\n
![](\"https:\/\/thehealthsciencesacademy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Book-Review.-Grain-Brain-The-Surprising-Truth-about-Wheat-Carbs-and-Sugar-Your-Brains-Silent-Killers-by-David-Perlmutter-The-Health-Sciences-Academy-194x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar – Your Brain’s Silent Killers – by David Perlmutter<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n We thought it\u2019d be fun to review a book (in this case Grain Brain<\/a>) and highlight the kinds of things we noticed that perhaps most readers are not aware of.<\/p>\n Before we get started, just bear in mind that this is not a full, exhaustive, comprehensive analysis. Instead, we\u2019d like to share some pointers so when you do read a diet or health book you keep them in mind.<\/p>\n UK Version<\/a> | US Version<\/a> | CA Version<\/a><\/p>\n The Book:<\/strong> Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar – Your Brain’s Silent Killers<\/p>\n The Author:<\/strong> David Perlmutter, MD, is a practicing neurologist and Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He is also somewhat of a medical celebrity in the US, with a regular slot on the The Dr. Oz Show, and appearing on 20\/20, Today, Good Morning America, and The Early Show.<\/p>\n The low-down:<\/strong><\/p>\n Most of us have heard the message that refined carbohydrates can be bad for our health, but what about other carbohydrates, such as wholegrains and fruit? Virtually all carbohydrates, even those high in fibre, like wholegrains and fruit, are a \u201chealth hazard\u201d and are \u201csilently destroying your brain\u201d, says Perlmutter.<\/p>\n The premise of this book is that carbohydrates, defined by him as long chains of sugar molecules, trigger inflammatory responses in the body, leading to disease and brain shrinkage through spikes in blood sugar. Perlmutter goes as far as to suggest that all grains, even wholegrains, are \u201ca terrorist group that bullies our most precious organ, the brain.\u201d<\/p>\n Interestingly, Grain Brain<\/a> only contains 18 pages of references (many of which are blogs, magazines, and non-scientific sources), compared to 20 pages of index terms and a 43-page plan with a list of supplements to buy and recommended recipes for a carbohydrate-free life. This may provide readers with practical steps for a carbohydrate-free life, but little scientific evidence to support why they should choose such a restrictive diet.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> It is well written and engaging and, dare I say, convincing. Perlmutter speaks with such passion and conviction about the effects of grains on the brain that his argument is difficult to ignore, particularly with statements such as \u201cwhen I watch people devour gluten-laden carbohydrates, it\u2019s like watching them pour themselves a cocktail of gasoline,\u201d and his strong belief that \u201cgluten is our generation\u2019s tobacco.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> He focuses on health outcomes throughout the book, and not weight loss, which is a positive deviation from typical diet messages. Whilst his views on carbohydrates may be extreme, he is encouraging people to review their diets and is promoting a low sugar diet void of processed foods and high in vegetables, good quality protein, healthy fats, along with a glass of red wine a day (a diet not too dissimilar from the Mediterranean diet, apart from the absence of grains). That said, Perlmutter does not mention the neurotoxic effects of acetaldehydes (ethanol\u2019s metabolites, from drinking red wine). This is a surprising omission (and, dare I say, recommendation) given that most of the book centres on \u201cprotecting\u201d <\/i>the brain!<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> As we know, the brain can function on a low-carbohydrate diet, and Perlmutter indicates that cholesterol is \u201can essential fuel\u201d for brain cells. \u201cYou\u2019ll soon understand why cholesterol is one of the most important players in maintaining brain health and function. Study after study shows that high cholesterol reduces your risk for brain disease and increases longevity,\u201d he states. However, asking whether the brain can merely \u201cfunction\u201d without carbs is different from asking if the brain can \u201cperform better\u201d without carbs \u2013 see here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Grain Brain<\/a> hit number one on the New York Times best seller list, so there is no denying the public interest in this topic, but is the reader getting the whole picture? We reviewed this controversial book to find out.<\/b><\/p>\n The foundation of this book is that \u201ceating carbohydrates stimulates insulin production, which leads to fat production, fat retention, and a reduced ability to burn fat\u201d. This generalisation runs across the entire book, where there is no proper distinction made between low-glycaemic carbohydrates vs high-glycaemic carbohydrates, both of which have very different effects on blood sugar and insulin regulation. Instead, Perlmutter suggests that a low-carb diet is the only<\/em> way to manage your blood sugar and insulin levels. But, as we know, a high-carbohydrate, low-glycaemic diet<\/i> can too (although this clarification is absent in Grain Brain<\/a>).<\/p>\n For example, spinach is a high-carbohydrate food. But most carbohydrate from spinach is fibre, which has zero glycaemic value (i.e. it doesn’t raise blood sugar). Why? Because fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate. In other words, eating spinach on its own (a high-carb but LOW-starch food) will not raise your blood sugar. Therefore, Perlmutter’s over-simplification of the term “carbohydrates” to mean they’re all insulin-stimulating is incorrect. It ignores that a “high-carb” food doesn’t always have a high-starch or a high-sugar content.<\/p>\n He goes on explaining that “carbohydrates” (again, over-generalising) increase blood sugar when consumed, which in turn increases insulin release, and that high insulin can eventually lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance (a precursor of type 2 diabetes) affects the cells\u2019 ability to absorb glucose, therefore glucose remains in the blood causing inflammation. Perlmutter links insulin resistance and inflammation to the formation of plaques that are present in diseased brains, particularly in Alzheimer\u2019s disease. He describes this link between high levels of insulin and brain disease \u201ctype 3 diabetes\u201d.<\/p>\n Although the argument may sound logical, what Perlmutter fails to acknowledge is the evidence suggesting that certain starchy carbohydrates can regulate the insulin response stabilising blood sugar. For example, barley<\/a> <\/b>(which is a high-carb, low-glycaemic grain) <\/b>was recently found to stabilise blood glucose levels. In addition, other research indicates that wholegrains could be beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight<\/a>, as being overweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n A lot of the argument throughout Grain Brain<\/a> is based on the observation of our Paleolithic ancestors\u2019 diets<\/a>, and that anthropological evidence suggests they did not suffer from neurological disease. However, it is worth highlighting that our hunter-gatherer ancestors had a much lower life expectancy.<\/p>\n The Alzheimer\u2019s Society<\/a> lists \u201cage\u201d as the greatest risk factor in Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and refers to individuals diagnosed with dementia under 65 years of age as \u201cearly onset\u201d. It seems unlikely that our primitive ancestors lived long enough to succumb to neurodegenerative diseases. Whilst there is acknowledgement in the book that our hunter-gatherer ancestors did not live as long as those born today into western cultures, there is little connection between shorter lives and degenerative diseases.<\/p>\n Perlmutter is a strong believer that most<\/i> people are intolerant to gluten, but are not aware of it. This doesn\u2019t match with the scientific research, which shows that only up to <\/b>13% of the population have non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (more here<\/a>). When explaining his theory, he states that this gluten sensitivity causes inflammation and that it manifests itself not only in the gut, but in the brain. This could be as a simple headache or migraine, or more sinister neurodegenerative diseases. As a result, his book strongly recommends everyone<\/i> stops eating gluten immediately, regardless of apparent symptoms. But is this the best advice?<\/p>\n Studies<\/a> have reported changes, potentially adverse, in gut microbiota in response to a gluten-free diet due to the reduction in intake of naturally-occurring fructans (found in wheat), which have prebiotic effects. Microbiotic imbalances can lead to increased (not reduced) inflammation. Moreover, when coeliacs switch to gluten-free diets, many of them gain weight<\/a>, become insulin resistant, develop systemic inflammation, and show signs of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, going gluten-free is no guarantee of low inflammation and overall health.<\/p>\n Having said that, coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity are serious conditions and should not<\/em> be taken lightly (here’s how they can be diagnosed<\/a>). Those who have coeliac disease or are sensitive to gluten should avoid gluten-containing foods and, quite importantly, ensure an adequate intake of all essential nutrients to reduce the risk of deficiencies.<\/p>\n The message in general is oversimplified<\/span> <\/span>and encourages removing important food groups from the diet. By removing grains and fruits, many important nutrients, fibre, and phytochemicals will be removed too. Paradoxically, the compounds being removed are linked with disease prevention, including Alzheimer\u2019s. In addition, it isn\u2019t always clear whether Perlmutter is discussing the effects of carbohydrates or gluten, as the language shifts throughout. To add to the confusion around exactly what Perlmutter links to the cause of neurological degeneration, in the diet section of Grain Brain<\/a>, carbohydrates such as legumes, rice, quinoa, and oats are allowed to be included.<\/span><\/p>\n As you would expect in a book focused on carbohydrates, sugar<\/a> is in the firing line. Perlmutter is an advocate of removing added sugars from the diet, which is certainly a positive step for improving health. However, the message on which sugars to remove is unclear. For example, he believes that fructose<\/a>, the natural sugar in fruit, should be excluded, as well as all other added sugars. Perlmutter encourages people to eat no more than one portion of fruit<\/a> per day (and that is only after abstaining for one month). Fruit is a nutrient-dense, low-energy, high-fibre food, which has been linked<\/a> with greater risk reduction in some cancers, when compared to vegetables. Fruits are packed with micronutrients and health-benefiting phytochemicals<\/a>. So encouraging people to remove this whole food group completely is a risky message given the evidence around their protective properties.<\/p>\n And what about wholegrains? Numerous epidemiological studies tell us that the Mediterranean dietary pattern, which is high in wholegrains as well as fruits and vegetables, is linked to a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. There is evidence to suggest that regularly including wholegrains in the diet might be protective against cardiovascular disease<\/a>, type 2 diabetes<\/a> and some forms of cancer<\/a>. There are also findings proposing that, because of the phytoestrogens found in whole grains, high intakes can reduce the increased risk of cognitive decline<\/a> and neurodegenerative disease associated with menopause in women. Because the Mediterranean diet is high in fibre and phytochemicals, it is a dietary pattern which has been widely encouraged. One recent study<\/a> even went as far as to quantify the benefit of following a Mediterranean diet, reporting that those who do might live up to two years longer.<\/p>\n Another area of the science which Perlmutter did not include is deficiency. With wholegrains thought to protect against obesity, diabetes, CVD and certain cancers because of their fibre content as well as the antioxidant properties, it is important to consider the evidence before removing this important food group. In general, Western diets lack fibre and many people in the UK do not met the revised 30 grams per day<\/a> recommendation. Whilst fruit and vegetables contain fibre, they also contain water, making wholegrains<\/a>, beans, and pulses a more condensed source. In addition, fortified bread and cereals have become a large contributor for B vitamins and iron in the UK population.<\/p>\n Therefore, before removing anything, it is critical to consider replacing these nutrients in the diet, particularly in high-risk populations. For example, B vitamins and iron are consistently linked with improved mental function including depression<\/a>, cognitive impairment<\/a> in the elderly, and cognitive performance<\/a> in young adults.<\/p>\n Given the controversy Grain Brain<\/a> has caused, the criticism<\/a> it has received from the scientific community (a quick google search will find you several less-than-favourable reviews<\/a>), we contacted Perlmutter to ask him why he thought his peers do not fully his support his theory, and why guidance on wholegrain consumption doesn\u2019t appear to be changing any time soon. Perlmutter told us: \u201cThis is likely because <\/span>grains<\/span> <\/span>are so deeply entrenched into our culture and modern lives. In addition, there is a long-held belief that the brain can only run on glucose.\u201d<\/p>\n Perlmutter is right, in a broad sense, that the brain can run on alternative fuels<\/a> besides glucose. However, ketogenic dieting is not proven to be safe for absolutely everyone, always. Deficiency risks, individual tolerance, and personal genetics need to be considered too. This is confirmation that Perlmutter based his book primarily on belief, selectively citing studies and not including the full body of scientific evidence.<\/p>\n WARNING: The side effects<\/strong> of ketogenic dieting include metabolic acidosis, dehydration, digestive problems, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, amenorrhea, muscle cramps, hypoglycaemia, dizziness, and fainting. Besides metabolic acidosis, other metabolic<\/strong> problems include: hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia, carnitine deficiency, hypocalcaemia, and hypomagnesemia.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n No need <\/i>to read. There are other books available which are better referenced, and do not confuse high-carbohydrate foods with high-glycaemic foods. If you do read, do so with a very large pinch of salt (or gluten if you aren\u2019t sensitive!).<\/p>\n \n To read or not to read? NO NEED TO READ<\/p>\n Entertainment value: 3\/5<\/p>\n Impartiality: 1\/5<\/p>\n Context and completeness: 1\/5<\/p>\n New discoveries: 1\/5<\/p>\n Readability: 4\/5<\/p>\n Scientific references: 1\/5<\/p>\n Our total score: 2\/5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n Find this book: UK Version<\/a><\/strong> | US Version<\/a><\/strong> | CA Version<\/a><\/strong> \n Available upon individual purchase. Learn more here!<\/a><\/p>\n Is Fructose Making You Fat?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Does Excluding Gluten Make You Gain Weight? (Part 1)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Craving Control: How Taste Makes Us Overeat<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n GMO Expert Report: An Objective Scientific Investigation (limited edition)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n Grain Brain Book Review. With wheat, carbs and sugar in the spotlight, we thought it’d be fun to review the book “Grain Brain” by Dr David Perlmutter. Here\u2019s what we think about it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2194,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[51,276],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGrain Brain by David Perlmutter<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The top 3 highlights<\/h2>\n
Our review<\/h2>\n
The Paleo angle<\/h2>\n
Gluten rehab<\/h2>\n
Other critique points<\/h2>\n
A grain of truth<\/h2>\n
To read or not to read<\/h2>\n
Our verdict
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\nScience Reports:<\/h2>\n
Expert Report:<\/h2>\n
![\"The-Health-Sciences-Academy-Alejandra-Ruani-small1-right\"](\"https:\/\/thehealthsciencesacademy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/The-Health-Sciences-Academy-Alejandra-Ruani-small1-right.png\")
Alex Ruani, Doctoral Researcher,<\/strong> is the Chief Science Educator at\u00a0The Health Sciences Academy<\/a>, where her team of accomplished scientists and PhDs are training a new breed of over 100,000 highly-specialised nutrition professionals who are leveraging the latest personalisation strategies to help their clients. She is a Harvard-trained scientist and UCL Doctoral Researcher who is fanatical about equipping health professionals with the latest science-based tools so they can succeed in their practices \u2013 from identifying the unique nutrient needs to building highly personalised nutrition programs. Besides investigating and teaching the latest advances in health and nutrition biochemistry, Alex makes it easier to be smarter with her free email updates<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n
\r\nDid you enjoy this? <\/span>Sign up<\/strong><\/a><\/span> to receive our FREE email updates!<\/span><\/h5>\r\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"