Sarah, Brain Chemistry, and Me
The author demonstrates through personal and clinical examples how the same life events can be experienced differently by people with different brain chemistry. Sarah's story emphasizes that depression, anxiety, or emotional "flatness" is not a weakness of character or a thinking error, but a reflection of disrupted neurotransmitter balance. When this balance is restored through nutrition and nutrients, not only does mood change, but also the person's ability to respond adequately to life.
What Is Your Brain Type?
The essence of the chapter is the idea of an individual "brain type," based on dominant or deficient neurotransmitters. The authors show that there are no universal recommendations: one person may need measures to increase serotonin, while another may need support for the dopamine system or GABA. Symptoms, behavioral patterns, and food preferences are viewed as clues to the specific biochemical imbalance underlying the problems.
The Stoic
The "Stoic" is described as a type with reduced emotional reactivity: outwardly calm, restrained, rational, but often experiencing inner emptiness, fatigue, or lack of joy.
This profile is associated with a deficiency of pleasure and motivation neurotransmitters, primarily dopamine and endorphins. The authors emphasize that this state is not a character virtue, but an adaptation of the brain that can be mitigated by supporting energy metabolism, amino acid nutrition, and neurotransmitter synthesis.
The Guardian
The "Guardian" is a type focused on safety, stability, and control. Such individuals often live in a state of heightened vigilance, prone to anxiety, internal tension, and hyper-responsibility for others.
Biochemically, this profile is linked to chronic activation of the stress system and a relative deficiency of GABA—the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. As a result, the brain struggles to "let go" of tension, even when there is no objective threat. Supporting the GABAergic system and reducing metabolic stress are seen as keys to restoring a sense of inner safety.
The Warrior
The "Warrior" is a type with high activity, drive, and a desire for action. They function well under challenge and competition but quickly become depleted under prolonged stress.
The profile is based on the dominance of catecholamines (dopamine and norepinephrine), which provide energy, focus, and determination, but in the absence of recovery lead to irritability, insomnia, and burnout. The authors emphasize that the "Warrior's" problem is not an excess of strength, but a lack of balance between arousal and recovery.
The Star
The "Star" is described as a bright, emotionally expressive, and socially oriented type. Such individuals are sensitive to approval, easily ignite enthusiasm, but just as easily fall into emotional lows.
Biochemically, this is associated with fluctuations in serotonin and endorphins, causing mood and self-esteem to heavily depend on the external environment. The chapter emphasizes that behind the external charisma often lies a vulnerable nervous system that needs stable brain nutrition and regulation of emotional "swings."
The Dreamer
The "Dreamer" is a type prone to retreating into imagination, fantasy, and the inner world. Such individuals are often creative, sensitive, and intuitive, but may struggle with concentration, groundedness, and the realization of ideas.
Biochemically, this profile is associated with a relative deficiency of dopamine and unstable energy metabolism in the brain, making reality seem exhausting while dreams appear more appealing. The authors emphasize that the problem is not "disconnection from life," but a lack of neurochemical support for focus and motivation.
The Lover
The "Lover" is a type focused on closeness, attachment, and emotional merging. Such individuals feel deeply, react strongly to relationships, and painfully experience losses or rejection.
The profile is based on a high dependence on serotonin and endorphins, making emotional states closely tied to the quality of connections with others. The authors show that a deficiency of these neurotransmitters leads to anxious attachment, jealousy, and emotional instability, while restoring biochemical balance reduces dependence on external validation of love.
The Brain Chemistry Plan
The concluding part brings together all the described brain types and offers a practical plan for restoring neurotransmitter balance. The authors emphasize that the goal is not to "reshape personality," but to remove biochemical constraints that distort behavior and emotions.
The plan is based on stabilizing blood sugar levels, adequate protein intake, key amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as step-by-step support for specific neurotransmitter systems.
The final thought is that mental health begins with brain physiology, and by influencing it, one can gently and sustainably change the quality of life.
