Eric Braverman, M.D., in his book The Edge Effect, develops the ideas of world-renowned brain function researcher Rodolfo Llinas, M.D. illustrating how brain biochemical imbalances lead to decreased physical and mental health. He discusses "How electricity in the human body reaches the brain and is processed through four biochemical neurotransmitters: dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin."

"Today we know that good health requires that for any given body function, all four neurotransmitters must be processed in a specific order and in precise amounts. Small imbalances can get amplified into bigger health problems. On the other hand, a chemically balanced brain could not only restore you to good health, but is essential to maintaining a sound mind and body over the long haul. It can create a sharpness that will enable you to love others, remain calm, and effectively put your intelligence to its best possible use."

Dr. Braverman went on to say that brain biochemical balancing "Can be a powerful tool to manage memory, attention, personality and temperament, and physical health." Pierce Howard, Ph.D., in his encyclopedic treatise, The Owner's Manual for the Brain, also sheds valuable light upon our neurochemical functioning.

Neurons in your frontal lobe produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. It monitors your metabolism. It controls your energy, excitement about new ideas, and motivation. It influences blood pressure and digestion, intelligence, abstract thought, goal-setting, and long-term planning. Deficiencies can lead to addictive disorders, obesity, severe fatigue, and Parkinson's disease.

Protein (from flesh, legumes, and tofu) is necessary to make dopamine and keep alertness elevated and your memory stable. Meat (especially chicken, turkey, and duck), cottage cheese, and wheat germ are powerful sources. The protein should also be rounded out with large amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Neurons in the parietal lobe produce acetylcholine, which is a building block for the myelin sheath surrounding nerves. It is responsible for facilitating information flow along the nerves and controls brain speed. When levels are balanced, you are creative and feel good about yourself. It is also necessary for activating REM dream sleep.

Fat from dairy, meat, or oils is the dietary source. Deficits lead to memory loss, generally decreased brain function, and advanced aging. This includes childhood learning disabilities on up to Alzheimer's disease.

Temporal lobe neurons produce GABA, which controls the brain's rhythm. It's involved in the production of endorphins leading to calmness of body, mind, and spirit.

Complex carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables, nuts, legumes, cantaloupe, and oranges are important components. It is also necessary to avoid refined sugar and flour products. Deficiencies of this biochemical can result in headaches, hypertension, palpitations, seizures, a diminished sex drive, and heart disorders.

The neurotransmitter serotonin is produced in the occipital lobes and regulates your brain's ability to rest and resynchronize. It provides a healing, nourishing, satisfied feeling to the brain and body. It facilitates deep, peaceful sleep, the ability to enjoy food, and to think rationally.

Major dietary sources include pork and turkey, cottage cheese, wheat germ, and avocado. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and beans should accompany these generally. Deficiencies include depression, hormonal imbalances, PMS, sleep and eating disorders.

The food you eat for your body is fuel for your brain. Are you providing the right raw materials to facilitate your peak brain performance and optimal health?

You absolutely do not have to be a victim when it comes to your health status. You can choose to learn more and thrive with a high level of body, mind, and spirit vitality and your dietary choices play a crucial role. In addition to making wiser food selections for you and your family, it is smart to augment with scientific, pharmaceutical grade supplements to compensate for depleted soils and a stressful, hurried lifestyle of dining on the run.

Your brain is your most critical organ and a primary feature of your human uniqueness. Think about what you put in your mouth, because what you put in your mouth changes how you think!

Visit our web site!

Visit Dr. Norton's web site. The Norton Chiropractic Wellness Center web site is packed with a vast amount of news, tips, and health information. If you are experiencing pain, or just want more information on your health or how we do business, please stop by!

News & Events

1. Special Sale!! My CD "What's Blocking You?" A Chiropractor's Insights to How You Can Release Energy and Increase Overall Health, which normally sells for $24 plus $4 shipping, is on sale until Oct. 15th, 2006 for only $19 with FREE shipping. Go to www.DrMatthewNorton.com and click on Learning Resources to find more information on this CD and to take a free quiz. It will help you better understand some of the life challenges that may be getting in your way and why this CD just may facilitate a breakthrough.

   This audio program is a piece from my upcoming book "Where Does It Hurt?"

   The first 50 people to call and order will receive this special life transforming CD for only $15 (with FREE shipping). You must call for this special price rather than ordering online.

2. New Program Announcement! We have introduced a new instructional class that teaches you how to incorporate a fitness ball into your exercise routine specifically for the purpose of increasing your core strength and spinal stability. The ultimate benefit will be to further diminish or minimize your development of back pain.

   The class is FREE, offered monthly, and lasts only about 45 minutes. It is taught at Norton Chiropractic Wellness Center by Emmy McFarland, one of my star chiropractic techs. She does an amazing job and I believe this class will be a great asset to your ongoing comfort and well-being. It is open to everyone. You do not need to be my patient to come and learn. It is safe for people of all levels of fitness and capacity.

   Emmy will give you all the background information you need, teach you the basic exercises, and then let you try them out. She will answer all of your questions, provide you with the set of exercises to take home, and let you know where you can purchase a ball.

   Call Emmy at my office at (559) 490-9550 to find out about upcoming class dates, register your attendance, or to gather further information.

Visit our Center!

Norton Chiropractic Wellness Center (View Map) at 5670 N. Fresno St. Ste. 102 in Fresno, Calif. Call us at (559) 490-9550 or contact us here.

If you are in the California Central Valley call Norton Chiropractic Wellness Center at 559-490-9550 or visit us online at www.DrMatthewNorton.com for a virtual tour and to schedule an appointment to see if we can help you.

You will also appreciate the valuable tools on the Learning Resources page of the website if you are not in our area!

Healing Hints

1. Consider brain biochemical imbalances when you are having any physical, mental, or emotional health challenges! Likewise, if you desire to enhance your performance on any level

2. Pay Attention to the specific functional challenges that you are experiencing and see if you can find which neurotransmitter may be involved by reviewing this month's article. Study the specific responsibilities each one has for your body's functioning and overall vitality.

   For example, is energy, motivation, or excessive weight an issue? Look to dopamine.

   How about memory loss or mental sluggishness? Check into acetylcholine.

   Possibly headaches or elevated blood pressure? GABA may be the culprit.

   Is depression, PMS, or sleep loss sabotaging your life? Serotonin deficiency may be your trouble.

3. Test some dietary modifications for a few months with a focus upon increasing the suggested foods listed to support the suspected neurotransmitter and see if positive changes occur.

   To learn more details, purchase The Edge Effect by Dr. Eric Braverman.

4. Discover how well you are adapting to the daily stress challenges you are facing! Check the quality of nervous system communication from your brain to every tissue cell since that is command central for all physical, mental, and emotional functioning. Your very health and life depend upon it!

   Call 559-490-9550 to schedule an appointment for your check-up or go to www.DrMatthewNorton.com for more information about our unique computer diagnostic system and gentle, instrument adjustments to assist you toward a pain-free and dynamic quality of life! Call by October 5th and mention this newsletter for an incredible special offer.

About Dr. Norton

Dr. Norton unites his passion for learning, teaching, and healing with a compassion for those who are struggling with pain and illness or not performing at their peak. He brings to his work a high level of academic achievement and cutting-edge bodymind research. However, he also brings a deeply caring heart transformed by difficult personal life experiences. Read more.