personality

263

PROCRASTINATORS We

can identify with procrastinators. However, their dark side

all

is

anger mixed with an avoidance of direct confrontation. In order to face life's

challenges headfirst, procrastinators need to lower their serotonin

and increase

their acetylcholine.

THE ABUSE-ME PERSONALITY Normally

this profile is

for the group.

and

completely self-sacrificing for themselves and

At worst, they find

pleasure. Generally shy

personality

is

it

and

almost impossible to experience joy

someone with an abuse-me

retiring,

more comfortable

winning

in a losing situation than a

one. Interestingly, the deepest-feeling people have the lowest

esteem.

They

are permitting themselves to shut off their

completely. That results in actively seeking condemnation

accept whatever praise or support this way,

you need

to beef

is

offered

own and

— and deserved.

self-

identity

failing to

If

you

feel

up your own self-image by decreasing your

serotonin and increasing your

GABA. Abuse-me

personalities often

have extreme dopamine deficiencies that require medication.

ECCENTRICS Eccentrics usually keep to themselves. At worst, they exhibit odd, even bizarre behavior. These personalities feel

and

steer

away from human

normal

interaction.

composed of magical behavior and wild they appear colorless and inexpressive.

They

in isolated situations

live in a

dream world

visions, although

When

outwardly

even mildly stressed, they

can easily become a danger to others and themselves. Eccentrics need to decrease their serotonin and increase their tion outside of their

own

dopamine

in order to func-

fantasy world.

THE UNSTABLE PERSONALITY People with an unstable personality lack balance in

tend to bounce between extremes at the

drop of a

fanatics to

hat,

all

areas of

—from loving someone

from happiness

to rage,

becoming bingers and substance

life.

to hating

and from being

abusers.

They

They tend to

themselves and can never escape feelings of emptiness, which

because of their ever-changing goals, friends, extracurricular

him

exercise

neglect

may be

activities,

THE EDGE EFFECT

264

and values. Unstable

personalities usually require significant psychiatric

medications that will lower their dopamine levels while increasing their

GABA.

THE SUSPICIOUS PERSONALITY Suspicious personalities are hypervigilant. skeptical, believing that

and reluctant

everyone

is

They

consummately

are

out to get them. Rigid in ideology

to put trust in others, they tend to be loners, keeping their

own skewed

counsel at the cost of personal happiness.

cious nature

is

taking over your

life

to the point

If

your suspi-

where you are con-

worrying about those around you, consider lowering your

stantly

dopamine and increasing your serotonin

level.

EVERYBODY GETS ANXIOUS On top of minor deficiencies, any one of us can experience brain chemproblems when we are feeling anxious or depressed. Anxiety

istry

begins the entire health slide to the darker aspects of your personality

and can

affect different personalities in different ways.

anxiety, a Rule Breaker can

Drama Queen, and Self- Absorbed

become

absolutely fierce.

If

Add

person

feel

ashamed or

furious.

Once

target the disturbance at the source

you can learn

A

again, the

—

to distinguish the early

darkness. For example,

slip,

a

good news

the brain

is

that

itself.

warning signs of anxiety sliding into total

many of us can sense when we are not quite feel-

ing like ourselves. During these periods, sides. If you

make

depressed Abuse-Me

and depression, you can stop your personality from

our dark

the blues to a

she tries to avoid everything. Anxiety will

type will crawl into a corner and hide.

we can

With increased

we

are actually struggling with

can recognize when your personality

is

starting to

and follow the nutrient programs of the opposite nature, you can

regain a balanced brain. In times of overwhelming anxiety, seek professional medical attention for the proper medications that can address

your condition. I

have also found that depression exacerbates most physical

Even with the more serious diseases such

most of

my patients

as Alzheimer's

see direct physical benefits

illnesses.

and hypertension,

from taking antidepres-

Bending Your Personality

265

your physician about including antidepressants

sants. Talk to

medication regimen.

If

you inform your doctor of the

Braverman Nature Assessment, he or she right medication that

matches your nature

will

results

your

in

of your

be able to prescribe the

as well as

your symptoms.

MASTERING THE EDGE EFFECT You now have full

at

your disposal

a

complete program for reaching your

mental potential. You can decide to remedy a personality deficiency

or increase

all

of your chemistry to achieve the four aspects of the edge.

You can pick and choose what you want ality

to

change about your person-

depending on the direction you would

or even to accomplish a single task.

like to see

You can

your

increase your

whenever you need extra power, increase your acetylcholine to achieve higher consciousness, increase state

your

GAB A to

life

going,

dopamine

if you

want

get to the

of ultimate calm, or raise your serotonin whenever you

Zen

feel over-

loaded with information, so that your brain can reboot over a good night's sleep.

Whatever you decide your nature

as well as

can enjoy the

full

is

right for you, as long as

your treatment options. With

benefits of the

Edge

Effect.

this

you understand knowledge, you

12

MASTERING THE EDGE EFFECT FOR LASTING HEALTH

By READING

THIS book, you

toward achieving

total physical

have taken the

and mental

your disposal a complete program that explains the body's functions

first

health.

important step

You now have

how the

brain controls

and how you can adjust and even augment

capabilities. Specifically, you've learned that

at

its

by improving your brain

chemistry you can enhance your nature and address your deficiencies.

you

In doing so,

will

improve your physical health and mental well-

being; you'll be a beneficiary of the Edge Effect.

FOLLOWING THE BRAVERMAN PRESCRIPTION much to achieve by following this program: once you've your own brain-dominant nature and identified any imbal-

There identified

is

ances, the opportunities for are limitless. If

improving your physical and mental

self

you

are

you find your brain

is

in balance

and

that

symptom-free, you can choose to work on whatever aspect of your present

life

deserves focus. For example,

chemistry to achieve weight ences,

loss,

you can adjust your brain

enjoy more

fulfilling sexual experi-

and even modify your temperament. As long

as

you understand

your nature and your treatment options, you can use the Edge Effect to

become

a better, healthier person.

You can

learn to recognize the merits of each nature 266

and incorpo-

Mastering the Edge Effect

rate their best traits into

sleeping well,

Or,

if

your own. For example,

you can boost your serotonin

you need

to stay

boost you dopamine

up

I

call

more fit,

you

will

to

bio-

begin to experience what

mind and body perform

at

and

with the

spiritual wellness, they all begin

steps.

First, take

the Braverman Nature Assessment. By taking this

any deficiencies or excesses. With

this

knowledge, you become an edu-

cated consumer in the world of health care. gently discuss with your doctor not only believe

test,

your true biochemical nature and become aware of

will discover

what you

know how

By enhancing your

of efficiency. Whichever path you choose to bring you to

levels

greater mental, physical,

you

you haven't been

for almost instant results.

energy.

the Ultimate Edge Effect, where your

same simple

if

late to finish a report, you'll

level for

chemical combination as you see

optimal

267

You

will

be able to

what your symptoms

might be causing them. Remember, most

intelli-

are but

illnesses

can

be directly related to brain chemical imbalances.

The adjustment as

good

as the effort

to better health requires work.

you put

need to periodically

retest

into

it.

Even when you are feeling

well,

you

recommend

that

you

your brain balance.

should take the Braverman Nature Assessment year.

Your

results will

My program is only

I

at least three

times each

change each time, depending on your physical

and mental well-being. Each time, you

will

be able to create a

new strat-

egy for improving yourself and your overall health.

The next

step

is

to address

your

deficiencies. If

you

are experienc-

ing specific illnesses or ailments, you will find significant relief once you regain brain balance ing brain balance neously.

and have recovered your edge. Remember, achiev-

and

does not always occur instanta-

total wellness

Depending on which treatment options you choose or the

severity of

your

instant, relief. If

illness,

you

you might experience incremental, rather than

are experiencing

minor brain nature- related symp-

toms, you should follow the personalized treatment program, which includes changes to your environment,

your brain-dominant nature.

lifestyle,

you should work with your physician

on

track.

Once

diet that

to create a prescription

using nature-specific medications and natural health back

and

support

If you have moderate or severe symptoms,

hormones

regimen

to get

your

you begin following these guidelines, you will

quickly find that enhancing your brain chemistry will

become second

THE EDGE EFFECT

268

nature.

More important, your

nesses can recede. Never give

ailments will melt away, and serious

up hope: you can

feel better again.

Now, focus on making the most of your primary you

feel physically

anced your

You might If

you

own

intensity,

and mentally comfortable, you have

dopamine

what

I

An

getic body.

Or

even more

a

When

successfully bal-

new

sensations,

depending on your nature.

nature,

you might

feel

of

like to call "the zone,"

the metabolic high of

which leads

to a healthy,

fit,

ener-

acetylcholine nature can reach an enthusiastic state of

higher consciousness, where you might uncover your tual side.

nature.

nature and have begun to experience the Edge Effect.

feel a variety

are a

ill-

GABA

artistic

or spiri-

nature can have a Zen experience, becoming an

stable, even-keeled,

and organized person. Serotonin natures

can learn to reboot their brain by boosting serotonin, reaching a calmness that

the natural result of serenity.

is

Lastly,

use the Edge Effect to experience higher performance in

ways you never imagined

possible.

can try for the ultimate edge, where spiritual life.

—

We're

lives is

is

all

Once you master your total health

—mental,

achieved along with a longer, richer, and getting older, but

how we

nature,

you

physical,

and

more

satisfying

experience the later years of our

completely in our hands. This book has taught you to recognize

how your body ages and how you can keep yourself one step ahead of nature's plan. When you maintain proper brain chemistry, you can postpone the pauses that contribute to aging eases that are caused

by even the most minor biochemical

taking care of your brain and

good

myriad

as well as the

lifestyle choices,

and,

preventing a lifetime of

failures.

body today through proper

when

necessary, medication,

dis-

By

nutrition,

you may be

illness.

What's more, a healthy and supple brain

is

retention. Following an acetylcholine-boosting

necessary for

program

is

memory the

most

important thing you can do to preserve, and possibly enhance, your

memory

capabilities.

The Braverman Memory

uncover any possible issue regarding your If

you have discovered

self

a

minor

deficiency,

Test can help

memory or

you

cognitive failure.

you can begin

to treat your-

with brain exercises that improve working, immediate, verbal, and

visual

memory.

If

you have discovered a moderate or severe

you can inform your doctor of your create

test scores

deficiency,

and together you can

an aggressive campaign of supplements (and possibly medication)

Mastering the Edge Effect

to stop the

damage from

progressing, so that

sound mind through your old

269

you

will

age.

With both your body and brain functioning all

that prevents

at

peak performance,

you from experiencing true happiness

you now have the

Luckily,

be able to enjoy a

yourself.

modify your personality by

ability to

Done

tuning your brain chemistry.

is

properly,

you can

fine-

affect lasting

changes to your temperament and modify your day-to-day character in order to

feel

more comfortable with

yourself and others. In this way,

bending your personality through biochemistry can help you learn to love

—and be loved—more

completely.

You can choose what you want

to

change about your personality

whether you are looking for permanent change in your

make

minor adjustment

a

single task. For example,

need to be a to

little

more

in order to

more

efficiently

accomplish a

you can increase your dopamine when you your acetylcholine

forceful, increase

become more thoughtful, or

anxieties. Finally,

more

or need to

life

if

you want

GABA to tone down your

increase your

you can increase your serotonin when you need

to be

social.

GETTING FROM THE BALANCED BRAIN TO THE ULTIMATE EDGE EFFECT When you have done the work on all four corners of the successfully learned to

bend your brain

to take

perament, and physical body to a superior

By reaching

Effect.

this state,

you have

edge,

you have

your personality, tem-

state

—the Ultimate Edge

effectively

decoded the

brain's

impact on your health. All of your four primary neurotransmitters are at their

When

peak

this

and you all

levels, creating

the ultimate brain-mind-body connection.

mind and body are working better than ever, moments of transcendent joy and oneness with

happens, your

will experience

things.

The Ultimate Edge metabolism: you are clarity

GABA

night,

includes

flying, racing,

you can be

optimum dopamine-zone

doing a million things with

and purpose. Simultaneously, you

nirvana, where

Your

Effect

loving, giving,

and empathetic

way

to

you reach complete serotonin serenity

as

outward calm does not give

total

are in a state of acetylcholine

your

to others.

intensity.

your sleep

is

And

at

deep and

THE EDGE EFFECT

270

sound, with your state.

This

mind open and

the time

is

accepting of your unconscious

when your

dream

brain will process and purge excess

information, leaving you refreshed and renewed the next day. I

life.

have been fortunate enough to reach this Ultimate Edge in

At these moments

peace,

and

it is

have

I

a feeling

remarkable experience as

well. If

TOWARD my office

I

see miracles

works, that miracles are

more than

beyond words.

program, then you can reach

In

felt

this

you

I

just physical

know

that

my

and mental

you can enjoy

are. open to the challenges

this

of this

Ultimate Edge, and more.

A BETTER FUTURE happen every

real,

day.

I

know that

this

and that anyone can benefit from

program

my pro-

how they feel today. Your ability to understand how the brain functions and how it impacts the entire mind and body will determine how you use this information. I hope you have found, as I have, gram, no matter

that the brain

is

more than

just another

holds the secret to a better, fuller the

way you

live

life,

one of your internal organs;

which,

every day and forever.

when

it

revealed, can change

A

healthy

BEAM Image.

This brain shows a large

yellow burst in the center

of the brain, with strong,

balanced color spread evenly throughout the entire brain. This brain

is

functioning at 16 micro volts of energy and P300 speed of 280.

at a

P300=280ms

INTRODUCTION TO BEAM:

BEAM™

THE The most

BEAM™. this

reliable test of brain function First

developed by researchers

is

at

the Brain Electrical Activity

Harvard Medical School

computer-based technique measures the

The

BEAM

electrical activity

assesses the brain's electrical transmissions

Map, or

in the 1980s,

of the brain.

by measuring the

four individual brain waves and brain-wave combinations. This provides an

Once a treatment program is underway, we can accurately assess its effectiveness. The first measure of brain health is voltage, which determines the brain's electrical power and is an associated with the biochemical dopamine. In the phoaccurate graphic depiction of the four primary brain biochemicals.

tograph above, the yellow center flowing into strong red colors indicates high energy. This brain

is

operating

at a

high voltage of 16 micro

on the bar in the lower right corner. The second measure of brain health onds. Brain speed

is

is

electrical speed,

volts,

which

is

shown

recorded in millisec-

associated with the biochemical acetylcholine. Strong reds

and yellow dominate the photograph above, indicators of both high energy and quick speed. The P300 value, which is a measure of brain speed, is 280 milliseconds, as indicated in the caption.

The rate

third

measure of brain health

GABA.

is

rhythm. Rhythm

is

associated with the bio-

wave patterns

indicate accu-

rhythm; the yellow and red colors are evenly spread throughout the

BEAM image.

chemical

The

last

In the photograph above, the electrical

measure of brain health

is

synchrony, or wave balance between

hemispheres controlled by serotonin. The photograph above shows wave patterns emanating

and

left

from the

brain's center with beautiful

symmetry

into the right

hemispheres and the front and rear lobes. This indicates good

nication between both the right and

left

hemispheres and

271

all

commu-

lobes of the brain.

Healthy Dopamine Brain

Unbalanced Dopamine Brain

DOPAMINE BEAM The photograph on the The bright yellows and 10 micro volts.

The

left

shows

a

normal, healthy dopamine balanced brain.

reds indicate high energy,

right

image shows

and the voltage

a small burst of red appears in the center of the brain

dominant activity

overall.

showing

The black

as

indicates virtually

dark blue. The voltage

extremely low and measures 2 micro

low energy. Obesity

is

level

measures

a near absence of yellow-red color

associated with a

—with black and dark blue

no dopamine

level in the

volts.

This

is

—only

activity

with slight

photograph on the right

is

a picture of a brain with very

dopamine

deficiency.

When

the brain

metabolism is low and it cannot process food efficiently. The body compensates by demanding more food, which provides short term lacks energy, the body's

energy, but unless the brain gets the to

expand

as

dopamine

energy continues to diminish.

272

it

needs, the

body

will

continue

Unbalanced Acetylcholine Brain

Healthy Acetylcholine Brain

ACETYLCHOLINE BEAM A

major acetylcholine deficiency

will

be evident by a high P300 score. The pho-

tograph on the

left

P300 reading

290 milliseconds and there are intense yellows and

is

shows

a brain with a

tors of high brain processing speed,

The photograph on the

normal balance of

acetylcholine.

The

reds, indica-

commonly associated with "quick thinking."

right indicates

an acetylcholine deficiency with

a

P300

reading of 390 milliseconds. The absence of yellow and the small isolated burst of dull red indicate extremely low acetylcholine levels and a very slow, seriously

troubled brain.

A P300

score higher than 300 milliseconds indicates a decline in

brain speed, which becomes

Declining speed affects our

more and more

memory and

thinking

be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease.

273

significant ability;

as

speed drops.

slow brain speed can

a)

Varying Degrees

b)

ofGABA

deficiency from mild to severe.

GABA BEAM The

BEAM

is

particularly effective to visually demonstrate a

Each of the wave patterns, shown from tions in rhythmic

too

fast

shifts

left to right,

wave function. Deviation

or to slow, too excitable or too dull.

from

a stable black-blue

background

in brain

GABA

deficiency.

display increasing disrup-

rhythms manifest

as

being

You can see that the over-all color

to increasing

amounts and

intensities

of light blue, demonstrating brain-wave rhythm disorders caused by decreasing

GABA

levels. Photograph (a) indicates normal GABA levels and good brain rhythm function. Photograph (b) demonstrates minor rhythm disturbances such as you might find in a patient with allergies. Photograph (c) shows a patient with moderate GABA deficiency who might be experiencing various anxietyrelated symptoms, a faster than normal pulse rate, and high blood pressure. Photograph (d) indicates a severe GABA imbalance and might manifest, along with the other GABA deficient symptoms, as short-tempered raging.

274

d)

c)

275

a)

b)

Varying Degrees of serotonin deficiency from mild

to severe.

SEROTONIN BEAM Serotonin deficiency appears as wave pattern imbalances between the brain's

hemispheres and/or lobes. In each of the photographs above, notice the color

asymmetry between the right and left hemispheres. In each photograph one side of the brain shows a predominant red hue, while the other hemisphere is blue, indicating a left-right brain imbalance. The enlarging of the color areas demonstrates increasing levels

of serotonin deficiency. Photograph

serotonin imbalance, typical of PMS in

Photograph

(b) indicates a

(a)

shows a mild

women or premature ejaculation in men.

mild abnormality in symmetry and

seen associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Photograph

(c)

is

commonly

demonstrates

numerous moderate serotonin imbalances typical of a wide range of disorders including perimenopausal symptoms and mood disorders. Photograph (d) illustrates a severe serotonin imbalance, particularly in the frontal lobes. This ical

with excitable, emotional individuals with severe insomnia.

276

is

typ-

d)

c)

277

a)

BEAM scan

of a patient

b)

BEAM scan

with an aged brain.

of same patient

after treatment.

THE EDGE EFFECT The two photographs show how dramatic the results of The Edge Effect program can be. In this case, a 40-year-old woman came to me suffering from short-term memory problems, obesity, a sense of disorganization, and sleep disorders. She felt constantly fatigued, had no energy, and was unable to think clearly and quickly. She had been to a number of other doctors, each of whom prescribed various drugs that treated her symptoms, but her symptoms kept getting worse. The first step for this patient was getting a BEAM. The BEAM scan (photograph a) shows what her brain looked like during her first visit. The BEAM shows clear signs of premature aging: low dopamine levels (voltage registered as 0.5) and severely low levels of acetylcholine (P300 = 375), as well as indicators of GABA and serotonin imbalances. We developed a diet, drug program, lifestyle and environment, and a promise on her part to adhere to this program and return to my office for regular check-ups. Nine months later, a bright, trim, confident, and energetic woman walked into my office. Her last BEAM scan (photograph b) shows almost full recovery. Her voltage levels were now at a normal 10, her P300 reading was a normal 320, and both her GABA and serotonin levels indicated greatly improved brain deficiencies

changes to both her

rhythm and synchrony. She had restored her Edge. The balanced patient is now intense, enthusiastic, organized, and calm. Her brain, mind, and body health have been

fully restored.

278

INDEX

acetylcholine-related symptoms/condi-

abnormal involuntary movements, 30

tions, 97-99. See also specific

absentmindedness, 30

symptoms/conditions

abuse-me

personality, 263,

attention issues, 98

264

case study, 100-102, 104, 105,

accident-proneness, 30 acetyl-carnitine,

acetylcholine,

114-115

245

xiii,

dehydration and, 187-188

8

Alzheimer's disease and, 11, 97, 98,

amino

diet for,

acids and, 37

104-105

attention deficits and, 25

balanced,

105-110

domino effect of, 99-102 hormone replacement therapies,

115-116

identifying, scenario,

1

boosting, diet/nutrients, 108-112, 245

medications

deficiencies, 95-97, 187-191. See also

memory issues,

98

acetylcholine-related

personality issues, 98

symptoms/conditions

physical issues, 98

psychopause and, 167

deficiency cravings, 98, 100, 107

treating,

deficiency personalities, 22-23 diet,

99-100

103-104

for,

187-191

acetyl-L-carnitine, 37, 112

105-110

drug abuse and, Edge Effect, 94 excessive, 94-95

3

functions

42

of, 11,

aches/soreness, 142

action tremors, 121 addictions, 10 alcohol. See alcohol addiction

high-fat sources of, 107-108

dopamine and,

imbalances, 11,27,95-97

drugs, 30, 31, 141, 142

and, 39, 111-113

serotonin and, 19, 141

lifestyle

low-fat sources of, 107-108

sexual, 196

memory

treating,

and,

xiv, 26,

245

72,

185-186

185-186

adenosine, 148

acetylcholine nature, 93-116

balancing, 103, 114-115

adjustment disorders, 121

brain functional impairment and,

adrenaline, 10

adrenopause, 164, 170-171

98-99 40, 113-114 excessive acetylcholine and, 94-95 lifestyle strategies, 111-113

adventurous nature, 94

mantras, 259

aging, pauses and. See pauses

environment and,

modifying negative aspects personality profile, 93-94

of,

252

aggression, 73

agitation, 98

alcohol addiction, 30, 120, 141, 142, 145,

visual meditation exercise,

112-113

vitamins, supplements, 38,

1

112

aerobics routine, 134

10-1

11,

185-186 allergies

as

GAB A- related

issues, 120, 121

INDEX

280

medications, 79, 147

attention, 3

to nuts/bananas, 168

acetylcholine- related issues, 98

as serotonin-related issues, 142, 147

case study, 248

alpha waves, 6

CES

aluminum cookware, 113

dopamine-related

Alzheimer's disease

GABA- related

acetylcholine and, 11, 97, 98, 115-116

issues,

issues,

serotonin-related issues, 143

defined, 240

attention deficit disorders

addressing, 58

electropause ages, 166 of,

240-241

brain speed and, 96

medications, 104

dopamine and,

onset

electropause ages, 166

xvi

statistics,

PATH

symptoms/causes, 24-25

240

statistics,

25, 27, 74

medications, 79

treatment impacting, xvii

psychopause and, 167 stages,

74

122

improving, 248

brain speed and, 97

mechanics

and, 248

vitamins, supplements, 111, 153

201

voltage level, 72

244

treating, 41,

autism, 98

voltage level, 72

amino acids, 36-37, amino acids

41. See also specific

andropause (male menopause), 163, 164, 171,241

automated feelings, 30 autonomic hyperactivity, 168 autonomic nervous system, 15 axons, 7

B

anemia, 29, 73, 96, 105

back pain,

anesthesia, 239

anger management problems, 30, 73 anorexia, 196 antioxidants, 110-111, 167, 176, 198 anxiety, 41, 58

acetylcholine and, 96, 98

causing

memory loss,

GABA and, hormone

201, 241

29, 121, 142, 153, 168

balanced brain advantage, 200 bending chemistry diet and, 36-38

for,

31-32, 65

environment and, 39-40 hormones and, 35-36 lifestyle

and, 38-39

120, 121, 122, 126, 167

therapy, 148

medications

for,

34

prescription

for.

See

medications, 127, 147

psychopause and, 167

technological assistance

serotonin and, 147 universality of,

Braverman

Prescription

264-265

vitamins, supplements, 133

for,

Ultimate Edge Effect and,

40-41

xviii,

267-268 balance problems, 73

appetite

control supplement, 154

beta-carotene, 198

decreased, 73, 168

reducing,

hormone

therapy, 105, 148

significant changes in, 121

arginine, 89

arrhythmia. See brain arrhythmia; heart disorders arthritis,

bed-wetting medications, 103

29

acetylcholine and, 98, 188

osteo/rheumatoid, 141 as serotonin-related issue, 141, 142

treating, 188

beta waves, 6

biochemical deficiencies. See also

specific

neurotransmitters defining, 53-58 dominant nature and, 62

major, 59

minor, 58 multiple, 63-64

biochemicals. See also neurotransmitters; specific neurotransmitters

controlling personality/health, 9 artistic appreciation, lack of, 142

correcting, aspirin,

89

31-32

dominating brain

lobes, 9, 10,

11-13

Index

281

locations of, 8

brain stem, 15

mechanics

brain structure

of, 8

medications and, 34

abnormal, disorders, 72

physiology and, 17

biochemicals dominating lobes,

transferring electricity, 7-8

biopause, 163, 166

brain stem, 15

biotemperaments (natures), xix determining, 20-22

cerebellum, 17 cerebrospinal fluid, 17

dominant. See dominant nature

cerebrum, 9

intuitive feelers, 21

corpus callosum, 13-15

sensitive judging, 21

frontal lobes, 10

21-22 20-21

sensitive perceiving,

occipital lobes,

thinking intuitives,

overview, 8-9

understanding, advantages, 41-42,

43-44

12-13

parietal lobes, 10-11

temporal lobes, instability,

1

1-12

brain waves. See also specific wave types

bipolar disorder, 72, 96, 98

blood sugar

73

natural progression of, 61

serotonin and, 140-141, 144, 153

blues, 72, 141, 154

blurred vision, 30, 120, 121, 142

supplements

bone density loss, 73, 80, 148 bowel movements, frequent, 98, 123

synchrony

brain

unbalanced, 140-141, 144

diseases

emanating from, xvi

domino

effect in. See

human

domino

xv

infections damaging, 184 integral role of, xi-xii

pauses

of,

165-168

size, 3

slowing

of,

xv-xvi

speed. See speed, of brain total health of, xviii

brain arrhythmia,

brain-body Brain

6, 119,

types

of,

for,

of, 6,

153

153

6

Brain Youth supplements, 244 effect

animal, 3

vs.

illustrated,

120

electrical system. See electricity

Calm supplements, 132-133

brain chemistry. See neurotransmitters; specific neurotransmitters

Brain Energy supplements, 88, 89, 186,

branched-chain amino acids, 245

Braverman Memory Test, 204-237, 247 answer key, 230-235 interpreting, 236-237, 268-269 numbers/letters section, 228-230 numbers section, 226-228 objects section, 209-215 pairs section, 216-218 pictures section, 218-226 stories section, 204-208 Braverman Nature Assessment, 43-65, 267 age and, 63 case study, 44

defining deficiencies, 53-58

determining dominant nature, 45-52

dominant nature/deficiencies

199 brain functioning. See also brain struc-

rela-

tionship, 62

frequently asked questions, 59-65

ture; electricity

biochemical basis, 7-8

interpreting

biotemperaments and. See biotemperaments (natures)

medications/medical conditions

DNA and, 4

preparing

domains

retaking,

64-65

value

43

left vs.

of, xiv, 3

right side, 13-15

24-26 neurons and, 6-8

Memory formulas,

all

scores,

61-62

influencing, 60

of,

for,

44-45

Braverman Prescription, 161-182. See also pauses; Rainbow Diet

natural,

Brain

9, 10,

11-13

244

CES

and, 181-182

Brain Rest supplements, 153, 154

following, 266-269

Brain Speed supplements, 111, 112

life

expectancies and, 161

1

INDEX

282

overview, 161-162

cholecystokinin, 81

breast cancer

cholesterol elevation

medication, 127

acetylcholine and, 98

supplement, 153

dopamine and,

GABA and,

breath, shortness of, 121, 142, 153, 168

breathing exercise, 90

77

losing edge and, 29 choline, 106-107, 111, 112, 244, 245. See

bulimia, 196 butterflies in

75,

193

stomach, 120, 121, 142, 168

B vitamins, 88, 132, 195, min B 6 vitamin B 12

245. See also vita-

also acetylcholine

chromium,

89,

244

chronic pain

;

bypass surgery, 72

GABA deficiencies and,

C

losing edge and, 29 treating,

cadmium, 172-173

121

191-192

cirrhosis of liver, 72

caffeine, 85, 87, 185

clammy hands,

calcitonin (Miacalcin), 80, 105

120, 121, 123, 142, 168

cocaine abuse

calcium, 154, 192

brain speed and, 96

calculation errors, 98

dopamine

deficiencies and, 72

cancer medications, 79 brain speed and, 96 self-medication and, 3

medication, 127

supplement

codependency, 142 153

for,

Cognitex, 244

carbohydrate binges/cravings

dopamine and,

73, 85-86,

GABA imbalances and,

cognitive problems, 11, 29, 72, 168

87 cold hands, 120, 121, 142, 168

120, 121, 130

serotonin and, 142, 149-150 treating,

185-186

type 2 diabetes and, 195-196

coma, 72

common

sense, lacking, 142

comprehension problems, 98 concentration

cardiac problems. See heart disorders

168

difficulty, 98, 122, 143,

cardiopause, 164, 170 increasing, 81 carelessness, 73

concussion, 29

carnitine, 198

conjugated linoleic acid, 89, 111

phones, 114

cell

constipation, 30, 73, 121, 141, 142, 153

cerebellum, 17

conversion disorder, 141

cerebral cortex, 17

coordination lack, 30, 141 cerebrospinal fluid, 17

cerebrum

coronary artery disease, 96 corpus callosum, 13-15

frontal lobes, 10 occipital lobes,

functions

12-13

of,

14

illustrated, 14

overview, 9

left-brained individuals and, 13-14

parietal lobes, 10-11

left

temporal lobes, 11-12

CES

hemisphere and, 13-14, 15

right-brained individuals and, 14 (cranial electrical stimulator), 40-41,

181-182,247-248 chanting, 39, 155-156 character assessments

defining deficiencies, 54, 55, 56, 57

determining dominant nature, 47, 48-49, 50, 52

right

hemisphere and,

13, 14, 15

Cortisol, 80, 81

coughing, 98, 120, 121, 168 cranial electrical stimulation (CES),

40-41,181-182,247-248 cravings. See food cravings cysteine, 198

charismatic nature, 94 chest pain, 121, 168

D

chlamydia, 184

D, L-phenylalanine, 191, 244, 245

overcoming, 259-264

chocolate, 185-186

dark

choking, 120, 121, 142, 168

deanol, 111

side,

Index

brain, hypertension and, xii

death, contemplating, 122

deep breathing

exercise,

283

dopamine

90

deficiencies. See biochemical deficiencies;

making

specific neurotransmitters

nature, 81-87

GABA nature,

129-132, 196

better choices, 37

memory disorders, 243-246

delta waves, 6, 139

for

delusions, 29, 120

phenylalanine and, 83, 84, 87, 88, 89,

dementia. See also Alzheimer's disease;

memory loss

244 serotonin nature, 148-152

associated with medical disease, 96

tyrosine and, 83-84, 87, 88, 89

brain speed and, 96, 97

vitamins, supplements and. See vita-

mins, supplements

medications, 104

psychopause and, 168

digestive complaints, 30, 73

signs/symptoms, 168

distractedness, 30, 74

dendrites, 7

dizziness, 30, 120, 121, 123, 141, 142,

depersonalization, 142, 168

147, 168

depression, 13, 27, 29, 58 as

dopamine- related

as

G ABA- related

73

issue,

DMAE, DNA,4

245

dominant nature

issue, 121

medications, 79, 147

deficiencies and, 62

multiple sclerosis and, 189-190

determining, 45-52, 59

psychopause and, 168

dual natures and, 61

as serotonin-related issue, 141, 142,

genetics influencing, 65

147

indicating deficiency treatments,

65-66

signs/symptoms, 168 treating, 41,83,

89

not changing, 64

62-63

treatment-resistant, 79, 89

successful relationships and,

vitamins, supplements, 153

understanding, advantages, 41-42,

43-44

voltage levels, 72

domino

derealization, 168

dermopause, 164, 172 detached feeling, 30 112

(dehydroepiandrosterone), 80,

91-92,105,239,243

serotonin-related, 144-146

amino

losing edge

issue,

73

symptom, 29

deficiencies, 71-73, 184-187. See also

tions

deficiency cravings, 85-87, 185-186

stroke and, 198

195-196

deficiency personalities, 22

195-196

2,

diet/nutrients increasing, 82-85, 244

drug abuse and,

voltage level, 72 dialysis-related problems, 72

edge, 10

diarrhea, 73, 121, 142,168

Edge

diet.

See also food cravings;

Rainbow

Diet

Effect,

acids, neurotransmitters and,

36-37 balanced brain and, 36-38

3

70

excessive, 71

functions

acetylcholine nature, 105-110

amino

by,

dopamine-related symptoms/condi-

pain medications, 128

treating,

8

boosting nutrients, 244

brain speed and, 96

dopamine-related

xiii,

acids and, 37

biotemperament dominated 20-21

acetylcholine and, 98

brain slowing and, xvi

type

GABA-related, 123-126

dopamine,

diabetes

as

99-102

dopamine-related, 74-77

DHA (docosahexanoic acid), DHEA

effect, xvii-xviii

acetylcholine-related,

of, 10, 19,

42

imbalances, 10, 27, 71-72, 73-74,

75-77 lifestyle

and, 39

memory affiliation/nutrients,

25,

244

N D EX

284

monitoring metabolism, 10

Prescription

Ultimate Edge Effect,

phenylalanine and, 83, 84, 87, 88, 89, tyrosine and, 37, 83-84, 87, 88, 89

dopamine

267-268

electricity

biochemicals transferring, 7-8

nature, 69-92

brain wave types and, 6

balancing, 78, 91-92

deep breathing

exercise,

connecting brain/body, 15

90

dysrhythmia, degrees

defined, 69 diet,

xviii,

EEGs, measuring synchrony, 141

244

141

as

environment and, 40, 91 excessive

of,

Edge Effect basis, 4-5 measurements, 5 neurons and, 6-8

81-87

dopamine and,

lifestyle strategies,

71

rhythm

90-91

mantras, 258-259

speed

modifying negative aspects

of,

251-252

synchrony

personality profile, 69-70

6

6

of,

system, illustrated, 16

vitamins, supplements, 38, 87-89, 187

dopamine-related symptoms/conditions. See also specific symptoms/conditions

of,

of, 5

6-8

transmission

of,

voltage of,

71-72

5,

electropause, 163, 165-166

attention problems, 25, 27, 74

emotional maturity, lacking, 121

case study, 76-78, 91-92

emotional

domino effect of, 74-77 hormone replacement therapies, 80-81

encephalopathy, 72, 96

medications

78-80

for,

memory issues,

74

endocrine disorders, 72

Endorphin

Effect, 12

environment, 39-40 acetylcholine nature and, 40, 113-114

physical issues, 73

184-187

drama queens, 23-24,

poor, 122

endorphins, 12,40

personality issues, 73

treating,

stability,

261, 264

dopamine nature and,

40, 91

GABA nature and, 40,

135

serotonin nature and, 156

dread, 120, 121, 168

192,239

dream-like experience, 30

epilepsy, 96, 153,

dribbling, 121

Epstein-Barr syndrome, 29

drug abuse/addiction,

30, 31, 141, 142

erythropoietin, 81, 105

drug reactions, 142

estrogen, 81, 105,239,243

dry cough, 98

exercises

dry mouth, 98, 121, 142, 168 dukes-up personality, 262

acetylcholine-related, 113

dyslexia, 98

for

aerobics routine, 134

dysrhythmia. See arrhythmia

bending personality. See personalbending

ity,

dysthymic disorder, 72, 141, 168

deep breathing, 90 GABA-related, 134-135

E

improving memory, 246-247 mantras for natures, 258-259 for

early-morning waking, 142, 168 Eastern medicine, xii

for osteoporosis, 189

eating disorders, 13, 196 eccentrics, 22-23,

263

edge, losing. See losing edge

edge checklist, 29

Edge Effect background, bliss,

serotonin-related, 154-155

extrovert competence, reaching, 254 extroverts, 18, 19, 20

eye disorders, 98

xiii-xiv

peacefulness and, xiv

F facial pains, 120,

128

defined, 4-5

facial

experiencing, 27

fat cravings, 98, 100, 107,

mastering, 265, 266-270

fatigue, 10

prescription

for.

See Braverman

tremors, 73

brain speed and, 96

185-186

Index

hormone

for,

imbalances, 27, 119-120

80,91-92

medications, 79

phenylalanine

lifestyle

for, 83,

affiliation/nutrients, 26,

245

music increasing, 247

vitamins, supplements

for,

production

89

voltage level, 72

phobias, 30, 73, 120, 122, 143, 153,

of,

1

TCMS units stimulating, 41 GABA nature, 117-137 balancing, 127, 135-137

168 feeling thinking style, increasing,

257

fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain), 120 fish oils, 89, 111, 154, 191,

193,245

5-hydroxytryptophan, 153, 154, 191 flaccidity,

fluid retention

hormone, 105

and,

1 1

134-135

mantras, 259

GABA Pentin, 245

acetylcholine-related, 98, 100, 107

98, 100, 107,

illnesses,

120-123. See also

specific illnesses

arrhythmia and, 119-120

binges/cravings

dopamine-related, 85-87, 185-186

GABA- related,

gabapentin (Neurontin), 133, 245

GABA-related

87

carbohydrates. See carbohydrate

attention issues, 122 case study, 124-126, 135, 136-137

185-186

diagnosing, 123-126

120, 121, 130

domino effect of, 123-126 hormone replacement therapies,

protein, 120, 121

142

128-129

serotonin-related, 142, 149-150

195-196

medications

treating addiction to,

185-186

for,

memory loss

127-128

and, 241

forgetfulness, 74

personality issues, 121-122

frontal lobes, 10

physical issues, 121 treating,

G GABA,

garlic, xiii,

amino

8

191-193

246

gastroesophageal reflux disorder, 76, 77,

acids and, 37

91

anxiety and, 120, 121, 122, 126, 167 attention deficits and, 25

gastropause, 164

genome sequence, 4

boosters, 133

genopause, 164

biotemperament dominated

by, 21

case study, 33

giddiness, 30

Ginkgo

CESand,41 GABA-related

global brain disease, 72

illnesses

global

deficiency cravings, 120, 121, 130

deficiency personalities, 23-24 diet/nutrients increasing, 129-132,

245

memory problems,

122

glucagon, 81 glucose tolerance factor (GTF), 195

glutamic acid, 133 glutamine, 37

drug abuse and, 3 Edge Effect, 118 endorphins from, 12 excessive, 119

functions

biloba, 88, 112

glaucoma, 29, 98

deficiencies, 119-120, 191-193. See also

of,

191-192

153

caffeine, 85,

sugar,

GABA

lifestyle strategies,

personality profile, 117-118

food cravings, 73

salt,

excessive

vitamins, supplements, 38, 132-133,

flushing, 121, 142, 168

fat,

129-132, 196

modifying negative aspects 252-253

98

184

folic acid,

diet,

environment and, 40, 135

feeling types, 19, 20

flu,

and, 39, 134-135

memory

84

psychopause and, 168

fears,

285

of, 12,

glycerol phosphocoline,

growth-hormone-releasing hormone

(GHRH), 129 19,42

1 1

glycine, 133

1

INDEX

286

guarana, 89

hypersensitivity, 142

hypersomnia (sleeping 141,142

guilt, 73, 121

Gymnema

sylvestra,

195

for hours), 121,

hypertension

H

brain, diet and, xii

hallucinations, 30, 142, 167

brain speed and, xvi, 96

hallucinogen use, 141

case studies, 44, 76-78, 91-92, 193

hands, cold/clammy, 120, 121, 123, 142, as

168

headaches, 12, 121, 123, 127, 142, 153, 168

dopamine-related

GABA levels and, as losing

head injury, 29, 96 head tremors, 73

as

loss,

29

medication side

heart, building vessels in, 80

34

192-193

voltage level, 72

hyperthyroidism, 96

arrhythmia, 120, 121

hyperventilation, 121, 168

brain speed and, 96

hypervigilance, 143, 168

case study, 193

foods increasing risk

hormone

effect,

vitamins, supplements, 133, 193

heart disorders, 120

GABA levels and,

edge symptom, 29

serotonin levels and, 141, 142

symptoms/conditions treating,

hearing

75

medications, 79, 127

healing symptoms/conditions. See treating specific

issue, 73,

12, 120, 121

of,

173-174

hypoarousal, 98

hypotension, 121 12, 120, 121

hypothyroidism, 96, 169

therapy, 148

hypoxia, 72

irregular heartbeat, 141

hysterical behavior, 98

palpitations, 12, 121, 123, 142, 168

tachycardia, 120, 121, 142, 168

hedonistic behavior, 73

ibuprofen, 188

herpes pain, 128

imbalances

HGH.

See

human growth hormone

acetylcholine, 11, 27,

high blood pressure. See hypertension

detecting, 32-33

HIV,

95-97

71-72, 73-74, 75-77

dopamine,

10, 27,

hopelessness, 73, 121

GABA,

119-120

hormones

losing edge from, 27-29

72,

96

range

for acetylcholine-related issues,

104-105

GABA- related

issues,

80-81

128-129

memory disorders,

symptoms

of,

29-3 26, 98, 203

impotence, 30 brain slowing and, xvi

natural, bioidentical, 35

pause model and. See pauses

vitamins, supplements

replacement therapies, 35-36, 80-81, 104-105, 128-129, 148

for,

35-36

infections, 184

inflammation, supplements

memory loss

from,

239

human growth hormone (HGH), 91-92, 105, 148 huperzine-A, 112, 244, 245

89

impulsive attention errors, 122 impulsiveness, 30, 142

for serotonin-related issues, 148

hospital procedures,

serotonin, 13, 27, 140-141, 193-195

immunopause, 172

243

for multiple sclerosis, 190

synthetic,

28

immediate memory,

imbalances, 13 for

of,

regaining edge and. See balanced brain

for dopamine-related issues, for

27,

for,

89

inflammatory disorders, 98 information processing delays, 30

80, 81,

inositol, 132, 133, 194,

245

insomnia, 72

early-morning waking and, 142, 168

hydroxycitric acid, 89, 154

GABA and,

hyperglycemia, 73

hormone

hyperlipidemia, 96

medications, 128, 147

120, 121

therapy, 148

Index

287

serotonin and, 141, 142, 147

Llinas, Rodolfo,

vitamins, supplements, 133, 153, 154

lobes, 9. See also brain structure; specific

instability, 121

xiii,

xiv

lobes

insulin, 81, 195, 196

loner behavior, 22, 141, 142, 260

insulopause, 164

losing edge, 27-42

correcting chemistry

interrupting others, 30 introvert competence, reaching,

254-255

major

20

introverts, 18,

intuiting types, 18, 20 intuition, increasing, intuitive feeling

31-32

29

illnesses and,

neurotransmitter imbalances and,

27-29

256

temperaments, 21

regaining balance and. See balanced

involuntary movements, 30, 98 irritable

for,

imbalances and. See imbalances

bowel syndrome,

brain

responses

xvi, 58, 76,

120, 121,141

30-31

to,

self-medication

symptoms

ischemia, 72

of,

30-31

for,

29-31

isolating oneself, 73, 95

low-histamine/low-serotonin

isoleucine, 133

lump lyme

J

diet,

disease, 29

M

joint pain, 73

judging competence, increasing, 257 judging types,

19,

magnesium, magnetic

20

154, 192, 193

fields,

114

judgment impairment, 98

magnetism, 41

K

male menopause. See andropause manganese, 111, 191-192, 245

kava, 133, 245

manic depression,

kidney problems, 29, 73, 96, 105

Korean ginseng, 112

58, 120, 121, 127, 128

mantras, for natures, 258-259

marijuana abuse, 120

L

masochism/masochistic tendencies, 95, 141,143

language changes, 98

mastering Edge Effect, 265, 266-270

L-dopa, 187,244

172-173

lead, effects of, 40, 72, 135,

medications, 34 acetylcholine-friendly, 103-104

learning disabilities acetylcholine and,

1 1,

27, 96, 98

causing temporary

memory loss, 239

dopamine-friendly, 78-80

addressing, 58

brain speed and, 96

GABA-friendly, 127-128

serotonin and, 141

for

left-brained individuals, 13-14 left

memory

disorders,

242-243

serotonin-friendly, 146-147

meditation, 39

hemisphere dysfunctions associated with, 15

chanting, 155-156

functions

visual,

of, 13,

15

112-113

leg pain medication, 128

melatonin, 133, 154,239,245

leptin, 148

memory. See

of,

203-237

brain processing speed and, xiv-xvi

acetylcholine nature,

dopamine

1 1

1-113

nature, 90-91

nature, 134-135

neurotransmitters and, 38-39 light-headedness, 73, 120, 142, 168 lipoicacid, 111,245 listen, failure to,

liver

memory loss

analyzing status

expectancies, 161

lifestyles

GABA

also

acetylcholine and, xiv, 26, 98

leucine, 133 life

152

in throat, 120, 121, 142

tumors, 29

74

deficient biochemicals and, 25-26, 74

disturbance, 98

dopamine and,

GABA and,

25, 74

26

improving. See

memory

ment mechanics

of,

meeting needs

xiv-xv for,

249

improve-

INDEX

288

perception and, 201-202

migraines, 58, 120, 147, 191

serotonin and, 26

Mini Mental

types

of,

25-26, 202-203

memory and

attention assessments

mood mood

State

Exam (MMSE), 242

elevation, 81

swings/disorders

defining deficiencies, 53, 54, 55, 56

acetylcholine deficiencies and, 98

determining dominant nature, 45-46,

addressing, 58

dopamine

47,49,50-51 memory improvement, 201-249

deficiencies and, 73

GAGA imbalances and,

Alzheimer's disease and, 201, 240-241

losing edge and, 27, 30

attention and, 248

medications

Braverman Memory 204-237, 247

vitamins, supplements

movement

246-247

hormones

for,

medications

243

for,

242-243

196-200

acetylcholine and, 98

brain speed and, 96 case study, 190-191

dopamine and, 72 hormones for, 190

247

vitamins, supplements

illness treatments,

multiple sclerosis

own needs and, 249 memory loss causes and, 238-239 memory types and, 202-203 for,

154

disorders, 73, 98

multinature

meeting

music

for,

motion sickness, 147 motor command problems, 98

and, 248

exercises,

127

for,

serotonin imbalances and, 141

Test and,

case study, 241

CES

120, 122

for, 111,

243-246

losing edge and, 29

memory loss

medications, 190

symptoms, 189-190

acetylcholine-related issues, 95-97, 98,

238

treating,

189-191

vitamins, supplements

with age, xv-xvi, 25

for,

190

brain speed and. See speed, of brain

muscle

case study, 241

muscle spasm medication/supplements,

causes, 237,

238-239

dopamine-related

171

128, 133

issues, 74,

238-239

GABA deficiencies and, 239 hormone replacement

loss, 121,

therapies, 105

hospital procedures causing, 239

memory improvement

muscle tension/aches, 120, 121, 123, 142, 168

muscle tone, increasing, 81 muscle weakness medication, 104

incidents, 237

music therapy, 247 myasthenia medication, 104

lapses, 25, 98, 100

myelin, 11, 106

losing edge and, 29

mysterious chronic pains, 120

medications, 103-104, 147

N

improving. See

mild, voltage level, 72

pauses and, 239

psychopause and, 164, 167-168 serotonin deficiencies and, 239 serotonin-related issues, 143, 147

temporary, from medications, 239 vitamins, supplements, 111, 243-246

menopause,

72, 96, 164, 171

menstrual bleeding, excessive, 121, 142 metabolic disorder supplements, 111

metabolism, 10,73,81-82 methionine, 88, 188, 191

microwave radiation, 114 mid-life

crisis,

narcolepsy brain speed and, 96

dopamine and, 73 medications, 79

supplement

for,

89

biotemperaments (natures); Braverman Nature Assessment; domi-

natures. See

nant nature;

specific natures

nausea, 121, 141, 142, 147

nephropause, 164 neurons, 6-8

anatomy

of,

7

biochemicals, electricity and, 7-8

163 creation of, 17

Index

289

illustrated, 7

hormone

losing firepower, 238

mechanics

synaptic gap of, 7

preventing, 189

neuropathy, 120, 128

treating,

neurotransmitters. See also specific neuro-

of,

188-189

188-189

out-of-body experiences, 30 ovarian surgery, 72

transmitters

amino

therapy, 105

acids and,

36-37

overemotionality, 141

balancing, xvi

overexcitability, 141

deficiency effects, xiv

OxyContin, 129, 191

dominant, xvi

domino

P

effect of, xvii-xviii

four basic,

xiii,

imbalance

effects.

lifestyle

pain. See also specific types of pain

8

See imbalances

causing

and, 38-39

vitamins, supplements and, 38 niacin, 153, 167,

aches/soreness, 142

memory loss, 239

high threshold, 142 severe, 120

246

treating chronic,

191-192

niacinamide, 133, 153

pain relief nicotine addiction, 72, 73

night sweats, 120, 121, 123, 142

nonconvulsive epilepsy, 29

medications, 128

phenylalanine and, 83 vitamins, supplements, 133

nucleus, of neuron, 7

pallor, 142,

numbness, 168

168

palpitations, 12, 121, 123, 142, 168

nurturing type, 261

pancreopause, 164

O

panic disorder, 30, 72, 96, 128

obesity

pantothenic acid, 112, 153, 194

appetite control hormones, 105, 148

paranoia, 143

brain speed and, 96

parathyroid, 81

case study, 186

parathyroid hormone, 105

causes, 186

parathyropause, 163 paresthesia, 120, 121, 142

defined, 81

dopamine and,

10, 73,

81-82, 186

losing edge and, 29

parietal lobes, 10-11

Parkinson's disease, 10, 34, 58

medication, 128

brain speed and, 96

pituitary pause and, 167

as

statistics,

186

dopamine- related 186-187

issue, 73,

treating, 81-82, 186

electropause ages, 166

voltage level, 72

flu

and, 184

object recognition problems, 98

medications, 79

observation, fear of, 73

small infections triggering, 184

obsessive-compulsive disorder

GABA and,

122

medications, 147

therapy, 186-187

vitamins, supplements, 153, 187 voltage level, 72

mild, voltage level, 72

passionflower, 133, 154

serotonin and, 141, 143, 147

PATH

occipital lobes,

12-13

orgasm difficulties, 30,

(Place for Achieving Total Health)

case study, 77-78, holistic

73

premature (women), 142 premature ejaculation, 141, 142, 199

approach

91-92 of,

xvi-xvii

standard workup, 77-78 pauses. See also specific pauses

of body, 169-172

osteoarthritis, 141

controlling, 172-173

osteopause, 164, 171-172

defined, 162

osteopenia, 102

delaying, 165

osteoporosis, 29, 98

memory loss

and, 239

N D EX

290

model overview, 162-164

voltage levels and, 72

onset ages, 163-164

Rainbow Diet

for.

personality profiles

See

Rainbow Diet

reversing aging process, 162-163 stress

chart of, 163-164

perceiving competence, increasing, 258 perceiving types, 19, 20 perception,

dopamine

nature, 69-70

GABA nature,

and, 164-165

summary

acetylcholine nature, 93-94

117-118

modifying negative aspects, 251-253 serotonin nature, 138-140 Pfeiffer, Carl, xii

memory and, 201-202

phenylalanine, 83, 84, 87, 88, 89, 244

perfectionism, 23, 30, 143, 262

phenylethylamine, 185-186

perimenopausal disturbances, 141

phobias, fears, 30, 73, 120, 122, 143, 153,

personality, 3. See also specific personality

168 phosphatidylcholine, 112, 132

types

acetylcholine-related issues, 98

biochemistry

of, 17,

19-20

phosphatidylserine, 37, 88, 110, 111, 112,

245

changes, 98

physical assessments

deficient biochemicals and, 22-24, 73

defining deficiencies, 53, 54, 55, 56-57

determining biotemperaments, 20-22

determining dominant nature, 46,

47-48,49,51

dominant/deficient biochemicals determining, 20

physical issues

dopamine and, 9

acetylcholine-related, 98

extroverts vs. introverts, 18

dopamine-related, 73, 75

intuiting vs. sensing, 18

GABA-related, 121

judging

vs. perceiving,

serotonin-related, 142

19

modifying. See personality, bending

physical well-being, 3

profiles. See personality profiles

dopamine and, 10

temperament, type and, 18-19 thinking vs. feeling, 18-19

GABA and,

types,

18-20,259-264 250-265

personality, bending,

assuming different nature 253-258

qualities,

12

serotonin and, 13 pineal pause, 163 pituitary pause, 163, 166-167 playful nature, 138-140. See also serotonin

nature

extrovert competence, 254

pleasure, high threshold, 142, 144

increasing feeling thinking style, 257

PMS

increasing intuition, 256

dopamine and, 72

increasing rational thinking, 256-257

GABA imbalances and,

increasing sensitivity, 255-256

hormone

introvert competence,

254-255

judging competence, 257

120, 121

therapy, 148

medications, 197 occipital lobes and, 13

mantras for natures, 258-259

serotonin levels and, 141, 142

modifying negative aspects, 251-253 overcoming dark side, 259-264 overview, 250-251

treating, 197

pollutants, 114

perceiving competence, 258

post-traumatic stress disorder, 96

personality assessments

defining deficiencies, 53-54, 56, 57

determining dominant nature, 46-47,

48,49-50,51-52 personality issues

vitamins, supplements, 153

prayer, 39

pregnenolone, 129, 148, 243 Premarin, 102, 112

premature ejaculation, 141, 142, 199 prevention, xviii

acetylcholine-related, 98

ProCog, 244

dopamine-related, 73

procrastination/procrastinators, 22, 73,

GABA-related, 121-122 serotonin-related, 142-143

75, 263

progesterone, 148, 239

Index

291

261-262, 264

prostaglandin, 81 protein cravings, 120, 121

self- destructive

psychomotor agitation, 168 psychomotor retardation, 168

sensing types, 18, 20

psychopause, 163, 167

sensitive perceiving

thoughts, 73, 122, 168

sensitive judging

temperaments, 21 temperaments,

21-22

psychosis, 122, 133

pulmonopause, 164, 170 Pycnogenol (pine bark extract), 246

sensitivity, increasing,

pyridoxine, 88, 133, 154, 245

sensory signals,

R

serotonin,

255-256

sensory pause, 163, 167

amino

xiii,

1

8

36-37

acids and,

rage, 120, 122, 143, 167, 168

Rainbow

attention deficits and, 25

Diet, 174-181

biotemperament dominated 21-22

case studies, 180-181, 193 criteria,

174

brain wave dysrhythmias and,

defined, 173-174 goals,

140-141

174-175

healthy eating

tips,

burnout, 140-141

175-176

CESand,41

sample menus, 176-180

deficiencies, 140-141. See also sero-

snacks, 180 rational thinking, increasing,

tonin-related symptoms/conditions

256-257

deficiency cravings, 142, 149-150

reactive confusion, 30

deficiency personalities, 24

reading disorders, 98

diet/nutrients increasing, 150-152,

dominant nature and,

relationships,

245

62-63

domino

restlessness, 120, 122, 143, 168

rheumatoid

by,

effect and, xvii-xviii

drug abuse and,

arthritis, 141

3

Edge Effect, 140 environment and, 40

rhodiola, 88, 89, 244

rhythm

excessive, 140

defined, 6

GABA

functions controlling, 12

of, 13,

19,42

imbalances, 13, 27, 140-141, 193-195

riboflaven, 133 lifestyle

and, 39, 154-156

right-brained individuals, 14 right

low-serotonin

hemisphere

memory

dysfunctions associated with, 15 functions rigidity,

of, 13,

production

15

TCMS

98

diet,

152

affiliation/nutrients, 26, of,

245

12-13

units stimulating, 41

serotonin nature, 138-157

rule-breaker personality, 24, 98, 262

balancing, 146, 156-157

S

delta waves and, 139

salt cravings,

142

diet,

SAM-e, 154

148-152

environment and, 156

schizophrenia, 72, 141, 144, 153

excessive serotonin and, 140

seizures

exercise and,

154-155

brain speed and, 96

lifestyle strategies,

continuum

mantras, 259

of,

192

GABA deficiencies and,

12, 120, 121

meditation exercise, 155-156

modifying negative aspects of, 253 personality profile, 138-140

192 losing edge and, 29, 58

vitamins, supplements, 38, 152-154

medications, 128, 147

serotonin-related symptoms/conditions,

treating, 192

vitamins, supplements

;

154-156

for, 133,

selenium, 198 self-absorbed personality, 24, 143,

192

142-143. See also

specific

symptoms/conditions attention issues, 143

INDEX

292

194-195

case study, 144-146, 147, 156-157

treating, 58,

domino effect of, 144-146 hormone therapy, 148

vitamins, supplements

medications

for,

memory issues,

for, 153, 154,

194

146-147

slow reaction time, 143 smell disorders/abnormalities, 121, 142,

143, 147

personality issues, 142-143

167, 168

smell hallucinations, 30

physical issues, 142

sociable nature, 94

sex drive

acetylcholine and, 199, 200

somatopause, 164, 171

dopamine and,

somatostatin, 81

200

73, 75,

GABA levels and,

spatial perception difficulties,

12

increasing, 80

speech problems, 98

losing edge and, 30

speed, of brain, xiv-xvi,

5, 11.

psychopause and, 168 yohimbine for, 89

acetylcholine levels and, 95-97, 98, 238 chart,

96-97

sexual addiction, 196

dopamine

sexual dysfunction, 29

medical conditions related

levels and,

74

spirituality,

case study, 199-200

stable nature,

delayed response, 141

St.

impotence,

stomach cramp medication

30

medications, 79, 198, 199, 200

198-200 orgasm difficulties, 30, 73 premature ejaculation, 141, 142, 199 as multinature disorder,

psychopause and, 168 89

198-200

117-118

John's wort, 153, 154, 245

stress

inability to handle, 73

pauses and, 164-165

38-39

reducing, 39 replenishing

sexual Edge Effect, 200

hormones during, 81

stroke

shortness of breath, 121, 142, 153, 168

avoiding, 197-198

shuffling gait, 30

brain speed and, 97

shyness, 30, 141, 143, 260-261

causes, 197

side effects

as

of synthetic hormones, 35-36 sildenafil (Viagra), 44, 77,

89

sleep positions, 142

239

120, 121, 128

therapy, 148

hypersomnia (sleeping

treating, 198

for,

198

sugar cravings, 195-196 sugar deficiency hormones, 81

for hours), 121,

supranuclear palsy, 72, 97 surgery, causing

changes

for,

suicidal thoughts, 122

141, 142

medications

197

substance abuse, 73, 89, 96

72, 73

GABA imbalances and,

lifestyle

121

toxic effect of, 198

vitamins, supplements

early-morning waking, 142, 168

hormone

illness,

predicting, 197-198 statistics,

insomnia

memory loss,

dopamine and,

GABA- related

losing edge and, 29

of medications, 34

causing

(children),

128

positive,

sildenafil (Viagra) for, 44, 77,

abnormal

96-97

39

brain slowing and, xvi

sleep disorders. See also

to,

reduced, causes, 238

acetylcholine and, 98, 199

treating,

See also

memory loss

low, 73,75, 101,121, 168

xvi,

30

for, 128, 147,

memory loss,

239

suspicious personality, 264

194

194-195

occipital lobes and, 13

pituitary pause and, 166-167

swallowing

difficulties, 73, 121, 142,

sweating, 30, 121, 168. See also night

sweats

psychopause and, 168

synaptic gap, 7

serotonin and, 141, 144, 147

synchrony, 6

168

Index

293

synthetic hormones, 35-36

trigeminal neuralgia, 120

T

triiodothyronine (T3), 81, 169

tryptophan, 36, 37, 148-149, 153, 154, tachycardia, 120, 121, 142, 168

194

30

taste hallucinations,

tumors, 72

taurine, 112, 133, 192-193, 245

TCMS

(transcranial magnetic stimula-

type 2 diabetes, 195-196 tyrosine, 37, 83-84, 87, 88, 89, 244

tion) units, 41

temperament. See personality; personalbending;

ity profiles; personality,

U Ultimate Edge Effect,

xviii,

267-268

unstable personalities, 23, 263-264

specific personality types

temperature regulation problems, 141

urinating problems

temper problems, 30, 120, 122, 168 temporal lobes, 11-12 temporomandular joint syndrome, 120

difficulty urinating,

TENS

psychopause and, 168

medications

(transcutaneous electrical nerve

stimulation) units, 40

98

frequency, 121, 142 for,

104

uropause, 164

tension, 73

V

testosterone, 80, 239, 243

vaginal dryness, 141

thalamus, 15

valerian root, 133

theta waves, 6,

1

thiamine, 89, 112, 133, 153, 244

vascular disorder medication, 104

thinking

vasculopause, 164, 170

abstract, poor, 74 clearly, inability,

types,

valine, 133

vasopressin, 80, 105, 243

122

verbal

18-19,20

memory,

26, 98, 122,

203

vertigo, 29

vitamins, supplements, 111

thinking intuitive temperaments, 20-21

thought confusions, 30, 141, 143 thought factory, 10-11

violent tendencies, 27, 72 violent visual stimuli, 113-114 viral infections,

29

vision problems, 30, 120, 121, 142

thymopause, 164, 169

visual disorder medication, 104

thyroid disorders, 73

visual meditation exercise, 112-113

thyropause, 163, 169

visual

thyroxine (T4), 81, 169

memory,

26, 98,

203

vitamin B 6 154, 191, 192, 193, 194, 245 ,

tingling, 168

vitamin B 12 112, 153 ,

tinnitus, 120, 121, 141, 142, 192

tip-of-the-tongue syndrome, 201

vitamin C, 194, 198 vitamin D, 189, 190

tobacco abuse medications, 79

vitamin E, 192, 198 toxic metals,

xii,

39, 72, 172

transcranial magnetic stimulation

(TCMS)

cific

units, 41

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

(TENS)

units,

vitamins, supplements, 38. See also spe-

40

treating specific symptoms/conditions,

vitamins/supplements

acetylcholine-friendly, 110-111, 112

Brain Calm, 132-133 Brain Energy, 88, 89, 186, 199 Brain Rest, 153, 154

183-200

Brain Speed, 111, 112 acetylcholine-deficiency diseases,

dopamine-friendly, 87-89, 187

187-191 balanced-brain advantage and, 200

dopamine-deficiency diseases,

184-187

GAB A- deficiency diseases, multinature

illnesses,

191-193

196-200

serotonin-imbalance diseases, 193-195 tremors, 73, 121, 142, 168

GABA-friendly, 132-133, 191-192

Rainbow Diet and, 176 serotonin-friendly, 152-154 for specific disorders. See specific dis-

orders

voltage defined, 5, 71

INDEX

294

failing, 71

in general

medical conditions, 72

vomiting, 121, 142

W weight, significant changes, 121

weight gain problems, 73

hormone

therapy, 105

serotonin and, 142

weight loss problems, 73, 75 diet,

86

medications, 79 vitamins, supplements, 89, 154

white foods, 173-174

willow bark, 89

working memory,

25, 74,

202

worthlessness feelings, 73, 121 writing disorders, 98

Y yawning, 142

yohimbine, 89, 244

Z zinc, 154, 167, 176,

191-192, 195, 245

HEALTH

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