Joel Fuhrman - Eat To Live

Eat to Live 113

plication for autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and

true to the suspicion, many rheumatoid arthritis patients note wors-

ening reactions after eating various foods."

For many rheumatoid arthritis patients who are diet-sensitive,

one of the most common food triggers is wheal. The wheat lectin is

attracted to n-acetyl glucosamine, a molecule exposed in the joints of

rheumatoid arthritis patients.^53 Wheat, corn, soy, and dairy are typi-

cal pain triggers for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.^54

Many people are sensitive to wheat and dairy. They feel better

and have fewer allergic reactions, regardless of blood type, when

they reduce or remove wheat and dairy from their diet. We just can't

credit D'Adamo's blood-type theory as the reason for their feeling

better when they restrict wheat and dairy.

A Confusing Array of Weight-Loss and Health Opinions

What is truly astonishing is that D'Adamo's book, without scientific

support or even scientific plausibility, can become a bestseller. The

popularity of his book hammers home the point that Americans are

totally confused and misinformed about nutrition. Scientific-sounding,

attention-grabbing gimmicks can impress the average consumer, who

is attracted to ideas and books that have a trick or a hook, such as

food combinations or magic healing foods.

Just so you don't think I am against every diet program that is

not my own, there are other weight-loss programs that are based on

science. They differ somewhat in their interpretation of the scientific

literature and are generally not as nutritionally aggressive as my

plan. The main drawback to some of these other worthwhile books is

that they may not be effective enough for the individual with a seri-

ous metabolic hindrance to weight loss. Here is a suggested reading

list for those interested in other viewpoints:

The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss, by John

McDougall, M.D.

Turn Off the Fat Genes, by Neal Barnard, M.D.

The Volumetrics Weight-Control Plan, by Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., and

Robert Bamett

The New Pritikin Program, by Robert Pritikin

Eat More, Weigh Less, by Dean Ornish, M.D.

The Anti-Aging Plan, by Roy Walford, M.D.