About the Book
Two naturopaths introduce us to the world of brain biochemistry, translating the science into laymen's terms, so that the reader can understand the potential power of herbs and nutrients to enhance health, prevent disorders, and affect existing health disorders. These alternatives, or supplements, to medication are being used across the country to help treat health conditions with a psychological component—from ADHD and anorexia to insomnia, menopause, and Parkinson's Disease. Authors Meletis and Barker explain 18 of these conditions, and review the most current research into how—or whether—the use of herbs and supplements has been proven to prevent, affect or remove these health conditions, or at least some of their symptoms. Can the Chinese herb Salvia curb cravings in alcoholics? Can niacin help treat anxiety? Other herbs, nutrients, and conditions addressed include the use of zinc to reduce symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, ginkgo biloba for Alzheimer's, and 5-HTP for depression. One appendix to this volume lists the top 20 brain-enhancing herbs and supplements. Another lists nutrient deficiencies and their links to health and brain function.
It is not the intent of this book to advocate for the replacement of standard drug therapy, but for the integration of these natural medicines with traditional medical treatments. Consumers are urged to discuss these herbs and nutrients with their physician before beginning use, as some allergic reactions or interactions with traditional medicines can occur. The central argument of this book is that when properly nourished people can operate at maximum physical and mental capacity, with maximum ability to fend off or recover from disease and disorder.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Brain Ailments and Nutra-Botanical Interventions
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's
Anorexia
Anxiety
ADD/ADHD
Autism
Bipolar
Bulimia
Dementia
Depression
Hormonal Mental Health
Insomnia
Learning Disability
Mental Fatigue
Multiple Sclerosis
Oppositional Defiant
Parkinson's
Schizophrenia
Most Common Brain Targeted Nutra-Botanicals
B1
B2
B3
B5
B6
B12
DHA
Dimethylglycine
EPA
Folate
Ginseng (differentiating which ones)
Gingko (24% and PCO bound)
Huperzine A
Magnesium
N-Acetyl Carnitine
Phosphatidyl Serine
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
5-HTP
Appendix A: Nutrient Deficiency: Signs and Symptoms
Appendix B: Toxic Substances and Related Brain and Body Health Changes
Appendix C: Selecting the Right Food for You: Avoiding Food Allergies
About the Author :
CHRIS D. MELETIS, N.D., is Senior Series Editor for the Praeger series, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. He is the Executive Director for the Institute for Healthy Aging, www.TheIHA.org, a non-profit dedicated to educating the public, media, and professional community on scientific approaches to enhancing healthy aging. He was chosen for the Naturopathic Physician of the Year Award for 2003-2004 by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. He is an international lecturer, and radio personality, and has authored nine earlier books on natural health topics.
JASON E. BARKER, N.D., is in private practice and has been Adjunct Professor of Naturopathy at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University and at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Review :
"This impressive book addresses natural healing methods for emotional conditions. The actions that herbs and nutritional supplements have on brain biochemistry is explained for 18 diverse conditions, such as insomnia, ADHD, anorexia, bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease. There are excellent discussions on the functioning of serotonin, GABA, and other aspects of brain chemistry, with profiles on the most popular remedies to enhance them. This is an authoritative, well researched, and highly referenced book, yet the science is nicely conveyed in laymen's terms. The recommended dosages and protocols make this an excellent reference for both practitioners and people seeking self-healing."-The American Herb Association
"Two professors of Naturopathic Medicine wrote this book dealing with the power of herbs and nutritional supplements in healing and/or in preventing psychological and psychiatric disorders as well as in enhancing mental health. The authors reviewed current research on eighteen mental disorders, such as ADD, Alcoholism, Alzheimers, Autism, Depression, Multiple Sclerosis and Schizophrenia, among others, to see if and how they can be helped by alternative natural "medicines.,.".The book is scholarly and well researched, as the detailed footnotes demonstrate. Three appendices list signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiency, toxic substances and foods that are good for avoiding allergies. The book is highly recommended for all health science collections and especially for hospitals libraries. However it will be also useful for an educated consumer."-E-Streams
?Two professors of Naturopathic Medicine wrote this book dealing with the power of herbs and nutritional supplements in healing and/or in preventing psychological and psychiatric disorders as well as in enhancing mental health. The authors reviewed current research on eighteen mental disorders, such as ADD, Alcoholism, Alzheimers, Autism, Depression, Multiple Sclerosis and Schizophrenia, among others, to see if and how they can be helped by alternative natural "medicines.,.".The book is scholarly and well researched, as the detailed footnotes demonstrate. Three appendices list signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiency, toxic substances and foods that are good for avoiding allergies. The book is highly recommended for all health science collections and especially for hospitals libraries. However it will be also useful for an educated consumer.?-E-Streams
?This impressive book addresses natural healing methods for emotional conditions. The actions that herbs and nutritional supplements have on brain biochemistry is explained for 18 diverse conditions, such as insomnia, ADHD, anorexia, bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease. There are excellent discussions on the functioning of serotonin, GABA, and other aspects of brain chemistry, with profiles on the most popular remedies to enhance them. This is an authoritative, well researched, and highly referenced book, yet the science is nicely conveyed in laymen's terms. The recommended dosages and protocols make this an excellent reference for both practitioners and people seeking self-healing.?-The American Herb Association
