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" We're in a bad mood epidemic alright, but I don't think it has as much to do with diet than, say, the economy, overcrowding, our deteriorating environment, etc. This book is an interesting take on our current epidemic from the dietary perspective, regardless of how off base it may be at times. The impact of low protein, low fat diet on mental health, in mind, is the most believable. Also- the use of amino acid supplementation to increase endogenous neurotransmitter levels in lieu of SSRIs is great. The role of gluten however is much less proven or believable. This book further supports the cottage industry that is gluten enteropathy. "
- Le, 2/13/2014
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" I read this book in pieces, skipping around, and I'm sure that I didn't read the whole thing, but I'm returning this one to the library and am done with it. It is from 2002 so there has been a decade of research since then, and some of the supplements she suggests really aren't useful, especially to folks who might be on medication at the same time (highly likely for readers of such a book). The long and short of it is that I learned some things but I came not to entirely trust what it was telling me. Thus, decided to move onto other sources, e.g. some of the Paleo Diet research. "
- Candice, 2/4/2014
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" This book filled in a lot of knowledge gaps for me between nutrition facts that I sort of knew before, such as that people need plenty of serotonin and other neurotransmitters to maintain a good mood and that low-calorie diets usually backfire. I've tried some of the recommended eating patterns (less sugar, less refined flour, more protein, not worrying about fat) and I do seem to be feeling better. Hubby made me steak with vegetables and potatoes last night and I woke up this morning feeling more alert (after the first few minutes in the dark) and with a better appetite than I have in a while. Normally I would eat more wheat noodles or bread and less meat. In addition, after eating spinach and cheese omelets for breakfast for a few days, we went to a church potluck on Sunday and I was not tempted AT ALL to eat any of the desserts. I felt totally satisfied and my body hasn't been craving sugar like it sometimes would, although I haven't really been a sugar junkie for a long time--more of a wheat flour junkie.
That said, I do want to investigate the claim that eating tons of saturated fat is good for you. It sounds awesome, but it's difficult for me to shed the idea that saturated fat is evil. I also have not tried any of Ross' advice on supplements, which is mostly what this book is about (her food advice is apparently more fleshed out (haha) in The Diet Cure). I frequently feel like I have low energy, am unmotivated, lack enthusiasm, and sometimes can't stay focused. Vitamin D has helped me in the past and I'm still taking it, but I may try some of Ross' suggestions for low-serotonin-sufferers such as taking a 5-HTP supplement. I've also never taken Omega-3 fish oil supplements and I don't eat much seafood, so that's another consideration.
Overall, I found the structure of the book kind of confusing and overwhelming. When I'm reading this kind of thing, I really prefer more of a list-type format for things to try. Granted, I read the whole book through, and it seems like instead it's more meant for the reader to jump around in. There were some lists like the Master Supplement Plan that the reader could use to figure out what they would try and in what order, but I would have liked to have seen a master list of the bare bones content of everything she talked about in the book--more like an outline of what to try if you have which symptoms, in what dosage and how many times per day and WHAT time, in what order, and what to be cautious about right there on the chart. So, I may try some of the simpler, more harmless solutions and see what happens to me, but if I decide to go any further with it (which I probably won't because I don't have tons of time and money to devote to it), I would want to see a naturopath or a nutritionist. "
- Heather, 1/27/2014
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" I read this and, along with her other book, The Diet Cure, she basically puts you on a regimen of herbal supplements. I spent about $200 on various herbs (GABA, St. John's and some others I can't remember now) that I had to remember to take at various times of the day (and which to take when). It didn't work for me, I was out the cost of the books, all the money I spent for the pills and my urine smelled like it was a biohazard. TMI. And I sort of lost my pride (see: $200). Some people may prefer not to take pharmaceutical meds for mood/depression related feelings, but that route works for me while this one didn't. To each his own, but I didn't like this approach at all. "
- Anastacia, 1/22/2014
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" This book is a miracle. Can't say enough. Who knew that a fifteen-year anxiety problem could be caused by a dietary problem. I made a few changes to my diet and took some amino acid supplements, and the problem went away. It's a quick read, and the explanations make so much sense. This is one of those books that you wish you could share with everyone. "
- Dave, 1/8/2014
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" This has become one of my health bibles. A must-read for anyone remotely interested in improving their health. "
- Catherine, 1/3/2014
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" Everybody needs to read this book. Even if you're not on antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds or other meds, read it. It's so incredibly helpful and talks in such clear, concise language about how everything we take in, or don't, as the case may be, works on the way we think and act. "
- Sarah, 12/31/2013
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" My naturopath recommended this book to me. There's some good info in here about supplements and exercise. But I REALLY hated the way she kept dissing vegetarians/vegans. Apparently, you just can't be healthy nor happy being veg. I'm living proof that's not true! "
- Alyssa, 12/25/2013
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" Another good book with useful recommendations I'm already implementing...thank you Ms. Ross. "
- Jenny, 12/5/2013
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" Useful information, but haphazardly written. "
- Kendahl, 11/28/2013
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" Read a borrowed copy from the public library and decided to go ahead and buy my own copy so I can follow it to hopefully kill the depression I've struggled with since 4th grade. "
- Alysia, 11/20/2013
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" Great information if you've ever dealt with depression or anxiety. Easy fix for problems that usually require counseling or medicine. Supplements and diet and you're good to go! "
- Nicky, 9/22/2013
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" Excellent book! I believe everyone could benefit from reading this explanation of why so many people struggle with mood swings, insomnia, and a host of other problems that are weakening us as a population. "
- Mwalkes, 9/14/2013
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" Lots of good information for the "emotionally challenged." This book gives a lot of information that you will not be getting from the world of psychology- especially the more natural methods of controlling emotions. "
- Elissa, 9/3/2013
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" I'm currently trying out the suggestions in this book. So far, I feel better and have lost a couple of pounds... "
- Jennifer, 7/26/2013
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" Yes I have anger and anxiety issues so any book like this is helpful, except they all are a bit redundant saying the same things, So i suggest if you're interested in reading such books pick one and that will be all you need. "
- Jevon, 5/22/2013
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" I started reading it. I saw some things that made sense for my daughter who was suffering of anxiety. Added the supplements to her diet, and a week later, the anxiety was GONE! WOW!!! "
- Odile, 5/15/2013
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" This book works. I recommend this book for anyone who is tired, low energy, blah, sometimes depressed, irritable, moody, hormonal or any of the above. Her writing style is not the best or I would give 5 stars but the content is very good. "
- Lori, 2/24/2013
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" I thought this book made sense. I'm going to try some of what she advocates. Well written and info was backed up by studies. Six years have passed since it was written and main stream doctors are beginning to advocate some of these same ideas. "
- Carol, 11/17/2012
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" This is the best book I've read on how to deal with mood problems. I highly recommend it. "
- Elaina, 11/8/2012
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" I wish I had known earlier that addictions (cocaine even!), depression, anger, etc. could all be resolved in 24 hours with amino acids. "
- Kim, 10/10/2012
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" This book is incredible! Great review of hormones, supplements, and helpful dietary changes. I can't wait to integrate this information into my practice. "
- Court, 6/21/2012
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" Loved, loved, loved this book! It was easy to read and understand. Gave me great suggestions and has changed my life! I keep it next to me in bed for an quick reference. "
- Jenna, 4/13/2012
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" Good, step by step plan for evaluating issues and identifying potential solutions. "
- Leanne, 1/19/2012
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