Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Scribner (2010), Paperback, 464 pages
Description
A "New York Times"-bestselling author reveals that problems in the brain don't start there, and explains how detoxifying and fortifying the body can maximize brain function, alleviate depression, and improve memory--without drugs.
User reviews
LibraryThing member wiseasgandalf
One of my guiding principles has always been: Never read a book that has the word "ultra" in the title.
However, interesting perspectives on diet & health intrigue me, & when I saw endorsements from such respected doctors as Dean Ornish, Christiane Northrup & Mehmet Oz, I decided to break my rule
I'm glad I did, for this book is an engaging read that's full of cutting edge science & practical advice. Dr. Mark Hyman has been on a mission to do medicine & health differently since conventional medical thinking failed him in his own debilitating illness twelve years ago. He convincingly argues that maintaining the body's health is essential for the brain's well-being, and that many mental & psychological disorders can be rooted in physical, biochemical derangements in the body's health & metabolism.
In part one of the book he details the background: his personal story which led to his changed philosophy & practice of medicine. He is an advocate of what is termed functional medicine, a relatively new discipline which focuses on not the established "label the disease, give it a drug" approach but "find what's functionally wrong behind the patient's symptoms, then correct the body's metabolism back to optimum function."
The second part of the book contain the outline of his "Seven Keys to UltraWellness" (argh! there's that word again!). He covers optimizing nutrition, balancing hormones, reducing inflammation throughout the body, fixing digestive tract problems, enhancing the body's detoxification, boosting energy metabolism, & calming the mind itself. The third part of the book covers a six week plan to initiate many of these changes, while the fourth part goes into specifics for each of his seven key areas.
Ok, so what's the bottom line? There's a lot of intriguing information and sound advice in the 400+ pages, & I saw nothing that I absolutely disagreed with. Like any diet or health book, he has his own viewpoint & focus, & some of his strategies & recommendations will work better for some than others. This book was a major swing factor in my own decision to try a vegan gluten free caffeine free water only lifestyle, which was difficult but very beneficial for me in multiple areas. I can see this book being useful for two groups of people: First, people who are suffering from problems such as anxiety, depression, "brain fog", adhd, migraines or other brain related problems might find something helpful or even life-changing in his plan. Other people, like myself, who are interested in new approaches & optimum health will certainly find new concepts & tools that they can implement in their own healthy lifestyle. Either way, an excellent book to read.
However, interesting perspectives on diet & health intrigue me, & when I saw endorsements from such respected doctors as Dean Ornish, Christiane Northrup & Mehmet Oz, I decided to break my rule
Show More
and plunge into The UltraMind Solution.I'm glad I did, for this book is an engaging read that's full of cutting edge science & practical advice. Dr. Mark Hyman has been on a mission to do medicine & health differently since conventional medical thinking failed him in his own debilitating illness twelve years ago. He convincingly argues that maintaining the body's health is essential for the brain's well-being, and that many mental & psychological disorders can be rooted in physical, biochemical derangements in the body's health & metabolism.
In part one of the book he details the background: his personal story which led to his changed philosophy & practice of medicine. He is an advocate of what is termed functional medicine, a relatively new discipline which focuses on not the established "label the disease, give it a drug" approach but "find what's functionally wrong behind the patient's symptoms, then correct the body's metabolism back to optimum function."
The second part of the book contain the outline of his "Seven Keys to UltraWellness" (argh! there's that word again!). He covers optimizing nutrition, balancing hormones, reducing inflammation throughout the body, fixing digestive tract problems, enhancing the body's detoxification, boosting energy metabolism, & calming the mind itself. The third part of the book covers a six week plan to initiate many of these changes, while the fourth part goes into specifics for each of his seven key areas.
Ok, so what's the bottom line? There's a lot of intriguing information and sound advice in the 400+ pages, & I saw nothing that I absolutely disagreed with. Like any diet or health book, he has his own viewpoint & focus, & some of his strategies & recommendations will work better for some than others. This book was a major swing factor in my own decision to try a vegan gluten free caffeine free water only lifestyle, which was difficult but very beneficial for me in multiple areas. I can see this book being useful for two groups of people: First, people who are suffering from problems such as anxiety, depression, "brain fog", adhd, migraines or other brain related problems might find something helpful or even life-changing in his plan. Other people, like myself, who are interested in new approaches & optimum health will certainly find new concepts & tools that they can implement in their own healthy lifestyle. Either way, an excellent book to read.
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LibraryThing member vokrend
What a helpful resource
LibraryThing member HippieLunatic
This was a book suggested to me by a doctor, in hopes that I may find some answers to my questions about my mental health. I admit, I have not yet attempted a six week plan to cut all pre-processed foods, gluten and dairy out of my diet, but I have added some supplements suggested.
This book is one
That said, I may work toward it, if I can find some decaf coffee that will fulfill my morning ritual need.
This book is one
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that makes sense to me, but in the world we live today, I have a hard time even beginning to fathom how I could go about making these changes. It seems as though following this diet may cause more stressers than I think it could ever hope to alleviate. That said, I may work toward it, if I can find some decaf coffee that will fulfill my morning ritual need.
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LibraryThing member Micalhut
If you or your children struggle with any kind of "brain" disorder . . get this book and read it NOW. It has saved our lives.
LibraryThing member fdholt
There has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, autism and Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, dementia and others. There are also many more cases of asthma, diabetes, and allergies. Dr. Mark Hyman became interested in the topic when he developed chronic
One of Hyman’s discoveries was that food allergies, toxins (ingested and environmental), lack of nutrients and proper supplementation, infections, anxiety and lack of rest all contribute to what he calls “broken brains.” In a series of chapters, he gives quizzes that outline risks for each person and offers a method to overcome years of neglect. He is careful to say that there are some problems that need to be handled by a doctor and that medication should not be discontinued without supervision. But anyone can use his suggestions for better health.
The book is written in a style easily understood by the layperson. However, at times, he is a bit too informal. His constant use of “at the end of the day” was irritating and not expected of a professional writer. He also includes a link to his website where his companion book, The UltraMind solution companion guide, can be downloaded. Be aware however, that, getting a copy of this document also signs you up for his newsletter. Most of the items sent are promotions for products and services. The companion guide includes the quizzes as well as recipes and tips for using his six week eating plan, exercise tips and more. However I was quite annoyed that he needed to constantly mention the guide and where to download it, especially after each quiz (and there are lots of them). Once was fine, twice was OK but, by the thirtieth time, it wore quite thin. Tell us once; we understand how to get the material.
The book has copious endnotes to a wide range of medical literature (with more information than the typical layperson needs or can comprehend) and an excellent index. However the resources section consists of books by Hyman with no other author represented. He also lists his own website and organization, The UltraWellness Center. There are also some independent websites listed, some of which are reputable and others that are New Age.
Although I have a few reservations about the book, the author has some interesting insights and, if you or a loved one is suffering from brain or other illnesses, his conclusions have some validity and should be explored with your health professional.
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fatigue that doctors could not help. He discovered that not only does the mind control the body; the body affects the mind. This book, The UltraMind solution is the result of how he helped himself and others to wellness through his simple seven part system.One of Hyman’s discoveries was that food allergies, toxins (ingested and environmental), lack of nutrients and proper supplementation, infections, anxiety and lack of rest all contribute to what he calls “broken brains.” In a series of chapters, he gives quizzes that outline risks for each person and offers a method to overcome years of neglect. He is careful to say that there are some problems that need to be handled by a doctor and that medication should not be discontinued without supervision. But anyone can use his suggestions for better health.
The book is written in a style easily understood by the layperson. However, at times, he is a bit too informal. His constant use of “at the end of the day” was irritating and not expected of a professional writer. He also includes a link to his website where his companion book, The UltraMind solution companion guide, can be downloaded. Be aware however, that, getting a copy of this document also signs you up for his newsletter. Most of the items sent are promotions for products and services. The companion guide includes the quizzes as well as recipes and tips for using his six week eating plan, exercise tips and more. However I was quite annoyed that he needed to constantly mention the guide and where to download it, especially after each quiz (and there are lots of them). Once was fine, twice was OK but, by the thirtieth time, it wore quite thin. Tell us once; we understand how to get the material.
The book has copious endnotes to a wide range of medical literature (with more information than the typical layperson needs or can comprehend) and an excellent index. However the resources section consists of books by Hyman with no other author represented. He also lists his own website and organization, The UltraWellness Center. There are also some independent websites listed, some of which are reputable and others that are New Age.
Although I have a few reservations about the book, the author has some interesting insights and, if you or a loved one is suffering from brain or other illnesses, his conclusions have some validity and should be explored with your health professional.
Show Less
LibraryThing member porte01
Great book, especially for those of us who suffer with gluten intolerance. Lots of practical advice, most of which you can follow without the expensive add-ons offered on the related web site.
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
464 p.; 8.27 inches
ISBN
1416549722 / 9781416549727