The Blood Sugar Solution

December 19, 2011
Collusion between food industry giants, the U.S. government, and the health care industry has put modern medicine in crisis, says functional medicine pioneer Hyman (The UltraMind Solution; UltraMetabolism). He points to imbalances in seven body systems that cause life-altering chronic illness (heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, etc.), and traces the root of many of these illnesses to insulin resistance and what he calls “diabesity.” A global epidemic of diabetes and obesity—including children and teenagers—and the rising number of people in their 20s having cardiac bypass surgery indicates, he suggests, a need for community-based movements involving schools, religious organizations, and neighborhoods in a complete dietary makeover. His program can be used with children over age 12 and consists of a two-week preparation phase and six-week routine for diet, supplements, exercise, and stress relief. Hyman assures readers that neither their genes nor a lack of will are to blame for their struggles in “obesogenic environments” filled with “Frankenfoods.” Quizzes, shopping lists, recipes, and tips for overcoming obstacles will keep readers on track, while Hyman’s memorable terminology, passion, and simplicity will keep them highly motivated. Agent: Alice Martell.

December 1, 2011
Bestselling author of the Ultra- health-book series (The UltraMind Solution, 2008, etc.) expounds on the limitless benefits of a balanced, organic, fiber-friendly diet. Directly addressing what he calls "our current global epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes," the former co-medical director of Canyon Ranch spas appeals to an increasing population plagued with bodily inflammation, insulin resistance and "diabesity." Hyman's book is mindful, comprehensive and impeccably organized as it moves from discussing the genesis of diabetes and the common myths surrounding the disease to how big "Frankenfood" corporations fuel "obesogenic"-based food addictions. Readers willing to take the author's "diabesity" and "food addiction" quizzes may or may not be alarmed at the results. Regardless, the self-proclaimed "wholistic" doctor promotes his heavily regimented "7 Keys to UltraWellness" plan, which systematically addresses problems and solutions regarding nutrition, digestion, detoxification and metabolism. Hyman's commentary on the cane sugar versus corn syrup debate is refreshingly astute, as are chapters on the restorative power of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The author's effective closing manifesto rallies readers to take charge of their health by making smarter lifestyle choices, which translates to more than 500 pages of useful charts, scientifically supported nutritional recommendations, airtight advice, recipes, menus and a comprehensive companion website. An avalanche of vital information and advice from an enthusiastic wellness expert.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

February 1, 2012

If you haven't fried an egg since 1980, you'll be forgiven a cynical eye roll over this nutrition update: this book gives you back your yolks! Unfortunately, it takes away your whole-wheat bread, raisins, and every smidgen of sugar. Practicing physician and best-selling diet book author Hyman (UltraMetabolism) contends that it is "the quality of food we put into our bodies that drives our gene function, metabolism, and health." He uses the term diabesity to describe the combination of type 2 diabetes and obesity that he claims affects over 1.7 billion people worldwide. This modern plague, according to Hyman, is both preventable and curable. To that end, he offers self-diagnostic charts, detailed food plans, vitamin and supplement recommendations, and recipes. VERDICT The average reader may prefer the simplicity of Michael Pollan's Food Rules: An Eater's Manual. Alternative health practitioners, if they can ignore the relentless marketing tone of Hyman's book, with its frequent references to his own website, will find a wealth of advice. Endorsements by TV host Mehmet Oz and best-selling author Rick Warren may help draw a wider audience to this hefty health book.--Linda F. Petty, Wimberley, TX

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2011
Medical doctor Hyman (UltraMetabolism, 2008) convincingly argues that residents of the United States of Diabetes need to start saying no to processed junk food. Otherwise, the modern obesogenic environment will lead toward diabesity, an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes. As Hyman clearly explains, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that damages the pancreas and causes a lack of insulin production. Type-2 diabetes, by contrast, is a disease of too much insulin. As Hyman notes, more than 70 percent of Americans are overweight, which puts them at great risk for pre-diabetes and earlier death. (Diabetics are four times more likely to die from heart disease and three to four times more likely to experience a stroke.) The book includes a quiz, patient success stories, diabetes myths, action tips, recipes, and links to recommended websites. Some doctors may not like his advice to try supplements and herbs (melatonin, passionflower, valerian-root extract) before bed. But overall, this passionate doctor gives solid advice about how to try to cure the modern plague of diabesity. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)