16 December 2016

In its conclusions, the book emphasizes seven major points. First and foremost is the common biological and behavioral basis of motivation and reward. In the vertebrates, at least, all motivated behaviors involve stimuli that function as rewards, and thus, direct and modify behavior. Activation of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus and anatomically related structures (ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens) make up a major component of the arousal of motivated behavior and reward. In addition, dopamine appears to be a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in both.

We can find an opposite approach to dieting. People eagerly listen to advice that to be healthy one shall eat properly, do sports, have a good daily routine of activities, etc. However, it happens quite rarely that they follow this advice strictly. They say it’s laziness. On the other hand, most of such pieces of advice are mere recommendations. The exceptions are few. One of them is to avoid eating sugar when having diabetes. Ignoring this recommendation (which is a must) may cause serious threats to one’s health. Moreover, the threats are to come in the nearest future.  There’s a popular saying, the nerves are the root of all diseases. Indeed, the human somatic system is rather stable. It “reports” only in a serious situation.