A review by libellum_aphrodite
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar--Your Brain's Silent Killers by David Perlmutter

3.0

If you were not paranoidly questioning the conventional wisdom of doctors and other authority figures before, you may be after reading this book. Perlmutter provides yet another case for improving health by avoiding gluten and limiting carbs, but from a new angle of the long-term cognitive risks associated with these foods. Alzheimer's and similar ailments that degenerate the brain are one of my personal worst medical fears and the idea that society has promoted a diet exacerbating the risk is highly disturbing. Whether you come away from the book agreeing with Perlmutter or not, I hope he convinces you to question (and by that I do mean question, not handily reject) all the information you are spoon-fed by any self-proclaimed expert, including him. That being said, I found his rationale solid, backed with statistical studies, thorough explanations of biological mechanisms, and anecdotes. Much of his evidence does stem from his own practice and patients, but I would beg any skeptics to consider if there was even the slightest chance of healing a patient with chronic illnesses of any sort, or just improving your own well-being, with simple, non-outlandish diet changes, why on Earth wouldn't you try it? I already eat mostly in line with his recommendations from following Paleo and limit carbs as suggested in [b:The Primal Blueprint|6515468|The Primal Blueprint Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy|Mark Sisson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348726627s/6515468.jpg|6707264], but plan on trying his recommended 30-40g carbs/day for 4 weeks.