Go Wild: Free Your Body and Mind from the Afflictions of Civilization

by John J. Ratey MD, David Perlmutter MD (Foreword by), Richard Manning

Overview

The scientific evidence behind why maintaining a lifestyle more like that of our ancestors will restore our health and well-being.

In Go Wild, Harvard Medical School Professor John Ratey, MD, and journalist Richard Manning reveal that although civilization has rapidly evolved, our bodies have not kept pace. This mismatch affects every area of our lives, from our general physical health to our emotional wellbeing. Investigating the power of living according to our genes in the areas of diet, exercise, sleep, nature, mindfulness and more, Go Wild examines how tapping into our core DNA combats modern disease and psychological afflictions, from Autism and Depression to Diabetes and Heart Disease. By focusing on the ways of the past, it is possible to secure a healthier and happier future, and Go Wild will show you how.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316246095
Publisher:	Little, Brown and Company
Publication date:	06/03/2014
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

John Ratey, M.D., is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of numerous bestselling and groundbreaking books, including Spark, Driven to Distraction, and A User's Guide to the Brain. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Richard Manning is an award-winning journalist. He is the author of eight books, including One Round River. His work has appeared in Best American Science and Nature Writing 2010, Harper's, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications.

Table of Contents

Foreword David Perlmutter, MD vii

Introduction 3

1 Human 1.0: Why Evolution's Design Endures 17

2 What Ails Us: Not Disease but Afflictions 39

3 Food: Follow the Carbs 61

4 Nimble: Building and Rebuilding the Brain Through Movement 99

5 Bodies at Rest: Why Sleep Makes Us Better 125

6 Aware: What Is Revealed in the Wild Mind 151

7 Biophilia: Finding Our Better Nature in Nature 173

8 Tribe: The Molecule That Binds Us to One Another 193

9 Personal Implications: What We Did and What You Can Do 241

Acknowledgments 262

Index 267

Editorial Reviews

05/05/2014
In this inspiring book, Harvard Medical School professor Ratey (Spark) and journalist Manning (It Runs in the Family) outline the mental and physical benefits of living more like our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Citing major research studies, the authors see such health problems as obesity, inactivity, and high blood sugar as “‘afflictions of civilization.’” They examine humanity’s biochemical and evolutionary modes of well-being, and encourage readers to “go wild” because “human evolution occurred under wild conditions, and this made us who we are.” Their key point: “evolution has hard-wired health to happiness.” Though there are many other titles on the paleo diet and low-carb nutrition lists, readers will appreciate the considerable attention given to the importance of movement and discussion of research on the design of the human body; neuroscience indicates that “the whole brain flourishes as a result of movement.” The authors build on research about diet and movement with examinations of sleep, awareness, and the importance of connection to both nature and one another. They do not describe a specific wellness program, but, instead, urge readers to begin “a process of discovery” into their own health—one that will surely benefit from using this book as a catalyst. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"A brilliantly creative synthesis of research and theory offering up a practical, playful, yet profound answer to that most basic question: how to live."—Edward Hallowell, MD, author of Shine: Using Brain Science to Bring Out the Best in Your People

"The mission accomplished by this wonderfully empowering book is nothing short of revolutionary."—from the foreword by David Perlmutter, MD, author of Grain Brain

"Essential reading for anyone interested in unleashing the true power of human nature."—Tyler Graham, author of The Happiness Diet

"An exciting read! A fascinating investigation into the power of evolutionary forces in our lives. Illuminating, penetrating, and immensely practical."—Jim Loehr, cofounder of Human Performance Institute and coauthor of The Power of Full Engagement

"A clear, sustained, fast-paced, utterly persuasive argument that much of our current distress and disease is the product of how the activities of regimented modern life estrange us from our biological needs, literally making us ill. It's also about how to live to avoid this distress. Filled with fascinating details, and the palpable joy of the authors who have found a way to break free from these restrictions, it's also inspiring and will influence many to change the way they live for the better."—Norman Doidge, MD, author of The Brain That Changes Itself

"Inspiring . . . Though there are many other titles on the paleo diet and low-carb nutrition lists, readers will appreciate the considerable attention given to the importance of movement and discussion of research on the design of the human body . . . [the authors] urge readers to begin "a process of discovery" into their own health-one that will surely benefit from using this book as a catalyst."—Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR SPARK

"A real turning point that explains something I've been trying to figure out for years, having experienced symptoms of both ADHD and mild depression. Exercise is not simply necessary; as Dr. Ratey clearly shows, it's medicine."—Greg LeMond, three-time winner of the Tour de France

"SPARK is just what we need—a thoughtful, interesting, scientific treatise on the powerful and positive impact of exercise on the brain. In mental health, exercise is a growth stock and Ratey is our best broker."—Ken Duckworth, MD, Medical Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness

"If your goal is to live a long and healhy life to the fullest, then Spark should be required reading."—Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, "The Father of Aerobics"

"Spark is mercifully short on Ivy League med-school-speak. And it may just spell the end of all dumb-jock jokes."—Abe Streep, Outside

"Ratey has culled the latest science and found that a regular workout can help build a better, faster brain."—USA TODAY

From the Publisher