Peak Performance Living

Better living through brain chemistry is the message here. Robertson, a pharmacologist, believes that energy, intellectual abilities and self-esteem can all be boosted by correcting individual neurochemical imbalances. He focuses on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which he likens to gas pedals, and serotonin, which he dubs a brake. To achieve peak performance, Robertson advises his reader to learn which, if any, of these is out of whack and then to correct the imbalance with appropriate changes in diet, exercise and other behaviors. His highly formulated program begins with a self-test by which one's neurochemical type is identified. Two basic types, ``Satiation'' (relaxed) or ``Arousal'' (excited), are subdivided into nine more colorfully named ones, e.g., ``Saint,'' ``Fire Starter.'' Exercise plans and a diet (generally high in carbohydrates, moderate in proteins and low in fat and cholesterol) are modified for individual application, with specific foods identified as affecting specific neurotransmitters. $50,000 ad/promo; author tour. (Jan.)