Try it or not. I always find it interesting when something like Wheat Belly appears, those who are entrenched in their own method of finding health through eating get all defensive.

What's to defend? If you don't like it, don't try it. I heard about the book months ago, put it out of my mind. Til the day I die I will be grateful to my sister, who sent it to me as a gift.

Why grateful? Because since the second day, I have been free of the ravenous hunger that has plagued me my entire life.

Since the 5th day, I have been free of the all over body pain that has kept me sitting in a chair for most of a year. I no longer have to think twice about getting up to go to the bathroom or the kitchen. The pain I had was getting impossible to live with and it was ruining my life. For me, this way of eating is nothing short of a miracle.

Racing heart normalized. Blood pressure coming down. Blood sugar never over 100, even after meals. I can sleep through the night without meds.

It's not as if I wasn't familiar with low carb or was on a grain binge. I wasn't. I've eaten low carb probably 90% of the last 10 years, since I recovered from the disaster that was the low fat/high carb craze.

This is very simple, very easy, and 1000% doable in the sense that the urge to eat, to binge, the craving for sweets and breads has just vanished.

I won't criticize your life saving plan if you won't criticize mine. How about that?

Its based too much on Glycemic index which is BS.

2 weeks wheat-free and I no longer need the daily heartburn medicine I've used for 21 years. I've read Wheat Belly and I may not agree with everything he says, but I'm sold on the basic principle.

I have to disagree with the HuntGatherLove review out there on Dr. Davis's book. For one she hasn't read Dr. Davis's book, so it's hard to take her at her word. More important that the back and forth of whether this is the latest version of Atkins is the results. First, having done both Atkins and Dr. Davis's diet I can attest to the ability of staying on Dr. Davis's diet as a lifestyle change. Davis doesn't have the same focus on meats as Atkins. Furthermore, I have lost 45 pounds with Dr. Davis's Track your plaque program and have kept it off for three years.

Wheat Belly is what led me to become a voracious reader of Paleo/Primal blogs and buy two Paleo cookbooks. I bought the book because I suspected wheat may have been the cause of my allergies, headaches and sinus congestion. I jumped on board with the program and immediately banned all gluten and (despite not needing to lose weight) I ditched most carbs from my diet. Things were great! For about two months.

I rarely go to Wheat Belly blog anymore or the Facebook page since I find it too difficult to sort through the hysterical rhetoric to find anything helpful. In going VLC I believe I may have triggered a thyroid issue and I spent two and a half months in a VERY, VERY dark place. I'm just in the process of crawling out of it. I was depressed, anxious and had severe fatigue. Blood tests revealed nothing out of sorts and I just could no longer continue to eat such a restrictive VLC diet.

I must be clear here: Dr. Davis' input on both the FB page and the blog are very helpful and almost without fail compassionate and respectful. He also says most people (without metabolic disorders or obesity) should be able to handle small amounts of non-gluten grains, legumes and dairy products. He said this in his book, on his blog, and in several comments on the FB page. This message seems to get lost on the followers of WB who have become quite dogmatic about VLC.

While Wheat Belly started me on this journey of wheat-free living, it did not end there. I'm not exactly Paleo either. I eat dairy (cottage cheese and cheddar! Yum!), white rice, yams and potatoes and it's pretty rare that I make anything with stevia (Dr. Davis' favoured sweetener) these days since it triggers a serious case of the hungries unlike anything since modern wheat! Heaven's I even splurge once in a while and put real sugar or honey in tea (gasp! the horrors!).

I do have Wheat Belly to thank for helping me discover the cause of my headaches and chronic congestion. To wake up every day without a headache is amazing to me. (I do still get headaches, but they appear to be hormone-related.)

Following my Wheat Belly experience, my husband has also eliminated gluten from his diet and lost 20 pounds. He looks leaner and he is not by any standard eating low carb. He's currently eating a bowl of chocolate ice cream as I type!

I'm sure Wheat Belly is very beneficial to some with more serious health concerns than I currently deal with. And it's a very good introduction for someone who is heavily entrenched in SAD. But it's important to note whatever diet you embrace, make sure it works for you. And like many things in life, what works for you may not work for another.

And for the Wheat Belly-ers reading this... you're preaching to the converted on this forum about ditching wheat and restricting carbs. You can save your breath for those that really need to hear about non-processed whole foods and the health they can gain from eating them!

Not having read the book, I guess I'm missing something. This can't possibly be a weight loss diet. Is it?

Unlimited nuts and coconut milk? "Ketchup without high-fructose corn syrup"?

I guess if this is one of those "health-optimizing" deals, you could argue credibly about the merits of this diet. But the harsh (and I think mostly justified) criticism Wheat Belly has seen does make me nervous about relying too closely on its recommendations.

Bacon and sausage on the never list? I'm out....otherwise seems quite reasonable.

Yeah, actually I question some of those items on the unlimited list like ketchup minus the HFCS...seriously this should be in the limited category. A lot of brands still way overdo it on the sugar in em.

Wow, the disconnect on this thread is fascinating. The Wheat Belly advocates appear to be unaware of the context of this thread: the audience for this thread (i.e. PH readers/posters) are already receptive to the idea that grains are bad.

The critique of Davis's work is addressing other components of his conclusions and recommendations. For example, the last time I checked potatoes were not a grain, and the pros and cons of including them in one's diet have been examined with some subtlety in this forum.

I suppose straw men are assembled from wheat, or at least the chaff.

Seems like a repackaging of lower-carbohydrate whole foods or higher-carbohydrate Atkins sort-of diet. I think it's mostly "right" but for dubious reasons.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I read this thread. The WB posters clearly aren't getting the point that paleo hacks is a pro-paleo board (ie. don't eat grains, except possibly rice).

I have read Wheat Belly. The only interesting thing in the book is about how wheat and other grains have changed over the past 100 years. Otherwise, there are far better books and far better information for free on paleo or the "grain-free" lifestyle. If reading Wheat Belly sends a person on their way to better health by leading them to dump the wheat, more power to it. It's an o.k. beginning. I suggest reading more threads and paleo blogs: http://www.archevore.com/, http://perfecthealthdiet.com/, http://www.marksdailyapple.com/, http://robbwolf.com/ are a few good places to start.

I've seen many of the paleo/primal criticisms of the book, but I haven't read it yet so I'm not going to comment on the science behind his assertions. However, I don't think the food lists are too far off base. I would disagree with a small number of them (nuts should be limited, peanuts aren't nuts, ketchup is still loaded with sugar, pastured meats are a far superior choice, etc.) but if you followed that eating plan (whether or not his science is sound) you'd basically be following a primal diet and certainly wouldn't be doing yourself any harm as far as I can see (unless you totally gorged yourself on nuts/peanuts).

I read the book. I did not come away from it with the impression that the primary goal was to tell people what to eat. It's not titled 'The Wheat Belly Diet". The list in question was more of a suggestion for those who want to lose weight and prevent overproduction of insulin. It's a very general guide for people who are probably considering a low carbohydrate way of eating for the first time and need a place from which to start. One assumes that readers with an ounce of common sense will recognize that unlimited doesn't mean 'go ahead and eat an unhealthful amount'. For me, the main points were that modern wheat is addictive and an appetite stimulant, how and possibly why that came about. The chapter on cholesterol was informative. Other health issues discussed in the book are not exclusive to Dr. Davis' publication; heart disease, inflammation, diabetes, skin problems, brain function, etc. except in how they relate to the consumption of wheat and other foods that stimulate the release of insulin. The book and reading the blog have started me on a path of reading Mark Sisson, Gary Taubes, Peter Attia, Dr. Kruse and many others in a desire to have all the knowledge I can garner for optimal health. I surely do not enjoy or appreciate the sort of snide, petty, cattiness I have found on this forum. I always suspect the motives of those who chose derision, defensiveness, and aggression as a means of expression. Cooperation and civilized discussion are more productive. It may be of interest to some to note that cooperation and civility are to be found in abundance on Dr. Davis' blog and FB page.

It may be seen by some as a major character flaw, but those of us who are striving for optimal health who "stumbled" upon "Wheat Belly" and had the guts to try it for 30 days have become converts! It's not about dieting or lists of foods (although the suggestions are quite helpful) - it's about NOT becoming diabetic, or about living with diabetes w/o medications, decreasing our probably of heart disease, "curing" IBS and other digestive issues, improving allergies and arthritis, etc. ALL WITHOUT medication or decreased medication.

But, don't believe those of us who have converted to this way of life....try it for 30 days and report back. If it doesn't work for you, great, but remember in 5 or 10 or 15 years, when you are plagued by health issues, to come back and revisit the concept of eliminating wheat/grains/sugar from one's "diet."

I've ordered the book on my brother's recommendation, he's doing the program and is seeing results. I, personally don't understand why ANY health program would list pork or shellfish at all, both these foods are loaded with toxins. (do some research on what they eat) There is a reason why they are both listed as 'unclean' in the Bible. That being said, I've never tried to cut wheat out of my diet (I'm a bread lover) but since hearing about how today's wheat isn't what we think it is, I'm willing to give it a listen.

Have you ever noticed most of the Wheat Belly criticizers have not read the book, nor tried the system?

Read the book, follow the plan to the best of your ability. If you have any intelligence at all, you will be able to see where there is leeway. If pork (for instance) is something you can't eat, don't eat it. There's still a few thousand other things to eat. If you can't afford uncured bacon, go ahead and eat the cheaper stuff. Do what you gotta do, but don't be clueless and discourage others from trying a program that has helped countless thousands of others to improve their health and lose weight in the bargain. Read and understand thoroughly before condemning, is all I ask.

Yes, read the book! Read it with an open mind. You have probably been brainwashed all of your life (like me) concerning the importance of "healthy whole grains". Dr. Davis will give you information about what modern wheat is doing to your body. So, you think you are healthy? If you are on a high carb, low fat diet, and following your doctor's "wonderful" advice, then think again.... Dr. Davis focuses on how the grains affect your blood sugar levels and how this leads to high blood pressure and diabetes. Do you want to avoid these diseases? They are preventable with the knowledge that Dr. Davis supplies in Wheat Belly. This is not a diet. It is a lifestyle. Dropping the wheat is possible though it is so ingrained (pun intended) into our Standard American Diet (SAD). I have dropped wheat from my diet and have more energy, fewer hunger pangs especially after a high carb breakfast, clearer skin, and more focus... Read it! Download it! Borrow it from the library and give your own informed opinion!

READ THE BOOK before you even begin to try to analyze or criticize Dr. Davis's Wheat Belly. It's so obvious when people rant on that they've not read it.

In the index of Wheat Belly, there are only five pages on which Dr. D talks about the Glycemic Index.

I've been a WBer since since October 2012. and I've lost 40 pounds. I've totally quit taking acid reflux meds and Celebrex for arthritis after taking them daily for 13 years. My cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels are down. I don't crave any foods. I have been on lots of low carb diets, but none worked until Wheat Belly. The reason: the others all allow you some "whole grain" foods. Those just keep all the cravings alive. I have totally followed Dr. D's advice and have totally eliminated wheat and all whole grains. I have chosen to give up potatoes, too. About once a month I eat 1/2 cup rice or corn, but I don't eat rice and corn products. I also limit myself to 1/2 cup of pinto beans once in a great while. I eat what I like--nuts (not peanuts), full fat natural cheeses, meats (unprocessed), and the list goes on. When I'm in the "big city" (I live on a ranch near a small town) I buy uncured bacon. I consume about 4 tablespoons of coconut oil daily, as well as using olive oil.

Actually, WB'ers can have (maybe you'd better sit down so you don't hurt yourself when you pass out!) LARD! I don't use it at home, but I do eat pork rinds fried in it. Ummmmm good!

Why don't all you naysayers go to the Wheat Belly facebook page and see what all of us have to say about this. Better yet--BUY THE BOOK! I'd tell you to check it out at the library, but the waiting lists are too long. You might never get to read it.

Well, let me add my 2 cents worth. I tried the no wheat (low wheat) change of eating and I lost 17 pounds in two weeks. So does it work? Works for me! But I didn't jump off the deep end and stop everything. Dr. Davis also explains that people with celiac disease need to follow the no wheat implicitly. This is way to drastic for me. But to eat meat and veggies mostly and then pot pies or some chips or a potato occasionally is also fine with me. And I still lost 17 lbs. I went off it and sure enough, the weight came back. Slowly, over months, but back it did come. So I'm back at the little to no breads and watch the wheat intake and I started on at 250.6, Wed. 250.0 and today 247.6. Tells it all.

Dr. Davis paints a horrible picture of what will happen to you when/if you drop this way of eating and go back to eating wheat. What about it, people? If you fell off the wagon, were you sick of did the eating wheat again affect your health? I'm almost afraid to begin because I don't want a future of never eating a pizza or a bowl of spagetti.

The book is good and belongs on anybody's Paleo bookshelf, along with material by Sisson, Cordain, DeVaney, Kruse, etc. W. Davis is a good writer and conveys his information to appeal to a broad scope, thus the sales volume. Sure, there is skeptical 'stuff' in Wheat Belly (peanuts, soymilk, nuts, veg protein, legumes), and missing pertinent info on Lectins, Phytates, exorphins, and VLDL's. But in the same respect, he does a heck of a job detailing Amylopectin, Adiponectin, pH balance, Glycation, AGE's, etc...). But, each of the texts/authors mentioned above also say/miss 'stuff' too.

Although most agree on the info required to live a Paleo Lifestyle, everyone is on a different path and may have a different way of relaying the information. People too (many on this board) may be at a different level of knowledge, research, and determination. Perspective is created by absorbing all and forming your own opinions to create results.

-Billy

Hey

I like both paleo and wheat belly lifestyles. I'm something in between... Non-dairy, Low carb, plenty of nuts/meats, 6+ servings of veggies/day, and a high amount of healthy fats.

I think we all know "Grains are bad" and "Vegetables are good", and we all probably eat somewhere in between, because it is what works for us!

Cheers to dieting, and leading a healthy, full life! -Celiac-Girl

I think this book is crap. He advocates that you will have great weight loss from giving up wheat, but what he REALLY wants you to do is give up all carbs. OF COURSE YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE WEIGHT IF YOU GIVE UP ALL CARBS. this book is not about giving up WHEAT ONLY to help in weight loss. If you are the kind of person that NEEDS carbs, this diet is not the right one for you.

There is no perfect approach out there that appeals to everyone! Dr. Davis' blog is what got me started on eating primal. He has a lot of helpful information about small, dense ldl, so if that's a concern for you, Dr. Davis it a good site. Without Dr. Davis I probably would have succumbed to my physcians' constant badgering about taking statins. Understanding how wheat has changed so much over the years also helps people realize why it's important to eliminate it.

No one needs carbs. You can get all the nutrients that you need from roots, nuts, berries and meats. Processed foods are cheap and unhealthy, we've been fooled for years that wheat etc are a necessary part of our diet, not so at all. I've lost weight because I eat healthy natural foods. My weight loss came after I lost the craving for sugar and for overeating. Plus it's a healthy lifestyle one that is easy to live by for the rest of my life.

It looks all right. I think I'd rather see nuts in the "limited" catagory but other than that it's probably fine.

I bet it's actually a more effective diet for wieght loss than your typical paleo diet simply because the limits he puts on both fat and carbs, whereas paleo people usually think they can eat all the fat(carbs too now) they want.

Whats your problem thhq!! ....? You are such a bummer....wheat belly has set us all free.... I am making one trillion dollars by hacking the book... Wanna join me, bro???

My biggest concern about "Wheat Belly" and the "The Wheat Belly Cookbook" is the extensive use of flax as a wheat substitute in the recipes. Dr. Davis lists it as a food that you can "eat all you want." Most sites that talk about flax, even the ones that endorse it, caution that you should ask your doctor about how much to take. Some suggest that more than 2 to 3 tablespoons a day can have adverse effects and that many people should not eat any at all.

Flax contains more plant estrogens than any other food, hundreds of times more than soy, which is used as a hormone replacement for menopause symptoms! Most body builders already avoid soy because of its estrogen content, but they may not realize that flax has much, much more. Read more here: http://carbwars.blogspot.com/2013/02/wheat-belly-cookbook-review-is-flax-new_3.html