Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When I saw this title, I knew I had to read it. "Grain Brain" brought images of a cow at a computer. Since I am very interested in both the mind and good health, I wanted to learn more. Like so many people, I want to do anything I can to avoid dementia and Alzheimer's. So, who is Dr. Perlmutter and why should we listen to him? It turns out that he is one of the leading integrative medicine neurologists in North America today. He is the author of The Better Brain Book: The Best Tool for Improving Memory and Sharpness and Preventing Aging of the Brain and Power Up Your Brain. Like Dr. Oz and Dr. Andrew Weil, he integrates conventional medicine diagnosis and treatment with the latest innovations in nutritional and environmental medicine. I love medical doctors who have traditional training and look for prevention rather than cure. Dr. Perlmutter makes a bold promise that this program can help people with: * ADHD * Depression * Diabetes * Epilepsy * Insomnia * Intestinal problems * Memory problems and much more According to Dr. Perlmutter, the number one cause of brain disease is inflammation. Inflammation is our body's natural response to some kind of stress in the body. Prolonged inflammation leads to a reduction of cellular function followed by cellular destruction. This damages your body and your brain. So, where is this inflammation coming from? The main source is processed food. The sugars, simple carbs, some fruits and fruity drinks and fast foods that are causing diabetes are also causing brain degeneration. It is causing our bodies and brains to age prematurely due to oxidation - a biological type of "rusting". Gluten is also our new mortal enemy. How do we avoid this fate worse than death? (or maybe it is death). Here are a few of Dr. Perlmutter's suggestions. * Skip inflammatory oils like canola or corn oil. Instead, reach for alternatives like coconut or extra virgin olive oil (I have started popping my popcorn in coconut oil - delicious!) * Incorporate only grass-fed meats into your diet (corn fed meat lacks omega-3) * To get more omega-3s in your diet, reach for supplements like DHA, ALA or fish oil. * Avoid excess fruit & fruit juice. Occasional fruit is OK. Reach for apples or berries. * Get plenty of sleep * Exercise often (230% less chance of Alzheimer's) * Occasional one-day fast (as the seasons change) * Get enough Vitamin D The book is very easy to read and loaded with great information. Dr Perlmutter has a great ability to make medical mumbo-jumbo clear and understandable. There are numerous studies cited, and the last section includes easy to follow recipes. If you have read any of Dr. Daniel Amen's books like The Amen Solution: The Brain Healthy Way to Get Thinner, Smarter, Happier, you will find many similarities. If you want to read more about the effects of inflammation on your body, you might want to check out Meals That Heal Inflammation: Embrace Healthy Living and Eliminate Pain, One Meal at at Time.