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Encyclopedia of Minds Enhancing Foods, Drugs, and Nutritional Substances
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Encyclopedia of Mind Enhancing Foods, Drugs and Nutritional Substances
Hardback; Book
224 pages
Published: November 2000
McFarland & Company, Inc.
786408537
Book Description
It seems as though every day brings a new pill or potion claiming to restore mental
alertness or improve memory. While many of these claims are based on factual information,
many others are not. This encyclopedia of foods and drugs that are believed to improve
mental performance contains information on nearly 400 nutrients, herbs, and drugs, ranging
from ancient plant compounds to the latest pharmaceuticals. Entries are arranged by type
of substance, such as foods, vitamins, minerals, spices, and medical drugs. Each entry
contains information such as alternate names and forms, sources, results, side effects,
precautions, and recommended dosage. Although readers are encouraged to consult with their
doctors before diagnosing and treating themselves, this book provides crucial, factual,
and unbiased information on the "miracle drugs" that many people believe can solve health
problems from fatigue to Alzheimer's. Readers can discover for themselves the properties of
each substance. A complete index allows for easy reference and help with alternate names,
food and drug interactions, and symptoms.
Author: Group, David W.
ISBN: 0
Preface
The brain is a physical organ just like the heart or lungs or liver and, as such, its functioning can be
affected by our environment, particularly the substances we put in our bodies. I first became aware of
smart drugs from an article in Omni magazine some twenty years ago while I was attending college.
It was also at that time that I was becoming aware of health foods, and the article so impressed me
that, while other students were taking speed and No-Doz to cram for exams, I was gobbling hand-fuls
of vitamins. While my approach was undoubtedly too haphazard and belated to have had much effect,
it certainly set me on the right path.
But it wasn't until a few years ago that a number of books began coming out extolling the virtues of
synthetic drugs that could actually reverse aging, prevent Alzheimer's, or improve the functioning of
the brain. I began taking notes, thinking the information, when summarized, would amount to no
more than a few dozen pages. Even though I only worked on it occasionally and in my spare time, it
didn't take long for the research to swell to its current size.
My enthusiasm for the project was tempered by the fact that many of these books downplayed or
ignored the side effects of these drugs, some of which were quite serious. Compounding my
frustration was the fact that none was very comprehensive and none could be used for easy reference
by the reader. I vowed to remedy that situation. The result is this book, which deals with over 400
various substances ranging from basic foods to the newest wonder drugs, from the most
commonplace substances to the most obscure — by far the most complete work on the subject.
The chapters are arranged progressively, beginning with the safest and most natural substances and
ending with synthetic drugs and additives that are experimental and potentially hazardous.
The entries for the substances are alphabetized by popular name within the appropriate chapter, and
include such information as alternative names and forms (scientific, brand names, and so forth),
sources (such as foods), effects (benefits), precautions (side effects, interactions, overdosage, medical
conditions that may render the substance ineffective or toxic), and dosage. In the interest of brevity, I
have eliminated much of the history, folklore, background, and detailed analysis of individual studies,
dealing only with that information that can help the reader evaluate each substance.
This book does not contain a discussion of how the brain works and the various theories of aging.
Neither does it deal with all the vitamins and nutritional supplements required by the human body—
only those that have more-or-less direct effects on the brain. It should also be noted that all of the
substances mentioned in this book are secondary to the two most important brain-boosters: physical
exercise and mental exercise. It is essential to keep challenging yourself throughout life so that the
mind and body remain in peak condition.
It seems rather ironic that, with new strides in medical and nutritional science enabling us to live
longer and more productive lives, most people would rather not live to a ripe old age. This fear of old
age is based on a basic misconception — that the elderly are invariably frail in mind and body. Too
often, however, the ravages of age are no more than the accumulated results of a lifetime of poor
health habits. Though some decline in abilities is inevitable, the picture is not as dire as it was once
thought.
Though smart-drug proponents and the media will often tout a particular substance as a new "wonder
drug," the truth is that there is probably no such thing. The human mind — not to mention the human
body and the process of aging — is too complex for any single pill to be considered a cure-all, as
there are inevitable side effects of any medicine, natural or man-made. The Fountain of Youth is not
so much a single herb, or vitamin, or pill, but a way of life, a holistic view that takes into account all
aspects of nutrition and health.
Encyclopedia of Mind Enhancing foods, drugs, and
nutritional substances
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CHAPTER 1
Foods
CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are the principal source of the body's energy and are divided into two types —simple
and complex. Simple carbohydrates include the various sugars found in fruit (fructose), milk
(lactose), and table sugar (sucrose). Complex carbohydrates are found in vegetables, whole grains,
and legumes. Complex carbohydrates are preferable, as it takes longer for the body to break them
down, releasing the sugar into the bloodstream slowly. Simple carbohydrates, especially table sugar,
can flood the body and trigger an oversecretion of insulin by the isles of Langerhans, resulting in an
initial surge of energy from the sugar followed by lethargy caused by the sudden rush of insulin.
Foods should be unrefined, fresh, and natural; refined foods, canned goods, and snack foods should
be avoided.
Food Sources: Fruits, whole grains, vegetables.
Effects: Carbohydrates help relax the brain and are necessary for good mental functioning. They act
as an antidepressant for people with less sugarinduced serotonin in the brain than normal (such as
those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder [SAD]), possibly by amplifying serotonergic
neurotransmission. If consumption is timed right, they can increase the brain's energy levels, as they
are readily broken down into glucose, a simple sugar found in nature that is necessary for the brain's
functioning.
Precautions: Fructose does not have this calming effect. Simple sugars (table sugar, brown sugar, and
honey, for instance) have no nutritional value except for calories, and can promote cavities, cause
rapid changes in blood sugar and insulin, and lead to obesity, hypoglycemia, and diabetes, among
other disorders. Some people are "carbohydrate cravers," and need them to prevent drowsiness,
restlessness, or boredom; instead of becoming sleepy, these people become more focused and alert,
and better sustain concentration. Carbohydrates are safe and, to quote Dr. Stuart Berger, "They are
the only food category not linked to any killer diseases."
Dosage: 300 to 400 g/day from complex carbohydrates, or about 1200 to 1600 kilocalories/day (out
of an average total of 1800 to 2200 kilocalories/day). Ideally, 65 percent of a person's caloric intake
should be carbohydrates —55 percent from complex carbohydrates and starches and 10 percent from
natural sugars such as those found in fruit. A minimum of 50 g/day are needed to prevent ketosis, an
acidic condition of the blood. For best effect, carbohydrates should be taken with as little protein and
fat as possible, as these slow down or hinder serotonin on its way to the brain.
HONEY
Effects: Contains antioxidants. The darker the honey, the more the antioxidants; for instance, honey
made from Illinois buckwheat flowers has 20 times the antioxidants as honey made from California
sage. Tupelo honey has the most fructose of any of the honeys and doesn't cause the insulin rush that
others do.
Precautions: For the most health benefits, the honey should be unfiltered, unheated, and unprocessed.
Despite the claims of some health advocates, the vitamin and mineral content of honey is minimal,
and any derived benefits negligible. Honey also has the highest sugar content of all the natural
sweeteners, and even has more sugar content than refined sugar; in fact, it can rot teeth faster than
table sugar, possibly because of its stickiness and the fact that its vitamin and mineral content,
however small, may provide a favorable environment for bacteria.
Compounding the problem is the fact that manufacturers may feed bees sugar water or add sugar
syrup to the honey to increase the sweetness (a tipoff is inexpensive brands that pour easily). Further,
the honey is heated to high temperatures, destroying much of the protein and nutritional content.
Honey could also contain carcinogens that bees have inadvertently picked up from flowers sprayed
with pesticides, or traces of penicillin and sulfite, which could pose a threat to susceptible
individuals. Honey should never be fed to infants under one year of age, as it contains spores of
Clostridium botulinum, the organism that causes botulism; while adults and older children have
stomach acid that can kill the bacterium, infants do not, leaving them susceptible to sickness or even
death.
MlCROALGAE AND SEAWEED
AKA: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, chlorella, cyanobacteria, nori, SBGA, seaweed, spirulina, Super
Blue Green Algae.
Microalgae are singlecelled plants that grow in fresh water or bacteria. The most common types used
for food are chlorella and spirulina, though seaweed could probably be placed in this category also.
Effects: Super Blue Green Algae (SBGA) is said to increase energy and give feelings of euphoria. All
forms of microalgae and seaweed are excellent sources of amino acids, chlorophyll, protein (higher
than meats or soybeans), unsaturated fats, vitamins A, B-12, C, and E, and antioxidants.
Precautions: Microalgae and seaweed are good sources of amino acids and some vitamins but,
beyond that, claims of their nutritional or therapeutic value are overstated. According to Dr. Andrew
Weil, M.D., there is no evidence SBGA strengthens the immune system, and Sheldon Saul Hendler,
M.D., Ph.D., states there is no scientific evidence for the salubrious effects attributed to these
organisms, except for one report that spirulina is a good source of gammalinolenic acid (GLA).
Super Blue Green Algae can cause abdominal distress, diarrhea, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems,
headaches, heart palpitations, nausea, skin rashes, vomiting, and women may even experience uterine
bleeding. Adverse side effects may result from an allergy or intolerance, either to contaminants in
harvesting or possible natural toxins in the SBGA itself. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, used in the
making of SBGA, is capable of producing two toxins, one of which affects the liver and the other the
nervous system; it could also contain any number of naturally occurring toxins that are as yet
undiscovered.
Spirulina is high in phenylalanine, and so should not be taken by anyone with phenylketonuria (PKU)
or skin cancer. There is no way of controlling the purity or potency of spirulina — consider the fact
that Elliot Shubert, Ph.D., professor of biology at the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, has
found that every sample tested had significant levels of the toxic metals mercury and lead. Not only
that, Harvard researchers have discovered that some components of this microalga may encourage the
growth of cancerous tumors. And the fact that no one knows what the pharmacological agent is that
provides the stimulant effect worries Dr. Andrew Weil, as it may cause dependency.
NEW ZEALAND GREEN-LIPPED MUSSEL
AKA: Perna canaliculus, sea mussel.
The oil of this shellfish is rich in amino acids, enzymes, and essential trace elements, and is said to be
similar to Omega-3, but more potent in its health benefits.
Effects: Reputed to prevent heart disease and relieve joint and muscle pains.
ROYALJELLY
Royal jelly is made from bee pollen, saliva secretions of worker bees, and honey, and has a thick,
milky texture.
Effects: Protects against bacteria, viruses, and funguses. It contains many vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, fatty acids, enzymes, and testosterone, and is one of the richest natural sources of B-5, as well
as the sole natural source of pure acetylcholine.
Precautions: It is more stable when mixed with honey, and it loses some of its nutritional value when
exposed to air, room temperature, or sunlight. It should never be used in hot drinks, nor should
anything hot be consumed immediately after taking it. Some avoid the freezedried form, as the
chemical structure is said to be altered in the process. Pure royal jelly, the most potent form, is
extremely unstable and should always be kept refrigerated.
John H. Renner, M.D., president of the Consumer Health Information Research Institute, asserts that
any health benefits of bee pollen are a myth, and that it can even be harmful, as it may contain
harmful bacteria, or trigger an allergic reaction from the variety of pollens it may contain. The few
studies that have been conducted bear out this statement.
Dosage: Approximately Yi of a teaspoon daily; in capsule form, some recommend 150 mg/day,
others 600 mg/ day. Manufacturers say several weeks may pass before the beneficial effects of
improved mental functioning and concentration are evident. It is available in sealed capsules, frozen,
freezedried, or mixed with honey.

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