Customer Reviews

Save Your Brain: The 5 Things You Must Do to Keep Your Mind Young and Sharp

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Sometimes when a new book arrives - I cannot wait to read it. Save Your Brain - 5 things you must do to keep your mind young and sharp by Paul David Nussbaum is just such a book. For some reason, I am attracted to books on keeping the mind sharp. For example, I loved Making a Good Brain Great and Brain Rules.

I was interested to read in the Globe and Mail that people with advanced Parkinsons cannot walk but can ride a bicycle. The brain is interesting.

The book starts with a survey to see how good you are on brain stuff. It includes questions on exercise, diet etc. I was surprised I scored "poor". Perhaps that is partly because I am a tough self grader but partly because the questions did not allow me to use alternatives that I do that are likely comparable. EG - dancing once per week (which I do not do) is surely comparable to martial arts.

Of course it has a technical section on how the brain works and what it is. And part convincing me that I need to work on saving my brain.

The 5 things to do to Save Your Brain:

1 - Socialize. Basic human interaction.
2 - Exercise. 25% of the blood circulation goes to support the brain.
3 - Mental Stimulation. Use it or lose it. Learn something new always. Challenge yourself.
4 - Spirituality. He includes "mental rest" in this category.
5 - Nutrition. The obvious - eat like your mom told you to and use supplements if you cannot. He is also a big advocate of fish oil.

These are all obvious and not new. He did not emphasize the things not to do (like drugs, alcohol and boxing). It was a good reminder of things I already knew.

"Another way to stimulate your mind is to read and write on a daily basis, which is great brain exercises." ~ pg. 114

Paul David Nussbaum wrote "Save Your Brain" to encourage readers to follow a proactive lifestyle. He provides a basic overview of how the brain works and then delves into five main areas that need attention if you want to preserve brain health. These include: Socialization, physical activity, mental stimulation, spirituality (not religion) and nutrition.

If you are worried about neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's then you may be interested in this book. "Save Your Brain" will also appeal to those who are curious. It was interesting to learn that daily prayer can enhance the immune system and that infants can learn sign language. Knitting can also help to reduce the risk of dementia.

As a bonus the author has included a few of his favorite recipes. You may enjoy trying:

Tomato Soup with Basil
Hummus
Chicken with Mango Salsa
Salmon Burgers

For the most part, this book is easy to understand and the information is easy to apply to your life. There is also a list of foods you may want to include in your diet that promote brain health.

~The Rebecca Review

As a busy mother of two I was thrilled to read this book. For me it was one stop shopping. This book describes the latest on brain health and development, the critical lifestyle areas (spirituality, nutrition, socilization, physical activity) , how and why you should impliment these into your life as well as great brain tips throughout the book.. (example tip.. Try to take a trip this year to a new surrounding and enjoy the brain health benifit) Still working on that tip with my husband:)
The book also explains nutrition and how food is related to brain health. In the back of the book Dr. Nussbaum includes great recipes.I have not tried them all yet but the blueberry crips (pg 183)are a big hit with my girls..
We have adopted a lot of the lifestyle changes already such as;
family game nights, taking walks, eating better, yoga and breathing exercises (to calm the body).
Simply put this book is a must read for anyone that is wanting a healthy brain and a much more fulfilling life!!

P.S.I even allowed my 7 year old to teach me how to play chess.. (She thought that was so funny!!)
Bring on the brain reserve!!

If you have never read any of Dr. Nussbaum's material I highly recommend you start with "Save Your Brain". this is an easy to understand, interesting and informative book on the most complex and still mysterious part of the human body.

The book flows from the survey to check your brain knowledge to the section on how this miraculous organ actually works and then to what we can do to keep the brain healthy which includes; nutrition, spirituality, exercise, socialization and mental stimulation. Then a little surprise bonus of some recipes which incorporate some of the important nutrients Dr. Nussbaum refers to.

I also enjoy Dr. Nussbaum's website ([...]) - it is full of information and references including a few videos which demonstrate Dr. Nussbaum's complete knowledge of this intriguing subject. He has the ability to relay this information in such an interesting way that we can all appreciate it and understand it. He is clearly an expert in his field.

A GREAT BOOK THAT IS A VERY EASY READ. DR. NUSSBAUM DOES A GREAT JOB EXPLAINING THE BRAIN IN SIMPLE TERMINOLOGY. HIS THEORIES OF MAINTAINING BRAIN HEALTH ARE EASY TO APPLY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!

Dr. Nussbaum shares his passion for brain health in his inspiring new book: Save Your Brain. This easy to read guide introduces us to his Brain Health Lifestyle and challenges us to start today - your brain will thank you!

He leaves us with a glimpse into the future and the role "neuronal energy" may play in shaping humankind. Change yourself, your family, your community, and our future by joining Dr. Nussbaum's journey toward an enlightened world...