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Parietal Lobes The parietal lobes are the thought factory of the brain and help it understand and react to sensory signals coming from your body. These lobes determine your brain's speed and relative brain age. The neurons here produce the biochemical acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a lubricant and a building block for the body's insulation, called myelin, which surrounds the neurons throughout the nervous system. When your acetylcholine levels are balanced, you are creative and feel good about yourself. When acetylcholine is out of balance, negative effects can include language disorders and memory loss. Cognitive problems can run the gamut from childhood learning disabilities to Alzheimer's disease. Temporal Lobes The temporal lobes house the functions of memory and language. The neurons in these lobes produce the biochemical GABA. These lobes assist in balancing the frontal lobes, which govern personality, and the parietal lobes which control thinking and action. GABA is the brain's natural Valium. It controls the brain's rhythm, so you can function at a steady pace both physically and mentally. The GABA edge provides calmness to your body, mind and spirit. When the GABA edge is lost, physical effects can include headaches hypertension, palpitations, seizures, a diminished sex drive and disorders of the heart. GABA is also involved in the production of endorphins known as "runner's high". When endorphins are released, you experience the GABA quality of calmness. Occipital Lobes The occipital lobes control the visual process and regulate your brain's ability to rest and resynchronize by producing the biochemical serotonin. Serotonin provides a healing, nourishing, satisfied feeling to the brain and body. When your serotonin levels are appropriate, you can sleep deeply and peacefully, enjoy food and think rationally. When the occipital lobes are damaged or out of balance, physical effects include depression, hormonal imbalances, PMS, sleep disorders and eating disorders. After taking Dr. Braverman's assessment (found in his book), you'll discover which of these neurotransmitters you are dominated by and where you may be deficient. Diet and Your Brain Everything we put into our mouth first affects our brain. For example, think about how sleepy you feel after eating a big plate of pasta at lunchtime, or how you crave carbohydrates when you are under stress. It's common sense, then, to learn to eat to your advantage by understanding the specific impacts different foods have on your nature. A great example of food chemistry is coffee. Heading out for a long drive? A little coffee is a good choice. But if you drink coffee all day long, you'll end up Abby's Magazine - May / June 2014 | Page 19