The 2009 book "The Ultramind Solution" was written by Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine doctor who advocates and practices holistic medical treatment. This plan is touted to help those suffering from disorders that affect mental functioning such as attention deficit disorder, autism and Asperger's, dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, anxiety and brain fog.
Significance
Dr. Hyman labels the problem an "epidemic of broken brains" but points to malfunctions in other bodily systems as the root cause of the negative mental effects. Hyman laments that over 20 million American children have a psychiatric disorder, with over 8 million taking stimulants such as Ritalin. Alzheimer's disease is on the rise, 10 percent of Americans take antidepressants, and 25 percent of the population will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives. According to Hyman, milder symptoms that are not part of a diagnosable condition still may point to overall ill health, manifesting in neurological symptoms such as poor concentration and brain fog. He lists multiple "soft signs" of such a problem, including anger and mood swings, anxiety, slow thinking and a general tired, sluggish feeling.
With the Ultramind Solution, the goal is to treat the deficiency or malfunction, rather than just the symptom. For example, Hyman points to multiple possibilities that are often ignored or overlooked by most doctors when a patient presents with depression. He cites deficiencies of folate, B6 or B12, low thyroid function, food allergies, blood sugar imbalances and adrenal gland dysfunction from excessive stress as possible reasons for a depressive state.
Time Frame
The Ultramind Solution is designed to be followed for six weeks, with a one-week preparation phase in which addictive foods such as caffeine, refined carbohydrates, sugar and alcohol are eliminated from the diet. When the six weeks have ended, Hyman gives two options, with one being to continue the plan for as long as you like. The second option is to slowly reintroduce the foods you have been avoiding, but with careful attention to any negative symptoms you experience when you consume these foods. He suggests reintroducing one food at a time and eating it at least twice a day for three days to fully evaluate the effects.
Features
The first component of the Ultramind Solution involves eating healthy, whole foods and avoiding those that are processed, addictive and otherwise less than optimal. Hyman also suggests a number of supplements to enhance detoxification and healing, including a multivitamin, vitamin D3, probiotics and several additional vitamins and minerals. In addition to these components, lifestyle changes are incorporated, including exercise, relaxation, getting plenty of sleep and engaging your brain with creative mental activities that challenge and surprise your brain with new activities and experiences. Finally, removing toxins and pollutants from your environment supports the other lifestyle changes you have made.
Considerations
"The Ultramind Solution" dedicates a section to special considerations for unique situations. Hyman points out that sometimes there are life events that need help from a trained therapist. In these instances, the root problem is not a deficient diet or any physical issue, but rather difficult life circumstances. He also points out that in certain extreme cases, psychiatric medications may still be necessary while a patient heals. Additional supplements may also be necessary if you have impaired digestion or thyroid function, or if you have a hormonal imbalance or problems with inflammation.
Benefits
Because the Ultramind Solution is designed to address overall health, which results in improved brain function and health, Hyman claims that if you follow the program you will feel more energetic and alert and have an increased ability to concentrate. He says that you will have an improved capacity to remember things and you will have more stable moods because your anxiety level will drop. He further says that the program will lead to better sleep, including improvements in falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up feeling refreshed. Hyman cites dozens of published research articles that support his claims that improved nutrition and lowered stress result in more optimal brain function and mood.
References
- "ultramind Solution"; Dr. Mark Hyman; Scribner; 2009
- Ultramind: The Ultramind Solution
