The Super Mind-body Cure: Rebalance Your Body and Calm Your Mind - Tapa dura

Neurologist Lombard and preventive medicine speaker Renna argue that we are all in a state of chemical imbalance. The authors' premise is that people who are too warm need more of the cooling neurotransmitter serotonin, while people who are too cool need more dopamine. Deficiencies of either chemical lead to certain personality characteristics and are even affiliated with medical conditions such as heart disease. People who are too warm are often restless and angry, while those who are too cool are often fatigued and anxious. As the authors explain, "When we say mind-body balance what we really mean is brain-body balance." Lombard and Renna provide a test so readers can determine whether they have a warming or cooling tendency, and then they offer tailored 28-day program that include diet, dietary supplements, exercise, sleep and possible medical treatment. Although the authors say that people can have a dual deficiency, trying to fit into the categories may remind readers of trying to match up with an astrological sign. Interesting points are made, but still it will be hard for many to accept that so much of our mental and physical health is due to a neurotransmitter deficit. Additionally, while many of the authors' recommendations appear sound, they don't provide much evidence for their dietary or supplement advice. (Jan.) ("Publishers Weekly", October 27, 2003)

A revolutionary program that shows how to boost health, energy, and happiness by balancing brain chemistry. In this breakthrough book, two prominent doctors explain why an imbalance in our brain chemistry is behind a wide range of health problems and tells us what we can do to restore balance and achieve unprecedented levels of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. After showing how our overall health is connected to our balance of neurotransmitters (the chemicals that regulate our brain and nervous system) dopamine, serotonin, and others, the authors present a simple and revealing questionnaire that tells readers whether they are warming-deficient, cooling-deficient, or are both warming and cooling deficient. A warming deficiency, for instance, may lead to weight gain, diminished sex drive, inability to focus, and addictions, whereas a cooling deficiency may cause anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of heart disease. The book then offers easy and thorough 30-day plans to remedy most imbalances through exercise, diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes; it also explains how to treat more serious imbalances, in consultation with a physician, using hormones, antidepressants, and more. This book is destined for major attention and sales. Dr. Jay Lombard (New York, NY) is Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at Cornell Medical School and the Director of the Brain Behavior Center in Rockland County, New York. He has appeared on "Larry King Live" and "NBC News" and is a nationally recognized speaker on brain-behavioural related topics. Dr. Christian Renna (Dallas, TX), a nationally recognized expert on preventive medicine, is the founder of LifeSpan Medicine clinics. He has appeared on "48 Hours", "Extra!", and nationwide radio. With offices in Dallas and Beverly Hills, he has many celebrity patients. Armin A. Brott (CA) is a freelance writer.