[dramatic music]
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JB: This is "It Is Written."
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I'm John Bradshaw;
thanks for joining me today.
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God managed to
make a masterpiece when,
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in the Garden of Eden, He
got down close to the ground,
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took some soil, formed
it into the shape of a man,
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and then did
something very intimate when
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He breathed into the nostrils
of that as-yet-inanimate man
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the breath of life.
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Adam came to life, and God
had produced this beautiful,
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incredible thing
called the human being.
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And within the head of every
last one of us there's an organ
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that's vital to our
lives and our spiritual lives.
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God gave every one
of us a nerve center.
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We call it the brain. Here
to discuss the brain with me
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and the role and the
way you can experience
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better brain
health is Dr. Neil Nedley,
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who's the president of
Nedley Health Solutions.
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Dr. Nedley, thanks
for joining me today.
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NN: Thank you. Good to be here.
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JB: As we talk about the
brain, there are certain things
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that many people are
surprised to learn can be done
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to improve the
function of a person's brain.
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One of them is
nutrition. NN: That's right.
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JB: How significant is nutrition
when it comes to brain function?
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And the reason I ask this is not
nearly because I'd like my brain
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to fire on all
cylinders. NN: Yeah.
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JB: But as it does, I can have
a better relationship with God.
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NN: Absolutely. JB: How
significant is nutrition
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to that whole process?
NN: It's very significant.
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I mean, we talk about 10 major
factors that affect the brain.
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Nutrition is one of those 10,
and it's certainly, probably,
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in rank order, number
two or three out of those 10,
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as far as level of
importance is concerned.
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JB: When we're talking
about nutrition, what you eat,
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so what you eat
affects brain function.
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NN: Absolutely. JB: Why is that?
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I know why it
affects heart function.
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You eat a bunch of
fat, it ends up clogging up
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the inside of your
arteries, and ultimately
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there's a heart
attack occurs. NN: Yes.
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JB: What happens
with brain function?
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NN: Well, we also have a
circulation to the brain itself.
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So a lot of the things
that adversely affect the heart
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also adversely affect the
brain. But in addition to that,
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what we eat does get
turned into neurotransmitters.
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It gets turned into neurons.
It gets turned into the cells
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that actually supply the
structural support of the brain.
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And it's crucially important
for clear thought processes
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to be on a good diet.
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JB: I've met a lot of
people just don't know that
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what you eat gets
turned into various things.
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Can you describe that
process? How does that happen?
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I mean, this really is
"you are what you eat."
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NN: Yes. JB: So,
how does--I sit down,
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and I eat a tomato sandwich,
and my tomato sandwich gets
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turned into neurotransmitters
and neurons. How?
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NN: How does that happen?
Well, tomatoes are a good source
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of what we call
tyrosine, tyrosine in a tomato,
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because tomatoes have
carbs in them as well,
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will actually
get into the brain,
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and then once tyrosine
gets into the brain, we can make
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dopamine out of it and
norepinephrine out of it.
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And those are
important for focus, for memory,
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and for pleasure, and to be able
to even have a love of learning,
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we need to have those chemicals.
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JB: What's a neurotransmitter?
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NN: That's the
form of communication
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between one neuron and another.
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JB: What's a neuron?
NN: A neuron is what sends
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an electrical
signal in our brain.
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Our brain is really
an electrical center
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of the whole entire body,
and in order for the brain
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to communicate with itself,
from one area to another,
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we need to have
neurotransmitters.
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JB: Okay. NN: And
that's the vital role.
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There's actually 100 trillion
connections in our brain,
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and those
connections would be meaningless
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unless there
were neurotransmitters
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to help with that communication.
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JB: Omega-3s-- NN: Yeah.
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JB: ...what are these
things, where can I get them,
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and how do they
help me when I get them?
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NN: Omega-3s are essential fats.
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Human beings and actually
most of the animals as well,
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including fish, have no
ability to make omega-3s
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from anything else in our body.
We have to get it in our diet.
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JB: Good cholesterol is
manufactured by our liver,
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correct? NN: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
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JB: Okay, but this
omega-3 that we have to have
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isn't manufactured by it?
NN: It's not manufactured.
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JB: We've gotta eat or drink it.
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NN: We've got to eat
or drink it, correct.
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JB: Okay, so
where do I get some?
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NN: Where most people get
their omega-3 from is from fish.
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The reason why is the plants
of the waters tend to have
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quite a bit of omega-3.
Fish don't make it themselves.
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Particularly the
cold water ocean plants
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are quite high in omega-3.
The fish get it from there,
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and then we can
get it from the fish.
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JB: Wouldn't we be better served
just getting it from the plants?
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NN: Absolutely. JB:
Oh, you agree with that?
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NN: Yes. Absolutely.
You know, 100 years ago,
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I think fish was a
great way to get your omega-3
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because the waters were
kind of pure and nontoxic,
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but our waters
have become quite toxic,
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and there are heavy metals
in them and all sorts of things,
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and mercury is now
in every fish anywhere.
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And mercury actually
inhibits our brain function.
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It's going to
cause irritability,
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and it can cause depression,
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and it can cause
the mood to go down,
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and it can also actually
lower your IQ permanently.
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So we want to
stay away from mercury,
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and that's why we
really need to change the way
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we're getting our
omega-3 these days.
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Whatever is in a toxic
parts-per-million, for instance,
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in the ocean or in the river
is going to be a concentrated
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a thousand- to a
million-fold in the fat of fish.
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So even though it's a
small amount in the oceans,
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ramp it up by a
million, and that's how much
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you're getting from the fat
of fish that you're consuming.
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JB: That's a significant
amount. NN: It's the most toxic
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food supply in
America today, is fish.
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JB: Well, where
then, where would I get it
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if I'm not going
into the fish itself?
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NN: Well, there are
plant sources of omega-3,
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fortunately, land
plants as well as sea plants.
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JB: Okay. So there's something
I can buy at the supermarket?
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NN: Yeah, spinach, for instance,
is very high in omega-3 fats.
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Whole wheat, wheat germ
is a good source of omega-3.
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Edamame, which is
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green soy
beans-- JB: They're good.
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NN: ...they're
very high in omega-3.
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JB: I understand walnuts--
NN: Walnuts are a good source,
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and there are two
sources that are higher.
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In fact, these sources
are higher than any fish
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on the planet, and that's
chia seeds and flax seeds.
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Jb: Hmm. NN:
Extremely high sources
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of omega-3. JB:
There are some fats
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that aren't helpful.
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In a moment we'll discuss
this. This is interesting.
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It's more than interesting--it's
vital because what becomes
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apparent and obvious is
that you can eat your way
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to good brain
health. Clearly, then,
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you can eat your way
to poor brain health.
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And if we're going to
have a relationship with God
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that stands the test of
time, we want good brain health.
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We'll be back with
more in just a moment.
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[soft piano music]
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JB: We know the Bible
is a book that teaches us
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to live in harmony
with God and in ways
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that demonstrate His
love to those around us.
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God knows what's
best for us spiritually.
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But does He also know
what's best for us physically?
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If you'd like to know what
the Bible says about how to live
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the longest, healthiest
life possible, let me send you
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our free booklet:
"Living Life to the Fullest."
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All you need to do
is call (800) 253-3000
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and ask for your copy of
"Living Life to the Fullest."
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If the line is
busy, please do try again.
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You can write to us at
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It Is Written, P.O. Box
6, Chattanooga, TN 37401.
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We'll mail a free copy
to you in North America.
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Again, that toll-free
number is (800) 253-3000.
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You'll find us
online at itiswritten.com.
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JB: This is "It Is Written."
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I'm John Bradshaw,
joined today by Dr. Neil Nedley,
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the president of
Nedley Health Solutions.
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God made us, the Bible says,
"fearfully and wonderfully."
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And in all of us
He placed a brain.
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And clearly, we want
that brain to be functioning
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as well as
possible if we want to have
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a great relationship with God.
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Dr. Nedley, a moment ago we
were talking about a good fat,
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an essential fat for
brain health, omega-3s.
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NN: Mm-hmm. JB:
But are there bad fats,
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fats that you want to
avoid if you want to have
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good brain health? NN: Yes.
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Arachidonic acid is
one fat that I would avoid.
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JB: What, pray
tell, is arachidonic acid?
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NN: Arachidonic acid
is a 20-carbon molecule
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that's present in,
particularly, animal fat.
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It's going to be in flesh foods
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that actually causes
inflammation in the body.
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As it's metabolized,
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you will get some very
pro-inflammatory molecules
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coming out of arachidonic acid.
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And that adversely
affects brain health.
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It adversely affects it to
the degree where a recent study
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out of Phoenix, Arizona, they
took people who were, you know,
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regular American diet--
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carnivores, we might
call them--omnivores--
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and they had them
stay on their same diet,
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or they changed them to a
plant-based diet with fish only,
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to get the omega-3s,
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the EPA and the DHA
that's present in fish.
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And then the other diet was no
exogenous form of fish omega-3.
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So, in other words, they
were totally plant-based,
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except they could have dairy,
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but no eggs because
eggs have arachidonic acid--
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JB: Okay. NN:
...and dairy is low in it.
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And they were going to
see which is better for us--
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to get more omega-3
and some arachidonic acid
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or no omega-3 from fish and
then have no arachidonic acid.
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And so in two
weeks they measured
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their anxiety-stress scale,
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and they measured
their mood states.
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There was a number of
different tests they took
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before and after.
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And the only group that
had statistically significant,
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in fact, dramatic improvement
in their mental health
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was the group that
had no arachidonic acid.
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It was the plant-based
group. And that surprised them.
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They thought the omega-3 might
have helped to counterbalance
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the arachidonic acid.
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Omega-3 helps, but
if we can get omega-3
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without arachidonic acid,
we're in far better shape,
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even though we
might get less omega-3.
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JB: You get it
in fish? NN: You do.
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Yeah, that's the problem;
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that's why even the
no-meat, fish-diet people
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did not do statistically
better than even the meat diet
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because they were getting all
the arachidonic acid from fish.
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JB: Can we go to the Bible
and find an example of somebody
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who made a dietary change
and experienced an enhancing
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of their mental health?
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Where is that
in the Word of God?
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NN: Well, the book of Daniel.
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In fact, the Journal of the
American Medical Association
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recently stated that
the first prospective
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epidemiological study
ever recorded in human history
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is from the book of
Daniel. JB: They stated that?
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NN: And that scene is
the gold standard study.
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So, a prospective
epidemiological study
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is when you make
a change in a group
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and then you compare
them with another group
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who does not make the change.
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JB: Right. And that's the
story in Daniel, chapter 1.
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NN: That's right. And
it was actually proposed,
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that experiment was
proposed by Daniel himself
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because he was getting pushback
from the ones in charge of him
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in changing his diet.
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JB: Perhaps it's
worth going to that story.
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NN: Yeah. JB: Daniel, chapter 1,
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and the Bible
says in Daniel 1:5,
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"The king appointed them a daily
provision of the king's meat,
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"and of the wine which
he drank: so nourishing them
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"[for] three years, that at
the end thereof they might stand
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before the king."
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However, verse
8--what a verse-- NN: Mm-hmm.
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JB: ..."Daniel purposed in his
heart that he would not defile
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himself with the
portion of the king's meat."
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The king ate much
like people eat today--
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NN: Exactly. JB:
...average American diet.
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NN: Yeah, yeah.
JB: Yet the Bible says
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that for Daniel to eat that,
00:13:05.11\00:13:06.82
he would have
been defiling himself.
00:13:06.85\00:13:08.55
NN: Yes. JB: What is so defiling
00:13:08.58\00:13:11.32
about the
standard American diet?
00:13:11.35\00:13:13.79
NN: Well, we just mentioned it:
00:13:13.82\00:13:15.12
arachidonic acid and also
cholesterol, saturated fat.
00:13:15.16\00:13:18.83
It's not good for our heart;
00:13:18.86\00:13:20.23
it's not good for
our blood vessels;
00:13:20.26\00:13:21.63
it's not good for our brains.
00:13:21.66\00:13:23.06
JB: I wanna
challenge you, doctor.
00:13:23.10\00:13:24.40
NN: All right. JB:
Everything in moderation.
00:13:24.43\00:13:27.44
NN: (laughs) Okay.
JB: Have your patients
00:13:27.47\00:13:29.70
ever told you that?
"Everything in moderation"?
00:13:29.74\00:13:31.61
"Doctor, I thought,
everything in moderation."
00:13:31.64\00:13:33.14
NN: More than just
patients. I remember I was
00:13:33.17\00:13:34.98
on a television
program, on a news program
00:13:35.01\00:13:37.61
with a cardiologist, who
was telling the news program,
00:13:37.65\00:13:42.38
as we were being interviewed,
00:13:42.42\00:13:43.79
"Well, I believe in
everything in moderation."
00:13:43.82\00:13:46.29
There was a new
stint that was coming out,
00:13:46.32\00:13:48.12
and they were
interviewing us about this,
00:13:48.16\00:13:49.82
and I didn't argue
with him on the set,
00:13:49.86\00:13:51.43
but as soon as the set turned
off I said, "You know, doctor,
00:13:51.46\00:13:53.86
do you really believe in being
a moderate cigarette smoker?"
00:13:53.90\00:13:57.17
JB: There you
go. NN: And he says,
00:13:57.20\00:13:58.47
"Well, no, I
didn't really mean that."
00:13:58.50\00:14:00.44
And I said, "Well, you said,
'Moderation in all things.'"
00:14:00.47\00:14:02.64
JB: Yeah. NN: And the problem is
00:14:02.67\00:14:04.31
when we're moderate in
things that are unhealthy,
00:14:04.34\00:14:08.98
it not only is bad
because it's unhealthy
00:14:09.01\00:14:12.11
but it actually
undermines our ability
00:14:12.15\00:14:14.52
to enjoy a lifestyle
that is free from that agent.
00:14:14.55\00:14:17.89
And so we actually
get far better compliance.
00:14:17.92\00:14:21.52
You know, this is
the amazing thing.
00:14:21.56\00:14:22.99
A lot of people say, "Well, you
know, you don't wanna put 'em
00:14:23.02\00:14:25.13
"just totally plant
based because, you know,
00:14:25.16\00:14:27.76
it's really hard to do."
00:14:27.76\00:14:29.16
Did you know it's actually much
harder to limit your meat intake
00:14:29.20\00:14:33.57
to three ounces a
day, as some people state,
00:14:33.60\00:14:36.77
than to just not eat it at all?
00:14:36.81\00:14:38.74
If it is going to be unhealthy
for you, just make the choice
00:14:38.77\00:14:41.98
not to eat it. And
what studies show is
00:14:42.01\00:14:44.18
you have more variety
and more taste in your diet,
00:14:44.21\00:14:47.78
more enjoyment than
if you would just try
00:14:47.82\00:14:50.75
to limit yourself
in portions of food
00:14:50.79\00:14:53.49
that is not so healthy for you.
00:14:53.52\00:14:55.09
JB: How is it that
you can read the data,
00:14:55.12\00:15:00.10
that seems so very
clear-- NN: Uh-huh.
00:15:00.13\00:15:02.13
JB: ...and somebody else can
read, presumably, the same data,
00:15:02.16\00:15:05.43
or perhaps there are
other studies, and say,
00:15:05.47\00:15:07.47
"A little really
isn't going to hurt you"--
00:15:07.50\00:15:09.64
can you help me
understand that attitude
00:15:09.67\00:15:11.77
so that we may be able
to even combat it somehow?
00:15:11.81\00:15:14.34
NN: Well, it is true that
less of bad things are better.
00:15:14.38\00:15:18.48
JB: Sure. NN: I mean, you know,
00:15:18.51\00:15:19.81
I'll certainly
go along with that.
00:15:19.85\00:15:21.45
But in reality, the best program
is actually higher compliance.
00:15:21.48\00:15:27.89
That's what the other
group doesn't understand.
00:15:27.92\00:15:30.43
They think we're going
to decrease our compliance
00:15:30.46\00:15:32.46
if we tell them to give
up something in their diet
00:15:32.49\00:15:36.63
that they might have a
loving relationship with,
00:15:36.67\00:15:39.20
and say, "Well,
no, don't do that."
00:15:39.23\00:15:41.14
"We're not going to get as
much compliance; let's allow it
00:15:41.17\00:15:43.24
for a little
bit." But in reality,
00:15:43.27\00:15:45.21
because these foods tend
to be addictive in nature,
00:15:45.24\00:15:48.64
we might limit it for a short
time, but then we're struggling,
00:15:48.68\00:15:51.65
and we're back to
where we were again.
00:15:51.68\00:15:53.98
And so, what studies
are showing is compliance,
00:15:54.02\00:15:57.82
the ability for the
patient or the person
00:15:57.85\00:16:00.29
to completely comply
with an ideal lifestyle is
00:16:00.32\00:16:04.06
actually much higher than if
we try to just limit the bad.
00:16:04.09\00:16:07.30
JB: Hmm. It seems to me that
if you want to boost your brain,
00:16:07.36\00:16:11.17
and therefore your
relationship with God,
00:16:11.20\00:16:14.00
it's virtually a
matter of life and death.
00:16:14.04\00:16:16.64
And when there's a slight change
you can make, I just wonder--
00:16:16.67\00:16:19.91
surely it's worth
making that change.
00:16:19.94\00:16:21.98
NN: Yeah, Daniel did it.
00:16:22.01\00:16:23.31
He didn't suffer from it.
00:16:23.35\00:16:24.78
JB: In just a moment, I want
to ask you--we'll fast forward
00:16:24.81\00:16:28.28
a little bit
and see if there are
00:16:28.32\00:16:29.25
some modern examples
of the Daniel phenomenon.
00:16:29.28\00:16:32.62
We'll be right back with
more, "Boosting Your Brain,"
00:16:32.65\00:16:35.49
here at "It Is
Written," back in just a moment.
00:16:35.52\00:16:38.36
[music] "Every
Word" is a one-minute
00:16:39.36\00:16:41.43
Bible-based daily devotional
00:16:41.46\00:16:43.26
presented by
Pastor John Bradshaw
00:16:43.30\00:16:45.13
and designed especially
for busy people like you.
00:16:45.17\00:16:47.97
Look for "Every Word"
00:16:48.00\00:16:49.57
on selected networks or watch it
00:16:49.60\00:16:51.37
online every day on our website:
00:16:51.41\00:16:53.11
itiswritten.com.
00:16:53.14\00:16:54.91
[music]
00:16:56.58\00:17:00.98
JB: There's a remarkable
account in the Gospel of Mark
00:17:04.02\00:17:05.95
that demonstrates that Jesus
is able to satisfy the longing
00:17:05.99\00:17:08.79
of the human heart.
00:17:08.82\00:17:10.09
In this account, a woman
who'd been battling a troubling
00:17:10.13\00:17:12.49
illness for twelve years rested
all of her hopes on Jesus.
00:17:12.53\00:17:15.80
She tried doctors, and one
would presume everything else
00:17:15.83\00:17:18.67
she knew, and now came to
the point where she looked
00:17:18.70\00:17:21.14
to Christ. She said, "If
I may touch but His clothes,
00:17:21.17\00:17:24.81
I shall be whole." Mark 5:28.
00:17:24.84\00:17:27.61
And she was. The moment she
acted on her faith and touched
00:17:27.64\00:17:30.71
Jesus' clothing--
just His clothing!--
00:17:30.75\00:17:33.55
she was made completely well.
00:17:33.58\00:17:35.38
Anyone can find the answer
to the longing of their heart
00:17:35.42\00:17:37.95
in Jesus. If you're
looking for healing or hope,
00:17:37.99\00:17:40.42
help, or heaven itself,
you'll find that in Jesus,
00:17:40.46\00:17:44.56
who came into the
world so we could have
00:17:44.59\00:17:46.76
more abundant
life. Lean on Him today.
00:17:46.80\00:17:50.57
I'm John Bradshaw
for It Is Written.
00:17:50.60\00:17:52.47
Let's live today by every word.
00:17:52.50\00:17:54.84
[music]
00:17:56.84\00:17:58.31
JB: Planning for your financial
future is a vital aspect
00:17:58.34\00:18:01.14
of Christian stewardship.
00:18:01.18\00:18:03.11
For this reason, It Is
Written is pleased to offer free
00:18:03.14\00:18:05.81
planned giving
and estate services.
00:18:05.85\00:18:08.32
For information on how
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00:18:08.35\00:18:10.95
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00:18:10.99\00:18:14.62
Call today or visit our special
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00:18:14.66\00:18:21.16
JB: This is "It Is Written."
00:18:23.00\00:18:24.47
Thank you for joining me today.
00:18:24.50\00:18:26.13
Boosting your brain,
00:18:26.17\00:18:27.47
what can you do to
get peak performance
00:18:27.50\00:18:29.57
from your gray matter,
00:18:29.60\00:18:31.14
and how does that affect
your relationship with God?
00:18:31.17\00:18:34.68
Dr. Neil Nedley
is my guest today.
00:18:34.71\00:18:36.75
A moment ago we talked
about Daniel in the Bible.
00:18:36.78\00:18:39.21
He made a choice, a
dietary choice, that was seen
00:18:39.25\00:18:44.05
very clearly to
have tremendous benefits.
00:18:44.09\00:18:46.69
Now, that was then.
What have you seen now?
00:18:46.72\00:18:50.19
NN: Oh, amazing stories as
a result of a change in diet.
00:18:50.23\00:18:53.90
JB: Share something with
me. NN: You know, I remember
00:18:53.93\00:18:55.66
the first time when
I was researching diet
00:18:55.70\00:18:57.83
and mental health.
00:18:57.87\00:18:58.93
There was a patient who
I was asked to consult on
00:18:58.97\00:19:02.97
in the behavioral medicine
unit for nutritional reasons.
00:19:03.00\00:19:05.91
The other doctors were realizing
that I was learning a lot
00:19:05.94\00:19:08.14
about nutrition
and mental health,
00:19:08.18\00:19:09.41
so the psychiatrists
would consult me a lot
00:19:09.44\00:19:11.68
in regards to nutrition.
00:19:11.71\00:19:13.62
And this lady, the
reason why she sticks out is
00:19:13.65\00:19:15.82
she was a charge
nurse that I worked with
00:19:15.85\00:19:17.79
on the oncology
floor, a very good nurse.
00:19:17.82\00:19:20.32
And she had become anorexic.
00:19:20.36\00:19:23.96
In fact, I'd noticed her
losing weight prior to that,
00:19:23.99\00:19:27.50
and then I didn't
see her for a while,
00:19:27.50\00:19:28.66
and then I realized she had
gotten so severely depressed
00:19:28.70\00:19:31.47
and anorexic.
00:19:31.50\00:19:33.30
She was admitted to the
hospital ward and had an NG tube
00:19:33.34\00:19:36.37
down to actually
feed her into her stomach.
00:19:36.40\00:19:39.07
We changed her diet, and in two
weeks her depression was gone,
00:19:39.11\00:19:43.51
and her anorexia was gone.
00:19:43.55\00:19:45.18
And it was pretty dramatic,
and that was the only thing
00:19:45.21\00:19:47.65
we changed in
her. JB: Just her diet?
00:19:47.68\00:19:49.32
NN: Just the
diet. And she did well.
00:19:49.35\00:19:53.39
Six months later she was
working, doing very well,
00:19:53.42\00:19:57.06
and she thought, you
know, "Let me just go back,
00:19:57.09\00:19:59.49
"now that I'm doing so
well, let me just go back
00:19:59.53\00:20:01.36
to the other way I was eating."
00:20:01.40\00:20:03.16
And so she went back,
and within three weeks,
00:20:03.20\00:20:06.17
she was severely
depressed and anorexic again.
00:20:06.20\00:20:08.77
Now, at that
point she was educated,
00:20:08.80\00:20:11.14
so she didn't have to be
readmitted to the hospital.
00:20:11.17\00:20:13.27
She thought, "All
right, I know what I've done.
00:20:13.31\00:20:15.34
"I've changed my diet;
I should not have done it.
00:20:15.38\00:20:17.61
Let's go back on to the
diet that Dr. Nedley gave me."
00:20:17.65\00:20:21.12
And within a couple of
weeks, it took two weeks again,
00:20:21.15\00:20:25.15
she was back
mentally healthy again.
00:20:25.19\00:20:26.89
And that was
the--that's when I realized,
00:20:26.92\00:20:29.49
hey, this is
very dramatic stuff.
00:20:29.52\00:20:31.33
And of course, now we
utilize a nutritional approach
00:20:31.36\00:20:34.40
in virtually all of our patients
that have a mental health issue
00:20:34.46\00:20:39.13
and can see some
significant benefit.
00:20:39.17\00:20:41.54
In fact, even the medical
literature is describing it
00:20:41.57\00:20:44.54
as drug-like benefits
without any of the side effects,
00:20:44.57\00:20:48.14
just by changing the diet.
00:20:48.18\00:20:49.48
JB: I had a fellow share
his story with me recently.
00:20:49.51\00:20:52.35
He was a great big guy.
00:20:52.38\00:20:54.48
His diabetes, his doctor
told him he was gonna have to go
00:20:55.48\00:20:57.42
on insulin. He had
all kinds of problems--
00:20:57.45\00:21:00.76
this is really a
diabetes story, I suppose.
00:21:00.79\00:21:03.02
But at the end of the day
he said, "No, no, no. Doctor,
00:21:04.03\00:21:05.83
let me take another approach."
00:21:05.86\00:21:07.13
The doctor said,
"It's your health."
00:21:07.20\00:21:09.03
He said, "Give me a month."
00:21:09.06\00:21:10.27
And he researched, got on to
a program just like what you--
00:21:10.30\00:21:14.54
not a program, he
implemented lifestyle changes
00:21:14.57\00:21:17.81
the same as what
you're talking about--
00:21:17.84\00:21:19.24
and what's significant is
00:21:19.27\00:21:21.14
he said food started tasting
better, he lost a lot of weight,
00:21:21.18\00:21:24.58
no longer diabetic, and he
said he'd never been happier.
00:21:24.61\00:21:28.55
His mental health was
the best it had ever been.
00:21:28.58\00:21:32.59
NN: Yes. JB: Diet
and lifestyle change.
00:21:32.62\00:21:35.96
NN: Interestingly, a diabetic
diet normally is the best diet
00:21:35.99\00:21:39.93
for mental health as
well. JB: Interesting.
00:21:39.96\00:21:41.86
NN: There's
reasons for that, yeah.
00:21:41.90\00:21:43.70
JB: Obesity is a big
problem confronting our nation,
00:21:43.73\00:21:46.27
confronting the Western world.
00:21:46.30\00:21:47.80
Is there a link between
obesity and mental health?
00:21:47.84\00:21:51.41
NN: There is. There's a link
in a couple of different ways.
00:21:51.44\00:21:54.01
One is, if you are
obese, chances are you have
00:21:54.04\00:21:57.31
what's called
metabolic syndrome.
00:21:57.35\00:21:59.38
The way of knowing that
is check your blood sugar
00:21:59.41\00:22:02.15
one hour after you eat.
00:22:02.18\00:22:04.02
If it's more than
140, metabolic syndrome.
00:22:04.05\00:22:07.49
You're going to have fatigue.
You're going to be sluggish.
00:22:07.52\00:22:09.92
Your mental acuity is
not going to be as sharp.
00:22:09.96\00:22:12.76
And just getting
on a weight-loss diet,
00:22:12.79\00:22:16.13
even though you're
not down to ideal weight,
00:22:16.16\00:22:17.70
but just losing the
first five pounds of that
00:22:17.73\00:22:20.34
will actually improve
the metabolic syndrome.
00:22:20.37\00:22:22.57
Keep the post-meal blood sugars
less than 140, and actually
00:22:22.60\00:22:27.44
you will have a far better mood.
00:22:27.48\00:22:29.31
I think that's what was
happening with the example
00:22:29.34\00:22:31.28
that you gave, with
the diabetes example.
00:22:31.31\00:22:34.55
And so reversing that
obesity trend can be helpful.
00:22:34.58\00:22:38.12
The other issue in regards
to obesity and mental health is
00:22:38.15\00:22:40.49
many people with depression
actually try to make themselves
00:22:40.52\00:22:45.49
feel better by
eating high sugary foods
00:22:45.53\00:22:49.06
and high-fat foods.
JB: And that will give you
00:22:49.10\00:22:51.23
a high for a while,
won't it? NN: That's right.
00:22:51.27\00:22:53.30
The actual sugar can transiently
improve serotonin levels,
00:22:53.34\00:22:57.24
causes a nadir afterwards,
and so they always feel like
00:22:57.27\00:23:01.04
they have to snack on something,
00:23:01.08\00:23:02.91
and they're always taking out--
00:23:02.94\00:23:04.08
in fact, I have a lot of
patients that have come to me
00:23:04.11\00:23:06.15
that tell me about the
chocolate they carry around
00:23:06.18\00:23:08.65
in their purses, and
they have to have this much
00:23:08.68\00:23:10.62
every 20 minutes, or
they're going to crash.
00:23:10.65\00:23:12.65
JB: Mmm. NN:
That's how bad it can be.
00:23:12.69\00:23:14.66
But in reality, that can all
be reversed if we take care of
00:23:14.69\00:23:18.33
the real underlying problems,
00:23:18.36\00:23:19.76
and then there's not
the need for this chocolate
00:23:19.79\00:23:21.90
and these dopamine
rushes by consuming
00:23:21.93\00:23:25.17
the super-sweet foods
that our society has to offer.
00:23:25.20\00:23:28.17
JB: Someone is watching,
and they're saying, "Yeah,
00:23:28.20\00:23:29.47
"that's good, but I
could never do that.
00:23:29.50\00:23:33.27
"I don't have the willpower;
I can't make that change;
00:23:33.31\00:23:37.08
"I'll never eat sea plants
00:23:37.11\00:23:40.25
because they'll never
taste good to my taste buds."
00:23:40.28\00:23:42.75
I think we might want to
come to the conclusion of this
00:23:42.78\00:23:47.89
by pointing people to
the fact that there is power
00:23:47.92\00:23:52.13
in the Word of
God. NN: Yes. Yes.
00:23:52.16\00:23:54.36
JB: The God who made you
has the power to keep you,
00:23:54.40\00:24:01.10
to improve you, to
change you. NN: That's right.
00:24:01.14\00:24:04.11
JB: There's power in the
Word of God, isn't there?
00:24:04.14\00:24:06.31
NN: Yes, yes.
JB: "Now unto Him,"
00:24:06.34\00:24:08.44
Jude, verse 24, "who is
able to keep you from falling."
00:24:08.48\00:24:12.91
NN: Yes. JB: How
about that person
00:24:12.95\00:24:14.22
who can't live
without chicken nuggets,
00:24:14.25\00:24:16.65
or whatever the case might be,
00:24:16.69\00:24:18.29
and you've told me
there's more cholesterol
00:24:18.32\00:24:21.82
in chicken than
beef. NN: That's right.
00:24:21.86\00:24:23.46
JB: And that's a shocking
statement for some people.
00:24:23.49\00:24:25.33
NN: Yes. JB: So you can't get by
00:24:25.36\00:24:26.96
without your fix
of whatever it is--
00:24:27.00\00:24:29.63
could be beer,
could be marijuana,
00:24:29.66\00:24:31.80
could be chocolate--
00:24:31.83\00:24:34.34
but listen to
this, would you, please:
00:24:34.37\00:24:36.67
"There hath no
temptation taken you
00:24:36.71\00:24:39.14
"but such as is common
to man: but God is faithful,
00:24:39.17\00:24:44.28
"who will not suffer
[or allow] you to be tempted
00:24:44.31\00:24:48.02
"above that you are able;
but will with the temptation
00:24:48.05\00:24:53.42
also make a way to escape, that
you may be able to bear it."
00:24:53.46\00:24:57.89
1 Corinthians 10:13.
00:24:57.93\00:25:00.13
There is no challenge,
no struggle too big and bad
00:25:00.16\00:25:03.60
that God can't
get you through it.
00:25:03.63\00:25:06.00
So if you're
wanting to boost your brain
00:25:06.03\00:25:08.10
and fire on all cylinders
00:25:08.14\00:25:09.80
and get everything working right
00:25:09.84\00:25:10.97
and the neurotransmitters
and the neurons
00:25:11.01\00:25:13.98
and these other
things (Dr. Nedley laughs)
00:25:14.01\00:25:16.91
working just like they should,
00:25:16.95\00:25:18.65
you can. Because you
know who's on your side?
00:25:18.68\00:25:21.45
God is on your side.
00:25:21.48\00:25:22.92
And remember what
the Bible promises:
00:25:22.95\00:25:25.15
God's "strength is
made perfect in weakness."
00:25:25.19\00:25:28.76
So if you are weak,
God can deliver you.
00:25:28.79\00:25:33.29
He will unite His
strength to your weakness,
00:25:33.33\00:25:36.33
and you'll be a new person.
00:25:36.36\00:25:37.87
[music]
00:25:39.03\00:25:45.04
JB: If you'd like to know what
the Bible says about how to live
00:25:50.01\00:25:52.25
the longest, healthiest
life possible, let me send you
00:25:52.28\00:25:55.78
our free booklet,
"Living Life to the Fullest."
00:25:55.82\00:25:58.92
All you need to do is
call (800) 253-3000 and ask for
00:25:58.95\00:26:04.49
your copy of "Living
Life to the Fullest."
00:26:04.53\00:26:07.00
If the line is
busy, please do try again.
00:26:07.03\00:26:09.26
You can write to us at
00:26:09.30\00:26:10.77
It Is Written, P.O. Box
6, Chattanooga, TN 37401.
00:26:10.80\00:26:16.71
We'll mail a free copy
to you in North America.
00:26:16.74\00:26:19.67
It Is Written is a faith-based
ministry, and your support
00:26:19.71\00:26:23.24
makes it possible for
us to share God's good news
00:26:23.28\00:26:25.68
with the world.
00:26:25.71\00:26:27.48
Your tax-deductible gift
can be sent to the address
00:26:27.52\00:26:29.82
on your screen or
through our website
00:26:29.85\00:26:31.92
at itiswritten.com.
00:26:31.95\00:26:33.89
Thank you for your
continued prayerful support.
00:26:33.92\00:26:36.83
Again, our toll-free number is
00:26:36.86\00:26:38.63
(800) 253-3000,
00:26:38.66\00:26:41.13
and our web address is
00:26:41.16\00:26:42.46
itiswritten.com.
00:26:42.50\00:26:44.33
JB: Dr. Nedley,
thanks for joining me today.
00:26:47.50\00:26:49.27
NN: It's great being here.
00:26:49.30\00:26:50.41
JB: A lot of people are
being tremendously benefited
00:26:50.44\00:26:52.17
as you've shared, and I'm
looking forward, actually,
00:26:52.21\00:26:54.48
to hearing back
from people who've said,
00:26:54.51\00:26:57.11
"It changed my life." NN: Great.
00:26:57.15\00:26:59.15
JB: I know we will.
Let's pray together.
00:26:59.18\00:27:01.15
Pray with us, and we'll
thank God for His blessing.
00:27:01.18\00:27:03.89
Father in heaven,
we want to experience
00:27:03.92\00:27:09.09
the abundant life
00:27:09.12\00:27:11.83
that Jesus said
He came to give us.
00:27:11.86\00:27:14.30
So give us the grace now
to allow You to work in us
00:27:14.36\00:27:19.33
to will and to do
for Your good pleasure.
00:27:19.37\00:27:21.94
Let our brains be Yours.
00:27:21.97\00:27:24.21
Live in us and prepare
us for eternity with You.
00:27:24.24\00:27:28.98
In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
00:27:29.01\00:27:32.21
[music]
00:27:32.25\00:27:39.05
JB: Thank you
for joining me today.
00:27:52.77\00:27:54.27
I'm looking forward to
seeing you again next time.
00:27:54.30\00:27:56.27
Until then, remember:
00:27:56.30\00:27:58.14
"It is written, 'Man
shall not live by bread alone,
00:27:58.17\00:28:02.18
but by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God.'"
00:28:02.21\00:28:06.98
[music]
00:28:07.02\00:28:13.62