Grain Brain

August 19, 2013
In his latest book, neurologist Perlmutter (The Better Brain Book) declares war on a common foodstuff, attributing a bewilderingly wide assortment of maladies to the consumption of gluten, a substance found in bread and other stock foods. Contrasting modern humans against idealized humans of the distant past, Perlmutter concludes that the former, whose average life expectancy at birth is about twice that of their Paleolithic ancestors, have gone off the proper track. He addresses the churlish objection that gluten has been part of the human diet for many millennia by firmly asserting that recent changes to crops have transformed a once-safe food into a terrible scourge. The book features health advice, a number of gluten-free recipes, and details on some relevant case studies. Lauded by such nonconsensus pundits as Mehmet Oz and William Davis, Perlmutter offers readers a comfortably simplistic model for thinking about carbs. Agent: Bonnie Solow, Solow Literary Enterprises.

August 15, 2013
"Gluten is our generation's tobacco," argues Perlmutter (Power Up Your Brain, 2012, etc.), whose credentials as a board-certified neurologist and American College of Nutrition Fellow make him a uniquely qualified voice in the debate about which foods are best for the brain and body. Gluten, most commonly found in wheat products, plays a significant role in pernicious health issues relating to the brain. Bucking the mainstream notion that fat and cholesterol lead to poor health, the author proposes that the carbohydrate-laden foods that form the staple of many diets may cause brain problems as diverse as migraines, ADHD, Parkinson's, depression, anxiety and more. In addition, he provides ample evidence to suggest that diabetes, a disease already linked to the high sugar content of carbs, doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Gluten, not cholesterol, activates damaging chemical chain reactions which can result in inflammation and leave the brain and heart vulnerable to dysfunction and disease--even if an individual has no gastrointestinal sensitivity to gluten. Importantly, Perlmutter stresses that brain damage need not be permanent. A few simple lifestyle changes, he argues, can dramatically reduce the risk for debilitating brain diseases in the future, without the need for any kind of prescription medication. This "genetic reprogramming" is possible at any age, and its side effects include weight loss and increased energy levels in addition to brain health. Alongside numerous professional anecdotes detailing the successes of a diet without carbs but with omega-3 fats, the author provides abundant lists of "good" and "bad" foods, a 30-day plan of action that includes suggested meals, and a slate of gluten-free recipes. A galvanizing call to arms against a gluten-heavy diet.

COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2013

Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist (The Better Brian; Power Up Your Brain) states that carbohydrates are destroying the brain. He maintains that even healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and fruits can cause dementia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, headaches, and depression. Gluten is the culprit, and a diet that is low in carbohydrates and that contains "good" fats, including cholesterol and protein, is the answer. The book offers useful tips for exercise and improving sleep habits as well as gluten-free recipes, but the overall thesis is controversial. Nonmainstream medical gurus such as Dr. Oz embrace the program, but it's not for everyone. VERDICT An optional purchase; buy where Perlmutter's titles are in demand.--Barbara Bibel, Oakland P.L.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.