Could a diet full of leafy greens and devoid of processed foods help cure America’s health woes, from obesity to cancer? Reid, a biochemist, along with science writer and editor Price, emphatically argues, ‘Yes.’ Blame monosodium glutamate. They think glutamates go beyond just enhancing flavor, causing inflammation, exciting the brain, and preventing people from feeling satiated and full. Remember the Lay’s potato chip slogan, ‘Betcha can’t eat just one?’ Reid feels her youngest daughter, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, turned around when the family gave up processed foods and switched to what the authors call a Reduced Excitatory Inflammatory Diet. This ‘REID’ meal plan, outlined here with menus and ingredients in appendix B, includes snacks like a hard-boiled egg and 10 carrot and fennel sticks with guacamole on one day or a half a sweet potato with flaxseeds and chard on another. Is it worth essentially giving up most dairy products and breads? Skeptics may be unconvinced, but there’s certainly no harm in eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole foods.

Booklist

Katherine Reid brings to light a fascinating perspective focused on the role of dietary MSG and brain function. Her insights provide an important piece of the puzzle as it relates to the ever-increasing rates of neurocognitive disorders.

David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, Author, #1 New York Times bestsellers, Grain Brain and Drop Acid

Fat, Stressed, and Sick is a beacon of hope for all families impacted by autism or other developmental or behavioral issues. This is a must read for parents and grandparents alike.

Terry Wahls, MD, author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles