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The Brain Fog Fix
A new epidemic is sweeping the country. Some people call it “ADHD,” “scatter brain,” or “brain fog.” And some people simply say they “just don’t feel like themselves”—and haven’t for a long time.
People are thinking and feeling worse than ever. Why? Because our brains are not getting the support they need to produce the essential brain chemicals that keep us energized, calm, focused, and inspired. In fact, if you look at the way that most of us live, it’s almost as though we had chosen a lifestyle deliberately intended to undermine our brain chemistry.
Fortunately, there is a solution. The Brain Fog Fix is a three-week program designed to help you naturally restore three of your brain’s most crucial chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol. Rebalancing these three brain chemicals will, in turn, enable the rest of your brain’s chemistry to reach optimal levels. You will find yourself thinking more clearly, remembering more accurately, learning more quickly, and unleashing the floodgates of your creativity. You will also find yourself feeling more optimistic, calm, energized, connected, and inspired.
The good news is that this is easier than you think. Instead of trying to ambitiously overhaul one aspect of your life entirely with some difficult-to-maintain resolution, begin by making small and achievable changes in many different areas of your life.
“If I’ve learned one thing from the thousands of people I’ve treated, it’s that you have to take the whole person into account if you want to think and feel better.” —Dr. Mike Dow
People are thinking and feeling worse than ever. Why? Because our brains are not getting the support they need to produce the essential brain chemicals that keep us energized, calm, focused, and inspired. In fact, if you look at the way that most of us live, it’s almost as though we had chosen a lifestyle deliberately intended to undermine our brain chemistry.
Fortunately, there is a solution. The Brain Fog Fix is a three-week program designed to help you naturally restore three of your brain’s most crucial chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol. Rebalancing these three brain chemicals will, in turn, enable the rest of your brain’s chemistry to reach optimal levels. You will find yourself thinking more clearly, remembering more accurately, learning more quickly, and unleashing the floodgates of your creativity. You will also find yourself feeling more optimistic, calm, energized, connected, and inspired.
The good news is that this is easier than you think. Instead of trying to ambitiously overhaul one aspect of your life entirely with some difficult-to-maintain resolution, begin by making small and achievable changes in many different areas of your life.
“If I’ve learned one thing from the thousands of people I’ve treated, it’s that you have to take the whole person into account if you want to think and feel better.” —Dr. Mike Dow
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First published September 15, 2015
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February 3, 2022
Summary:
Eat unprocessed foods.
Eat Fish and turmeric because they are miracles!
Avoid Carbs and sugar, they are the devil.
Exercise.
Buy this author's other books if you want actual recipes to his food suggestions.
Meditate or pray.
Don't use electronic devices before you go to sleep.
Avoid Social media because it is also evil.
Follow this list daily and you will have a better brain.
You're welcome!
Eat unprocessed foods.
Eat Fish and turmeric because they are miracles!
Avoid Carbs and sugar, they are the devil.
Exercise.
Buy this author's other books if you want actual recipes to his food suggestions.
Meditate or pray.
Don't use electronic devices before you go to sleep.
Avoid Social media because it is also evil.
Follow this list daily and you will have a better brain.
You're welcome!
June 21, 2020
A mouthful of dietary advice is offered in this book (yes, pun intended). Dr. Dow’s plan for staying healthy involves eating lots of omega-3s and staying away from sugar and too many medications. While this plan may sound like a no-brainer to many, Dr. Dow puts into perspective the massive benefits of using his plan using academic papers that are explained in layman’s terms. Since reading this book I have moved towards eating more fish and staying away from sugar. The puzzles at the end are also quite interesting.
December 24, 2015
I was attracted to this book purely based on its title. Once I spotted the words “The Brain Fog Fix”, I was on a mission to read this book, and kept my fingers crossed that I would be approved on NetGalley.
As I have ME/CFS I have had constant brain fog for many years. I go through a daily struggle of trying to get my brain to function enough to do basic daily tasks as well as run my online business. I’ve been going through a rough patch for most of this year, so this book has come at the right time, as I need a reminder of the things I should be doing.
I was already familiar with a lot of the tips and advice given in this book, and can confirm that some of it does work if you stick to it. The problem is that when your energy reaches such low levels, it is hard just to get through the day, let alone make the effort to change your routine. That’s where this book comes in. It is easy to understand and gives great advice on diet and nutrition, exercise, improving sleep, spiritual wellbeing, and making a few general lifestyle changes.
Later on in the book is a 3 week program where you are encouraged to make different changes each week. I’m already a healthy eater, as I know how much worse I feel when I don’t eat healthy, but I have started eating a lot more fish than I normally do. The only fruit I normally eat is bananas, but I have introduced berries into my diet this week, and also trying my best to eat more vegetables. Not quite managing to eat enough every single day, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.
I have had insomnia for many years, and I’m already fully aware of how sensitive I am to blue light from electrical devices. I even have to have the Wi-Fi switched off in my house in order to sleep. I have always tried to get off the main work computer as early as possible, and have now set myself a 7pm curfew. I do have a habit of mooching on my mobile phone while watching TV in the evening, but since reading this book, I’ve set myself a 10pm time limit when all mobiles and tablets must be switched off. We’re working towards turning them off by 9pm, but doing this gradually so that we’re more likely to stick to it.
In the New Year I plan to focus on gradually increasing my exercise levels, and then focus on the hardest part for me, which is the spiritual aspect. I have never been good at meditation, and despite knowing it is good for me, I can’t help but feel guilty about wasting time. I’m the kind of person who is always on the go, so I struggle to give myself time to just relax. I’m determined to try and tackle this issue in 2016, so hopefully the spiritual exercises and short meditations within this book will help me achieve this goal.
I recommend this book to anyone who has depression, anxiety, ME/CFS, or just feeling generally stressed, run down and lacking in energy. This book does contain a lot of information, and you’ll never remember it all, so my advice is to do like I have done, get a notebook and write down all the parts that you feel could be most useful to you.
I would like to thank the publisher, Hay House for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As I have ME/CFS I have had constant brain fog for many years. I go through a daily struggle of trying to get my brain to function enough to do basic daily tasks as well as run my online business. I’ve been going through a rough patch for most of this year, so this book has come at the right time, as I need a reminder of the things I should be doing.
I was already familiar with a lot of the tips and advice given in this book, and can confirm that some of it does work if you stick to it. The problem is that when your energy reaches such low levels, it is hard just to get through the day, let alone make the effort to change your routine. That’s where this book comes in. It is easy to understand and gives great advice on diet and nutrition, exercise, improving sleep, spiritual wellbeing, and making a few general lifestyle changes.
Later on in the book is a 3 week program where you are encouraged to make different changes each week. I’m already a healthy eater, as I know how much worse I feel when I don’t eat healthy, but I have started eating a lot more fish than I normally do. The only fruit I normally eat is bananas, but I have introduced berries into my diet this week, and also trying my best to eat more vegetables. Not quite managing to eat enough every single day, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.
I have had insomnia for many years, and I’m already fully aware of how sensitive I am to blue light from electrical devices. I even have to have the Wi-Fi switched off in my house in order to sleep. I have always tried to get off the main work computer as early as possible, and have now set myself a 7pm curfew. I do have a habit of mooching on my mobile phone while watching TV in the evening, but since reading this book, I’ve set myself a 10pm time limit when all mobiles and tablets must be switched off. We’re working towards turning them off by 9pm, but doing this gradually so that we’re more likely to stick to it.
In the New Year I plan to focus on gradually increasing my exercise levels, and then focus on the hardest part for me, which is the spiritual aspect. I have never been good at meditation, and despite knowing it is good for me, I can’t help but feel guilty about wasting time. I’m the kind of person who is always on the go, so I struggle to give myself time to just relax. I’m determined to try and tackle this issue in 2016, so hopefully the spiritual exercises and short meditations within this book will help me achieve this goal.
I recommend this book to anyone who has depression, anxiety, ME/CFS, or just feeling generally stressed, run down and lacking in energy. This book does contain a lot of information, and you’ll never remember it all, so my advice is to do like I have done, get a notebook and write down all the parts that you feel could be most useful to you.
I would like to thank the publisher, Hay House for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2021
Alright, now listen here, sonny jim. I’ve pretty much finished this book because all that’s left is the “21 Day Program” and I see little point in keeping this on my “currently reading” shelf just because of that. My OCD is debilitating enough without that making me flip out every time I log onto Goodreads.
I bought this book because my brain has been giving me more trouble recently. My grasp on reality is slipping. It’s a wonder I was even mentally capable of walking into Dymocks without smashing into the wall. I often speak to the guy behind the register - though he probably knows me as that weirdo who hovers around the classics section every day, despite the fact the Bronte sisters, Mark Twain and Jane Austen ain't gonna be putting out any new stories soon. I try to avoid talking to the girl that works there because I am afraid of women.
One time she was there and I purchased 50 Shades Darker to impress her with my open-mindedness. She scanned it, then she told me I had no taste. Fucking next time I purchased The Count of Monte Cristo to make her take the insult back. She told me I must have no sex life if I had time to read something that large. Fucking the next time I went to the counter with Animal Farm because it’s a classic and it’s short. I slammed it onto the counter in tears and asked her what she had to say this time. I have been banned from entering that store.
Anyway, what do I think about this book? Well, it’s a self-help kind of thing, so what an asshole I would be to take any real issue with it. How could I even criticise it? I don’t know. I suppose the title, in its entirety, is a bit of a mouthful. For some reason I find it annoying when the word "just" is put into the title; it has an air of complete utter bullshit about it. Like those stupid ads I see on the internet about growing a painfully oversized penis in "JUST TWO WEEKS!!" that would render me incapable of jogging ever again - you know, the one doctors have unanimously decided to hide from the world in one of their roundtable globalist meetings? (Please don't take the last few lines as an indirect admission of what kind of websites I've ventured onto). I also got annoyed with the number of times the writer said “blah-blah-blah, and then you’ll be feeling and thinking better”. Too bad he couldn’t write better. Stop using the same sign-offs, mate.
But yeah, if anyone visits this page and reads this review they will have stopped before this point and skipped to the next one. Let’s take this seriously for a second. The book has a lot of technical names for things I don’t care to remember. Suffice to say that if I took on all of Dow's dietary recommendations, my family would soon kick me out of the house.
I respectfully decline to follow every single bit of advice given in this book. Not that it wouldn’t be a good idea. Like, I can and will incorporate more omega-3s into my diet. I’ve been munching constantly on walnuts and I just know someday a new theory will come out about how walnuts give give you cancer or something.
I’ve been forcing myself to eat salmon even though it makes me want to throw up. I’ve been putting turmeric and chia seeds into just about everything, to the point that my mum thinks I should see a psychiatrist. I already see a psychiatrist, so joke's on her. I’ve been getting more sun. I’ve been distancing myself from the laptop screen. I’ve been trying and failing to go to bed earlier. I’ve been eating lots more fruit and vegetables, and I’ve stopped blaming myself for the endless misery that is my life. But damned if I’m gonna cut out red wine and coffee.
So overall, this book has made a difference in enlightening me on some easy ways I can improve my brain health. It wasn’t much of a page-turner, but neither was the instruction manual for the chainsaw I plan on using on myself one day. I’m giving this book four stars because it was written in kindness and the intention of helping people. Oh, and to make money, of course.
I bought this book because my brain has been giving me more trouble recently. My grasp on reality is slipping. It’s a wonder I was even mentally capable of walking into Dymocks without smashing into the wall. I often speak to the guy behind the register - though he probably knows me as that weirdo who hovers around the classics section every day, despite the fact the Bronte sisters, Mark Twain and Jane Austen ain't gonna be putting out any new stories soon. I try to avoid talking to the girl that works there because I am afraid of women.
One time she was there and I purchased 50 Shades Darker to impress her with my open-mindedness. She scanned it, then she told me I had no taste. Fucking next time I purchased The Count of Monte Cristo to make her take the insult back. She told me I must have no sex life if I had time to read something that large. Fucking the next time I went to the counter with Animal Farm because it’s a classic and it’s short. I slammed it onto the counter in tears and asked her what she had to say this time. I have been banned from entering that store.
Anyway, what do I think about this book? Well, it’s a self-help kind of thing, so what an asshole I would be to take any real issue with it. How could I even criticise it? I don’t know. I suppose the title, in its entirety, is a bit of a mouthful. For some reason I find it annoying when the word "just" is put into the title; it has an air of complete utter bullshit about it. Like those stupid ads I see on the internet about growing a painfully oversized penis in "JUST TWO WEEKS!!" that would render me incapable of jogging ever again - you know, the one doctors have unanimously decided to hide from the world in one of their roundtable globalist meetings? (Please don't take the last few lines as an indirect admission of what kind of websites I've ventured onto). I also got annoyed with the number of times the writer said “blah-blah-blah, and then you’ll be feeling and thinking better”. Too bad he couldn’t write better. Stop using the same sign-offs, mate.
But yeah, if anyone visits this page and reads this review they will have stopped before this point and skipped to the next one. Let’s take this seriously for a second. The book has a lot of technical names for things I don’t care to remember. Suffice to say that if I took on all of Dow's dietary recommendations, my family would soon kick me out of the house.
I respectfully decline to follow every single bit of advice given in this book. Not that it wouldn’t be a good idea. Like, I can and will incorporate more omega-3s into my diet. I’ve been munching constantly on walnuts and I just know someday a new theory will come out about how walnuts give give you cancer or something.
I’ve been forcing myself to eat salmon even though it makes me want to throw up. I’ve been putting turmeric and chia seeds into just about everything, to the point that my mum thinks I should see a psychiatrist. I already see a psychiatrist, so joke's on her. I’ve been getting more sun. I’ve been distancing myself from the laptop screen. I’ve been trying and failing to go to bed earlier. I’ve been eating lots more fruit and vegetables, and I’ve stopped blaming myself for the endless misery that is my life. But damned if I’m gonna cut out red wine and coffee.
So overall, this book has made a difference in enlightening me on some easy ways I can improve my brain health. It wasn’t much of a page-turner, but neither was the instruction manual for the chainsaw I plan on using on myself one day. I’m giving this book four stars because it was written in kindness and the intention of helping people. Oh, and to make money, of course.
February 8, 2018
Had to give up on the chapter where he talks about how we don't need antidepressants, and everything can be fixed by eliminating "toxins." Pseudoscience.
September 8, 2016
Don't waste your time on this. I thought there might be a possibility that there would be more, but no. That "...in Just 3 Weeks" should have triggered a host of warning bells. My mistake, and my gut was right.
Nothing new, nothing earth-shattering, too obviously contrived scenarios...this is a tri-fold tract blown up to sell a book for a self celeb that I've never heard of on worn advice: eat right, sleep and exercise and your brain will be great. Flour and sugar are the devil. Throw in a mind-numbing "spirituality" component that no intelligent and rational person buys, and ... move over Oz,you've got company. If this works for anybody, well...
Nothing new, nothing earth-shattering, too obviously contrived scenarios...this is a tri-fold tract blown up to sell a book for a self celeb that I've never heard of on worn advice: eat right, sleep and exercise and your brain will be great. Flour and sugar are the devil. Throw in a mind-numbing "spirituality" component that no intelligent and rational person buys, and ... move over Oz,you've got company. If this works for anybody, well...
Read
June 17, 2018any book on healthy diet and lifestyle that contains a Margarita recipe is OK by me!
"Put 1½ ounces of tequila, 6 ounces soda water, 6 fresh mint leaves, 4 organic strawberries (fresh or frozen), and 1 cup of ice in the blender, then blend and serve."
"Put 1½ ounces of tequila, 6 ounces soda water, 6 fresh mint leaves, 4 organic strawberries (fresh or frozen), and 1 cup of ice in the blender, then blend and serve."
February 7, 2021
the book was like do this, do that but it never said how
how do i start eating healthy?
how do i start exercising?
how do i start thinking positively?
also for some reason i didn't like the tone of the author
how do i start eating healthy?
how do i start exercising?
how do i start thinking positively?
also for some reason i didn't like the tone of the author
May 26, 2021
When I fact checked all the dietary claims, I found them pretty much all either debunked or more thoroughly researched by 2021 with inconclusive results. Dr Dow is a cognitive behavioral therapist, with education in relationship counselling and psychology, and no formal qualifications on nutrition. And yet... so many hours of this book was dietary recommendations, with bogus claims of "superfoods" as well as broad food source elimination while still recommending alcohol (which is poison, even if it is red wine). So take with a grain of salt.
The audiobook experience of chapter 17 was agony by the way because he literally read out the workbook lists. Also, there are brand recommendations which I can't help but think are promotional inclusions, since he is one of those celebrity-like PhDs with expensive speaking fees and TV appearances.
This book is not helpful to anyone with mental illness. I also advise that if you have a history of disordered eating or an eating disorder, do not read if food rules trigger you because this book is full to the brim of food rules and restriction. If you are just feeling down or off, then maybe it'll help, but as someone with brain fog from bipolar disorder and CPTSD--which cognitive behavioral therapy has not helped--this book was a waste of time. At least I could multitask by listening to the audiobook and doing gardening, cleaning, or pooping.
For a broad number of people, maybe eating wild-caught salmon, taking turmeric-and-pepper shots, removing unnecessary pharmaceuticals (which should be given to those with severe and chronic issues, rather than acute mood changers) and participating in 44 minutes of exercise a day will be enough for them, as stable people, to add more to their life. It's also one of those programs that encourages you to return to it instead of developing your own routine for resetting after stress or change.
But if you are at risk of destabilization with actual mental health issues, or struggle to even eat regular meals (even fast food), please get individualized guidelines and treatment recommendations instead of this book. Don't even pick it up to read the table of contents if you have mental illness.
The audiobook experience of chapter 17 was agony by the way because he literally read out the workbook lists. Also, there are brand recommendations which I can't help but think are promotional inclusions, since he is one of those celebrity-like PhDs with expensive speaking fees and TV appearances.
This book is not helpful to anyone with mental illness. I also advise that if you have a history of disordered eating or an eating disorder, do not read if food rules trigger you because this book is full to the brim of food rules and restriction. If you are just feeling down or off, then maybe it'll help, but as someone with brain fog from bipolar disorder and CPTSD--which cognitive behavioral therapy has not helped--this book was a waste of time. At least I could multitask by listening to the audiobook and doing gardening, cleaning, or pooping.
For a broad number of people, maybe eating wild-caught salmon, taking turmeric-and-pepper shots, removing unnecessary pharmaceuticals (which should be given to those with severe and chronic issues, rather than acute mood changers) and participating in 44 minutes of exercise a day will be enough for them, as stable people, to add more to their life. It's also one of those programs that encourages you to return to it instead of developing your own routine for resetting after stress or change.
But if you are at risk of destabilization with actual mental health issues, or struggle to even eat regular meals (even fast food), please get individualized guidelines and treatment recommendations instead of this book. Don't even pick it up to read the table of contents if you have mental illness.
September 15, 2015
Holy information overload! This is amazing just be prepared for lots of highlights or note taking. I pulled out a new notebook just to write down the most important stuff and wound up highlighting and sending texts to my hubby for stuff I did not want to forget!
Although chock full of information, it is set up in a way that is completely readable. One task is taken on at a time. Mike Dow also explains everything with backup. He does not say anything without having his resources. There are so many studies that it is getting hard to know what is good for you and what is bad. He helps get through the quagmire one step at a time.
The part on dieting is amazing and is probably my favorite. I have heard many of the same things that Mike Dow talks about but having scientific info to back it up helps me understand the why behind it. But, don't get me wrong, there is not a bunch of scientific jargon that is going to make your head spin either.
The next few chapters move from diets to how we conduct our lives in this digital age. We all know that social media is actually doing the opposite of connecting us. Mike Dow explains exactly how this is happening and why this affects our lives in a negative way.
The two chapters before he delves into the actually program, he also discusses the difficult changes in life; being a mom and senior moments. Those I just skimmed since my daughter is 23 and I'm hopefully a few years away from senioritis! THEN he delves into the real work. I'm currently in the middle of this but enjoying it so far. It is going to take work but I'm excited.
The most interesting work portion is the spiritual week. I'm really looking forward to digging deep and starting meditations daily. 12 minutes a day is something everyone can do!
In short: LOADS of information. Only a few things that I would disagree with (sleep patterns but I've found a good rhythm for my body). Really excited about the weekly plans.
Received from publisher, via Netgalley, for an honest review.
Although chock full of information, it is set up in a way that is completely readable. One task is taken on at a time. Mike Dow also explains everything with backup. He does not say anything without having his resources. There are so many studies that it is getting hard to know what is good for you and what is bad. He helps get through the quagmire one step at a time.
The part on dieting is amazing and is probably my favorite. I have heard many of the same things that Mike Dow talks about but having scientific info to back it up helps me understand the why behind it. But, don't get me wrong, there is not a bunch of scientific jargon that is going to make your head spin either.
The next few chapters move from diets to how we conduct our lives in this digital age. We all know that social media is actually doing the opposite of connecting us. Mike Dow explains exactly how this is happening and why this affects our lives in a negative way.
The two chapters before he delves into the actually program, he also discusses the difficult changes in life; being a mom and senior moments. Those I just skimmed since my daughter is 23 and I'm hopefully a few years away from senioritis! THEN he delves into the real work. I'm currently in the middle of this but enjoying it so far. It is going to take work but I'm excited.
The most interesting work portion is the spiritual week. I'm really looking forward to digging deep and starting meditations daily. 12 minutes a day is something everyone can do!
In short: LOADS of information. Only a few things that I would disagree with (sleep patterns but I've found a good rhythm for my body). Really excited about the weekly plans.
Received from publisher, via Netgalley, for an honest review.
August 20, 2023
Eat less processed food and generally be healthier. Ok, I can buy that. But the rest of this....it's VERY PROBLEMATIC for a Psych. D. to be so against Rx for psychiatric disorders. He speaks in wild extremes, it's a handful of Xanax every day vs no flour-no sugar-this 3-week plan, and those are the only two options for people. Moderation is the KEY for so much of our physical and mental health, and the author is irresponsible in claiming otherwise. Do not recommend.
October 9, 2016
There wasn't anything new in this book that I could take away. I was hoping it was more about psychological brain tricks. Not going to give up crucial medications that allow me the little bit of functioning that eating well throughout my youth couldn't give me in the first place. And everyone knows eating organically is better for you, but you know what? Not everybody can afford to do so, and it's barely if at all acknowledged.
August 16, 2022
At first, this book is a fascinating telling of information about the brain and how it ages. I was utterly intrigued. However, as the author began to explain his program for keeping your brain young and healthy, I became frustrated and annoyed by the incredible amount of time and commitment it would take! I’m not saying the brain isn’t worth serious care; I’m just saying the program felt unapproachable in its rigor.
November 20, 2016
This had some interesting ideas - some were things I’d heard before, some were new. The author looks at possible dietary, lifestyle and spiritual causes of “brain fog”. The spiritual aspect was interesting - as a Christian, some of the “spiritual” exercises sounded decidedly odd (and seemed kind of pointless to me), but maybe I should give them a go and reserve judgement until then. And some of the science that he is basing his various suggestions on is solid, while some seems a bit sketchy and could probably bear closer scrutiny to assess the study designs which he is using to base his ideas on.
In general an interesting read - I think the things I need to take from it are cutting down on my use of technology (and yes, that includes Goodreads!) and being more mindful in my use of it (perhaps not having 10 different windows open at once isn’t so helpful!) and trying some of the meditations from a Christian point of view. 3.5★
In general an interesting read - I think the things I need to take from it are cutting down on my use of technology (and yes, that includes Goodreads!) and being more mindful in my use of it (perhaps not having 10 different windows open at once isn’t so helpful!) and trying some of the meditations from a Christian point of view. 3.5★
January 5, 2017
I was glad this one a one-day read, because I had a lot of eye-rolls. The actual day by day guide was pretty good and I imagine could be a good place to start if you're not already incorporating many of these habits. But the previous 15 chapters could have been condensed quite a bit.
There were some cool facts about the detriment of even minor sleep deprivation, some nutrition specifics I didn't know about, things about SSRIs I already knew but many people probably don't, and the effects of spirituality on the brain. The things that annoyed me included a loooooot about how dumb medications are unless you really really need them (there's already enough stigma, thanks), being all down on GMOs and non-organic food without offering good data, and just generally relying on increasingly outdated studies (about, for example, serotonin and antioxidants).
Overall I don't particularly recommend it, but I did get a few good tips.
There were some cool facts about the detriment of even minor sleep deprivation, some nutrition specifics I didn't know about, things about SSRIs I already knew but many people probably don't, and the effects of spirituality on the brain. The things that annoyed me included a loooooot about how dumb medications are unless you really really need them (there's already enough stigma, thanks), being all down on GMOs and non-organic food without offering good data, and just generally relying on increasingly outdated studies (about, for example, serotonin and antioxidants).
Overall I don't particularly recommend it, but I did get a few good tips.
December 4, 2016
I purchased this but its not very helpful. What a disappointment.
August 3, 2025
Good reminders, but nothing particularly novel for those who have already immersed themselves in wellness wisdom.
January 2, 2020
All these self-help books seem to be based on a formula as rigid as that of the pulp press romances. Chapters start with a client’s tale of woe, which is ameliorated by the wise advice of the author. Then follows a lot of really dull scientific research, much of which contradicts prior scientific research, and much of which we can be sure will be contradicted by subsequent scientific research. Then we’re told, “Do this and your life will be wonderful.”
This book can be summarized thus: “Eat more Omega 3’s. Don’t eat sugar.” Incidentally, the author repeatedly says “Don’t eat flour.” He never says what kind of flour. There are many – anything that’s ground fine is flour, from ground bones (“I’ll grind his bones to make my bread!”) to glacial rock flour, which would be bad for your teeth as well as your brain. I assume he means wheat flour, but he never says. Perhaps he thinks it goes without saying. It doesn’t.
We have been deluged with so much conflicting dietary advice in the last fifty years, starting with Adele Davis’ Diet for a Small Planet and continuing on through “Don’t eat butter, eat margarine … no, don’t eat margarine … no, on second thought eat butter … but don’t eat eggs … no, eat one egg a week … no, three is okay ... no, eat all the eggs you want” and running through “avoid all fats … eat olive oil … go non-GMO ... don’t eat gluten ... eat kale,” and on to today’s latest, “eat turmeric”. We no longer trust any nutritional advice, assuming it’s only possible for those with no budgetary constraints (“eat grass-fed beef” - yeah, right!) or that it’s all based on unrealistically extreme research done by PhD candidates just so they can get their degrees.
This book has a few nice lifestyle tips, such as short meditation and long exercise. However, in my opinion Timothy Miller’s book How to Want What You Have does the job better.
This book can be summarized thus: “Eat more Omega 3’s. Don’t eat sugar.” Incidentally, the author repeatedly says “Don’t eat flour.” He never says what kind of flour. There are many – anything that’s ground fine is flour, from ground bones (“I’ll grind his bones to make my bread!”) to glacial rock flour, which would be bad for your teeth as well as your brain. I assume he means wheat flour, but he never says. Perhaps he thinks it goes without saying. It doesn’t.
We have been deluged with so much conflicting dietary advice in the last fifty years, starting with Adele Davis’ Diet for a Small Planet and continuing on through “Don’t eat butter, eat margarine … no, don’t eat margarine … no, on second thought eat butter … but don’t eat eggs … no, eat one egg a week … no, three is okay ... no, eat all the eggs you want” and running through “avoid all fats … eat olive oil … go non-GMO ... don’t eat gluten ... eat kale,” and on to today’s latest, “eat turmeric”. We no longer trust any nutritional advice, assuming it’s only possible for those with no budgetary constraints (“eat grass-fed beef” - yeah, right!) or that it’s all based on unrealistically extreme research done by PhD candidates just so they can get their degrees.
This book has a few nice lifestyle tips, such as short meditation and long exercise. However, in my opinion Timothy Miller’s book How to Want What You Have does the job better.
dnf
September 20, 2016I dnf'd this on page 19. This book and I are just not compatible.
I picked this up at the library because of the "Brain Fog" part of the title, and I figured I'd find some tips and suggestions re: food, exercise, etc. to write down and keep in mind as I try to make slow adjustments to my lifestyle. And to just keep aware of my body and know what's going on, rather than just assuming the worst, as I usually do.
But ughhh I should have paid attention to the full title. "Reclaim your focus, memory, and joy in just 3 weeks" would have told me this book wouldn't be for me.
I could skim this for info, but I'd rather not read a book that makes me feel invalidated and tells me I shouldn't be taking the medication that has allowed me to have the executive function to, you know, function.
I'm sure parts of this book actually would useful for many people - as long as you take the "in just 3 weeks!!" bullshit with a very large grain of salt.
I picked this up at the library because of the "Brain Fog" part of the title, and I figured I'd find some tips and suggestions re: food, exercise, etc. to write down and keep in mind as I try to make slow adjustments to my lifestyle. And to just keep aware of my body and know what's going on, rather than just assuming the worst, as I usually do.
But ughhh I should have paid attention to the full title. "Reclaim your focus, memory, and joy in just 3 weeks" would have told me this book wouldn't be for me.
I could skim this for info, but I'd rather not read a book that makes me feel invalidated and tells me I shouldn't be taking the medication that has allowed me to have the executive function to, you know, function.
I'm sure parts of this book actually would useful for many people - as long as you take the "in just 3 weeks!!" bullshit with a very large grain of salt.
November 30, 2018
Short: To be healthier, think clearer, eat a well balanced, well rounded, whole food diet. Lots of veggies, some protein, fat, and carbs. Cut the processed shit and excess of any food = thinking better.
The rest of the book: I WORSHIP THE ORGANIC, NON-GMO GOD! BOW DOWN AND WORSHIP HER WITH ME OR DIE!
The science on this is spurious. It's quite clear he's not up on modern agricultural practices, and he constantly cites studies for Alzheimer's and diabetes to make his case for clearer thinking.
The rest of the book: I WORSHIP THE ORGANIC, NON-GMO GOD! BOW DOWN AND WORSHIP HER WITH ME OR DIE!
The science on this is spurious. It's quite clear he's not up on modern agricultural practices, and he constantly cites studies for Alzheimer's and diabetes to make his case for clearer thinking.
January 15, 2021
If you compiled a list of all the clickbait articles you see, the ones with titles like "10 tips for better sleep" or "10 diet tips to get healthy" you would have this book. It just skims the top of advice you've probably already heard.
May 2, 2016
3.5
I recieved this book free from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, the author looks at the body, mind and spirit to help people understand that effects that their lifestyle has on their brain. He Provides both scientific and anecdotal background, as well as practical ideas for implementing changes bit by bit in one's life.
What I liked about it was that he did not say that there was only one way to live/eat/think and that you MUST follow it to the letter. Instead, he provides a 21-day programme that encourages the changes that the reader feels comfortable with. The first week, which involves eating no carbs for the week, was one that I did not follow -- I'll be honest! I love my carbs. That said, I do not doubt that it would be beneficial for me to lower my sugar intake. Maybe I will try it some day. Those who are familiar with CBT will find nothing new there in that regard. I do like that he emphasizes the spiritual side of life, which is often neglected.
I don't know if this will help with "brain fog," but I can't see how eating well and exercising could have anything but a positive effect on one's life.
I recieved this book free from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, the author looks at the body, mind and spirit to help people understand that effects that their lifestyle has on their brain. He Provides both scientific and anecdotal background, as well as practical ideas for implementing changes bit by bit in one's life.
What I liked about it was that he did not say that there was only one way to live/eat/think and that you MUST follow it to the letter. Instead, he provides a 21-day programme that encourages the changes that the reader feels comfortable with. The first week, which involves eating no carbs for the week, was one that I did not follow -- I'll be honest! I love my carbs. That said, I do not doubt that it would be beneficial for me to lower my sugar intake. Maybe I will try it some day. Those who are familiar with CBT will find nothing new there in that regard. I do like that he emphasizes the spiritual side of life, which is often neglected.
I don't know if this will help with "brain fog," but I can't see how eating well and exercising could have anything but a positive effect on one's life.
Read
October 18, 2021The book is subtitled: Reclaim Your Focus, Memory, and Joy in Just 3 Weeks. A lofty goal, but easy-to-apply tools are provided to reach it. There are brief, understandable explanations for good mental and physical habits to improve thinking and feel better. Enrollment is recommended in a system beyond the reading of the book, but goals are reachable without that step.
*Reviewed by Cheryl from Edgerton*
*Reviewed by Cheryl from Edgerton*
August 24, 2017
I listened to this on audio book, and was a FABULOUS read! It goes through all the elements of our lives that we can improve upon, to help us feel less "foggy". It talks about the proper foods we should be eating for brain health, what exercise does for our brain, and gives you different ways to think about things in your life to be more positive! I loved it!
April 20, 2024
There was a LOT of fear mongering around sugar and it was repetitive in the suggestions.
walnuts = amazing omega 3s, cut down on omega 6s
fish = the best thing you can eat
caffeine = limit of 200mg daily
It also just was not the best book to listen to on audible, there are quite a few lists and recipes.
walnuts = amazing omega 3s, cut down on omega 6s
fish = the best thing you can eat
caffeine = limit of 200mg daily
It also just was not the best book to listen to on audible, there are quite a few lists and recipes.
dnf
March 30, 2022All talk about things that cause brain fog with no fix.
I listened to the first drawn-out hour. He said you can skip to chapter 16 if you would like to get started. Gladly I did. The author only said the same thing he just said, reworded.
Don't:
-Eat flour/processed foods
-Sit by the rays electronics give off
-Drink alcohol/only have 1 serving
-Have caffeine/cut it completely
-And if you can help it, find a way to
be off all medication (since the
following will fix all of your issues).
Always:
-Exercise
-Meditate/find a reason to live
-Eat pure foods
-Get those Omegas
-Be in the moment
-Get out in nature
He can't write. The way it was read rubbed me the wrong way. It was more of a diet book than a psychology lesson. He had a very black-and-white way of thinking. In conclusion, he left out specifics and ended up with more misleading information than truth.
I listened to the first drawn-out hour. He said you can skip to chapter 16 if you would like to get started. Gladly I did. The author only said the same thing he just said, reworded.
Don't:
-Eat flour/processed foods
-Sit by the rays electronics give off
-Drink alcohol/only have 1 serving
-Have caffeine/cut it completely
-And if you can help it, find a way to
be off all medication (since the
following will fix all of your issues).
Always:
-Exercise
-Meditate/find a reason to live
-Eat pure foods
-Get those Omegas
-Be in the moment
-Get out in nature
He can't write. The way it was read rubbed me the wrong way. It was more of a diet book than a psychology lesson. He had a very black-and-white way of thinking. In conclusion, he left out specifics and ended up with more misleading information than truth.
March 25, 2018
Good information. The information will help me make some changes in my life to help become more focus. I don't think I will follow the 3 week fix but I do have the information now to change some things in my life.
May 17, 2016
I would have to have a print copy to do justice to the science contained herein (or to pick apart some of it that skated around the scientific edges). I think he is on his soundest ground with the things surrounding the sugar rush/crash facets of much of the current American diet. However, when he cites study after study after study, with little to support whether the causal relationships holds up I have to call a time out. Now, it is up to me to go back to the study materials to winnow whether the data holds up because the subjects are/are not enough like me - I can only trust a smooth author so far in his assertions, even as he repeatedly spouts statistics to the the first percentage decimal point. And there was the one anecdotal (single) mom who "had it all" with career home and kid, but couldn't figure out why she still didn't fell fulfilled. The doc attributes it, of course, to be tired all the time - I think he missed the boat. For my Christian friends you may wish to bypass some of the spirituality features of the work as Dow makes all kinds of religion sound like it doesn't much matter which one - you already know better.
March 25, 2022
I really like this book. While the book meticulously covers the importance of self-care and things that most of us already know, there is a lot of education to it as well. The author stresses that the richest mind, body, and spirit is all connected through a healthy diet, positive lifestyle, self-compassion, and spirituality. I mean it’s not groundbreaking information but sometimes we do not take time out of our lives to realize how WE affect ourselves. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. The reality-the most important relationship we have, is the one we have with ourselves.
February 2, 2018
This book is packed with healthy habits and ways to improve your mind. Dr. Dow brings his years of research into this book into a quick read. Most of his claims were well founded and backed by studies. This book spans from diet, exercise, sleep, memory training and daily routines to improve one's health. The sleep habits were my favorite. He also has a few paragraphs for pregnant mothers and seniors. I recommend others to skim this book especially as a reference material.
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