| Blood
Sugar Blues |
| Overcoming
the Hidden Dangers of Insulin Resistance |
 Ms. Williamson is a journalist with a special interest in
health and technology, and is the chief medical writer for Rock Hills
Communications. We became acquainted through an email list group,
and I have had the honor of reviewing several of her books. This newest
book is the best yet: Blood Sugar Blues: Overcoming the Hidden
Dangers of Insulin Resistance. This is the first book I have
seen written from a consumer viewpoint about Insulin Resistance. There
have been many technical articles and books written by physicians, but
this book puts much of that information into one central location. In a very
readable fashion we learn about Insulin Resistance and the conditions
associated with it, and then learn what to do about it. |
| Chapter by chapter, Ms Williamson discusses diseases,
syndromes and disorders related to Insulin Resistance. She provides just
enough information to explain the condition and the link to IR. As I researched Insulin Resistance for my MS degree, and was
shocked to find so many or these conditions related. The
following is a list of conditions discussed: |
| Obesity |
Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, and High
Blood Fats
| Hypertension |
| High Cholesterol |
| Syndrome X |
|
| Glucose Intolerance and Hypoglycemia |
Diabetes
| Gestational Diabetes |
| Type 2 Diabetes |
|
| Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome |
| Candidiasis (Yeast Infections) |
Digestive Disturbances
| Heartburn and GERD |
| Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
|
| Autoimmune Diseases |
Cancer
| Prostate Cancer |
| Breast Cancer |
| Colorectal Cancer |
|
Other Conditions
| Osteoporosis |
| Fibromyalgia |
| Gallstones |
|
|
| Williamson presents some great tips for helping to
improve insulin resistance. My favorites, but perhaps the hardest to
do, are choosing
low glycemic
carbohydrates, and exercise. It's nice knowing which foods to limit, and which foods to eat. I also
schedule daily exercise because I know it's best for me. I know I feel better when I do both. |
| The section I enjoyed the most was "Ketosis and
Other Myths About Low-Carbohydrate Eating." Here, with cited
research, the author explores some of the commonly heard criticisms of low
carbohydrate eating. She follows that chapter with one about some
of the hidden triggers of Insulin Resistance. I saw my favorite:
caffeine. |
| After reviewing conditions associated with Insulin
Resistance, the author reviews several of the books that encourage a
careful choice of carbohydrates. She encourages the reader to review all
of the choices and pick an eating plan that best meets their needs. She
also critiques specific plans, citing the deficiencies as well as
benefits. She provides common sense approaches to making healthy food
choices. |
| One of the first things I look for in a book is
references. In addition to a Bibliography, Williamson has included and
extensive list of helpful web sites, a glossary, and some helpful tools
for changing eating habits. When referencing an research article, she
cites the author and article, and her selections are current. |
| I can speak from personal experience: I feel so much
better making careful carbohydrate choices. I try to avoid sugar and white
flour, and try to limit my intake of starchy carbohydrates. Being
hypoglycemic I need to be careful to get enough protein and not overload
my body's ability to process high glycemic foods. |
| It is critical to not look for a quick weight loss fix,
but rather to choose foods and situations that improve our health. A
lifetime of dieting has shown me it just doesn't work, and a good goal
to work towards is strive to make healthy food choices that are right
for me and my body. |
| Here is more information
about Ms. Williamson, and her web site |
