
Fat, Stressed, and Sick
MSG, Processed Food, and America's Health Crisis
Rowman & Littlefield (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 23. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
979-8-216-46362-7 (ISBN)
Description
Glutamate, often called MSG, is the umami molecule that gives processed food its irresistible flavor. But research shows it does far more than enhance taste. While glutamate is a key player in our experience of pleasure and reward, it also signals inflammation and triggers the body's immune system. Most glutamate in packaged foods is created during manufacturing and thus never appears on labels, yet it plays a hidden role in chronic inflammation.
Biochemist Katherine Reid uncovered this connection while searching for answers to her young daughter's health challenges. Her investigation revealed how glutamate is linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, autism, addiction, depression, and cancer. Drawing on decades of research and today's cutting-edge science, she explains how this overlooked molecule affects the body and offers practical steps to reduce exposure and protect your health.
This book shines a light on the science behind processed food and its impact on well-being---empowering readers with knowledge and actionable solutions.
Biochemist Katherine Reid uncovered this connection while searching for answers to her young daughter's health challenges. Her investigation revealed how glutamate is linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, autism, addiction, depression, and cancer. Drawing on decades of research and today's cutting-edge science, she explains how this overlooked molecule affects the body and offers practical steps to reduce exposure and protect your health.
This book shines a light on the science behind processed food and its impact on well-being---empowering readers with knowledge and actionable solutions.
Reviews / Votes
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 PrinciplesMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
7 b/w photos; 9 tables
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-216-46362-7 (9798216463627)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Katherine Reid, PhD, is a biochemist and the founder of Unblind My Mind, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving health through informed food choices. Previously she worked in the Silicon Valley biotech industry in the development of cancer pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Today she works with individuals and families in collaboration with the medical and biotech communities to devise data-driven food solutions for chronic inflammatory illnesses. She lives in California.
Barbara Price, MS, MA, PhD, has studied topics ranging from climate change to protein biophysics and has turned her passion for science into a career as a science writer and editor. As a senior science development editor for major educational publishers, she helps textbook authors turn highly technical information into narratives that teach. As an editor and science writer, she supports scientists who have their own stories to tell. Price has also authored original content for young learners and general audiences. She lives in Northern California.
Barbara Price, MS, MA, PhD, has studied topics ranging from climate change to protein biophysics and has turned her passion for science into a career as a science writer and editor. As a senior science development editor for major educational publishers, she helps textbook authors turn highly technical information into narratives that teach. As an editor and science writer, she supports scientists who have their own stories to tell. Price has also authored original content for young learners and general audiences. She lives in Northern California.