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The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar – Your Brain’s Silent Killers

4.3 (250 ratings)
21 mins

Brief summary

Grain Brain by David Perlmutter is a book that explores the link between what we eat and the health of our brains. The book provides evidence-based tips for improving cognitive function and preventing diseases like Alzheimer's.

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    Grain Brain
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    Inflammation is closely linked to our diet – and it can lead to multiple diseases.

    You’ve probably had a headache. Or maybe you suffer from knee pain? Such irksome ills are often caused by inflammation. But inflammation isn’t just bothersome – doctors and scientists now know it’s linked to numerous chronic diseases.

    Here’s how: When the body undergoes stress – from, say, a bug bite or a sprained ankle – it responds by defending itself against what it perceives as something harmful. We experience this as inflammation, manifesting as swelling or pain.

    This is supposed to be a short term reaction; when the fight persists, however, the body keeps producing toxic chemicals to fight the irritants. Those toxic chemicals can eventually travel through the bloodstream, damaging healthy cells in addition to the irritants. In this way, inflammation can lead to chronic diseases in the body and the brain – like arterial disease and Alzheimer’s.

    This process, where inflammation leads to knee pain as well as brain damage, is called oxidative stress. It’s a form of gradual corrosion that occurs naturally in the body, but it can be deadly if it goes unchecked. People who have high levels of inflammation also have high levels of oxidation: that’s what leads to brain damage.

    But inflammation is also a symptom of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

    People with diabetes often have high blood sugar from consuming too many carbohydrates, especially sugar. When they’re bombarded by sugar, cells become desensitized to the sugar-delivery system we call insulin. That leads to the need for more insulin, just to get the sugar delivered to the cells, which leads to more desensitization. This cycle culminates in type 2 diabetes.

    What’s more, overproduction of insulin leads to too much insulin in the bloodstream, which eventually becomes an irritant – leading to an inflammatory reaction and all the chronic inflammatory issues listed above.

    This is why more research is now being conducted on the relationship between Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Some researchers have even started calling Alzheimer’s “type 3 diabetes.”

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    What is Grain Brain about?

    Grain Brain (2013) outlines how what we eat can cause or mitigate serious brain disorders like anxiety, ADHD and depression. Eating well is crucial to your brain’s functioning well, and these blinks tell you why.

    Grain Brain Review

    Grain Brain (2013) is a thought-provoking book that explores the relationship between the brain and our diet. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With insightful research and compelling evidence, it sheds light on the impact of food on brain health, challenging traditional notions about nutrition.
    • It offers readers practical tips and recommendations for improving brain function and preventing cognitive decline, empowering them to take control of their health.
    • By presenting complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner, the book engages readers, ensuring that the topic is never dull or confusing.

    Who should read Grain Brain?

    • People interested in nutrition
    • Anyone who wants to keep their brain sharp and healthy
    • Those who want to learn more about carbohydrates, sugar and gluten

    About the Author

    David Perlmutter is a neurologist, writer and the president of the Perlmutter Health Center. He contributes regularly to the Huffington Post, the Daily Beast and Mind Body Green. Grain Brain is his first New York Times bestseller.

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    Grain Brain FAQs 

    What is the main message of Grain Brain?

    The main message of Grain Brain is that reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats can improve brain health.

    How long does it take to read Grain Brain?

    The reading time for Grain Brain varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Grain Brain a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Grain Brain is worth reading for its insightful perspective on the impact of diet on brain health.

    Who is the author of Grain Brain?

    The author of Grain Brain is David Perlmutter.

    What to read after Grain Brain?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Grain Brain, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Wheat Belly by William Davis
    • Brain Maker by Dr. David Perlmutter with Kristin Loberg
    • In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
    • Gut Feelings by Dr. Will Cole
    • 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
    • Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
    • Psychological Types by Carl Jung
    • 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
    • Phaedo by Plato
    • Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler