1: A CRASH COURSE IN HOW THE BRAIN WORKS
The brain operates through a precise balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals. Neurons, glia, neurotransmitters, and ion channels regulating the flow of calcium, sodium, and potassium play a key role. The crucial point is that excitement itself is not dangerous; its uncontrolled excess is what poses a threat. Neurons are not designed for constant maximum stimulation: overload disrupts energy metabolism, depletes mitochondria, and triggers cascades of cell damage.
The author emphasizes that the brain is particularly vulnerable due to high oxygen consumption, a large lipid content, and weak antioxidant reserves. Any disruption in the regulation of excitation quickly leads to oxidative stress and inflammation.
2: VERY SPECIAL AMINO ACIDS
Some amino acids serve not as building blocks but as signaling molecules. Glutamate and aspartate are the main excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. Normally, they are strictly controlled, quickly removed from synapses, and used in minimal concentrations.
The problem arises when these amino acids enter the body in free form from food (flavor enhancers, protein hydrolysates, additives). In this form, they can bypass natural protective mechanisms, sharply increasing the level of neuronal excitation.
This is especially dangerous for the developing brain, as well as in cases of magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and antioxidant deficiencies.
3: EXCITING CELLS TO DEATH
Excitotoxicity is the process by which neurons die from excessive stimulation. An excess of excitatory amino acids leads to the constant opening of NMDA receptors and uncontrolled influx of calcium into the cell.
Increased intracellular calcium activates destructive enzymes, damages mitochondria, enhances free radical oxidation, and ultimately leads to neuronal death.
This mechanism underlies neurodegenerative diseases, seizures, cognitive decline, and increased brain sensitivity. The author stresses that excitotoxicity is a slow, cumulative process that can remain unnoticed for years but leads to persistent neurological consequences.
5: CREEPING DEATH: THE NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
Neurodegenerative diseases develop slowly and imperceptibly, accumulating damage over the years. Blaylock shows that excitotoxicity is a universal mechanism of progressive neuronal death in chronic inflammation, ischemia, hypoglycemia, and aging. A constant excess of excitatory signals depletes the cell's energy resources, disrupts mitochondrial function, and reduces the ability of neurons to recover.
A particular role is played by the combination of excitotoxins with deficiencies in magnesium, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids, making the brain extremely vulnerable even to moderate doses of excitatory substances.
6: ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A CLASSIC CASE OF EXCITOTOXIN DAMAGE
Alzheimer's disease is viewed as a model of excitotoxic brain damage. The author emphasizes that neuronal death begins long before symptoms appear and is directly related to chronic activation of NMDA receptors and disruption of calcium homeostasis.
Amyloid-β enhances neuronal sensitivity to glutamate, and excitotoxins from food further accelerate this process. As a result, a vicious cycle forms: inflammation → excitotoxicity → neuronal death → increased inflammation. Blaylock concludes that nutrition and nutrient support are fundamentally important in the prevention and slowing of the disease.
7: OTHER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS RELATED TO EXCITOTOXINS
Excitotoxins are associated not only with dementia but also with a wide range of neurological and psychoneurological conditions. The author describes their role in the development of epilepsy, migraines, Parkinson's disease, ALS, autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
The common mechanism is increased neuronal excitability, disruption of inhibitory systems, and chronic neuroinflammation. The vulnerability of the child's brain and individuals with pre-existing metabolic and mitochondrial disorders is particularly emphasized.
8: UPDATE
In the updated section of the book, the author presents new data confirming the role of excitotoxins in brain damage. Recent studies on NMDA receptors, microglia, and the interaction of excitotoxicity with insulin resistance and systemic inflammation are discussed.
Blaylock reinforces his main thesis: the excitotoxic load from nutrition is a manageable risk factor, and its reduction can significantly impact brain health.
Appendix I. HIDDEN SOURCES OF MSG
Glutamate can be present in foods under dozens of "masking" names. The author emphasizes that the problem lies not only in explicit MSG but also in free glutamate formed during food processing.
Hidden sources include: hydrolyzed plant and animal proteins, autolyzed yeast, yeast extracts, "natural flavors," soy isolates, protein concentrates, caseinates, broth cubes, ready-made sauces, seasonings, and most ultra-processed foods.
The author concludes that the only reliable way to reduce excitotoxic load is to eat whole, minimally processed foods and carefully read ingredient labels.
