Natural Highs: Supplements, Nutrition, and Mind-Body Techniques to Help You Feel Good All the Time - Softcover

Boundless energy awaits anyone willing to trade their cigs, drugs, or lattés for the healthier alternatives prescribed in Natural Highs. According to authors Hyla Cass, M.D., and Patrick Holford, the first step toward bliss is eating right. In their lean yet satisfying nutrition chapter, they advocate a fairly even ratio of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; plenty of water; high-potency multivitamins; and minerals. After establishing this balanced diet, those seeking to "get high" or "chill out" can select from a menu of natural supplements and substances: various stress busters, energizers, and mood enhancers that research shows can mimic--or surpass--the appealing effects of stimulants like caffeine, sugar, and nicotine or sedatives like dope, alcohol, and tranquilizers. Best of all, these good vibrations allegedly come without the typical letdowns or addictions. Historical tidbits, ample charts and diagrams, scientific data, and case studies from the authors' practices create a compelling argument for natural alternatives, including kava, ginseng, choline, and DMAE. Helpful sidebars outline the positive effects, cautions (rarely any), and recommended dosages associated with each item. Cass and Holford also delve into uplifting lifestyle enhancements like meditation, massage, dance, and sexual chemistry. Lots of reference material rounds out this guide to healthy--and legal--mood magic. --Liane Thomas

Hyla Cass, MD is an oft-quoted expert in the field of integrative medicine and psychiatry, combining the best of leading-edge natural medicine with the modern science, in her clinical practice, writings, lectures, and nationwide media appearances. She appears regularly as an expert in the field, on radio, TV (including The View, The Dr. Oz Show), and in various local and national publications, including the Huffington Post. She consults to the supplement industry on formulation, and is the author of numerous articles and several popular books including Supplement Your Prescription, Natural Highs, and 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health.
 

Patrick Holford is the United Kingdom's leading nutritionist and one of the world's authorities on health. He is the founder of The Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London and the author of The Optimum Nutrition Bible, The Optimum Nutrition Cookbook, and many other books.