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The Autoimmune Brain: A Five-Step Plan for Treating Chronic Pain, Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, and Attention Disorders
There are millions of people who experience issues related to brain health—depression, attention issues, anxiety, forgetfulness, fatigue, and even chronic pain—yet can’t figure out what’s causing their problems and can’t find any relief. They may have seen a myriad of doctors, many of whom do not take their complaints seriously, or worse, turn to the easy, often inappropriate fix of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. Traditional medications, supplements, or other therapies haven’t worked. No matter what their age—from children to teens or seniors—people and their loved ones are frustrated, scared, and confused by their continued poor health. Countless others display severe psychiatric symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere, ranging from tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety, to depression, bipolar-like mood swings, and even borderline personality disorder and suicidal ideas. Sometimes, the people affected are the only ones that notices a change to the way they think or feel, and they suffer in silence. Or, they reach out to try to get help, and are all too frequently misdiagnosed.
David Younger, a world-renowned physician, provides relief to these patients and their families. His diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols will help readers identify the true cause of their symptoms and put them on a clear path to healing so they no longer feel unbalanced, out of control, forgetful, and exhausted.
The Autoimmune Brain connects common brain health symptoms to the changes in the immune system, and particularly bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Younger explains his groundbreaking research and adds a new how traumatic stress (whether physical or emotional) and genetics affects this same triad as inextricable factors in initiating disease and brain health symptoms. In fact, a change in personality, behavior, coping style, and one’s emotional state may be the first clue that there is a health problem brewing somewhere else in the body.
Readers will find new answers to troubling conditions, Alzheimer’s disease; Anxiety; Arthritis; Autism; Autonomic disturbances; Bacterial and viral infections; Bipolar Disorder; Cancer; Celiac disease and gluten intolerances; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (now referred to as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease); Chronic Pain; Dementia; Depression; Endocrine Disorders; Immune modulatory therapy using IVIg; Lyme disease and co-infections; Mast cell activation syndrome; Medical cannabis; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Orthostatic hypotension; Peripheral Neuropathy; Porphyria; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and Postural orthostatic tachycardia.
David Younger, a world-renowned physician, provides relief to these patients and their families. His diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols will help readers identify the true cause of their symptoms and put them on a clear path to healing so they no longer feel unbalanced, out of control, forgetful, and exhausted.
The Autoimmune Brain connects common brain health symptoms to the changes in the immune system, and particularly bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Younger explains his groundbreaking research and adds a new how traumatic stress (whether physical or emotional) and genetics affects this same triad as inextricable factors in initiating disease and brain health symptoms. In fact, a change in personality, behavior, coping style, and one’s emotional state may be the first clue that there is a health problem brewing somewhere else in the body.
Readers will find new answers to troubling conditions, Alzheimer’s disease; Anxiety; Arthritis; Autism; Autonomic disturbances; Bacterial and viral infections; Bipolar Disorder; Cancer; Celiac disease and gluten intolerances; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (now referred to as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease); Chronic Pain; Dementia; Depression; Endocrine Disorders; Immune modulatory therapy using IVIg; Lyme disease and co-infections; Mast cell activation syndrome; Medical cannabis; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Orthostatic hypotension; Peripheral Neuropathy; Porphyria; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and Postural orthostatic tachycardia.
- GenresHealthNonfiction
308 pages, Hardcover
Published November 10, 2019
9 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 4, 2021
This is not a book that most people will every word or even every page. Younger goes into great detail describing how the brain should work and how people with autoimmune disorder's brains do not work that way. He not only addresses how changes in the immune system affects and changes the brain, but particularly looks at bacterial, viral ,and parasitic infections and just in time for 2020 and its lingering affects -- traumatic stress both physical and emotional. He also tackles how this all works together with genetics as well. As a reader I definitely no longer felt alone with my long list of symptoms, but with my fuzzy brain, I wasn't able to delve into this book the way I would have liked. I plan to return to it and give it another try.
May 9, 2020
Even though this book is supposed to be written for people with autoimmune disorders it is written for medical professionals. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I have an autoimmune disorder and did not get anything new from this, the few useful bits were covered better in other books. Very disappointed. The author is clearly intelligent and helping people, but his writing is ineffective.
April 21, 2021
The author of this book is trying to get into private FaceBook groups for ppl with various illnesses where soliciting is not allowed in an effort to promote his book. He’s been reported for doing so. This includes groups where people are really sick with conditions he knows nothing about for personal gain.
January 23, 2023
Very clinical book, which made it very time consuming and difficult to read.
January 13, 2020
This is a dry textbook that has good information but is tedious to read. Maybe my brain fog messed up my concentration so that I was confused a lot.
I didn't care for many of the alternative options for treatment. The Dr is free with his opinions, although there is a good 30 pages of references.
I did learn and may recommend this to others but focus on certain chapters.
I didn't care for many of the alternative options for treatment. The Dr is free with his opinions, although there is a good 30 pages of references.
I did learn and may recommend this to others but focus on certain chapters.
October 19, 2023
Discover the connection between immunity and the brain and practical strategies for improving brain health with ‘The Autoimmune Brain.’
In today’s world, countless individuals grapple with perplexing brain health issues, ranging from depression and attention problems to anxiety, fatigue, and chronic pain. Despite seeking help and trying various treatments, they’re caught in a cycle of frustration. Some even experience sudden severe psychiatric symptoms.
As a neurologist, Dr. David S. Younger observed these struggles firsthand. His book ‘The Autoimmune Brain’ aims to bridge the gap in understanding the profound link between autoimmunity and brain health. In this review, we’ll explore how the book addresses these complex issues, offering fresh insights into diagnosing and addressing the intricate relationship between autoimmunity and brain health.
Author’s background
Dr. David S. Younger, a globally acclaimed neurologist, has dedicated the last 30 years to studying conditions prompted by infections and autoimmunity.
Possessing extensive expertise in neurology and public health, he specialises in employing immunotherapy for the treatment of specific neurological disorders in both children and adults. Dr. Younger owns an extensive experience in peripheral neuropathy and has authored several books alongside over 250 articles.
What is the book about?
‘The Autoimmune Brain’ addresses the challenges faced by numerous individuals experiencing a range of brain health issues such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain, and more, without finding effective solutions. These patients often encounter dismissive attitudes from doctors or inappropriate treatments. Dr. Younger offers a groundbreaking approach to diagnosis and treatment, aiming to help readers identify the underlying causes of their symptoms and guide them toward healing.
In this book, Dr. Younger establishes a correlation between prevalent brain health symptoms and alterations in the immune system, with a particular focus on bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. He presents research that illuminates the significant roles of traumatic stress, encompassing both physical and emotional forms, in initiating ailments and brain health symptoms. Remarkably, shifts in personality, behaviour, coping mechanisms, and emotional states can serve as early indicators of latent health issues in other areas of the body.
The book sheds new light on treating and alleviating various conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, autism, chronic pain, depression, Lyme disease, and more. Dr. Younger empowers readers to discover novel explanations for the origins of these disorders by linking typical symptoms of brain health to changes in the immune system triggered by infections.
Key takeaways from ‘The Autoimmune Brain’
1. Immune-brain connection and why inflammation can cause cognitive impairments
In his exploration of brain health, Dr. Younger delves into the intricate interplay between the immune system and the brain. Autoimmune reactions, stemming from immune response disruptions influenced by genetics, microbiome, and body burden, can affect brain function before physical symptoms appear. This autoimmune response, which affects one in seven American men, underscores the importance of a low-inflammatory diet in regulating inflammation and restoring bodily function. The interaction between the immune system and the brain also highlights the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which can be compromised by autoimmune-induced inflammation, leading to cognitive challenges. Dr. Younger’s insights emphasise understanding the link between inflammation and brain health as a foundation for a well-being journey, offering strategies from dietary adjustments to lifestyle changes to mitigate autoimmune reactions, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal brain function.
2. By overcoming stress, we can improve brain health
Dr. Younger’s revelations bring a new twist to our understanding of how our brains handle stress. The author cites studies that show that our ability to bounce back from tough times is not just about having a strong mind – it is also about how our bodies respond to stress. Imagine stress as a puzzle, and our bodies have unique pieces that help us solve it better. These puzzle pieces are like soldiers that fight against stress, and they are actually parts of our immune system. This means that even when our mind says, ‘I can do it,’ our body’s soldiers play a vital role too. Dr. Younger recommends meditation as a way to boost brain resistance and ease stress. When you meditate, your brain learns to relax, focus better, and handle emotions like a pro. Science has shown that meditation can even change your brain’s structure for the better, making it stronger and more resilient.
3. Exercise and proper diet are the two fundamental pillars for better brain health
In the chapter ‘Eat and Exercise for Brain Health and Immune System Reset,’ the author underscores the vital significance of diet and exercise in maintaining brain health. Dr. Younger highlights the power of an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet, which prioritises plant-based foods rich in antioxidants to combat inflammation and oxidative stress. Healthy fats, particularly omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are also spotlighted for their cognitive and synaptic benefits.
The book further emphasises the symbiotic relationship between exercise and brain health. Regular physical activity not only enhances neural plasticity and cognitive function but also promotes a positive mood, lowering the risk of depression and anxiety. Importantly, Dr. Younger highlights that exercise’s benefits are accessible at any age, even when initiated in midlife. The interplay of diet and exercise as potent instruments for enhancing brain health emerges as a central revelation in the quest for overall well-being.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Written by an experienced healthcare provider, the book makes a highly trusted and credible source of knowledge.
• Provides actionable advice on addressing brain health issues.
• Offers real-world examples of patients and their paths to healing, making complex concepts relatable.
Weaknesses:
• Extensive use of medical terminology makes the reading experience challenging, especially for readers new to the topic.
• The section with dietary recommendations lacks depth and provides only surface-level information regarding the role of nutrition in handling autoimmune disorders.
• While the book touches on lesser-known conditions, the depth of coverage might leave some readers craving more comprehensive insights into these topics.
Best quotes from ‘The Autoimmune Brain’
“…new findings provide compelling evidence for the role that inflammatory and post-infectious auto-immune processes play in our ability to handle stress, including PTSD. In fact, researchers have found that our ability to be resilient has more to do with biology than psychology.”
“…autoimmune disorders may be viewed as “autoimmune errors” committed by your immune system. Recovery from autoimmune disorders depends on your immune system’s ability to correct its own error. In some autoimmune disorders, this occurs in as little as a few weeks, while others take longer. Immune therapy reduces ongoing injury when the organs self-correct the autoimmune error.”
“There are exciting new technological tools, referred to as eHealth options, that have been proven to reduce and manage stress, reduce depression, track sleep, and teach impulse control for those with obsessive compulsive disorder. Scientific studies focusing on eHealth has grown rapidly over recent years with several controlled trials in the field of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and behavioral medicine. Two meta-analyses found that eHealth interventions could both reduce and prevent depression and anxiety.”
Final takeaway
‘The Autoimmune Brain’ by David S. Younger sheds light on the connection between the immune system and brain function as well as underscores various strategies for optimal cognitive well-being. The book serves as an essential guide for anyone seeking to comprehend, address, and improve their brain health within the framework of immune response and autoimmunity. Whether you are an individual on a journey to reclaim your well-being or a healthcare provider in search of actionable insights, Dr. Younger’s book offers a unique and comprehensive perspective on the complex interplay between our bodies, minds, and immune systems.
In today’s world, countless individuals grapple with perplexing brain health issues, ranging from depression and attention problems to anxiety, fatigue, and chronic pain. Despite seeking help and trying various treatments, they’re caught in a cycle of frustration. Some even experience sudden severe psychiatric symptoms.
As a neurologist, Dr. David S. Younger observed these struggles firsthand. His book ‘The Autoimmune Brain’ aims to bridge the gap in understanding the profound link between autoimmunity and brain health. In this review, we’ll explore how the book addresses these complex issues, offering fresh insights into diagnosing and addressing the intricate relationship between autoimmunity and brain health.
Author’s background
Dr. David S. Younger, a globally acclaimed neurologist, has dedicated the last 30 years to studying conditions prompted by infections and autoimmunity.
Possessing extensive expertise in neurology and public health, he specialises in employing immunotherapy for the treatment of specific neurological disorders in both children and adults. Dr. Younger owns an extensive experience in peripheral neuropathy and has authored several books alongside over 250 articles.
What is the book about?
‘The Autoimmune Brain’ addresses the challenges faced by numerous individuals experiencing a range of brain health issues such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain, and more, without finding effective solutions. These patients often encounter dismissive attitudes from doctors or inappropriate treatments. Dr. Younger offers a groundbreaking approach to diagnosis and treatment, aiming to help readers identify the underlying causes of their symptoms and guide them toward healing.
In this book, Dr. Younger establishes a correlation between prevalent brain health symptoms and alterations in the immune system, with a particular focus on bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. He presents research that illuminates the significant roles of traumatic stress, encompassing both physical and emotional forms, in initiating ailments and brain health symptoms. Remarkably, shifts in personality, behaviour, coping mechanisms, and emotional states can serve as early indicators of latent health issues in other areas of the body.
The book sheds new light on treating and alleviating various conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, autism, chronic pain, depression, Lyme disease, and more. Dr. Younger empowers readers to discover novel explanations for the origins of these disorders by linking typical symptoms of brain health to changes in the immune system triggered by infections.
Key takeaways from ‘The Autoimmune Brain’
1. Immune-brain connection and why inflammation can cause cognitive impairments
In his exploration of brain health, Dr. Younger delves into the intricate interplay between the immune system and the brain. Autoimmune reactions, stemming from immune response disruptions influenced by genetics, microbiome, and body burden, can affect brain function before physical symptoms appear. This autoimmune response, which affects one in seven American men, underscores the importance of a low-inflammatory diet in regulating inflammation and restoring bodily function. The interaction between the immune system and the brain also highlights the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which can be compromised by autoimmune-induced inflammation, leading to cognitive challenges. Dr. Younger’s insights emphasise understanding the link between inflammation and brain health as a foundation for a well-being journey, offering strategies from dietary adjustments to lifestyle changes to mitigate autoimmune reactions, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal brain function.
2. By overcoming stress, we can improve brain health
Dr. Younger’s revelations bring a new twist to our understanding of how our brains handle stress. The author cites studies that show that our ability to bounce back from tough times is not just about having a strong mind – it is also about how our bodies respond to stress. Imagine stress as a puzzle, and our bodies have unique pieces that help us solve it better. These puzzle pieces are like soldiers that fight against stress, and they are actually parts of our immune system. This means that even when our mind says, ‘I can do it,’ our body’s soldiers play a vital role too. Dr. Younger recommends meditation as a way to boost brain resistance and ease stress. When you meditate, your brain learns to relax, focus better, and handle emotions like a pro. Science has shown that meditation can even change your brain’s structure for the better, making it stronger and more resilient.
3. Exercise and proper diet are the two fundamental pillars for better brain health
In the chapter ‘Eat and Exercise for Brain Health and Immune System Reset,’ the author underscores the vital significance of diet and exercise in maintaining brain health. Dr. Younger highlights the power of an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet, which prioritises plant-based foods rich in antioxidants to combat inflammation and oxidative stress. Healthy fats, particularly omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are also spotlighted for their cognitive and synaptic benefits.
The book further emphasises the symbiotic relationship between exercise and brain health. Regular physical activity not only enhances neural plasticity and cognitive function but also promotes a positive mood, lowering the risk of depression and anxiety. Importantly, Dr. Younger highlights that exercise’s benefits are accessible at any age, even when initiated in midlife. The interplay of diet and exercise as potent instruments for enhancing brain health emerges as a central revelation in the quest for overall well-being.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Written by an experienced healthcare provider, the book makes a highly trusted and credible source of knowledge.
• Provides actionable advice on addressing brain health issues.
• Offers real-world examples of patients and their paths to healing, making complex concepts relatable.
Weaknesses:
• Extensive use of medical terminology makes the reading experience challenging, especially for readers new to the topic.
• The section with dietary recommendations lacks depth and provides only surface-level information regarding the role of nutrition in handling autoimmune disorders.
• While the book touches on lesser-known conditions, the depth of coverage might leave some readers craving more comprehensive insights into these topics.
Best quotes from ‘The Autoimmune Brain’
“…new findings provide compelling evidence for the role that inflammatory and post-infectious auto-immune processes play in our ability to handle stress, including PTSD. In fact, researchers have found that our ability to be resilient has more to do with biology than psychology.”
“…autoimmune disorders may be viewed as “autoimmune errors” committed by your immune system. Recovery from autoimmune disorders depends on your immune system’s ability to correct its own error. In some autoimmune disorders, this occurs in as little as a few weeks, while others take longer. Immune therapy reduces ongoing injury when the organs self-correct the autoimmune error.”
“There are exciting new technological tools, referred to as eHealth options, that have been proven to reduce and manage stress, reduce depression, track sleep, and teach impulse control for those with obsessive compulsive disorder. Scientific studies focusing on eHealth has grown rapidly over recent years with several controlled trials in the field of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and behavioral medicine. Two meta-analyses found that eHealth interventions could both reduce and prevent depression and anxiety.”
Final takeaway
‘The Autoimmune Brain’ by David S. Younger sheds light on the connection between the immune system and brain function as well as underscores various strategies for optimal cognitive well-being. The book serves as an essential guide for anyone seeking to comprehend, address, and improve their brain health within the framework of immune response and autoimmunity. Whether you are an individual on a journey to reclaim your well-being or a healthcare provider in search of actionable insights, Dr. Younger’s book offers a unique and comprehensive perspective on the complex interplay between our bodies, minds, and immune systems.
February 21, 2020
This is a guide of sorts for treating the five big symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions - chronic pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and attention disorders. There is a lot of information on these pages, from descriptions of the nervous system and all its branches, medical and psychological case studies, and stories of patients with specific autoimmune conditions. It is very much an academic read and often dry. Younger shares a lot of helpful information, but I fear that for the layman who doesn't have an extensive knowledge of the medical/psychological industry, they might get lost in some of the language. I also worry that people might take some of the recommendations put forth in this book as treatment options over the treatment plans that may be put in place by their own doctors, and for some autoimmune conditions, neglecting those standard treatment plans could be deadly. This is a good resource for someone who is looking to supplement a regimen they are already following to see if they find additional benefits or relief of some of their symptoms. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2019
The book is written for those who are looking for information on Autoimmune disorders and isn't sure what to read. The book has its moments but it comes down to a text book style of written and as examples of someone who is going though a something dealing with Autoimmune disorders.
The book lacked the ability to connect with the common man who is struggling with where to go and what to do once they have been diagnosed.
The author doesn't hold back their personal opinions while writing the book and what they feel with help individuals struggles.
Reader might find it helpful or interesting while others might find it is too much of text book reading or lack of direction for those who are just starting out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of David . Younger The Autoimmune Brain.
The book lacked the ability to connect with the common man who is struggling with where to go and what to do once they have been diagnosed.
The author doesn't hold back their personal opinions while writing the book and what they feel with help individuals struggles.
Reader might find it helpful or interesting while others might find it is too much of text book reading or lack of direction for those who are just starting out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of David . Younger The Autoimmune Brain.
August 23, 2023
The author describes new, interesting approaches to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease. There was so much ableism in this book that it was hard to get through it.
February 26, 2024
If you want to get into the nitty gritty technical education about autoimmune disease then this book is for you.
March 16, 2020
Some of the material is a bit dense but there is a lot of good information. Along with detailed explaination of I-cubed and how autoimmunity impacts brain function, there are questionnaires, tips for meeting with doctors, tests that can be performed, and different treatment options. It goes beyond medicine and looks at mediation, therapy, diet, exercise, and environmental remedies. The book further details several common autoimmune disorders with case studies. This book is a good resource for anyone dealing with autoimmune issues.
September 12, 2019
Anyone with genetic history of autoimmune disease should read this. Many tips of what to look for and how important gut health is. I love the 5 step plan suggested.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews