Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Better Brain  By  cover art

The Better Brain

By: Bonnie J. Kaplan, Julia J. Rucklidge
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $25.19

Buy for $25.19

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

A paradigm-shifting approach to treating mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD with food and nutrients, based on the original, groundbreaking research of two leading scientists.

We are in the midst of a mental health crisis. An estimated one in five American adults suffer from some form of mental illness. Despite the billions of dollars spent in pharmaceutical research and the rising popularity of antidepressant drugs, we are more depressed and anxious than ever before.

What if we’re looking for solutions in the wrong places? What if instead of treating mental illness with prescriptions and medication, we changed what we eat and how we feed our brains?

Leading scientists Bonnie Kaplan, PhD and Julia Rucklidge, PhD have dedicated their lives to studying the role of nutrition in mental health. Together, they have published over 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers, many of which reveal the healing power of nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals, and the surprising role they play in brain health.

In this paradigm-shifting book, Kaplan and Rucklidge share their groundbreaking research, explaining how to feed your brain to stabilize your mood, stave off depression, and make yourself more resilient to daily stress. The Better Brain uncovers the hidden causes of the rising rates of depression and anxiety, from the decrease of nutrients in our soil to our over-reliance on processed food, and provides a comprehensive program for better brain health, featuring

  • The ideal diet for your brain: a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
  • More than 30 delicious, mood-boosting recipes.
  • Crucial advice on when to supplement and how.

The Better Brain is your complete guide to a happier, healthier brain.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Bonnie J. Kaplan and Julia J. Rucklidge. Foreword © 2021 by Andrew Weil MD (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

More from the same

What listeners say about The Better Brain

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    28
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    25
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    23
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Imperative information for the whole world.

We kind of know that nutritional support helps the body, but most people forget about our most important organ, our brain. And yet, most evidence supporting benefits of nutrition and supplements is often lost in the noise or discredited by biased media supporting pharmaceutical solutions. No one is talking about the idea that nutrients are effective enough to reduce our eliminate the need for drugs, despite evidence based research. (And that is because of the hold big pharma has on the industry and the FDA).

These women performed over 35 studies for various mental health issues with two different micronutrient companies with great results and incredible life improvement. They tried to get other nutrient supplement companies on board with studies, but they rejected them.

It's always all about the money with people. How much they can make, and what if it doesn't show effective and people stop buying. Drug companies can't make money of of nutritional supplements and micronutrients. So the narrative will airways be for the push for meds... Until we get educated and stand for change.

Frustratingly, high quality micronutrients are more expensive out of pocket than insurance covered pharmaceuticals. And again, it comes back to the money. Some companies tried to remedy this by making them available to distribute independently and earn enough to afford these. But the stigma given to this sadly prevents some people from even considering trying it. It's my hope that this book can educate enough people to seek out companies such as these to help our children and loved ones and ourselves overcome a crisis of nutrient deficiencies resulting in widespread cultures struggling with mental illness.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Reads like a advertisement for supplements…

Reads like an advertisement for supplements to help treat mental health conditions, but the reality is there are so few to no large sample sized studies on this very subject. The evidence there is, is mentioned in this book and I look forward to reading these studies. Good work in putting this book together. As consumers our homework begins!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Best book!

Love this book, as well as the decades spent on the studies, etc. thank you!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

This book was extremely well written and very thought provoking. I appreciate all that went into this book and thanks to the authors for sharing all their wonderful knowledge and research. As someone who struggles with mental health and is terrified of psychosis medications, this is such a treasure! I have already ordered nutrient supplements for myself and my son.

I will be recommending this book to everyone.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Spectacular! Brilliant!

It’s hard to believe a book sharing research and science around a link between nutrition, brain health and mental health is even necessary but it is. Does it not seem self-evident that the nutritional status of our bodies and brains intimately and directly impacts how we think and feel? For those that need the evidence, this book is a fantastic start. At the end of the day, the only way an individual will be certain of the benefits of eliminating ultra-processed foods, eating healthy whole foods, and supplementing with micro-nutrients is to try it. For most of us, it truly is nothing short of miraculous, Hopefully this book will inspire people to run the experiment for themselves. Here’s to a happier healthier future for all of us. Thank you to the authors for their dedication and service. I hope your book becomes a New York Times best seller. It deserves no less.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars

well done

this book give an important look into fundamental principles for better mental. it is also a call to action, a banner worth waving!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A must-read for families seeking to understand ADHD and optimize brain health!

I recently had the pleasure of reading "The Better Brain," and I must say, it's an absolute gem for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of ADHD and explore the fascinating connection between micronutrients, gut health, and cognitive well-being. This book has been a game-changer for me and my family.

"The Better Brain" provides a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the role of micronutrients and gut health in relation to ADHD. The author's expertise shines through every chapter, presenting a wealth of scientific research in a way that is both informative and easy to grasp, even for those without a medical background.

What sets this book apart is its practical approach. The author doesn't just stop at explaining the scientific concepts but also offers actionable advice and strategies to optimize brain health. The information provided here has empowered me to make informed choices about nutrition and lifestyle changes that can positively impact ADHD symptoms in myself and my loved ones.

One aspect I particularly appreciated about "The Better Brain" is its balanced perspective. The author acknowledges that while micronutrients and gut health are important factors in ADHD, they are not a standalone solution. Instead, they are part of a holistic approach that includes therapy, medication, and overall well-being. This nuanced approach is refreshing and shows a deep understanding of the complexities of ADHD.

The writing style is engaging and conversational, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. The author's passion for the subject matter shines through, making the book both informative and inspiring. Additionally, the inclusion of real-life case studies and testimonials adds a personal touch, making the content relatable and resonant.

In conclusion, "The Better Brain" is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of ADHD and take proactive steps towards better brain health. Whether you're a parent, a caregiver, or an individual with ADHD, this book offers valuable insights, practical guidance, and a sense of hope. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in optimizing brain function and improving their quality of life.

Thank you to the author for compiling such a comprehensive and enlightening resource. It has truly been a game-changer for me and my family!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Summary: Mediterranean diet with multi-vitamins

I got nothing from this book. Based on better books and lectures the Mediterranean diet is better only in comparison to the SAD diet. Lots of references to products, I understand trials were done with those but their are plenty of options out there that meet the same standard and don't rely on proprietary blends (would have been nice to see a "what to look for" chapter). Cows in the US are ALL grass-fed, and most are grain finished to add fat. Chickens and pigs are grain fed. Environmental and nutritional case for meat has been laid out in several books (Sacred Cow is a good one) so the idea that meat is protein and fruits and vegetables are where the nutrients are is just wrong. Their is no biological need for sugar in a diet, gluconeogenesis is performed on fat and protein to create glucose. Stick with anecdote it would have made a better book. I don't trust a researcher to not fudge their findings in their favor through statistical means, hope a book comes out in the future on this subject representing a literature review. Would recommend Daniel Amen's books over this one, just add a comprehensive multi-vitamin/multi-mineral and you'll be following this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful