Fat, Stressed, and Sick: MSG, Processed Food, and America's Health Crisis

The book "Fat, Stressed, and Sick" makes the case that processed food contains significant amounts of glutamate (MSG), which is created during food manufacturing and can contribute to inflammatory diseases such as obesity, diabetes, autism, addiction, depression, and cancer. Author and biochemist Katherine Reid discovered that her young daughters autism symptoms were associated with inflammation of the brain, and she began examining food labels to remove MSG and replace it with whole foods. Her discovery that what one ate mattered was the start of a program of food-based solutions to chronic inflammatory illnesses, which has helped thousands of people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 18 September 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Fat, Stressed, and Sick: The Hidden Health Risks of Processed Food

The book "Fat, Stressed, and Sick: The Hidden Health Risks of Processed Food" makes a compelling argument that processed food not only contributes to weight gain, but also poses significant risks to our health due to the presence of glutamate (MSG). MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly added to processed foods to make them more palatable, but it has been linked to a range of inflammatory diseases, including obesity, diabetes, autism, addiction, depression, and cancer.

What is particularly alarming is that most of the MSG in processed food is not naturally occurring, but is created during food manufacturing. The authors reveal that food processing of protein alone adds 10 grams or more of MSG to the average American diet, a statistic that may surprise many people. This added MSG is not only contributing to these health issues, but it is also making food deliciously addicting, leading to a cycle of unhealthy eating habits.

The book delves into extensive research linking dietary glutamate to these inflammatory diseases. Author and biochemist Katherine Reid became particularly interested in the connection between inflammation and glutamate after her young daughters autism symptoms were associated with brain inflammation. Reid conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing scientific studies and FDA regulations, to uncover the hidden sources of MSG in processed food.

What she discovered was alarming. MSG is not only found in ingredients labeled as "hydrolyzed protein," "yeast extract," or "natural flavors," but it is also present in a wide range of other foods, including condiments, sauces, and seasonings. These misleading labels disguise the true MSG content of the food, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices about their diet.

In an experiment in her home kitchen, Reid decided to take matters into her own hands. She examined every ingredient on every food label and removed all items with MSG. She replaced them with whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The results were remarkable. Reid experienced a significant improvement in her health, as well as in the health of her family.

Reid's discovery that what we eat matters in terms of our health was the catalyst for her program of food-based solutions to chronic inflammatory illnesses. She believes that by eliminating processed food and replacing it with whole, nutrient-dense foods, we can reduce our risk of developing these diseases and improve our overall health and well-being.

"Fat, Stressed, and Sick" is a powerful book that sheds light on the hidden health risks of processed food. It provides valuable information and insights into the role of glutamate in our diet and the impact it has on our health. By making informed choices about our food and adopting a more natural, whole foods-based diet, we can take control of our health and improve our quality of life.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 224 x 147 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538180761