Monday, July 06, 2009

Taking charge of yourself

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Triune Brain Theory – Putting Your Cortex Back In Control

The triune brain theory is a simplistic view on the brain but it will give you a solid framework to understand how your brain actually works.
The triune brain was first proposed by a neuroscientist called Dr. Paul McLean, who explained that our brain is actually broken into three distinct parts. He referred to them as:

The Reptilian Brain
The Mammalian Brain
The Primate Brain

The Reptilian Brain

The Reptilian Brain consists mainly of brain structures such as the brain stem, the medulla, the pons, cerebellum an other what are considered “primitive” structures. Its major function involves mainly reflexive and internal body functions such as breathing, circulation, digestion etc. It also handles primary instinctive and reflexive actions which serve to protect us. In terms of our understanding its motives lie in such characteristics as aggression, power, sexuality and protection. It’s number one primary goal is survival, i.e To make sure that you stay alive.

The Mammalian Brain

The Mammalian Brain, often referred to as “the limbic system”, contains lots of brain structures or “nuclei”, however most neuroscientists disagree as to which brain structures should be included into the limbic system. For the purpose of our learning we will describe the limbic system as our emotional, memory and pleasure centers of the brain. The limbic system houses brain structures such as the amygdala, the hippocampus and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The limbic system gives rise to a lot of our feelings. These areas and others will be discussed. An understanding of the mammalian brain will be critical in our understanding of our behavior, particularly towards eating.

The Primate Brain

The Primate Brain is generally composed of the neo-cortex (also called cerebral cortex). It is because of our very large neo-cortex in comparison to other animals that makes us human. The neo-cortex allows us to do things like engage in complex social interactions and to plan for the future.
The neo-cortex also gives rise to rational thinking. For example you can probably remember a time when you really wanted to do something, but you “knew” that you shouldn’t. It was your neo-cortex telling you not to do it.

Although it is true that we have one brain, there are certain parts of our brain that have their own “motives” and this can cause extreme conflict. We all like to think that our neo-cortex is in control all the time, however it can often get “hijacked” by the other brain structures. So while your neo-cortex might be telling you not to eat that sweet , your reptilian brain is warning you to eat it because it is afraid that the cookie won’t be available to eat tomorrow or anytime soon in the future. Plus it also knows that the cookie is high in fat and sugar, which is in essence, brain food. Then your emotional brain whispers to you and expresses how delicious it will taste. All in all its a losing combination for your neo-cortex.

Fortunately our neo-cortex comes equipped with a powerful process that we call willpower. So we use our willpower to suppress the desire to gorge and overeat. Unfortunately however we have limited willpower, and eventually we break down and give in to our cravings. In order to change your brain we need to learn how to tame our reptilian brain and work with our emotional brain to put your cortex back in control. This is one of the fundamental steps in controlling the way you eat.

This post is reproduction from to go to the original post click on the link on top

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