DIET, HEALTH
AND OPTIMAL BRAIN FUNCTION
MAKING THE MOST OF NEUROFEEDBACK
Nora T. Gedgaudas, CNS, CNT One of
the greatest challenges facing anyone concerned with eating
a “healthy” diet is sorting out fact from emotional
bias, financial or political interests and flat-out misinformation.
It’s easy to lose track of logic and common sense.
It is important to look at how humans have
evolved over the last 2.6 million years to understand the
selective pressures that shaped our physiological needs. As
a species we are much more alike than unalike and our shared
genetic heritage is virtually identical to humans alive more
than 40,000 years ago, well before the dawn of agriculture.
Regardless of ideologies or wishful thinking, all modern day
humans are (physiologically) hunter-gatherers. What this means
in terms of diet is a fundamental need for two main things:
a foundation of high quality protein and fat from clean, natural
sources such as free-range (grass-fed, if possible) meat and
fresh fish, as well as a variety of fibrous (not starchy)
vegetables and greens, and perhaps some nuts and seeds. Our
ancestors consumed fruit only seasonally in most areas and
wild fruit isn't that sweet. What this also means is that
human physiology and brain function is not well suited to
a diet rich in carbohydrates. Grains, grain products and things
like soybeans and corn are very new to the human species and
are, as such, a frequent cause of numerous problems that include
hypoglycemia, mineral and enzyme deficiencies, food sensitivities,
weight problems, cognitive disorders, learning disabilities
and chronic ill-health in adults and children alike.

Caribou Hunting
Jérémie Giles
1999 |
As a species we are not even remotely suited
to diets also high in sugar, processed foods, vegetable oils,
trans-fats and pesticide-laden, irradiated produce (no matter
how much the food industry or diet dictocrats want us to believe
otherwise).
Neurofeedback is a very, very powerful tool
and can do much to revolutionize both brain function and well-being.
It is important to be aware, however, that the brain (and
body) needs certain fundamental nutrients to function optimally
and that some substances may significantly impair neurological/physiological
function and development. Addressing these issues can be key
to outcome. Neurofeedback combined with a sound, quality diet,
supplementation (as needed), and elimination of problem foods,
chemicals and additives can ensure more rapid progress and
the best long-term results!
Steps you can take today to ensure a better
quality diet for the optimal functioning of your body and
brain include:
· Become very conscious of food and
beverage choices. READ LABELS. Ask yourself whether what you
are eating would resemble food to a primitive human.
· Save your money! Eliminate junky snack
foods, fast foods, pop, conventional milk, soy/rice milk and
juice. Try to drink mostly water. Substitute processed snacks
with snacks like sliced, unprocessed meats, hard-boiled eggs,
veggies with homemade avocado dip, nuts, seeds and small amounts
of fruit.
· Avoid commercial vegetable oils as
most contain trans-fats and excess polyunsaturates prone to
rancidity. Never cook with them. Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut
oil and organic butter are good choices. DO NOT use margarine
or vegetable shortening. Ever.
· Start by cutting the amount of carbohydrate
you are currently eating by half. Instead of two slices of
bread, eat one. Instead of a whole cup of pasta—half
(add more sauce—the good part!). The goal should be
even less than this but half as much is easy to do and is
an excellent start.
· Eliminate all refined sugar, including
sodas, desserts, candy and cereals in addition to reducing
other sources of carbohydrates. Read labels carefully to identify
hidden sources.
· Begin seeking out more organic produce
and better quality meats at natural foods grocery stores and
local farms. Avoid the "center aisles" at grocery
stores as much as possible. Stick to “perishable”
foods.
· Begin supplementing with a quality
fish or Antarctic krill oil supplement. Omega-3’s (EPA
and DHA) are commonly deficient in most individuals—especially
those with ADD/HD, learning disabilities, mood instabilities
and cognitive disorders. Zinc has also been found to be deficient
in these same populations (Aqueous zinc may be best for remediation
of deficient states). In addition to these, a quality vitamin/mineral
supplement makes good sense. Try to avoid drug store/supermarket
brands like ‘Centrum’ and ‘One-A-Day’
and get a quality health care practitioner brand (NOTE: all
commercial/health food store vitamin products contain magnesium
stearate, stearic acid or ascorbyl palmitate---all sources
of hydrogenated oil/trans-fat. These should be avoided as
much as possible). Also, a little cod liver oil every day
can go a long way toward a better immune system and better
mineral absorption.
· Read my manuscript. It is informative
in great detail and is fully referenced. Use the provided
references and web sites to move past any skepticism you may
have and educate yourself as much as possible. See information
below on how to purchase a copy.
· Take responsibility for your own health!
For More Information and Resources, Explore the Following
Web Sites:
· www.Price-Pottenger.org
· www.Paleodiet.org
· www.beyondveg.com
· www.gfcfdiet.com
· www.WestonAPrice.org
· www.Mercola.com
· www.powerhealth.net
· www.soyonlineservice.co.nz
· www.eatwild.com
Copies of my manuscript may be purchased by sending a check
or money order (sorry, unable to accept credit cards at this
time) for $25 plus $5 for shipping and handling to:
Nora T. Gedgaudas, CNS, CNT
Northwest Neurofeedback
Johnson Street Professional Building
1920 NW Johnson Street - Suite 123
Portland, OR 97209-1331
Note: price includes shipping and handling.
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!
Orders will be shipped promptly upon receipt.
| ©Northwest
Neurofeedback 2007 |
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