Not only does the mind affect the body, the body affects the mind. It is important to look for nutritional deficiencies, allergies, toxins, stress, hidden infections, and imbalances in hormones, the immune system, and the digestive system.

In order to achieve an "UltraMind," or the state of optimal well being and thriving as opposed to just surviving, Dr. Mark Hyman, founder and medical director of the UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, says we must have a lifespan equal to our health span, as well as embrace the ability to totally experience our lives.

Detox Done Right
Before we can achieve optimum health, we have to remove what is toxic to us -- the 2.9 billion pounds of toxins released into the environment every year and a toxic diet of processed foods.

Our bodies have a natural waste-management system -- we eliminate toxins through our liver, kidneys, skin, hair, nails, and even our breath. We can avoid a lot of toxins and boost our body's natural detox system just by altering our lifestyle.

Avoid consuming mood-altering drugs
The top four things purchased in American supermarkets are mood-altering drugs: sugar, caffeine, alcohol (excessive amounts can double your risk of dementia), and nicotine (cigarette smoke contains 4,000 toxins and leads to depression).

Avoid processed foods
Most processed foods contain high-fructose corn syrup and trans or hydrogenated fats that can trigger inflammation of the brain and create a chain reaction that increases appetite and promotes obesity, leading to blood sugar imbalances and diabetes, which causes depression and dementia.

Avoid gluten
Gluten, found in wheat products and dairy, can also trigger inflammation.

Avoid products containing toxic metals
Metal can be found in large predatory fish such as tuna and swordfish. Mercury is a toxin, which can lead to depression, dementia, and autism.

Choose organic fruits and veggies
Non-organic fruits and vegetables may have a high toxin load because of the pesticides they contain.

Achieving an "UltraMind"
These simple tips will help you avoid mental diseases and achieve maximum wellness.

Feed your brain
We need healthy omega-3 fats; our brains don't work without them, and low levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, ADD, autism, and many other neurological diseases. These fats help your brain cells communicate better and help balance the neurotransmitters that make you feel energized, excited, happy, relaxed, and peaceful.

Eating protein provides the necessary amino acids for your neurotransmitters. Without adequate amounts, you can feel sluggish, foggy, anxious, unfocused, tired, and depressed.

Eat high-fiber carbohydrates, such as black beans and asparagus, as they contain slowly released sources of sugar. This prevents surges of blood sugar and insulin, which are toxic to the mind, and help keep serotonin levels even.

Eat phytonutrients, such as blueberries and cilantro. These are disease- and weight-fighting, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and full of antioxidant-rich chemicals, which help prevent brain aging, boost detoxification, and cool off inflammation in the brain.

Take supplements
Take supplements every day. According to government surveys, 92 percent of Americans are deficient in one or more nutrients. Dr. Hyman recommends multivitamins, calcium and magnesium supplements, vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and probiotics to improve your digestion, reduce food allergies, and reduce gut inflammation.

Exercise your body and your brain
Walk 30 minutes every day -- it's better than Prozac for depression and even prevents dementia. It helps you make new brain cells and increases the connections between your brain cells. Also, train your brain with mind exercises by being creative, trying a new hobby, doing math in your head, traveling, playing word games, etc.

Actively relax
Stress destroys brain cells and causes depression. But actively relaxing helps your body renew and heals your brain. Stretch, get a massage, or try a breathing exercise.

Try taking an UltraBath by filling a bath with hot water, 2 cups of Epsom salt, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 10 drops of lavender oil. Soak for 20 minutes. Raising your body temperature before bed helps to induce sleep, and a hot bath relaxes your muscles and reduces tension physically and mentally. The UltraBath also gives you the benefits of magnesium absorbed through your skin, the alkaline-balancing effects of the baking soda, and the cortisol-lowering effects of lavender -- all of which help with sleep and deeply relax you.

Live clean and green
Toxins damage your health and the planet. Be sure to drink clean, filtered water; limit exposure to chemicals and metals by avoiding water from plastic bottles; limit exposure to environmental toxins (garden chemicals, dry cleaning, secondhand smoke); avoid microwaved food; keep houseplants; minimize exposure to electromagnetic radiation; and minimize usage of wireless communication devices such as cell phones.

Keep your cell phone at least 6 or 7 inches away from you while it's on. If you have an alarm clock, 6 feet is the recommended distance from all electronic devices during sleep. Avoid water beds, electric blankets, and metal frames, which attract electromagnetic frequencies. Wood-framed beds are better.

Sleep at least seven to eight hours each night
Get out of the habit of sleeping too little and then supplementing with coffee to keep going. Sleep restores and regenerates your body; it's the time your brain and body heal and repair. Try for at least seven to eight hours each night. If you need help getting to sleep, take an extra 200 to 400 milligrams of magnesium citrate before bed in addition to what is on the basic supplement program in order to relax the nervous system and muscles. Or, try 1 to 2 milligrams of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime.

Resources
Special thanks to Dr. Mark Hyman, founder and medical director of the UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, for sharing this information and giving copies of his book, "The UltraMind Solution," to our studio audience.

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