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The Edge Effect: Achieve Total Health and Longevity with the Balanced Brain Advantage
The national bestselling, breakthrough program for reversing and preventing aging, written by a leading medical specialist.This could be as close to a fountain of youth as mankind will ever come. In The Edge Effect, Dr. Eric Braverman reveals scientifically proven methods for preventing or reversing the debilitating effects of aging—including memory loss, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and Alzheimers. A leading figure in brain-body health care, Dr. Braverman explains the vital importance of proper brain nourishment. He then shows how balancing the brain’s four essential neurotransmitters is the key to increased longevity and wellbeing. Proven effective for thousands of patients in Dr. Braverman’s practice, this groundbreaking approach will help anyone make the most of his or her life, radically reducing the risk of major illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, as well as minor ailments.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
146 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 13, 2009
The writing style is in the manner of an overhyped bestseller, but if you can get past that it doesn't detract from the value of its contents. It addresses four biochemicals that are of particular importance to the brain, and to our mental, emotional, and energetic states: dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin. In short, and from what I understood, dopamine provides motivation, wanting, determination, and caffeine-like energy; acetylcholine provides memory, clarity of thought, inspiration, perception and an orientation towards that which is big-picture, artistic, and mystical; GABA harmonizes the brain rhythm and provides calmness, ease, and an orientation towards organization and support; serotonin provides a loving, fun-loving, personable quality, and renews the brain during sleep.
One detail that is fascinating to me is that these align perfectly with the four humors of traditional Western medicine; dopamine is choleric, acetylcholine is melancholic (see the etymological connection as well?), GABA is phlegmatic, and serotonin is sanguine.
The book is not arranged in a way that makes perfect sense. Once you get into the chapters for the specific biochemicals, taking dopamine as an example, they start with "the dopamine dominant personality" then they address "dopamine deficiency" but with a focus on the dopamine dominant person being dopamine deficient... then they address lifestyle approaches for the dopamine dominant person to moderate the possible overinfluence of dopamine. Most readers will probably find that they are deficient in a chemical other than their dominant one, so it doesn't make sense to emphasize deficiencies in the dominant chemical, although one can still use the information provided. Also there's nothing, as far as I can tell, on lifestyle changes to boost given biochemicals rather than to moderate them. What it comes down to is that the author will tell you which medications are compatible with that particular deficiency... and will provide a short list of protein-rich foods which the body will transform into the given biochemical. (Cottage cheese is apparently a miracle food. Yum.) He also provides a list of supplements that can aid in the boosting of the deficient biochemical, but this list is ridiculously long and he doesn't prioritize them at all; this is probably because he makes money selling supplements that are composed of these different materials, and it's in his interest not to make it *too* easy to go without buying his products.
I don't have enough scientific knowledge to really evaluate the accuracy of all this information. It basically makes sense to me, but he's addressing only a very small part of the body's symphony of nutrition and interactions. I've also had a hard time finding other sources for this subject on the web to provide context and second opinions. From what I have read, it seems that these biochemicals are influenced by a number of factors beyond one's diet, and I'd like to understand that more fully. "The Mood Cure" is on a similar subject, so I'll read that as well and see if it will fill in any of the gaps.
With all its faults, this book is definitely worth reading if you have any mental, emotional, and/or energetic issues that have defied other forms of treatment.
One detail that is fascinating to me is that these align perfectly with the four humors of traditional Western medicine; dopamine is choleric, acetylcholine is melancholic (see the etymological connection as well?), GABA is phlegmatic, and serotonin is sanguine.
The book is not arranged in a way that makes perfect sense. Once you get into the chapters for the specific biochemicals, taking dopamine as an example, they start with "the dopamine dominant personality" then they address "dopamine deficiency" but with a focus on the dopamine dominant person being dopamine deficient... then they address lifestyle approaches for the dopamine dominant person to moderate the possible overinfluence of dopamine. Most readers will probably find that they are deficient in a chemical other than their dominant one, so it doesn't make sense to emphasize deficiencies in the dominant chemical, although one can still use the information provided. Also there's nothing, as far as I can tell, on lifestyle changes to boost given biochemicals rather than to moderate them. What it comes down to is that the author will tell you which medications are compatible with that particular deficiency... and will provide a short list of protein-rich foods which the body will transform into the given biochemical. (Cottage cheese is apparently a miracle food. Yum.) He also provides a list of supplements that can aid in the boosting of the deficient biochemical, but this list is ridiculously long and he doesn't prioritize them at all; this is probably because he makes money selling supplements that are composed of these different materials, and it's in his interest not to make it *too* easy to go without buying his products.
I don't have enough scientific knowledge to really evaluate the accuracy of all this information. It basically makes sense to me, but he's addressing only a very small part of the body's symphony of nutrition and interactions. I've also had a hard time finding other sources for this subject on the web to provide context and second opinions. From what I have read, it seems that these biochemicals are influenced by a number of factors beyond one's diet, and I'd like to understand that more fully. "The Mood Cure" is on a similar subject, so I'll read that as well and see if it will fill in any of the gaps.
With all its faults, this book is definitely worth reading if you have any mental, emotional, and/or energetic issues that have defied other forms of treatment.
December 25, 2009
So far, a very interesting combination of the Meyers-Briggs personality inventory with neurochemistry.
August 30, 2021
This book is dangerous because it mixes some truth with a lot of nonsense, and there is no way to easily tell which is which. The first chapter talks about four different brain regions being associated with four different neurotransmitters - this was when the warning bells started ringing- I can promise you this is nonsense (Psychology PhD here). Take for instance the assertion that serotonin is mainly found in the occipital lobes. From a 5 second google I can tell you that serotonin receptors are found 'localized over layers III and V of several cortical areas, including the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes, the anterogenual cortex and the entorhinal area, as well as in the corpus mamillare of the hypothalamus.' (doi: 10.1016/0306-4522(87)90327-7.) - they are everywhere - so saying they are concentrated in the occipital lobe, is just nonsense.
I was willing to go with the flow and accept that maybe this was a dumbed down story to be appreciated by the layman, and that perhaps even if the story was misleading, the suggestions may have worth. But after trudging through this incredibly naive model of how food can effect mood, energy and disease states, I was not rewarded. After giving you a test, and attempting to frighten you with all the things that could supposedly go wrong with your brain chemical balance, you feel ready to finally get to what you are supposed to do about your sorry state. Of course - it starts with some sample recipes that you could use to readdress your brain balance. Easy enough! You could say this was harmless, but inevitably there was a hawking of the authors medical practice, and of course: supplements. For 'raising' or 'lowering' a neurotransmitter, the book offers a table of supplements with one sentance notes on each, giving the impression that somehow the reader is now equipped to safely take a huge bunch of supplements to correct this imbalance, without even having been tested for it. There is a complete lack of reference to any scientific studies, not even a bibliography, so even the supplments recommended are not easily verified - he might as well just have just made it all up one night on wikipedia.
Admittedly, taking this book seriously is unlikely to kill you, but if you are tired or suffering from memory loss or any other brain related problem - do yourself a favour and look elsewhere for help! (Also google the author and what has happened to his practice... e.g. https://quackwatch.org/11ind/braverman/ Also look at his fb page, where it becomes apparent that the author may have had some kind of breakdown :( ) Note to self: research an author before reading the book!
I was willing to go with the flow and accept that maybe this was a dumbed down story to be appreciated by the layman, and that perhaps even if the story was misleading, the suggestions may have worth. But after trudging through this incredibly naive model of how food can effect mood, energy and disease states, I was not rewarded. After giving you a test, and attempting to frighten you with all the things that could supposedly go wrong with your brain chemical balance, you feel ready to finally get to what you are supposed to do about your sorry state. Of course - it starts with some sample recipes that you could use to readdress your brain balance. Easy enough! You could say this was harmless, but inevitably there was a hawking of the authors medical practice, and of course: supplements. For 'raising' or 'lowering' a neurotransmitter, the book offers a table of supplements with one sentance notes on each, giving the impression that somehow the reader is now equipped to safely take a huge bunch of supplements to correct this imbalance, without even having been tested for it. There is a complete lack of reference to any scientific studies, not even a bibliography, so even the supplments recommended are not easily verified - he might as well just have just made it all up one night on wikipedia.
Admittedly, taking this book seriously is unlikely to kill you, but if you are tired or suffering from memory loss or any other brain related problem - do yourself a favour and look elsewhere for help! (Also google the author and what has happened to his practice... e.g. https://quackwatch.org/11ind/braverman/ Also look at his fb page, where it becomes apparent that the author may have had some kind of breakdown :( ) Note to self: research an author before reading the book!
July 16, 2020
He seems to have a decent grasp on health, better than most authors but still recommends things that don't quite make sense like B vitamins for sleep. Most B vitamins are energizing at least to me.
He also pushes drugs and hormone replacements including estrogen replacement which certainly has its risks due to estrogen related cancers. Lastly he shills his supplements. Not impressed
He also pushes drugs and hormone replacements including estrogen replacement which certainly has its risks due to estrogen related cancers. Lastly he shills his supplements. Not impressed
Currently reading
July 27, 2010I expected snake oil, but I believe I may have found science. Tempting to see this as the best answer yet to an holistic (comprehensive) approach to one's health. Very readable. (Take the tests - go ahead. You'll be surprised.) But I'm troubled by the almost total lack of comment about the book, the author or the concepts on the Internet, peer review or otherwise. I'm gradually searching the Kaiser Permenente medical group (my HMO) in an effort to find a professional who will discuss the concepts with me. So far, out of 12 MDs, PAs, nurses and health educators, 11 were hostile ("it's not the Kaiser way") and one-open minded eager soul who had never heard of it. I'm buying a copy of the book for her - mostly so I can get her opinion on whether it is trash or treasure. Hopeful, but still can't help being skeptical.
November 24, 2012
This is a fantastic book for anyone who wants to achieve a great status of health. What a lot of people don't realize is that most problems start with the brain. By understanding this you are then able to truly solve some of the issues that people deal with when it comes to their quality of health. This is also a method that has been widely accepted by not only Neurologists but General Practitioners as well.
February 8, 2013
Think of this book as an owner's manual for your brain (and subsequently for the care of your health & body).
Very interesting perspective on health. Gives readers power to prevent and take action against minor or serious illnesses, which can be largely traced to imbalances in the brain.
Very interesting perspective on health. Gives readers power to prevent and take action against minor or serious illnesses, which can be largely traced to imbalances in the brain.
January 31, 2015
I love the connection he makes between foods as precursors and I invert this idea to pay attention to cravings. Part of my mindfulness practice is to journal and develop a working theory of balance in neurotransmitters, then balance in the bowel (the little brain.)
August 30, 2013
Awesome book about the brain neurotransmitters and their role in our health and behavior. Feeling too aggressive or disorganized some GABA may help. Difficult falling asleep and depressed you may lack some Serotonin.. Very interesting!!
January 5, 2015
Our brains are so complex and control so much of our bodies and actions. This book is not just about losing weight and increasing our memory. The way we eat, think, exercise and find that balance with our internal chemicals can change everything.
December 13, 2019
This is a fascinating book exploring the brain-mind-body connection. In particular, how brain biochemical imbalances can cause diseases. Our brain chemistry becomes imbalanced when it is unable to process electrical cues correctly which leads to one or more neurotransmitters becoming deficient.
This is important as it affects how we age, and the potential that we suffer from Alzheimers, aging, memory loss and sexual dysfunction, for example.
The author identifies four "bio-temperments" - which relate to the balance of the neurotransmitters - and prescribes diets which put things back in kilter.
The "edge effect" refers to the interface between the electrical currents from the brain and the body. By controlling these electrical signals from the brain to the body we can have better and longer-lasting health.
I guess that it is kind of serious reading. But if like me, you are interested in the connection between cognitive fitness and living longer better then you will find it fascinating.
This is important as it affects how we age, and the potential that we suffer from Alzheimers, aging, memory loss and sexual dysfunction, for example.
The author identifies four "bio-temperments" - which relate to the balance of the neurotransmitters - and prescribes diets which put things back in kilter.
The "edge effect" refers to the interface between the electrical currents from the brain and the body. By controlling these electrical signals from the brain to the body we can have better and longer-lasting health.
I guess that it is kind of serious reading. But if like me, you are interested in the connection between cognitive fitness and living longer better then you will find it fascinating.
March 14, 2025
The author provides a very limited and peculiar view of neurotransmitters without any reference to sources or research, mainly in the context of psychological states. It also claims quite a lot of nonsense in my opinion.
Little attention is paid to the physical problems associated with too much or too little of a particular neurotransmitter.
Also, the certainty with which certain traits of people and certain problems are linked to 1 specific neurotransmitter is misplaced. If the author really knew so much about it, he would realise that neurotransmitters work together and that an imbalance between them can cause a multitude of problems (also physical, which is ignored in this book) that cannot be traced back to 1 neurotransmitter, 1 portion of the brain or 1 trait in people.
I cannot recommend this book.
Little attention is paid to the physical problems associated with too much or too little of a particular neurotransmitter.
Also, the certainty with which certain traits of people and certain problems are linked to 1 specific neurotransmitter is misplaced. If the author really knew so much about it, he would realise that neurotransmitters work together and that an imbalance between them can cause a multitude of problems (also physical, which is ignored in this book) that cannot be traced back to 1 neurotransmitter, 1 portion of the brain or 1 trait in people.
I cannot recommend this book.
August 23, 2017
Great and easy book to read for insights into 'your neurotransmitter dominance'. While I did not completely agree on all of the 'dietary' recommendations, the book definitely gave some great insights into possible deficiencies and their effects on personality. I really liked the multi-factor approach and the different levels of treatment going from medication to supplementation to lifestyle.
July 12, 2023
Interesting concept, but very repetitive. Also had the feel of pseudo-science, which when you research this stuff independently, a lot of it isn’t yet backed up by peer reviewed research. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong or worthless, but it does explain why the author seemed so gung ho to “sell” his plan for curing just about everything under the sun. In short, it sounds way too good to be true.
January 9, 2018
A fresh approach to understanding how brain chemistry can improve or wreck havoc to your overall health. If you want to learn more about neurotransmitters and how to balance them to achieve total wellbeing, look no further.
April 28, 2019
I learned a lot reading through this book. I would love to read an updated version because so much more is known now. The book was published 2004. Even so, I bought four copies to give to loved ones.
January 23, 2018
I loved learning more about the brain and neurotransmitters. The nutrition information is very dated. Who recommends wheat anymore? Or staying away from red meat and butter?
December 5, 2018
Interesting personality test. Remedial remedies.
December 30, 2018
This is about living to reduce memory loss and to reverse Alzheimets and also to achieve better health through leaning how to live better
February 12, 2020
Answered a LOT of questions I had been having regarding health. Very insightful.
November 12, 2020
Really easy to use quiz to determine dominant neurotransmitter and effective tips on how to balance levels for a better life overall.
December 5, 2021
I like the assessment in the book. Very worthwhile to take
December 12, 2010
This book is excellent. I had never really thought about brain health before, always focusing on my weight and body, but brain health is critically important to our overall health -- mental, emotional, physical, psychological... Everything! Our brain needs to be nourished! Braveman talks about the four natures and includes his Braverman Assessment test so readers can find out what their dominant nature is and what they may be most deficient in. The cases he talks about are fascinating! Taking these natures into consideration, conditions that were previously treated separately are now connected -- like falling dominoes. With this acknowledgement, treatment, in many cases, was swift and "miraculous." For me, this book was also helpful in terms prevention -- describing some of the warning signs in order to combat the onset of conditions and diseases. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
June 22, 2012
This is a must-read for anyone interested to gain that edge. This book teaches a person so much about the brain and since our brains are the most important part of our bodies, the computer, it is important to know what the edge effect is all about to regain or gain that edge from the start. The Edge Effect creates an awareness about amino acids that stuck with me and caused me to want to learn more about them, not to mention the specific diets for each part of the brain, as Doctor Braverman divided the brain into for basic understanding. Everyone can only gain by reading this book.
May 5, 2014
I'm not sure there's much here that's actionable in a meaningful way, but that's not to say Braverman isn't on to something. Seems like too big a leap from the research he did to the questionnaire to the proposed solutions. Like THE CHINA STUDY, there is probably some truth here, but the scientific method was circumvented in a leap to conclusions.
September 16, 2007
I get the body chemistry stuff, but like most of these books, it is impossible to lead a normal life and follow this plan. Even when I tried, which I did for over a month, I didn't get the big ahah. Interesting, umh.
November 11, 2008
This book had some interesting information. However, I felt it had far too many recommendations in the diet/supplement sections. Made it too overwhelming for any layperson or health practitioner to integrate it into everyday life.
January 4, 2009
Excellent book about total body health -- focusing on brain health. As someone who has had health issues that haven't been able to be fixed via traditional medicine, I really appreciated the new take that Dr. Braverman takes.
October 11, 2009
Another book I didn't finish. Read what I liked and left the rest. Took the test on-line but found the results confusing. Had to take it to my therapist who's chiropractor had explained it to her in order to understand it.
May 15, 2008
This book is great! It is unusual to find a book that talks about a whole new field of research and makes it immediately practical. I took away a lot from this book about neurotransmitters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews