The blood sugar solution The ultrahealthy program for losing weight, preventing disease, and feeling great now! / Mark Hyman

Review by Booklist Review

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. --Springen, Karen Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

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. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by Library Journal Review

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 (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by Kirkus Book Review

Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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