Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar--Your Brain's Silent Killers

Written by David Perlmutter

Narrated by Peter Ganim

The devastating truth about the effects of wheat, sugar, and carbs on the brain, with a 4-week plan to achieve optimum health.

In Grain Brain, renowned neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, exposes a finding that's been buried in the medical literature for far too long: carbs are destroying your brain. Even so-called healthy carbs like whole grains can cause dementia, ADHD, epilepsy, anxiety, chronic headaches, depression, decreased libido, and much more.

Groundbreaking and timely, Grain Brain shows that the fate of your brain is not in your genes. It's in the food you eat. The cornerstone of all degenerative conditions, including brain disorders, is inflammation, which can be triggered by carbs, especially containing gluten or high in sugar. Dr. Perlmutter explains what happens when the brain encounters common ingredients in your daily bread and fruit bowls, how statin drugs may be erasing your memory, why a diet high in "good fats" is ideal, and how to spur the growth of new brain cells at any age.

Dr. Perlmutter's revolutionary 4-week plan shows you how to keep your brain healthy, vibrant, and sharp while dramatically reducing your risk for debilitating neurological diseases as well as relieving more common, everyday conditions -- without drugs. Easy-to-follow strategies, delicious recipes, and weekly goals help you to put the plan into action. With a blend of anecdotes, cutting-edge research, and accessible, practical advice, Grain Brain teaches you how to take control of your "smart genes," regain wellness, and enjoy lifelong health and vitality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release date: Sep 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781619698475

David Perlmutter

David Perlmutter is a freelance writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. His published works include the non-fiction books America ‘Toons In: A History Of Television Animation (McFarland and Co.) and The Encyclopedia Of American Animated Television Shows (Rowman and Littlefield); as well as a number of speculative fiction collections and novellas.

[byayoi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gluten plugs into the same neurotransmitters as opium and heroin! That's why it's so hard to give up bread! And to make matters worse, gluten causes inflammations that can interfere with your cognitive process! Don't eat gluten!

Summary finished ?

But the book is good, read it for more explanations ? (Translated from Spanish)

[wren73-89184 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Another book that claims to be right about things that are the opposite of others. Cholesterol is bad, no it's good, fat is a killer, no fat is a perfect nutrient. Who are we supposed to believe? I'm not sure about anything it seems. He mentions studies, but so do the others. I just don't know how to tell what is true and what is not. I guess I'll need to research this, now, and try to come up with a conclusion on my own, again. I'm working on it... can you tell I've read a lot of hype, but am tired of not having definitive evidence/direction?

[ivcobel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A direct relationship between the intestine and the brain, excellent book. (Translated from Spanish)

[Marl2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The microbiome may be even more important than the brain. Enlightening, well explained, and easy to read. (Translated from Spanish)

[MilenaRodriguez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book, I liked its approach and scientific backing; it explains medical concepts explicitly, allowing any reader to easily understand the concepts regardless of their prior knowledge on the topic. While it's true that some things are mentioned repeatedly, I think the author has a main objective, which is to make us understand that we take for granted whether certain foods or habits are good or bad; however, we often turn a blind eye, omit things, and turn the page to continue our normal lives! So I think it's great that he emphasizes what he believes is important. Thank you very much. (Translated from Spanish)

[RogerOlivera · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A way to inform oneself and learn. A renowned doctor tells us the good and the bad about our diet and what we should do to be nourished and improve our health. A significant change in mindset when it comes to eating, but additionally, he reveals his truth about how culpable we are for our diseases based on what we consume. Very good, illustrative, descriptive, but easy to read. (Translated from Spanish)

[Armando01 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Thank you (Translated from Spanish)

[cathep3rez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The informative text shows us how a poor diet affects us psychologically and physically. Exercise is very important to keep us energized, obviously following a healthy diet or a diet where we can control our consumption of sugar, wheat, and processed oils that worsen whatever illness we may have. (Translated from Spanish)

[mariana133 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It is a good and interesting book, but it goes around the same issue a lot, and that can become boring. (Translated from Spanish)

[Gonza83 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book. I already had an idea of what it could be about, but I needed the scientific basis to make the dietary change. I can personally say that it works because I experienced it myself. I am also convinced that most of the products sold in supermarkets are garbage. For anyone wanting to start looking into the effects of carbohydrates in daily nutrition, it is really good. Read it without hesitation and experiment for yourself; you won't regret it. (Translated from Spanish)

[lufnattes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think the author has a very strong idea regarding gluten and carbohydrates, and the recommendation to have a (low-carb and high-good-fat diet), in addition to mentioning many studies that support it, which I liked, as well as offering an alternative of new foods that we may not be used to consuming regularly; it is a good challenge to try them and experiment. It made me reflect on my personal eating habits and make some gradual changes. In the short time I've been on an improved diet, I have felt very positive effects, which leads me to recommend this book. (Translated from Spanish)

[JL75 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book is very good, providing a lot of content from experiences he had with patients. It also offers medical information that is quite understandable at a medical level and is simple to comprehend. It becomes a bit tedious, but this information is essential to live in a healthy way. It also includes some quite good recipes for optimizing our intestinal microbiota, which, as he mentions, is our other brain. (Translated from Spanish)

[AndreAlvestegui · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book with a scientific explanation that helps us improve the functioning of our brain and body in general. But it should not be just another reading; it should be the beginning of a change with all the guidelines it provides. (Translated from Spanish)

[tuckerresearch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've been doing the keto diet for several months (now doing a "cyclical keto," I guess). I've lost 25+ pounds, eat less, crave less, and feel more energetic and better. This book provided some of the scientific underpinnings to explain why the keto diet has worked for me.

In a nutshell: carbs, sugar, and gluten are bad. They encourage fat growth, mess with insulin and blood sugar levels, and are poor fuel for the brain.

The book, of course, goes into greater detail. There are references to Dr. Perlmutter's own patients and protocols, there are references to scientific/medical studies, and there are numerous sources. Now, I know that many doctors and dieticians poo poo this type of low carb and high fat diet. But, I can say it has worked for me. I will remind everybody that eggs were once considered the worst, but now they are seen as nutritious. I will, as a historian, note that we eat far more carbs, gluten, and sugar in the 20th and 21st centuries than we ever did in previous centuries and we've gotten fatter. I don't think one could or should do this type of diet at all times, or forever, or with no breaks. But, I think that this type of diet is the wave of the future (and of the past).

[jerry.yoakum · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A lot of reviewers complain that this title is very repetitive. It is but for the audiobook that is alright. It is very easy for much of what the author wrote to slip right by especially if I'm doing other stuff while listening. I'm not convinced that this diet is for everyone, but I am convinced that for the people who need this diet that it is life changing. I'll change my food choices some based on this book and definitely watch for future news on this topic.

[Ale71 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Interesting, from there I was able to discover the topic of cereals and the marketing that companies do to get into people's minds for the consumption of products that harm metabolism. (Translated from Spanish)

[Dhayana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting, well explained... I like topics about nutrition. I became aware of the importance of replacing wheat with healthier food, reducing or eliminating what is harmful. I will try it; that's why I read it. I will let you know. (Translated from Spanish)

[crazybatcow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There is a quite a bit of "marketing" of the author's "diet plan" spread throughout the book.

The author seemed loathe to actually call his eating plan what it is: Keto. Though, he does permit legumes/beans, so maybe it is a Keto-Paleo hybrid. But he is extremely anti-gluten and, to a much lesser extent, anti-sugar.

I liked hearing about another take on the low carb lifestyle; I did not like his upselling of his own stuff (since I already bought this book, he got enough of my money). I listened to this in audio format, but might have preferred this in print, so I could look back at the info in select chapters of interest to me. If you already follow a gluten free and/or a keto diet, there is nothing new in this book.

[Gabisch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting view of nutrition.. (Translated from Spanish)

[Leon2018 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent. Without a doubt, a book that not only people interested in health and medicine topics should read but the general public as well. It focuses on brain health and how it affects overall health, through the deterioration caused by gluten, sugar, and other carbohydrates. (Translated from Spanish)

[Yarel Quintero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book that we all should read. (Translated from Spanish)

[vhartpowers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

pg.41 growing more brain cells is under your control
LDL is not a cholesterol molecule, nor is it good or bad. (Low Density Lipoprotein)
pg.126 We are designed to be smart people our entire lives.
Cognitive decay is not a part of aging.
pg.132 BDNF is your brain's growth hormone. Exercise. (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor)
133 Caloric restriction increases BDNF
141 have a kid with behavioral problems? have their DHA tested. ADHD can be "cured"
148 Sugars & gluten filled carbs do trigger changes in behavior, control of focus and concentration, mood conditions like depression. Inflammatory carbs and being low in healthy fats messes with your mind: ADHD, anxiety disorder, Tourettes Syndrome, mental illness, migraines, and even autism.
152 In the U.S. as of 3/2013 6.4 million children ages 4-17 are diagnosed with ADHD and put on powerful mind-altering drugs and the long-term consequences have never been tested!

let that sink in

184 Brain enhancing genetic pathways activated by caloric restrictionn are also engaged by fasting. Fasting produces BDNF, but also powers up Nrf2. (worth looking up) Fasting causes the brain to switch from glucose to ketones as fuel, and mitochonrial genses are turned on. Energy and better brain funcion as well as clarity are obtained.
188 gives supplements for healthy brains. pgs 223-224 gives more detail
194 Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order. John Adams
The best way to make you smarter is not by doing a puzzle, but by taking a walk; exercise.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to reverse memory decline and increase growth of new brain cells in the brain's memory center.
202 Exercise improves insulin sensitivity. It helps manage blood sugar balance and reduce the glycation of proteins. Exercise decreases hemoglobin A1C and this rivals the diabetes medications.

chapter 11 gives meal plans and recipes

The reason I didn't give it five stars: on page 240 he gives a schedule example and the eating times are too many and too close together with only 3 hours of digestion between. What happened to all of the fasting he talked about in the book? It does however, give four times throughout the day of exercising. So again, 4 stars and I highly recommend reading the book and eating healthier.

[Marien Vega · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is an interesting study on the damage caused by foods containing gluten, sugar, and flours. Aside from those with celiac disease to whom it does a lot of harm, I cannot imagine a life in this modern world without gluten. Nevertheless, the book provides very good information. (Translated from Spanish)

[katyefk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really learned a lot by reading this book. It was highly recommended by my MD and several friends. I have changed my diet and exercise programs to reflect this new knowledge and I feel a lot better.

[Miguel100 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Impressive study on the dangers of gluten for brain function... However, I think more in-depth analyses should be conducted on the subject. (Translated from Spanish)

[amyghilton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This will change everything you know or don't know about the effects of carbs and sugar on your brain. Cholesterol is your friend!!

[cindiann_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Abandoned it because my library only allows 7 day ebook checkouts, and I'm slower than that. :-",,,1,,,0,,,,,
91980,The Mountains of California,John Muir,Muir

[glennbell_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The author has an interesting combination of expertise in that he is a neurologist at a nutrition expert. He has some information that is counter to the mainstream thinking on diet. I plan to significantly decrease my gluten intake and increase my healthy fat intake. The book is well written and understandable. I think that in some points the recommendations are rather extreme. I strongly recommend this book.

[askelmore · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I probably have a higher-than-average understanding of scientific research. I have a couple of graduate degrees, and while that certainly doesn’t guarantee anything, they both required statics, conducting my own research studies, and spending a whole lot of time seriously analyzing the conclusions of other research studies. And yet when it comes to health-related items, I’m kind of baffled.

Okay, not totally baffled. I know that movement is good. There doesn’t seem to be any credible research suggesting it’s better to NOT exercise at all. Cool. Got that. And, as of late, I’m finally coming to terms with the fact that sugar is probably super bad for me. Also not surprising. A bummer, but not surprising.

After that, though, I’m kind of out. Should I be a vegetarian (both for animal rights purposes, and also for my health)? Vegan? But (somehow, magically) low carbohydrate? Should I eat all the eggs but no dairy? What about carbohydrates? Only in veggie form? Whole grain? Or not at all? I thought my brain needed a minimum of 130 g carbohydrates to function – and this guy wants me to limit it to 30?

After reading this book, I really don’t know what to do. I felt kind of gross reading it, as though I were experiencing the print version of one of those olde tyme snake oil salesmen. There were so many ‘guarantees,’ and a lot of anecdotes about his patients. Plus, Dr. Perlmutter has his own website where he offers up his ‘preferred’ supplements, which reads a little skeevy to me. And while he cites a lot of research, I don’t have the time to read all of the studies, so that junk I posted at the beginning of this review isn’t really applicable. Plus, when I googled “Debunking Grain Brain” I got a whole lot of hits.

But on the other hand – the man is a neurologist and a nutritionist. That gives gives him some credibility, right? And I read Good Calories, Bad Calories last year, and Sugar Nation just a few weeks ago, which made some of the same arguments. And we know that nutritionists have gotten it so wrong in the past ** cough ** margarine ** cough **. Is it possible they are still getting it wrong? And of course, when I googled “Debunking [group that debunked this book]", I also got hits.

This book was not really helpful. But I still might try some of the suggestions, mostly because if I clean everything out of my diet, I can figure out what my body likes. I’m sure there’s some dairy I can’t process, but I eat so much of it I haven’t figured out which it is. And there are probably some other foods that I have more energy after consuming, and some that make me not feel great. Perhaps that can be a good take-away from books like this (and It Starts with Food, which is up next): nutrition is complicated, and we just have to figure out what works best for us.

[mathmaverick-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book! Every parent, teacher, coach and human should read this book.