A Holistic Approach to Wellness

No More Broken Brains

The twenty-first century is experiencing an epidemic of broken brains. According to a World Health Survey Consortium, “[It] affects 1.1 billion people worldwide”(Demyttenaere, 2004). Almost nobody is left untouched. “[It confronts] one in six children, one in two elderly–[it] will cripple one in four people during their lifetime”(WHO, n.d.).

Making up this broken brain phenomena are aspects such as anxiety, autism, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and brain fog. With so many facets to the broken brain problem, the most sensible treatment would probably be differentiated depending on symptoms, with different pills and psychological treatments targeted at each component. And yet, this might not be the case.

According to The UltraMind Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman, “The solution to the epidemic of broken brains is not found in more psychoactive medication or better therapy”(Hyman, 2009, p. 21). Hyman (2009) explained that the key to restoring mental health is removing junk from the body, like environmental toxins, food-additives, stress, excess sugar, and processed goods, and adding superior substances like fresh whole foods, vitamins, minerals, relaxation, hope, social-connectedness and serenity. He stated, “Using this simple, yet comprehensive, method, allows me to treat virtually all diseases, whether they are ‘in the brain’ or “in the body.” And it works for one simple reason: the body and the brain are one system” (Hyman, 2009, p. 38).

The story of one patient exemplifies this bodymind approach. “A fifty-three-year-old man with lifelong bipolar disease and crippling depression on a multidrug cocktail had relief from depression for the first time in thirty years after tuning up his brain function with folate and vitamins B12 and B6”(Hyman, 2009, p. 21).

This man is not alone. According to the World Health Organization Initiative on Depression in Public Health, depression affects about 121 million people worldwide, and accounts for almost 12 percent of all disability (Palpant et al., 2006). Furthermore, “What we see as the symptoms of depression are reflections of a few common interconnected imbalances in the body that have nothing to do with the medical specialties as we know them. Depression is not a psychiatric illness, but a systemic disease. To treat it we need to address the whole system–the ecosystem of your body”(Hyman, 2009, p. 33).

There are certain obstacles in the path to a new understanding of medicine. Hyman (2009) highlighted what he sees as some myths in psychiatry and neurology. These included the idea that the diagnosis of a disease automatically shows the doctor how to treat the disease. The problem is that the same symptom or collection of symptoms can come about from many different causes. The label of ‘depression’ does not explain the etiology. Medicine easily overlooks the why of a disease in favor of quick fixes for the symptoms.

Hyman (2009) goes further in describing depression:

It may be there are many “depressions,” not just one generic “depression.” These “depressions” may be the result of a multitude of causes: folate, B6, or B12 deficiency; low thyroid function; “brain allergies” to foods; an autoimmune response to gluten that inflames the brain; mercury poisoning; abnormal proteins called gluteo- or casomorphins from poorly digested food that alter brain chemistry; brain inflammation from a hidden infection; blood-sugar imbalances; low testosterone or other sex hormones; a deficiency of omega-3 fats; or adrenal-gland dysfunction from excessive stress among many other possible causes. (p. 43)

Popping an anti-depressant pill is much quicker than discovering the underlying causes, but medicine shouldn’t put a band-aide on a problem when solutions can be offered. Certain brain chemicals can be off-balance, but discovering why they are aberrant in the first place can lead to holistic treatment. If ‘depression’ comes about from an infection, an antibiotic is a more effective treatment than an antidepressant. With the idea that causes are more important than symptoms, and that one cause can lead to different effects, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine listed fifty-five “diseases” that can arise when one has gluten insensitivity (Farrell and Kelly, 2002). Among these diseases were psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, depression and autism. By removing gluten from the diet, drastic health benefits can result.
A New Plan
Dr. Hyman (2009) proposes a new, comprehensive plan for treating the broken brain epidemic. Instead of focusing on diseases and their labels, Hyman offers seven keys to health, that, if brought into balance, provide the patient with ultrawellness and an ultramind. These keys include optimizing nutrition, balancing hormones, cooling off inflammation, fixing digestion, enhancing detoxification, boosting energy metabolism and calming the mind. “The Ultramind Solution leverages all of these methods of understanding health and illness to help you sort through the real causes of your broken brain and get to the root of the problem, not just stay stuck with the name of your disease and the limited options available for treating it in this outdated paradigm”(Hyman, 2009, p. 45).

Obstacles to a New Paradigm

The American obsession with drugs is one obstacle to a new view of medicine. Hyman (2009) stated, “We are a drug-addicted society, and we are over-prescribed medication when there are better solutions” (p. 48). This craze affects not only adults, but children as well. According to Bhatara (2004), “The use of untested and potentially unsafe combinations of psychotropic drug cocktails has increased 500 percent in children”(Hyman, 2009, p. 46). Likewise, McKinney and Renk (2010) strongly urge doctors to be careful of the unknown consequences of using drugs off-label to treat conditions in children.

Hyman (2009) continued,

“Unfortunately, the billions of dollars that pour into the pharmaceutical industry every year are not spent researching or promoting changes in diet, nutrient therapies, detoxification, addressing food allergies, and other potentially beneficial treatments. Instead, our economy thrives on products and services that make us sick or benefit our illness (drugs, processed foods, fast foods, and companies that thrive by adding to our environmental toxic load)”(p. 48).

There is a method of escape. While the toxic effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill by British Petroleum can only be reversed so far, and eliminating the McDonald’s menu through protest is unlikely, the pharmaceutical industry does not need to remain a mega-business. The American people have options, but need to be careful and have guidance. Doctors can do more than dispense medication. The medical and psychiatric profession can push even harder for the importance of complete lifestyle makeovers. To start this process, dependency on current systems deserve a closer look and possible suspension. For example:

“Getting off medications can be difficult, comes with certain risks, and must be done under a physician’s supervision. I don’t recommend anyone stop using their medications suddenly, but I do suggest that by following the plan to optimize your brain function and address the underlying causes of mood disorders and brain dysfunction in the UltraMind Solution, many people can get off their medications with their physician’s help and feel better and healthier than ever”(Hyman, 2009, p. 48-49).

This new plan does not mean the eradication of psychotherapy. There is uncountable benefit to receiving psychological care from trained professionals. In contrast, “Addressing the underlying imbalances in your body that cause brain dysfunction will allow you to venture more deeply and successfully into the exploration of your mind and soul”(Hyman, 2009, p. 49).

Overall, “The key to optimal brain health is doing more of the things that help generate new brain cells and less of the things that kill brain cells. For example, we know that the stress hormone cortisol injures the hippocampus, damages brain cells, and leads to memory loss and dementia. Conversely, we know that reducing cortisol levels with relaxation increases the size of the hippocampus through neurogenesis”(Hyman, 2009, p. 53). Furthermore, Swaab, Bao & Lucassen (2005) found that excess levels of cortisol leads to problems with depression and other mood disorders.

Broken Brains: Causes and Concerns

This epidemic of broken brains arrives from somewhere. For example, “Most of us have no clue that sitting around on our couch watching TV hurts our brain. So does losing a few hours of sleep at night, drinking a can of cola, having that Starbucks grande latte, getting that flu vaccine, having those two glasses of chardonnay, taking a few Rolaids for heartburn, eating strawberries grown on a conventional farm, having a fight with our spouse, and talking on our cell phones for a few hours a day”(Hyman, 2009, p. 55).

Expanding on this laundry list of ills, one can see that our brains are overwhelmed with sugar from our Standard American Diet (SAD). An especially sneaky culprit is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). “Though it was completely unknown until 1980, we now produce 17.5 billion pounds of it and consume sixty-six pounds per person per year”(Hyman, 2009, p. 56). Some of the nasty effects of HFCS include obesity (Bray, Nielsen, & Popkin, 2004), increased appetite (Johnson et al., 2007), and an addiction reward more powerful than cocaine (Lenoir, 2007).

Furthermore, HFCS has been linked to anxiety, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, fatigue, learning difficulties, and other problems (Holford, 2004). Additionally, “Sugar in these foods reacts with protein and forms plaques called AGEs (advanced glycation end products). These crusty sugar-protein combos gum up your brain, leading to dementia, and damage most cells and tissues along the way”(Hyman, 2009, p. 56). Other manufactured culprits to avoid are hydrogenated and trans saturated fats. These fats are said to elevate inflammation, harm cells, and hamper ordinary brain function (Morris, 2003).

Excessive, ingested substances are not the only guilty party. A lack of certain behaviors is also cause for concern. According to a report done by the National Institute of Medicine on sleep, 50 to 70 million Americans are regularly deprived of sleep or suffer from some sleep problems. Chronic lack of sleep contributes to problems with learning and memory, depression, and attention deficit disorder, and has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Physiologically, the stress hormone cortisol increases with lack of sleep, causing damage to cells in the hippocampus, an area responsible for emotions and memory. (Hyman, 2009, p. 57-58).

Another area of deficiency, lack of active behavior, is more than just a lazy-lifestyle. Lack of exercise results in lower levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1), a repair and youth hormone (Trejo 2002) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a super-fertilizer for your brain (Hyman, 2009). Whether it is jumping, skiing, aerobics or swimming, physical activity promotes IGF-1, which makes its way to the brain, causing the release of BDNF (Vaynman and Gomez-Pinilla, 2006).

As detailed by Cotman, Berchtold & Christie (2007), “Exercise builds new neural connections, rewiring your brain for better mood and cognitive function, making your brain run faster, smoother, and more efficiently” (Hyman, 2009, p. 58). Exercise also increases dopamine, which aides focus, and serotonin, which calms one down. These positive effects are so strong that a recent study by Blumenthal et al. (2007) found that, “Exercise beats or equals Prozac or psychotherapy as an antidepressant in head-to-head studies” (Hyman, 2009, p. 59).

Depending on quantity, certain commonly consumed substances have been shown to cause harm to the body and brain. Among these are caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. A study by Gilliland and Andress (1981) linked extra caffeine to increases in anxiety and depression. O’Keefe, Bybee, & Lavie (2007) and Anttila, et al. (2004) found that drinking four or more glasses of alcohol a day could lead to double the risk for dementia. Furthermore, Volkow, et al. (1992) found that “Alcohol depletes mood-boosting B vitamins, is a brain toxin, and slows down brain metabolism”(Hyman, 2009, p. 60). Finally, nicotine has four thousand toxins (Brunnemann and Hoffmann, 1991), leads to depression (Pergadia, et al., 2004) and decreases blood flow to the brain (Hyman, 2009).

There are health issues with certain medications as well. Littarru and Langsjoen (2007) share the concern that some cholesterol lowering medications can also lower Coenzyme Q10, which is a necessary substance in the production of energy for cells. Valuck and Ruscin (2004) raised an alert that long term use of acid-lowering medications like Prilosec and Nexium can lead to brain problems. To further elaborate on these antacids, the combined work of Ruscin, Page & Valuck (2002) and Laine et al. (2000) showed that acid-blocking hinders the absorption of B12, leading to depression, memory loss, fatigue and dementia.

Toxic chemicals are another enemy our bodies and brains must fight. The Environmental Working Group (EWG, 2005) conducted “a recent study of umbilical cord blood [that] found 287 toxic chemicals, 217 of which are toxic to the brain and nervous system. And this is what infants are exposed to even before they take their first breath”(Hyman, 2009, p. 67). According to the FDA (2010), “More than 3,500 different chemicals can be added to our food and more than 3,000 are in our homes”(Hyman, 2009, p. 67). Moreover, Alavanja, Hoppin, & Kamel (2004) articulated that the average American ingests a gallon of neurotoxins each year from produce grown in the conventional manner. Keep in mind, if Americans ate the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables per day, their chemical ingestion would be even more. Consequently, pesticide exposure has been linked to autism (Roberts, et al., 2007) and other neurobehavioral problems (Grandjean, et al., 2006). Alongside this, McCann, et al. (2007) found increased hyperactivity in kids after they consumed food additives like preservatives and artificial food coloring.

In the same way, Wang et.al. (2007) showcased the widespread use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in our living environment in items such as fabrics and furniture. VOCs are linked to both short and long term impact on brain function, including decreases in skills as measured by the ‘Short Test of Mental Status’ which assesses functions of orientation, arithmetic calculation, information, construction, attention, learning, abstraction and recall (Uzun and Kendirli, 2005).

As if synthetic toxins were not enough, natural types can also cause problems. Dangerous molds are one such offender, causing what is often called Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). In a study of people who had SBS, disruption of the pro-opiomelanocortin pathway in the hypothalamus and an inflammatory response was found (Shoemaker and House, 2006; Campbell et al., 2003).

Toxic metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic and aluminum, are also of concern. Banning lead from gasoline and paint was a start, but there is still more work to be done. A meta-analysis of modern studies by Needleman and Gatsonis (1990), covering 2,146 children in first and second grade in Alabama, found:

Not only did the children with the highest levels of lead have the lower IQs, but they were also more distractible, dependent, disorganized, hyperactive, and impulsive, and had difficulty following simple directions. There were no children in the high-lead group that had IQs over 125, while 5 percent in the low-lead group did. (Hyman, 2009,  p. 70-71).

After a decade, the researchers did a follow-up study and found that the lead exposed group continued to suffer with problems like academic difficulties, slower reaction times, and smaller vocabularies (Needleman, et al., 1990).

Looking at the even younger, Choi (1989) found that if exposure to mercury occurred in the womb or in early life, the metal was then deposited throughout the brain and hampered normal brain growth, as compared to an adult’s exposure, which was less likely to affect the whole brain.

Investigating the other end of the age spectrum, Stewart and Schwartz (2007) concluded that “Our data suggest that a significant proportion of what is considered to be "normal" age-related cognitive decline may, in fact, be due to past exposure to neurotoxicants such as lead”(p. 735).

Understanding the Problems and Remedies

With all the forces so far mentioned fighting against your brain, one is left wondering what one can do to improve health and wellness. This is where the UltraMind solution arrives. Comprehending and restoring the seven keys to a healthy brain and body is just what the doctor ordered.

Optimize Nutrition

Ours is a culture starved of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. This essential fat is a must-have substance for the proper functioning of all the cells in our body and brain. The quality of the phospholipid bilayer protecting our cells and allowing cellular communication is linked to consumption of Omega-3 fats. A study by Freeman et al. (2006) found:

Our brains don’t work without Omega-3 fats. Period. That is why low levels of Omega-3 fats have been linked to everything from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disease and criminal behavior, to schizophrenia, to attention deficit disorder and autism and learning disabilities, as well as dementia and many other neurological disorders. (Hyman, 2009, p. 87).

Extra phosphatidylserine (PS), a component of the phospholipid bilayer of cells, is found in eggs, soybeans, peanuts and flaxseeds, and has been connected to improved memory and cognitive performance (Crook et al., 1997) as well as better mood and reduced stress (Hellhammer et al., 2004).

Since amino acids from proteins are the fundamental building blocks of neurotransmitters, any depletion of this constitutive substance hinders the proper functioning of the brain. Deijen, et al. (1999) detected that supplementation with tyrosine, an amino acid building block of dopamine, can, under stressful circumstances, reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on cognitive task performance.

If one does not receive enough tryptophan, a building block of serotonin, depression can result. A study by Delgado et al. (1990), found that by feeding a group of people a diet without tryptophan, depression occurred in as little as a few hours. Stress, inflammation from toxins, low vitamin B6 or magnesium, and high sugar all contribute to lower levels of tryptophan and thus lower levels of serotonin. This depletion makes people more vulnerable to depression.

The results of Tiihonen et al. (2006) indicate that in a comprehensive nationwide suicidal patient population, risk of suicide attempts is definitely increased during all antidepressant treatments when compared with no antidepressant use. If antidepressants can be avoided, and natural methods used to treat depression, they should be explored first. As Hyman (2009) stated:

What are your options here? Take Prozac, an SSRI, which helps improve half the symptoms half the time with plenty of side effects, or try to cut out sugar in your diet, eliminate food allergies and toxins, learn how to manage stress, and take B6, folate, magnesium, and amino acids, which have no side effects and correct the cause of your depleted serotonin in the first place.

Another neurotransmitter, γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), is important for relaxation and putting a brake on the anxiety response. Abdou et al. (2006) revealed that within sixty minutes of taking a GABA supplement, alpha brain waves (a relaxed brain state) were increased and the immune system was boosted.

Acetylcholine, which helps with cognition, concentration, motivation and memory, is another example of a neurotransmitter that can be boosted with a proper diet. Specifically, consuming choline rich foods like beef liver, codfish and cauliflower is beneficial.

According to Ames (2004), a recent USDA survey showed that 37 percent of Americans don’t get enough vitamin C, 70 percent not enough vitamin E, almost 75 percent not enough zinc, and 40 percent not enough iron. It is hard to believe Americans are suffering malnutrition and obesity at the same time, but quality of food is of vast importance. The Standard American Diet (SAD) consists of far too many foods that are enriched because they have first been depleted of nutrients (Gerrior and Bente, 2007). For example, white, refined bread is stripped of nutrients during its manufacture, and to make up for this process, components are enriched back into the product. This cannot be healthy.

Kaplan et al. (2007) report that everyone in today’s world needs a basic multivitamin and mineral supplement. To an even greater degree, research by Ames (2002) proposes that for optimal health, people should be taking perhaps hundreds of times the normal dietary reference of vitamins and minerals. The current thinking of minimum daily intake to avoid illness is outdated; research must be done on the optimum level of intake for vigorous health.

Vasquez (2004) and Holick (2004) go beyond the idea that vitamin D prevents rickets, and show that a higher dose may have a role in treating or preventing heart disease, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, depression, epilepsy, type 1 diabetes, and cancer.

Vitamin D has also been shown to decrease in winter, making people more prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Supplementation with vitamin D has been shown to improve or prevent SAD (Gloth, Alam, & Hollis, 1999). Vitamin D is also necessary for normal brain development and reduces inflammation characteristic of autism (Cannell, 2008).

Balance Hormones

Insulin, thyroid, sex hormones, melatonin, growth hormone and cortisol are just a few of the important substances controlling the health of the body. Exorbitant amounts of sugar wreak havoc on our insulin levels. Cordain et al. (2005) revealed that historically, we ate the equivalent of only 20 teaspoons of sugar a year as a hunter/gatherer species. Now, according to Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, sugar consumption in 1999 was 158 pounds per person (CSPI, n.d.). The overconsumption of sugar can lead to serious problems. Yaffe et al. (2004) brought to light that those with metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance) and inflammation had dramatic declines in cognitive function. Timonen et al. (2007) reported that a study of young men found that those who had the worst insulin resistance had an almost threefold risk of having severe depression.

Thyroid issues are another concern. Camaris et al. (2000) reported that more than 20 percent of women and 10 percent of men have low-thyroid function, and half of them are undiagnosed (Hyman, 2009, p. 158). Chueire, Romaldini & Ward (2007) detailed that in their study of the elderly, “subclinical” hypothyroidism increased the risk of depression four times. Montero-Pedrazuela et al. (2006) related that the thyroid hormone is critical for helping the brain make new brain cells (neurogenesis), particularly in the hippocampus, which is responsible for mood and memory. Mood disorders in general, including bipolar, are, according to Thomsen et al. (2005), increased in people with altered thyroid function. In addition, Bauer, Heinz, & Whybrow (2002) showed that low levels of thyroid hormone reduce the function of serotonin receptors, which leads to depression:

Aside from the clear effect thyroid has on mood, it is also clear that low thyroid affects cognitive function, memory and other indicators of slowed mental processing (Van Boxtel et al., 2004), and that treating the thyroid improves all areas of mental functioning, including mood, mental processing, memory, and general cognitive function (Miller, et al., 2006) (Hyman, 2009, p. 160).

Some of the causes of thyroid problems stem from the environment. Porterfield (1994) found that many environmental contaminants alter thyroid function, either inhibiting the thyroid system or mimicking it. More in depth, Otake et al. (2007) uncovered that PCBs and other industrial petrochemicals lower thyroid function and Galletti and Joyet (1958) found that fluorine decreases thyroid function.

Another category to explore are the sex hormones. Excess sugar, caffeine, alcohol, stress and lack of exercise all contribute to worsening PMS (Rasheed and Al-Sowielem, 2003), and hormonal imbalances, including menopause and andropause (Tan and Pu, 2001). There is evidence that natural, bioidentical progesterone reduces anxiety and stress through its action on GABA receptors, the relaxing neurotransmitter (Pluchino et al., 2001). On a similar note, Schulman et al. (2007) showed that:

Testosterone is also a wonderful brain-boosting hormone that improves mood, memory, motivation, and overall cognitive function. It drops significantly in women and men with age and has an enormous impact on quality of life. But it drops mostly because of weight gain, lack of exercise, stress, and high-sugar diets–not because we are genetically designed to have less testosterone as we age. (Hyman, 2009, p. 167).

An adequate amount of sleep is a major helper in balancing hormones. Our bodies have natural rhythms that can be disturbed by irregular or insufficient sleep. Melatonin (Srinivasan et al., 2006) and growth hormone (Blackman et al., 2007; Van Cauter, Leproult, & Plat, 2000) are brought into better balance with proper sleep. Scott, McNaughton & Polman (2006) reported that sleep deprivation also leads to depression, decreased cognitive performance, and slowed reaction times.

Cool Off Inflammation

From a swollen ankle to a sore throat, inflammation exists in more than just the body, affecting even the brain. Whereas neurotransmitters are the messengers of the nervous system, and hormones those of the endocrine system, inflammatory messages in the immune system are forwarded by cytokines. Recent evidence by Elenkov et al. (2005) also indicated the involvement of proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and major depression, and conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and sleep disturbances. An inflamed brain has also been found in autistic children (Vargas et al., 2005) and the MIND Institute at the University of California at Davis has found that more than 70 percent of children on the autistic spectrum have altered immune function (Ashwood, Wills, & Water, 2006).

Digging deeper, inflammation and depression continue to be intertwined (Das, 2007; Anisman and Merali, 2003). Müller and Schwarz (2007) related that immune activation with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines activates the tryptophan and serotonin degrading enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO).

Some data even shows that the Borna Virus, found in the limbic system in 30 percent of the population, can cause depression (Bode and Ludwig, 2003), and treatment with a short-term antiviral can cure the mood ailment. Vagus nerve stimulation, which releases acetylcholine thus calming inflammation, has also been shown to be beneficial (Groves and Brown, 2005), and its stimulation can be as easy as deep breathing or yoga. Omega-3 fatty acids (Parker et al., 2006) and exercise (Blumenthal et al., 2007) are also helpful at reducing inflammation.

Among the causes of inflammation, food allergens are of note. King (1981), with a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with 30 people found that food allergies can lead to brain fog, irritability, severe depression, low motivation, and anxiety. The consumption of gluten, a protein found in certain grains, has been associated with dementia (Hu et al., 2006), schizophrenia (Ludvigsson et al., 2007), autism (Margutti, Delunardo and Ortona, 2006), and depression (Ludvigsson et al., 2007). Casein, found in dairy, is another offender, linked with mood problems and transmogrified brain function (Liu, Heiberg, and Reichelt, 2007).

Fix Digestion

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), an arm of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, reported that in 2009, 60-70 million people were affected by a digestive condition, and that in 2004, digestive problems cost people in the United States $141 billion.

This is great cause for concern, because problems in the intestines are known to affect the brain. Whereas doctors often think gut problems are psychosomatic, other research is lending credibility to the idea that gut problems affect psychology. Bacterial problems in the gut have been shown to influence cognitive performance (Banks, Farr and Morley, 2002–2003), depression (Anisman and Merali, 2003), and insomnia (Orr, Elsenbruch and Harnish, 2000). A study by Sandler et al. (2000) found that after treating a patient with an antibiotic for intestinal problems, their psychiatric symptoms cleared as well. Abnormal intestinal bugs or flora are also related to developmental disturbance (Parracho et al., 2005).

A study of 207 patients with violent behavior by Walsh, Glab & Haakenson (2004) showed that after proper nutrition and fixing digestion with biochemical supplementation, over 90 percent of participants reduced violent behavior and more than half eradicated their behavior difficulties.

Some of these digestion problems are caused by a performance failure in an enzyme called Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV) (Aytac and Dang, 2004; Mentlein, 1999). This substance is important in the metabolism of components in dairy and grains, and problems in their metabolism cause peptides that interfere with the body and brain (Wakefield et al., 2002).

Unusual digestive issues have been found in the intestines of children with autism. A study by Uhlmann et al. (2002) found that seventy five of 91 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ileal lymphonodular hyperplasia (a form of inflammation) and enterocolitis were positive for measles virus in their intestinal tissue compared with five of 70 control patients. These control patients might also be suffering from inflammation, but have not established a developmental disorder as a result.

One must ask where this measles infection came from in the first place. Kawashima et al. (2002) used DNA analysis of autistic children with a measles infection to reveal that the virus was related to vaccine strains and not those found in the wild. The vaccine measles strain has also been isolated in the spinal fluid of children with autism (Bradstreet et al., 2004).

Acid-blocking medication deserves more careful scrutiny. According to Shaheen and Ransohoff (2002), Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) affects 25 to 30 percent of the population. On the authority of MedAdNews 200 (a publication of PharmaLive), Nexium was the fourth top-selling drug in the U.S. in 2006, bringing in $5 billion. This would all be fine if it were not for the long-term side effects these drugs have on the body and brain. Insufficient or improper acid production can result, causing problems with protein digestion, activation of enzymes, and bacterial growth, making the absorption of nutrients more difficult. Ruscin, Page & Valuck (2002) elaborated that continual use of these medications can lead to B12 deficiency, which can bring on depression, nerve damage and exhaustion. Overgrowth of bacteria called Clostridium can also result, causing infections (Dial et al., 2005).

Enhance Detoxification

Toxins have infiltrated our everyday world, causing numerous health consequences. Dementia is one such example. Sadly, this neurodegenerative disorder is far too common:

Ten percent of sixty-five-year-olds, 25 percent of seventy-five-year-olds, and 50 percent of eighty-five-year-olds will get Alzheimer’s at a cost of $60 billion a year to society. Scientists predict that the number of people with Alzheimer’s will triple in the next few decades, and it is now the seventh leading cause of death. (Hyman, 2009, p. 222).

With so many suffering from a form of dementia, causes need be explored. Towards that end, researchers have been busy experimenting. For example, out of 465 patients with chronic mercury toxicity (CMT), Wojcik et al. (2006) reported almost 30 percent had depression, 32 percent dealt with exhaustion, and 88 percent had memory loss. Furthermore, fluorescent light bulb factory workers exposed to mercury vapor were found to have problems with anxiety and depression (Zachi, Faria & Taub, 2007), and a study of 160 workers exposed to mercury during the cleanup of destruction from 9/11 had chronic difficulty with 8 similar symptoms; after heavy metal detoxification treatment, a 60 percent reduction in symptoms was found (Kokayi et al., 2006).

As if exposure to toxic metals was not enough, genetic vulnerability to detoxification difficulties plays a role in certain people. Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) can be inefficient, decreasing levels of glutathione, a cleansing component in the human body (Stroombergen and Waring, 1999), and having problems with GST and the Apolipoprotein E4 increases the risk for dementia (Bernardini et al., 2005; Spalletta et al., 2007). Moreover, people have been found with high levels of mercury and an absence of the GST gene (Gundacker et al., 2007). Throw problems with Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) into the mix, and dementia related problems become even more likely (Rodríguez, E., et al. 2006).

Thankfully, mercury detoxification treatment is possible. DMPS (2,3-Dimercapto-1-

Propanesulfonic Acid) is a useful medication in the removal of toxic metals from the body (Torres-Alanis et al., 2000). Foods like kale, watercress, and cilantro; herbs such as milk thistle; and the nutrients selenium and zinc are advantageous to detoxification (Hyman, 2009, p. 228).

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is another area to explore. Huse et al. (2005) shared that PD “affects over one million Americans, costs society $23 billion a year, and is second only to Alzheimer’s as the most frequent neurodegenerative disease”(Hyman, 2009, p. 229). Work by Cummings (2007) coupled environmental toxins from multiple sources, like agricultural pesticides or industrial smog, to vulnerability for Parkinson’s. Simultaneously, toxins are affiliated with hallucinations, dementia, depression, and psychosis (Ayala et al., 2007; Kobal-Grum et al., 2006).

With all these toxins floating around our body, glutathione steps in to relieve the trouble. Glutathione, made up of cysteine, glycine and glutamine, uses its sulfur group to detoxify the body by sticking to and then excreting nasty substances. The B vitamins, as well as sulfur-containing foods like garlic, onions, egg yolks and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are the building blocks of this powerful antioxidant (Hyman, 2009). Likewise, Dröge and Breitkreutz (2000) show that glutathione helps the overall immune system, even assisting in the treatment of Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (Atkuri et al., 2007). On the whole, decreasing levels of glutathione has been associated with deteriorating health (Nuttall et al., 1998).

Boost Energy Metabolism

A sub par metabolism hampers vibrant functioning of the anatomy. To investigate further, one observes the subcellular level, where the mitochondria are responsible for energy production and the status of metabolism. These mighty organelles take oxygen and the raw components of food like glucose and construct Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the main source of energy for other cellular processes. During this production, by-products like free radicals are produced, which causes oxidative stress, a harmful imbalance in the body. This oxidative stress has been correlated with autism (Chauhan A. and Chauhan V., 2006) and dementia (Lin and Beal, 2006).

Hyman (2009) pointed out that

“The single most important controllable factor regulating the oxidative stress in your body is your diet. Eating too many calories and not enough antioxidants from colorful plant foods results in the production of too many free radicals, wreaking havoc on our bodies and minds”(p. 246).

Mitochondria are healthier when supplied with healthy fats (Bourre, 2006), balanced hormones (Razmara et al., 2007), low cortisol levels (Psarra, Solakidi, & Sekeris, 2006a), proper thyroid function (Psarra et al., 2006b), reduced inflammation (Corda et al., 2001) and lessened toxins (Yin et al., 2007).

Problems with oxidative stress, mitochondria and metabolism are connected with neuronal death (Trushina and McMurray, 2007), manic-depression (Kato, 2007), autistic spectrum disorders (Clark-Taylor T. and Clark-Taylor B. E., 2004; Lombard, 1998), degenerative dementia (Leuner et al., 2007), Parkinson’s (Yamashita and Matsumoto, 2007; Muqit, Gandhi & Wood, 2006), and depression (Moretti, Gorini & Villa, 2003). Clearly, the health of mitochondria needs to be a priority.

Overstimulation of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, by flooding cells with ions like calcium, can cause cellular damage and metabolic issues (Villmann and Becker, 2007; Mattson, 2007). Imbalances in the other keys, such as excess mercury, cortisol or inflammation, can cause this over-stimulation to take place. To bring calm to the metabolic storm, extra zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D & B6 can all be helpful.

Controlling the amount of sugar intake is also helpful. Too much sugar causes wild spikes in insulin levels, which is difficult on the body and mitochondria (Petersen and Shulman, 2006). Unhealthy sugar intake by parents can also genetically affect offspring, making the kids more vulnerable to mitochondrial injury if they don’t eat right, exercise, and receive proper nutrients (Petersen et al., 2004). Metabolism can be bolstered by vitamin and mineral supplementation, antioxidants, healthy fats, and the  use of acetyl-L-carnitine (Binienda et al., 2005; Shea, 2007).

Other conditions can be aided by the proper addition of certain substances. Alzheimer’s risk can be lowered by 70 percent if high levels of vitamin E and C are used (Engelhart et al., 2002), but the addition of a diet of nutrient-rich plant foods makes for an even more comprehensive prevention plan (Dai et al., 2006). The energy booster Coenzyme Q10 (Beal, 2004) has been demonstrated as heeding the progression of Parkinson’s (Shults et al., 2002; Young et al., 2007), and problems with an enzyme involved with Coenzyme Q10 has been linked to Parkinson’s (Rosenberg, 2002).

Calm the Mind

Thoughts, beliefs and perspectives on the world shape health from the top down. Our body, as well as our mind, influences levels of vitality. Seeing the glass of life as half-empty can actually harm the human body. A study by Lantz et al. (1998), published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that even after accounting for factors like smoking, obesity, and low activity levels, differences in health and rates of death could not be fully accounted for. Further study revealed that one’s perspective on the world influenced health in mighty ways, as well as components like social relationships, personality and many forms of stress, such as racism and sexism. Chronic diseases come about from physical as well as social forces (Karasek, 2006).

Our lack of connection to one another, food, nature, and the universe at large alters our health in profound ways. This lack of connection, as well as negative stimulations such as deadlines, traffic and the ‘need’ for achievement, all contribute to our ‘allostatic load’, a term coined by Bruce Ewen to signify the collective effects of stress on the body (McEwen, 1998). This overwhelming allostatic load leads to overreaction from the sympathetic nervous system. This overstimulated system then releases high levels of cortisol, which damages the hippocampus, leading to dementia, depression (Gillespie and Nemeroff, 2005), deficits in memory (Uno et al., 1994), and overall negative effects on brain function and cognition (Pruessner et al., 2005; Lupien et al., 2007). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a severe form of this stress overload, leaves a person in a sensitive state of hyperarousal and anxiety (Yehuda, 2002).

Overall, excessive stress has many negative effects on physical and mental health. According to McEwen (2006), these effects include the following: increased inflammation, reduced acetylcholine, damage to the hippocampus, over-activation of the NMDA receptors, lower levels of serotonin, less BDNF, inferior slow wave sleep, diminished sex drive, aggravated thyroid function, more belly fat, and muscle loss.

Stimulation of the Vagus nerve, which produces a relaxation response, is one pathway to reducing the effects of the stress response (Brown, 2007). This invigoration, which produces a flow of calming acetylcholine, can be induced by slow-breathing, meditation, practicing alteration of perception, and other methods. While many of the negative effects of stress are caused by inflammation (Sloan et al., 2007), the relaxation response, by producing acetylcholine, has been found to reduce inflammation (Pavlov and Tracey, 2005). Activating the Vagus nerve has even been linked to neurogenesis (Theise and Harris, 2006).

The stress response comes about not only from thoughts and perspectives on the world, but also from physical components, like the nutrient-poor food supply that makes up the Standard American Diet. Whether it is pesticide-full produce, hormone injected bovines, or fish fed with grain instead of algae, the average diet is filled with ingredients that can hardly count as food. The foreign molecules these ‘foods’ contain leads to xenohormesis, a description of the stress response resulting from alien components in the diet (Lamming, Wood, & Sinclair, 2004; Yun and Doux, 2007).

Diving into more detail, the particular types of foods eaten effect genetic expression. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Kallio et al. (2007), titled “Dietary Carbohydrate Modification Induces Alterations in Gene Expression in Abdominal Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue,” showcased that the nature of the carbohydrate consumed, in this case either wheat, oats, and potatoes, or rye, led to different genetic responses. Whereas devouring the former led to expression of genes that produce inflammation and insulin resistance, nibbling the latter turned on genes that improve insulin function and help prevent cell death.

Boosting Brainpower & Restoring Sanity: An In-Depth Look

Four components tie together the seven keys of UltraWellness to provide a comprehensive plan to build an UltraMind.

Unlock a Whole-Foods Diet (Hyman, 2009)

There is more truth to the saying “you are what you eat” than most people realize. If McDonald’s is your mainstay, that leaves you looking like a Big Mac, which is full of 540 calories, high fructose corn syrup, gluten, hydrogenated fats, and bleached flour (McDonalds, 2010). Or if packaged foods are the dietary staple, do not be surprised to look like a box or can. Additionally, health problems will result. Just ask Morgan Spurlock, who went on an all McDonald’s diet for 30 days, and ended up with a fatty liver, weight gain, and a depressed, unstable mood (Spurlock, 2004).

Humans function best when they eat food that is close to its source, the earth. As Hyman (2009) stated, “we can treat and prevent most chronic illnesses with a whole, organic, real, unprocessed diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, small omega-3-containing fish like sardines and herring, and lean animal protein”(p. 292).

Well-reasoned eating practices are also favorable. Some of these techniques include eating a protein-rich breakfast, consuming smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day and taking time to enjoy the pleasures of eating.

To reduce inflammation, eat up cold-water fish like sardines, salmon, herring, small halibut, and black cod, which all contain the wonderful, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid. In addition, omega-3 eggs and extra virgin olive oil are welcome adjuncts to the diet.

To provide the body with the amino acids needed for neurotransmitter production, ingest adequate protein. For hearty vegetable protein, dine on beans, legumes, nuts and seeds. For the omnivore, include mercury-free fish and seafood, eggs, free-range poultry and beef.

For a balance of slow-releasing sugar, vitamins and phytonutrients, consume carbohydrates. Enjoy fiber-rich, whole-grains; plenty of slow-burning, low-glycemic, prismatic vegetables like cabbage, beets, artichokes, onions, spinach, broccoli and asparagus; and chromatic fruits like berries, peaches, plums, cherries, rhubarb, pomegranate and apples (Hyman, 2009).

Just as important as the foods to eat, are the groceries to avoid. Basically, these include white flour, processed fats, pesticide-full produce, food additives and colorings, forms of simple sugar, and addictive substances like nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. To test food allergies, gluten and dairy, two of the most important and common offenders, should be eliminated from the diet for a period of time, and then individually reintroduced to see if ill effects result.

Unlatch Supplements

Even with proper nutrition, so much of the modern world  is working against the human body, depleting it of nutrients, that guaranteed availability of certain compounds is essential. Hyman (2009) summarized:

I recommend that all people take a basic multivitamin and mineral, as well as calcium and magnesium, extra vitamin D, omega-3 fats, and probiotics as the foundation for good health, as well as a healthy brain. Because methylation is so important for the brain and nearly every other function of the body, I recommend methylation nutrients (B6, B12, and folate) in addition to what is in your multivitamin”(p. 306).

Unhook: Relax & Sleep, Exercise the Body & Brain

Lifestyle, the cumulative patterns and habits of an individual on a daily basis, provide opportunity for refinement and improvement of the human condition. By integrating healthy living into lifestyle, positive changes become intertwined into the fabric of vital human existence.

Exercise, in any form, is a momentous instigator of positive changes in the body and brain. Hyman (2009) highlighted that exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system, regulates insulin levels, lessens the effects of stress, reduces inflammation and pain, boosts overall motivation, revitalizes neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, elevates BDNF, and balances hormones—not to mention losing weight, more energy, improved sleep and a happier mood.

Relaxation, a simple enough concept and practice, is often elusive and difficult to obtain without active intention to relax. Thus putting the body into the relaxation response, physiologically opposite that of the fight or flight response, is needed. Whether it is doing this by softening the body with meditation, breathing or yoga, or reducing stressors, something must be done to control stress, protect health and increase vivacity. In a study of aging adults, Gavin et al. (2006) found that practicing the relaxation response reduced stress and improved cognition. Masters of the relaxation response, Tibetan monks, were found to have multiple types of improvement from practicing transcendental meditation, including improvements in sensory ability, perceptive capacity, and cognitive function, overall indicating growth towards global brain functioning (Hankey, 2006). A study led by University of Wisconsin researcher Richard Davidson found that an 8 week program of mindful-meditation produced positive effects on immune and brain function (Davidson, 2003). Even something as simple as soft-belly breathing has been used to treat patients traumatized by war (Gordon, 2006).

What do babies, baboons and Aunt Bertha have in common? One commonality is sleep, an essential, revitalizing activity that rejuvenates the body and brain. Far too many people are reduced to patterns of poor sleep. To alter this motif, practice good sleep hygiene. This includes avoiding substances that interfere with sleep, like caffeine and alcohol, and canceling stimulating behaviors before bed, like television, exercise or bright lighting. Instead, write worries down an hour before getting under the covers, use guided imagery techniques or deep breathing, and modify the environment to be dark, quiet and serene.

Whereas the brain is not an actual muscle, it can still grow and develop through exercise. Whether young or old, one must use it or lose it. Verghese et al. (2003) reported that “In a study of over 450 adults over seventy-five years old it was shown that just reading books, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and board games, or dancing can all reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease” (Hyman, 2009, p. 321). One form of exercise, neurobics, invites novel stimuli and activities into the brain, in what is literally aerobics for neurons. Examples include brushing teeth with the non-dominant hand, driving to work on different roads, or learning to read braille, which all stimulate the brain in new and unusual ways, readying one for a life full of richer experiences.

Food is not the only fuel for the body. Drinking clean water helps enhance detoxification and aides the regulation of temperature and metabolism. Filter water that might be full of toxins like pesticides and heavy metal, and beware of phthalates or bisphenol A from plastic water bottles.

UnCork a Green Life

Living green is good not only for the environment, but also for the human body. Too many toxins and environmental stressors overwhelm the biological system. From noise, light, and air pollution to constant stimulation from social networks, cell phone electromagnetism, and employers, an organism can only handle so much. An effort to reduce this toxic load is most profitable to well-being. Find time for nature, away from the distractions of modern day life. Reduce waste output by recycling, as the cycle eventually returns, leaving the land a better place for healthy humans. Overall, the fullness of living green is a topic beyond the reach of this paper, and deserves further exploration in its own right.

The End of Broken Brains

No matter if it is a psychiatric or somatic illness, living a life that balances the seven keys of wellness will benefit the body and brain. By restoring and renewing the health of the body, bringing its components into harmony, healing of the brain takes place. It is all connected. A human is not divided into cardiology, immunology, psychiatry and urology, but is rather a collective system with all parts playing a role in the health of the organism. Put in the stuff of life, and take out the garbage; add sleep, whole foods, exercise, and supplements, and remove pesticides, stressors, junk ‘food’, and heavy metals. Even if this does not cure all, a balanced life moves one in the right direction–toward health, happiness and a better tomorrow.

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