3.90

2

Feb 10, 2013

Somewhat resembles a gluten-free, dairy-free carob-chip cookie with no sweeteners. Looks appealing, potentially good for you, but by the end, potentially a little hard to swallow. I will say this for it: at the heart of the book is a truth we all need to hear: Our lifestyles are making us sick.

Divided into six somewhat disparate parts, book sections include: Understanding the Modern Plague, a section on the diabetics epidemic with a strong implication that most of us are pre-pre-diabetic; Seven Somewhat resembles a gluten-free, dairy-free carob-chip cookie with no sweeteners. Looks appealing, potentially good for you, but by the end, potentially a little hard to swallow. I will say this for it: at the heart of the book is a truth we all need to hear: Our lifestyles are making us sick.

Divided into six somewhat disparate parts, book sections include: Understanding the Modern Plague, a section on the diabetics epidemic with a strong implication that most of us are pre-pre-diabetic; Seven Steps to Treating Diabesity, which includes a number of lifestyle surveys identifying one's own insulin resistance; The Blood Sugar Solution: Preparation, or steps to implementing a healthier lifestyle; The Six-Week Action Plan, which includes a basic and 'advanced' diet plan for those who are more sugar-dependent; Take Back Our Health,how to including community support in your changes; The Meal Plan and Recipes; and of course, references.

For those sensitive to it, a note on formatting. Structure is very much of the "Dummies" school of writing, which includes (overuse) of bullet points, sections broken down into 2-page easily digestible segments, action steps, sidebars and (repetitive) life-style quizzes. This truly isn't meant to be an educational tome so much as a motivational speech coupled with a plan for lifestyle change.

The first part inundates with statistics proving that the American diet is unhealthy, causing an epidemic of obesity. He attempts to link obesity to industry, government and pharmaceutical companies--certainly all implicated in problems with the modern food chain, as well as general individual confusion about nutrition. There's vital substance here--much like the almonds in your chocolate bar--but it feels a little media-spun and breezy, and I would have preferred something more substantial. For instance, his assertion that "The food industry has decided to preempt any food-labeling regulations that would given consumers real, credible information" (p.47) is some what misleading. While I'd agree that industry isn't/hasn't been helpful, food labels now are more readable than ever before. It's actually a voluntary front of package labeling that industry suggested that he has issue with. Certainly true, but spun in a way that diminishes consumer responsibility and government efforts to improve knowledge. Personally, I would have been interested to learn more factual information about the deliberate creation of (unhealthy) highly-processed food on the part of industry--after all, I'm a sucker for an big conspiracy, especially if I get to blame my weight on it. But for that, I plan on checking out the lauded Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us.

Still, while every health care provider should already be aware of the current health crisis around poor diet and minimal exercise, some of this information might be new to the average American who may not have made the links between lifestyle and health (I don't know how they wouldn't have, but I'm trying to be generous here). Points he brings up include "low-fat" diets--there is now is strong evidence that defining healthy food strictly in terms of fat content is not enough. Likewise diet sodas--he cites a newer well-done study that links diabetes with higher diet soda consumption. I also like his assertion that too many medical practitioners--and their patients--accept the "pre-diabetic" label without actively fighting against further development of diabetes.

Other positives include linking inflammatory food choices with lifestyle stresses and inflammatory health conditions, although he often characterizes these as "toxins." There's a wide body of scientific research hoping to connect food, stress and inflammation, but as of right now, blanket statements are definitely out. Science is relatively certain inflammatory factors play a role in disease progression, specifically cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and autoimmune diseases (at least the ones that I know about off the top of my head). However, the link with inflammatory or "toxic" diets has been tenuous. A new European study on the Mediterranean diet was just released, and that seems to provide more conclusive proof. (However, contrary to Hymans' recommendations, that diet does contain alcohol, so it is sure to gain wider support).

There is a lot of good information here, spun in a way the average consumer might appreciate. However, because so much is referencing his website, it somewhat limits the extent to which it is accessible to everyone. My dad, for instance, should read this book; however, as he is computer illiterate, the online questionaires and resources would be useless. This issue perhaps hints at one of the hidden plagues of the food revolution--it usually requires significant economic or time resources to change.

Recipes and meal plans seem healthy, and no doubt would be part of a great balanced diet. He includes smoothies, breakfasts, snacks and solid meals. I also appreciate his checklists of kitchen supplies and spices, undoubtedly helpful for the kitchen impaired. It truly is a step-by-step recipe for change for those who are interested.

There is also a lot of selective information. Hyman would prefer that you don't drink alcohol at all. Not that I'm a fan, necessarily, but by not acknowledging the numerous studies that show a glass of red wine a day seems to be cardio-protective, he chips away at his own validity. And while I appreciate his emphasis on both 'real' food and food prepared by the consumer, I fail to understand how he doesn't consider it hypocritical that he would also recommend supplements.

Although I certainly believe in increasing environmental and pharmaceutical toxins, I think there aren't many studies that draw clear correlations with health, and those that do tend to center around asthma and cancer. Even then, connections are challenging to prove--if it was clearly provable, we'd have more success with EPA regulations. I feel his assertion of "increasing levels of toxins... are a significant cause of diabesity" (p.9) is seriously stretching the science. This truly is the section of the book that caused me the most skepticism. His self-analysis questions cover just about every symptom possible, so I think it would be hard to find someone that didn't merit his detox diet with supplements.

As a side note, for people into testing, he recommends a battery of blood work that is unlikely to be supported by many doctors and many more insurance companies. A full thyroid panel and insulin testing are two of the more esoteric ones that most practitioners--and clinical guidelines--would only recommend a screening thyroid and fasting glucose. Again, this speaks to well-financed readers, and I feel it is somewhat irresponsible to suggest someone with limited financial resources spend $800 on lab testing (just guessing off the top of my head as I don't have the book in hand--it's actually more like a couple thousand if it was market cost) that would need to be repeated in order to assess "improvement."

(view spoiler)[ Well, it's not really, but a side-side note. I recently saw a paper talking about the wide difference in gut enzymes between dogs and wolves, even though they are related species. Genes that sequence certain starch-digesting enzymes are to twelve times more common in dogs (Nature, Jan. 2013). It speculated that the gut evolution enabled dogs to take advantage of human's more carb-heavy diets. Similarly, current human guts are built to digest carbs as well as proteins--a diet that immediately classifies all carbs as 'toxic' is problematic. His diet seems extreme and fails to acknowledge evolution with dietary change. Similarly, I remember a anthropological study that looked at how cereal grains enabled civilization to progress beyond the hunter-gatherer because it allowed for concentration of food and diminished fool-collection energy consumpton. So I'd be interested in knowing how Hyman connects his own dietary suggestions back to food industry. Where are all these lean meats coming from? Harvested nuts and beans? It's ingenuous to suggest his diet is the answer to agribusiness' "Frankenfoods" without recognizing it is a reciprocal relationship, and that demand for his type of foods will be no different. (hide spoiler)]

At the end of the day, I'm not sure to what extent cause matters. Humans are hard-wired to select sweets and fats, so whether its because of capitalism or choice, we're gonna pick the unhealthy ones most of the time. I do buy into the 'addictive' component; again, whether it is from a dopamine cycle or habit is almost irrelevant. Almost, because knowing can help us with strategies. I do dispute Hyman's tendency to equate heroin with sugar. A little extreme, maybe? But that's where the addictive behavior figures in, and where behavior modification has to be an emphasized component of dietary and lifestyle change. I do like the way Hyman tries to connect that back to community, and how to enlist community support in ones' change. I don't know that the web community is the only option, but it is the one most strongly supported by this book.

I did chuckle at his Inflammation questionnaire: "At work, I am exposed to pesticides, toxic chemicals, loud noise, heavy metals, and/or toxic bosses and coworkers." Tell me that isn't funny stuff!

If only his prescription didn't also include his own brand of products. There was one line I found quite ironically funny where he complains that the solution isn't "diet and exercise" the way we've been hearing our doctors suggest for decades. Um, hypocritical much? Because that is, after all what he is recommending. Along with a healthy dose of his brand of supplements.

Summary: if it gets you to healthify your lifestyle--awesome. But don't waste your money on lab tests and supplements.

http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0... ...more

3

Feb 15, 2012

Thanks Goodreads for the great giveaway!!! I’m on a diet similar to The Blood Sugar Solution, so when I heard about this book I thought it would be perfect for me. And it is to a point, but I can’t fully recommend this book due to its complexity. The first section of this book condemns the typical American diet & explains Dr. Hyman’s concept of diabesity. While I appreciate Dr. Hyman’s passion for this subject and agree with him on most points, this part of the book is an excessive 60 pages. Thanks Goodreads for the great giveaway!!! I’m on a diet similar to The Blood Sugar Solution, so when I heard about this book I thought it would be perfect for me. And it is to a point, but I can’t fully recommend this book due to its complexity. The first section of this book condemns the typical American diet & explains Dr. Hyman’s concept of diabesity. While I appreciate Dr. Hyman’s passion for this subject and agree with him on most points, this part of the book is an excessive 60 pages. While this introduction is necessary, it could have been effectively whittled down to about 20 pages & still captured the essence of his argument. The second section of the book includes eleven quizzes (including the energy metabolism quiz, the oxidative stress quiz, the adrenal fatigue quiz, etc.) to pinpoint possible health issues. Again, these are great, but a little convoluted & drawn-out. Part three prepares for the Blood Sugar Solution. Part four (on page 189) finally discusses the six week plan. For the most part, I like the plan as it incorporates not only diet changes, but lifestyle changes as well, including relaxation techniques, exercise & eliminating environmental toxins. I especially enjoyed the section about the one week media fast. The recipes in the book are fairly simple & include ingredients found at most grocery stores. I will definitely be incorporating those into my own low sugar diet.

Anyone purchasing this book has already acknowledged that they need to make drastic changes. Altering your life is hard enough without having to muddle through terminology such as “low-glycemic-load meals” & “phytonutrient-rich foods”. If this had been a simpler, more concise book I would have given The Blood Sugar Solution a rave review. Unfortunately, I believe that The Blood Sugar Solution’s unneeded complexity will alienate the audience that needs this book the most.
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0

Feb 17, 2012

I'm not a health food nut. In fact, I love my diet cola more than the average American. I ordered this book simply because I'm going to Hawaii in a minute and I thought I might make some changes and look fantastic in a bathing suit.

Chances are slim, but there was a possibility.

Maybe because I'm new to the understanding-the-power-of-foods movement but I found the information a great launching pad for me. I accepted very early on that there was no chance I'd get my 23 year old body back I found I'm not a health food nut. In fact, I love my diet cola more than the average American. I ordered this book simply because I'm going to Hawaii in a minute and I thought I might make some changes and look fantastic in a bathing suit.

Chances are slim, but there was a possibility.

Maybe because I'm new to the understanding-the-power-of-foods movement but I found the information a great launching pad for me. I accepted very early on that there was no chance I'd get my 23 year old body back I found that a condition that has been plaguing me for a few years can be greatly improved by controlling inflammation through monitoring foods that cause it. Certainly, I'll continue taking prescription anti-inflammatories but I thought Hyman clearly explained the process of inflammation and made a couple of supplemental changes to my diet. It's not huge but it's something.

Dr. Hyman breaks down certain herbal supplements and their health benefits so I knew what I should be looking for. I'm not going gung-ho because I realize herbal supplements are not monitored by the FDA, but I have found a reputable health food store that sells supplements with the ingredients he indicated. I'm also replacing at least one can of Diet Coke with a bottle of flavored green tea extracts. For me, that is huge.

I liked it and found it helpful. ...more

5

Feb 27, 2012

Thanks to goodreads for sending me this great book! This is written by an MD so there is some in-depth info being covered, but I thought it was pretty easy to read and understand. He provides some startling statistics (especially about children's nutrition) that really are inspiring me to make some changes for my family. For example, the sugar consumption of an average person has gone up from 10 pounds per year in the 1800's to currently 150-180 pounds of sugar per person per year! yikes. Also, Thanks to goodreads for sending me this great book! This is written by an MD so there is some in-depth info being covered, but I thought it was pretty easy to read and understand. He provides some startling statistics (especially about children's nutrition) that really are inspiring me to make some changes for my family. For example, the sugar consumption of an average person has gone up from 10 pounds per year in the 1800's to currently 150-180 pounds of sugar per person per year! yikes. Also, the breakfast cereals with the worst nutritional value have the most advertising? and more than 90% of American children drink soda every day? I could go on, but I won't. Now I know that statistics can be skewed for different purposes, but this is still some eye-opening information on a topic that effects all of us.
So basically the book lays out a 6 week plan to get started on this healthy lifestyle where you eliminate sugars and reboot your metabolism. There are some quizzes you can take to help personalize the plan to your needs, and also a website to check out. There are recipes at the end of the book, although I wished there were more. Overall, if you are looking to change your nutritional habits or learn more about America's health crisis, give this book a read. ...more

5

Jul 31, 2018

Good book to understand the importance of diet in our health.
Nicely explained with scientific explanations.useful for those looking to drop a few kilos on a sustainable basis. Wisdom, tools and recipes to take back your health from processed sugary foods. Don't miss reading this for your health.

4

Sep 10, 2019

4 stars but only if you take out and/or discount everything he says about supplements.

As far as his assertion that we all need supplements - I realize that there are people out there who are "metabolically" sick, so that an individual who is diabetic and taking insulin is completely different than someone who is trying to take a more proactive approach to avoid lifestyle diseases. And while some of these people might benefit from taking supplements, to simply take these "drugs" which do impact 4 stars but only if you take out and/or discount everything he says about supplements.

As far as his assertion that we all need supplements - I realize that there are people out there who are "metabolically" sick, so that an individual who is diabetic and taking insulin is completely different than someone who is trying to take a more proactive approach to avoid lifestyle diseases. And while some of these people might benefit from taking supplements, to simply take these "drugs" which do impact our bodies much the same way more traditional pharmaceuticals do, seems irresponsible at best and maybe dangerous at worst. I get that he is a doctor, and maybe under his care with specific testing and monitoring these supplements offer patients a better alternative to the conventional treatment of diseases like diabetes, but to encourage people to blindly take a virtual cocktail of supplements sort of feels like hypocrisy on Hyman's part.

I also do not accept that we all need supplements. That's just alarmist, you better buy my product and pop this pill or else, and there is tons of research out there to support that supplements are not necessary for health but could even be detrimental to it.

Supplements aside, Hyman's book offers a lot of insight into the role that lifestyle plays in promoting health or disease and highlights some solid strategies for making better choices.

He promotes a whole foods, plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress-management, and good sleep. In my mind and experience both personal and professional, these really are the four pillars of good health. He also advocates for personalized medicine/functional medicine, which is a emerging branch of medicine that focuses on promoting health as a means of preventing and curing disease as opposed to simply treating disease without addressing the underlying causes behind it. This is an idea many practitioners embrace, even if managed care has limited their ability to successfully practice it with their own patients. It's the difference between what's ideal and what is practical based on the restraints that many medical professionals are forced to work against.

Perhaps the greatest strength of Hyman's book is that it asserts that we can both prevent and cure disease by the choices we make. Just because you have a family history of diabetes or even diabetes doesn't mean that you are destined to a life on insulin. There is a tremendous amount of research to support this notion. Better health, optimal health, really is within our control, most of the time. And if we hope to get a handle on non-communicable diseases (aka preventable diseases) we need a paradigm shift in how we approach disease...both in treatment and prevention. ...more

3

Oct 08, 2015

I really feel like this book has a lot of good information. My complaint is the extra and repetitious info that made the book tedious. Everything could have been said in less than half the time.

Still like I said, the information was good and I do believe that our diet has a lot to do with the diseases and conditions that we acquire. There are a few recipes included but I didn't see anything that appealed to me personally. This is a book I would still recommend for those persons who want to make I really feel like this book has a lot of good information. My complaint is the extra and repetitious info that made the book tedious. Everything could have been said in less than half the time.

Still like I said, the information was good and I do believe that our diet has a lot to do with the diseases and conditions that we acquire. There are a few recipes included but I didn't see anything that appealed to me personally. This is a book I would still recommend for those persons who want to make healthy lifestyle changes. ...more

4

May 03, 2012

So far, it is saying what I have said for years that the medical community treats symptoms and not causes. Our body is similar to a finely tuned engine where all the components must be in balance otherwise problems will develop. I'm only one-third through the book and feel like what I'm reading has a lot of truth to it. Here is a statement from the book: In Chapter 6 Functional Medicine: A New Approach to Reverse This Epidemic: "The Question isn't 'What disease do you have?' but 'Which system or So far, it is saying what I have said for years that the medical community treats symptoms and not causes. Our body is similar to a finely tuned engine where all the components must be in balance otherwise problems will develop. I'm only one-third through the book and feel like what I'm reading has a lot of truth to it. Here is a statement from the book: In Chapter 6 Functional Medicine: A New Approach to Reverse This Epidemic: "The Question isn't 'What disease do you have?' but 'Which system or systems are out of balance?' The goal is to understand what disturbs the normal function of these systems, and how we can create optimal function."

There are testing questions that will help you find the imbalances in your body and set about correcting them. I can't wait to reach the end not of the book but to put into action the things I'm learning and to reverse some of the destructive imbalances in my body. It's like having a Jaguar that isn't running correctly. If I were a car that is what I would be. So I want to become a body mechanic in my own life. I will update this when I am through and maybe weeks into my progress if this is a project I decide to persue.

OK...OK..it's been 41 days. I know it took me a long time. There was a lot to digest and absorb.
Here is my update:

"The Blood Sugar Solution" by Mark Hyman, MD. I've been reading and re-reading it for some time. It is what I believe medicine should be. It is called Functional Medicine. In almost every case, and in every area, any system must have balance to function correctly. If you were installing a pond in your yard as a landscape element, all the elements of the pond must fit together in such a way that the pond reaches homeostasis. Homeostasis is the property of a system that regulates its internal environment and tends to maintain a stable, constant condition of properties such as temperature or pH(and other things for the human body). It can be either an open or closed system. That's one example. A car engine is composed of many parts with different functions that must be within a certain range to work in balance with one another at which point you have a fine running car. In our bodies all the parts must work together for us to be healthy and stable. Just as we should run a certain octane gasoline in our car, we need certain elements in our body in certain quantities and we need to feed it a certain quality of food for energy and nourishment. It is not just for Diabetics. This information will work for anyone. This book explains the 7 areas that need to be in balance for you to be healthy. They are 1. Boosted Nutrition, 2 Regulated Hormones, 3. Reduced Inflammation, 4. Improved Digestion, 5. Maximized Detoxification, 6. Enhanced Metabolism, 7. Soothed Mind. There are quizzes you can take in each of these areas that will show what areas are possibly in an unbalanced state. The quizzes check Magnesium, Essential Fatty Acids, Thyroid, Sex Hormones, Inflammation, Digestion, Toxicity, Energy Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, Stress and Adrenal Fatigue, and Diabesity ( a new term coined by this author). Once you take the tests, you can take your score and rate what level of imbalance you are in and then follow the plan to put it into balance. As it is in anything worthwhile, nothing is simple. Why? Why? Why? I wish something could be simple!

As you start the plan, you will give yourself a starting point by measuring and weighing.

Journal what you are doing and what changes you notice. Find out what supplements will help in this challenge. You will have to eliminate certain foods and drinks from your diet to break addictionsfor at least 6 weeks. It gives you guidance on exercise. If you follow the plan, you have the chance of eliminating medication, reversing disease processes, losing weight, and finding a balanced healthy way of living. It will help you know how to maintain this lifestyle choice. I know that if your health is better, then you will be happier. I don't enjoy being sick. It is a total body adjustment. You will be tuned up and energized. I know this is a good choice for me and it is my plan to follow the directions I can and continue on the road to making a different choice about my life and my body. Change does not come easy to me. I have already been working on certain changes for the past two years. Some days I do great and other days I fall flat on my face. I get up and start again. My plan is to succeed. I don't beat myself up. I just pick myself up, dust myself off and continue on my way. I also give myself times when I'm free to do whatever I want without reprisal or guilt.

I hope you will be interested in this book. It is of benefit to everyone no mater what disease you have, whether you are skinny or fat, and no mater what age you are. Come join with me and find your healthy balance. ...more

0

Mar 14, 2012

This book addresses one of the most important health issues of our time. And if you have friends or relatives who are struggling with their weight, or with high blood pressure and cholesterol, or other inflammatory conditions, we think you — and they — will want the guidance, perspective and practical wisdom this book provides.

We are currently in the middle of an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes — what Dr. Hyman calls “diabesity” — that threatens more than half of all Americans. Even more This book addresses one of the most important health issues of our time. And if you have friends or relatives who are struggling with their weight, or with high blood pressure and cholesterol, or other inflammatory conditions, we think you — and they — will want the guidance, perspective and practical wisdom this book provides.

We are currently in the middle of an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes — what Dr. Hyman calls “diabesity” — that threatens more than half of all Americans. Even more startling, most conventional doctors are having very little success in treating diabesity, which is the leading cause of chronic disease (think heart disease, dementia, high blood pressure, cancer, etc.) in the 21st century.

It’s important to know that The Blood Sugar Solution is not just for people who are diabetic or obese. In fact, Hyman tells us, most people who suffer from diabesity don’t even know it — and they also don’t know that this condition is 100 percent reversible.

In The Blood Sugar Solution, Dr. Hyman focuses on lifestyle — non-drug based approaches to preventing, treating, and even reversing diabesity.

Hyman’s compelling and accessible book includes many quizzes and tips like these to help you develop your own personalized self-care plan to improve things like hormonal imbalances, inflammation, metabolism and detoxification. ...more

4

Jun 07, 2012

The ultra-healthy program for losing weight, preventing disease and feeling great now.
Dr. Hyman’s new book takes a look at Diabesity “a more comprehensive term to describe the continuum from optimal blood sugar balance toward insulin resistance and full blown diabetes”.
Diabesity is a globally affecting children through adults and is one of the leading cause in chronic disease today. To effectively get rid of it we need to take back our health.
Dr Hyman goes indepth on the myths of diabetes and The ultra-healthy program for losing weight, preventing disease and feeling great now.
Dr. Hyman’s new book takes a look at Diabesity “a more comprehensive term to describe the continuum from optimal blood sugar balance toward insulin resistance and full blown diabetes”.
Diabesity is a globally affecting children through adults and is one of the leading cause in chronic disease today. To effectively get rid of it we need to take back our health.
Dr Hyman goes indepth on the myths of diabetes and obesity by looking at our health care system, the foods consumed today, of our sugar levels and how to regulate them. Very detailed responses to the issues that are behind the diabesity epidemic. For someone who wants to know the hows and whys behind the epidemic, the first section of the book will be extremely helpful.
Part two begins the 7 steps to treating diabesity by looking at your nutrition, hormones, stress, inflammation, metabolism and more. Fantastic step by step ideas on how to begin treating each of these areas.
In Part four Dr. Hyman begins the 6 week action plan, after prepping a week in the previous section. Now this is where you get down to the grass roots and apply what he has been shedding light on in the previous sections. Basically getting rid of any foods that are not natural for your body. Get rid of the refined flours, carbs, sugars especially. Anything artificial or you can’t pronounce on the label, avoid it. I have been slowly working on this exact concept so it was very helpful to find it reinforced in this book!
There are recipe ideas and and menu plans in the last section including shopping lists. I am hoping to take some of these ideas and work with them this summer as the fresh produce is abundant around us. I look forward to seeing the results of my own health as I work toward getting rid of my own diabesity problems.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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4

Jun 13, 2013

Interesting book on our eating habits and how some dietary deficiencies can be overlooked. Skip the first 40 pages, take the quizzes to find out what you may be lacking and if you don't want to follow his plan, at least consider some of the ideas he puts forth to support a healthier lifestyle.

2

Apr 15, 2012

Surely a lot of helpful information. But the diet would be impossible for me as an ovo,,lacto vegetarian, since the only sources of protein would be eggs, beans, and nuts. No dairy or grains is too restrictive, although I am cutting down and adding more exercise.

2

Feb 15, 2012

Nothing new. Same info as always in all Mark Hyman books repeated over and over again. First time I read his book Ultrametabolism I loved it. This is pretty much same stuff packaged differently, targeted at people with more serious problems (what he calls 'diabesity').

5

Apr 15, 2012

How does a person rate these type of books?

I judge it by 'THE FACTS' ---(the research and helpful information given).

Easy book to read. (written by a Nutritional M.D.) -- A valuable book for people to 'at least' be familiar with the issues' about this topic. I've read many books of this topic over the last 30 years (a Kinesiology major in College).

Its an excellent 'sane' resource useful book for those concern with 'sugar' addictions, general over-all health (and how diet can help correct many How does a person rate these type of books?

I judge it by 'THE FACTS' ---(the research and helpful information given).

Easy book to read. (written by a Nutritional M.D.) -- A valuable book for people to 'at least' be familiar with the issues' about this topic. I've read many books of this topic over the last 30 years (a Kinesiology major in College).

Its an excellent 'sane' resource useful book for those concern with 'sugar' addictions, general over-all health (and how diet can help correct many problems)
...more

3

Jul 27, 2015

UPDATE: I don't often re-read books, but I've picked out about 10 or so that I am going to try to reread in the next month or so. I felt they could help me with my theme this year (I don't make New Year Resolutions, I just pick a theme and go with that.)

This book still felt URGENT, but I think I got more out of it this time around. But still 3 stars for me.

This is not new info but he says it all like it is the most urgent info that needs to be put at the top of your to-do list if you want to UPDATE: I don't often re-read books, but I've picked out about 10 or so that I am going to try to reread in the next month or so. I felt they could help me with my theme this year (I don't make New Year Resolutions, I just pick a theme and go with that.)

This book still felt URGENT, but I think I got more out of it this time around. But still 3 stars for me.

This is not new info but he says it all like it is the most urgent info that needs to be put at the top of your to-do list if you want to feel better.....PRONTO! I actually really enjoyed this book, even though it felt like the sky was falling. I have a family member who was diagnosed with diabetes after years of going to his doctor for all the symptoms he experienced before it was full blown diabetes. I always thought that more could have been done before it came to meds and dialysis and was glad that this book validated that thought. I guess it comes down to what you are willing to put yourself through to steer clear of this awful disease. The eating suggestions/guidelines sounded pretty stringent.

I gave this only 3 stars because it also read like an infomercial for his website. While I would never slam capitalism, his website was mentioned several times. When I went there, it sounds like you have to purchase some extremely expensive things, such as over priced vitamins, to keep your account and quiz results. ...more

5

Feb 01, 2014

This book provides a comprehensive blueprint for integrating pracitical tips to help you live a healthy life. The recipes are delicious and easy to follow. Buying the book just for the recipes is well worth your purchase.

One of the ways that we can become aware of our thinking is through journaling. Part of Dr. Hyman’s 10-Day Detox Diet includes keeping a journal. He offers some suggestions about what to write about each day. There is also an online community to provide you with support.

I will This book provides a comprehensive blueprint for integrating pracitical tips to help you live a healthy life. The recipes are delicious and easy to follow. Buying the book just for the recipes is well worth your purchase.

One of the ways that we can become aware of our thinking is through journaling. Part of Dr. Hyman’s 10-Day Detox Diet includes keeping a journal. He offers some suggestions about what to write about each day. There is also an online community to provide you with support.

I will share this with you about my experience (Full Disclosure- I did not use any of the supplements recommended). On day three of the detox, I felt the positive effects of a healthy diet. I embraced it now that I got through the first two days and my break up with sugar no longer seemed like a long haul. I don’t own a scale, but I felt lightweight. No cravings. My head was clear; no clutter; no anxiety despite the difficult phone call the night before. Now, I notice that my running is stronger and I’m sleeping through the night.

Even if you don’t feel that you are ready or can commit to ten days, I encourage you to take a look at this book. Many of the meal and suggestions you can incorporate into your daily routine. Feeling better about ourselves comes when we are living a healthy lifestyle. This plan teaches you how to listen to your body and provide it with nutrient rich foods. The recipes are easy to follow. Even the kitchen challenged, like myself, can complete them.

Five out of Five Stars! ...more

5

Mar 04, 2012

A great resource and wealth of information for anyone whatever their lifestyle.

First and foremost, don't let the title of this book fool you. You don't need to be a diabetic to benefit from the information Dr. Hyman provides in this book. Anyone who is looking to change their unhealthy eating habits will benefit from reading The Blood Sugar Solution.

Not sure if you have unhealthy eating habits? I can promise you will be surprised by all the eye opening information in this book. I thought I A great resource and wealth of information for anyone whatever their lifestyle.

First and foremost, don't let the title of this book fool you. You don't need to be a diabetic to benefit from the information Dr. Hyman provides in this book. Anyone who is looking to change their unhealthy eating habits will benefit from reading The Blood Sugar Solution.

Not sure if you have unhealthy eating habits? I can promise you will be surprised by all the eye opening information in this book. I thought I already knew everything there was to know about sustaining a healthy lifestyle, so I was really shocked by a lot of the information in this book.

This book was certainly an eye opening experience. Reading the chapter on inflammation alone, brought to mind certain family members and friends that would really benefit from knowing this information. I learned many things in this book that I have implemented in my own life which are helping me feel and look better.

I recommend this book to anyone, and not just those trying to lose weight. This book will change the way you look at your food. It gives you the tools and advice that are life changing. With this same information, Dr. Hyman has helped hundreds of people reverse their illness and get off of medication for good. It sounds hard to believe but Dr Hyman is a medical prodigy and one of just a few doctors in the medical field right now who are not following the norm and are actually out to truly help people get off of prescription drugs by implementing a system that truly works. ...more

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May 22, 2012

Title: THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION
Author: Mark Hyman, MD
Publisher: Little Brown
February 2012
ISBN: 978-0-316-12737-0
Genre: Healthy living


THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION is a book for those individuals who want to be on an ultra-healthy program for losing weight, preventing disease, and feeling great. Dr. Hyman is the best-selling author of other medical books for the general public, and he maintains that fifty percent of all Americans have diabesity, which is the spectrum of imbalance ranging from mild Title: THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION
Author: Mark Hyman, MD
Publisher: Little Brown
February 2012
ISBN: 978-0-316-12737-0
Genre: Healthy living


THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION is a book for those individuals who want to be on an ultra-healthy program for losing weight, preventing disease, and feeling great. Dr. Hyman is the best-selling author of other medical books for the general public, and he maintains that fifty percent of all Americans have diabesity, which is the spectrum of imbalance ranging from mild insulin resistance to prediabetes, to full-blown type 2 diabetes.

The latest research shows that insulin imbalance is the major cause of weight issues and diabetes, as well as heart disease, cancer, dementia, and most other diseases. You may have diabesity and not know it.

In THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION, Dr. Hyman presents his scientifically based program for rebalancing insulin and blood sugar levels. He identifies the seven factors in achieving wellness: peak nutrition, regulated hormones, reduced inflammation, optimized digestion, maximized detoxification, better energy metabolism, and a calm mind.

Included in THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION are self diagnostic tests, advice on supplements and medication, stress-reducing strategies, a menu plan and recipes, as well as a six-week action plan.

If you follow the advice in THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION, you will gain back your health.

The reading of this book is rather dry—and it does suggest working with your medical doctor, so your physician will need to be open-minded and accepting of Dr. Hyman’s approach and views. The recipes included sound wonderful, but pricy, and also includes a shopping list so you can make sure you have all the ingredients on hand (some are hard to find). Also, the supplements recommended seem to be only available on his website for a pricy amount. If you are looking for a healthier lifestyle then pick up THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION is a book to consider. $27.99 hardcover. 420 pages.

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May 04, 2012

Something I discovered in both of my pregnancies is that I have Gestational Diabetes, while I am blessed for it to go away completely when I’m no longer pregnant… it is something I’ll have to deal with most likely every time I become pregnant. My mother has type 2 diabetes and it seems that whenever you reach a certain age in her side of the family that is bound to happen. It’s not surprising and it’s not rare, but it’s a factor of my life that I need to address.

While right now I’m breastfeeding Something I discovered in both of my pregnancies is that I have Gestational Diabetes, while I am blessed for it to go away completely when I’m no longer pregnant… it is something I’ll have to deal with most likely every time I become pregnant. My mother has type 2 diabetes and it seems that whenever you reach a certain age in her side of the family that is bound to happen. It’s not surprising and it’s not rare, but it’s a factor of my life that I need to address.

While right now I’m breastfeeding and not about to abruptly change my diet, nor have I had the book quite long enough to speak to results… the tone of the book is right. It is dead on in inspiration and motivation. Written at a level that makes you part of your health care team. With a checklist format and a weekly overview, this appears to be something you can really do and without struggle for understanding. I love that something finally includes journaling and vitamins – both so important and often left out. Packed with recipes and shopping list, this could really be a jump start.

I’m willing to try. Why wait until I’m further into borderline diabetes? Or again with gestational diabetes? Or later in life, full on type 2 diabetes? This book is filled with advice to take to heart now, and to jump in full stream when we move past breastfeeding.

Like always as I discovered with the Great Physicians Diet and others, getting healthy does cost some money up front. Healthier food has a higher grocery store price tag as does organic and more natural options. Vitamins too… as for his recommendation of the supplements that he sells on his website, he knows how their made and that’s his safe suggestion since he cannot comment on everything behind other brands, however just as I thought with Jordan Rubin’s vitamins and such you can use other brands to get a healthy balance.

Pretty much all I’ve read here seems to go hand in hand with what I’ve been slowly gathering in my mind researching over the last few years…

***Thanks to The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2... ...more

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Sep 05, 2012

This book had some good information; however, there were two aspects of this book that I had a problem with. The first is that is was a constant AD for his website, which, at the time of reading it, did not have all of the features that he touted. Once these features were up, you have to pay $175 to access them. I also had a problem with how Dr Hyman was trying to get people to self-diagnose and self-medicate, which I think are very dangerous prospects as a physician. It is one thing to make This book had some good information; however, there were two aspects of this book that I had a problem with. The first is that is was a constant AD for his website, which, at the time of reading it, did not have all of the features that he touted. Once these features were up, you have to pay $175 to access them. I also had a problem with how Dr Hyman was trying to get people to self-diagnose and self-medicate, which I think are very dangerous prospects as a physician. It is one thing to make people aware of a situation, and completely another to tell people to take several supplements without really knowing what their specific issues are.

I do agree that we need to get away from sugars and white flour as a nation. I think it would help to cure what ails us. With the ever-rising rates of obesity in America, and with type 2 Diabetes being diagnosed at an alarming rate, to include children as young as 8 years old, I feel it is important to get the information out to the public and to have a vanguard that will help reverse this problem. Unfortunately, I do not seeing it happen at a rate that will be beneficial. We need more people talking about this devastating epidemic of 'diabesity' and the evils of highly processed foods.

Don't get me wrong. I think that there is good information in this book, but I also think that it could have been presented in a better way. I hope that America wakes up and stops its love affair with white flour and high fructose corn syrup. I think that we, as a nation, need to become more aware of our food and where it comes from and that medicine needs to start treating the cause of disease, not just putting more drugs in our bodies to find symptoms of what is truly wrong with us.

Once again, I did feel that this book could have been shorten by several pages (simply removing all of the plugs for his website alone would do that!) and it would have been more impactful to this reader, as I started to get annoyed by all of the references to website capabilities that were not easily accessible. I also felt it irresponsible of the publisher to allow a book to have so many quizzes and remedies and not state (again and again) that it is best to have a medical professional run tests and then prescribe courses of action instead of wholesale 'take these supplements and feel better'.

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5

May 10, 2019

As prediabetic, this book has been a lifesaver of sorts... my blood glucose numbers are dropping! Dr. Hyman provides a lot of beneficial and eye-opening information.

4

Jun 13, 2012

The Blood Sugar Solution: The UltraHealthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Disease, and Feeling Great Now! is endorsed by Dr. Oz. When I see Dr. Oz endorse something, I want to read it. Sad, but true. (I hope authors and such realize how seriously the public takes their names on "things").

The Blood Sugar Solution is an education in food! I learned all kinds of things that I never knew. So much, in fact, that it was a bit overwhelming at times. I had no idea that oatmeal for breakfast is The Blood Sugar Solution: The UltraHealthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Disease, and Feeling Great Now! is endorsed by Dr. Oz. When I see Dr. Oz endorse something, I want to read it. Sad, but true. (I hope authors and such realize how seriously the public takes their names on "things").

The Blood Sugar Solution is an education in food! I learned all kinds of things that I never knew. So much, in fact, that it was a bit overwhelming at times. I had no idea that oatmeal for breakfast is bad(not that I eat oatmeal very much), or that rye bread is healthier than whole wheat.

Dr. Hyman recommends going "cold turkey". Go through your kitchen and throw out anything with labels(unless there's less than 5 ingredients on the label, and doesn't contain certain sugary ingredients). No white flour, no white sugar, no processed foods, and no dairy. My kitchen would be drastically more empty if I did that. There's NO doubt whatsoever that going cold turkey is the best way in this case, but I think I need some cooking lessons first(and a lot more money if I'm basicly starting from scratch to re-stock my kitchen). If you decide suddenly to not eat ANY processed foods whatsoever, you better know how to cook! ;) I've been wanting to cut out most of the processed foods we eat around here, and it's just too easy for it to slip back in. A lot in our case! So, again, I do understand the going "cold turkey" thing. If this plan came with a coach, cook, and budget, I'd be all for it!

There's lots of quizzes throughout the book to determine something in your diet you might be lacking or a problem you might have, like a lack of magnesium or a thyroid problem. I'm always skeptical of quizzes. If you start looking up your symptoms online, it seems like it always comes back around to cancer. I honestly do think the quizzes are helpful in this book, though.

There's recipes, online support, and just tons of useful information in here! I recommend it as an education in food and how it affects our health. I take the information that I've read VERY seriously and I do want to put some of it into effect in our lives. But, I'm not completely jumping on the "Blood Sugar Solution" bandwagon. It's a HUGE change, and simply unrealistic for the average person(as far as "cold turkey" goes). Do I think putting this book's advice into practice would result in better health? Of course! Absolutely! But, it will take TONS of work(and money).

Overall, if you're wanting to eat healthier, I definitely recommend picking The Blood Sugar Solution up. I do think it will at least motivate you to get moving in the right direction.

*There's more recipes and information at the website.....http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com/. I'm pretty excited about the extra recipes. :)

**I was provided a review copy through B&B Media Group in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more

5

Sep 11, 2016

“Diabesity” is what Dr. Mark Hyman calls the epidemic of obesity and of type 2 diabetes. This book is primarily about disabesity – its causes and its cure.

Hyman predicts that one out of two Americans will be afflicted with diabesity by 2020. So what causes it? Diabesity is almost entirely caused by environmental factors and lifestyle. Hyman calls it a myth that diabetes (type 2) is genetic. The incidence of diabetes is growing so fast that it can’t be caused by genetic changes.

What we eat and “Diabesity” is what Dr. Mark Hyman calls the epidemic of obesity and of type 2 diabetes. This book is primarily about disabesity – its causes and its cure.

Hyman predicts that one out of two Americans will be afflicted with diabesity by 2020. So what causes it? Diabesity is almost entirely caused by environmental factors and lifestyle. Hyman calls it a myth that diabetes (type 2) is genetic. The incidence of diabetes is growing so fast that it can’t be caused by genetic changes.

What we eat and drink is the main factor in contracting disabesity. Sugar stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers through dopamine just like addictive drugs, he claims. Brain imaging shows that high-sugar and high-fat foods work like heroin on the brain. Sugar “is at least as addictive, if not more so” than tobacco and alcohol.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (S-SB) are the single biggest source of sugar in the diet. Nine of ten American children imbibe S-SBs daily. From 1977 - 2002, consumption of calories by S-SB doubled, while obesity rates doubled in children ages 2 - 11 and tripled in children ages 12 - 19.

Much of the sugar consumed comes from high fructose corn sugar (HFCS), which is worse than sucrose, he explains, because HFCS doesn’t require digestion and is more quickly absorbed into the blood stream than sucrose. Eliminating HFCS from the diet “radically reduces health risks.”

“The increased rate of chronic illness we see in our society is a direct outcome of increased rates of inflammation. There is no longer any debate about this in the world of medicine…Dietary sugars and refined flowers are the biggest triggers of inflammation” causing insulin levels to spike and a cascade of reactions that lead to chronic inflammation. Food sensitivities and allergies is another cause of inflammation.

So what is the solution? Hyman advocates Functional Medicine, which he defines as patient-centered health care, not disease-centered medicine. It means treating the whole body, with all of its interconnected systems, rather than focusing on one organ or one symptom.

He also advocates a nutritional approach called nutrigenics -- the science of how food talks to our genes, The information our body receives from the foods we eat turns certain genes off and on; food = info.

Americans must change their diets, and Hymn offers specific, if familiar, advice about how to carry out a diet improvement plan. He also recommends a long list of supplements.

Our environment is “obesogenic,” writes Hyman, with inexpensive, addictive junk food and unfettered marketing campaigns even to young children. What’s changed over the decades is our environment, not our genes, as Americans get fatter than ever. On the other hand, the food industry would have us believe health problems are the result of gluttony and weak will power, and that individual responsibility is all that matters.

In the realm of public policy, a penny-an-ounce tax on soft drinks would, per the director of the CDC, reduce consumption by 23% and save $50 billion in health care costs over a decade. A Coke study fund that when their prices rose by 12%, their sales dropped by 14.6%. That’s why the soft drink industry spends $tens of millions lobbying against the soda tax; they know that altering the environment will reduce their profit.

Another policy would be to limit the advertising of junk food to young children. Currently there is no legal limit, the average child sees 10,000 ads for junk food a year, and the average two-year old can identify more junk food brands than vegetables. By contrast, 50 other countries restrict or ban advertising to children.

Hyman contends that diabetes is reversible, especially if caught in the early stages and treated aggressively through lifestyle intervention and nutritional support. To catch it early, doctors should revise their cutoff on a patient’s fasting blood sugar (fbs): A recent study shows that anyone with a fbs of 87 mg/dl was at increased risk of diabetes. Most doctors are not concerned until the blood sugar is over 110 mg/dl, or 126 mg/dl, the level that technically signals diabetes. Insulin spikes before blood sugar, so doctors should order the two-hour glucose tolerance test, which measures not only glucose but also insulin levels at fasting and one and two hours after a sugar drink.

Here are some other Hyman assertions:

• “We get the most pleasure from life when we focus on quality – of our relationships, of our work, and of our food.”

• “Obese citizens cost the US health care system 40 percent more than normal-weight citizens.” They also lose an average of 9 years of life expectancy.

• Statins aren’t any good at preventing heart disease – a contention rejected by much of the medical establishment.

• If we eat food that spikes our insulin level, we gain weight, even when the calories are the same as a diet that doesn’t spike insulin levels. Low glycemic load diets that don’t spike blood sugar and insulin are the only diets proven to work.

EVALUATION
I think Dr. Hyman generally gives good advice, though I have some caveats.

Hyman provides quizzes throughout the book so readers can determine whether they have a particular problem. Most of the quizzes, however, lead all or almost all people to conclude they do. Some of his sweeping risk factors are being nonwhite, a senior and living north of Florida. Even when someone has none of the risk factors, Hyman’s still concludes the person “may have a deficiency.” Consequently, his checklists aren’t very helpful to the reader, though they no doubt help his marketing.

Though critical of gluten, Hyman nonetheless endorses consuming whole grains, even though in places he recognizes how glycemic flour is. There is much overlap between this book and two other books I like on diet and health – Wheat Belly and The 4-hour body. All three books focus on blood sugar, and the need to prevent it from spiking due to sugar and refined carb consumption. All three books warn, to varying degrees, about starches in grains, rice, and flour and the need to abstain from them in order to prevent or reverse diabesity.

None of the three books expresses much worry about consumption of fats. As a matter of fact, Hyman says focus on fat has distracted Americans from the bigger diet problems, such as sugar.

In sum, much of this information is available elsewhere. What helps distinguish this book from others is the comprehensive approach to changing how we eat, which includes follow-up on his web site. Here’s a reason to make those changes: “Recent studies have found that as your waist size goes up, the size of your brain goes down.”
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Jun 28, 2019

This is the second book in a row I quit before the end. I made it about halfway. Mak Hyman continually builds a narrative of how everyone is plotting to destroy (Big Food, Big Ag, Big Chem, Big...). What I kept waiting for was when he offered advice, as in his solution. I can tell you that he does not get to it in the first half of the book.

3

Jun 12, 2019

This book had great information but I feel it got lost in the author repetitive habit and multiple side stories. It was hard to stay focused on the real topic.