Most of us focus on healthy eating for healthy bodies. When is the last time you actually
thought about your brain? Many of us take our brain and its functioning for granted. We
feel lost when physical problems occur and never relate them to our brain's dysfunction.
In Making a Good Brain Great, author Dr. Daniel G. Amen discusses how poor memory,
behavior problems, and increased physical problems can be caused by brain dysfunctions.
His brain scans pinpoint deficiencies from poor diet, physical trauma, toxic exposure,
emotional trauma, and stress.
Past emotional traumas leave lingering symptoms of brain dysfunction such as insomnia,
nightmares, and anxiety. Chronic stress also diminishes brain function. Toxic exposure
from medications, nicotine, caffeine, and illegal drugs limit brain activity. Many patients
visit Dr. Amen with complaints of memory problems. Brain scans testify that the patient's
multiple medications can be the cause of such difficulties. Caffeine gives many people
their day's jolt and energy, but actually caffeine interrupts a body's sleep cycle. Dr.
Amen advocates taking care of your brain just like your body. People can improve brain
functioning by eating healthier, taking vitamins and supplements, exercising, meditation,
and making other healthy, life choices.
In Making a Good Brain Great, Dr. Amen shares a wealth of information on the
brain through his own research and brain imaging at Amen Clinics. Dr. Amen is a clinical
neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain-imaging expert. He has received numerous awards
for writing and research. The brain scans were fascinating, and I realized how normal
activities affect the brain's function. I loved the beginning quiz of a person's behavior,
which can be traced to different areas of the brain. Dr. Amen provides a wonderful fifteen-day
program to improve brain functioning. The book is easy to read, spotted with humor, and
filled with information that can benefit anyone. If you are serious about your overall
health, Making a Good Brain Great can enhance your life through improved brain
health. I will use the book to guide my life and those I love!