Physiology of Happiness and Health

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Affective neuroscience is the study of how emotions are generated by the brain. Brain imaging (fMRI and PET scans) explores pockets of the brain where emotions develop and provide a detailed neural schematic. By mapping how the brain generates and processes emotion, it may unfold ways people might use the power of their own minds to overcome the crippling impact of depression and addiction and may even improve their physical health as well. Many researches have been done on negative types of emotion such as depression, stress and trauma. On the other hand, research on positive types of emotion has not been studied as much. As of late, studies on happiness are now getting more attention. People are in control of reaching ultimate happiness by following three components: pleasure, engagement, and meaning. There are numerous parallels between spirituality, 12- step models, and authentic happiness that may influence a restructuring of our brain and hence provide healing.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.