The Potbelly Syndrome: How Common Germs Cause Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

by Russell Farris, Per Marin, Per Marin, et al.

Book Overview

Potbelly syndrome (PBS) is a metabolic disorder that affects about one-third of the adults in industrialized countries. Its most important symptoms are abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and type... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 159120058X
• ISBN13: 9781591200581
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Basic Health Publications
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Solutions for chronic infection and abnormal weight gain

The beginning of answers for chronic illnesses are found in this book. I have a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease and abnormal rapid weight gain related to both. I believe that learning to control the chronic infections underlying these will improve the health of millions of people such as myself. We should all take notes on this book, especially on the treatment protocols mentioned, take the notes to our doctors and GET THE HELP WE NEED TO GET WELL!

a gem of a self-help book and a valuable resource!

This information-packed book explains the many effects of a naturally occurring stress hormone called cortisol. When the brain needs glucose (blood sugar), cortisol takes glucose from the cells of the muscles and liver, routing it to the brain. The inability of these cells to respond is called "insulin resistance". People with insulin resistance (e.g., those with Type 2 diabetes) must eat more food to obtain the required glucose. The surplus glucose is converted to abdominal fat. When this cycle happens frequently, the result is a potbelly. .......... Cortisol is one of three important natural products of the adrenal glands. Cortisol is always present in the bloodstream, so even small changes in stress result in corresponding changes in cortisol levels. Chronic infections can also stimulate the production of cortisol to levels high enough to cause insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes - four conditions associated with the "potbelly syndrome", a term coined by the authors. .......... Corticosteroid medications used to treat inflammations and autoimmune diseases introduce more cortisol into the bloodstream, resulting in increased appetite and weight gain. These drugs also lead to various forms of serious heart disease and high blood pressure because they tip the healthy cortisol balance. Thyroid deficiencies may be blamed for health problems that are really the result of excess cortisol. .......... This book recommends specific steps to treat chronic hypercortisolism. It provides dozens of useful references and is well footnoted. The title chosen is unfortunate, because the important words "obesity", "diabetes", and "heart disease" don't turn up in a keyword search because they are buried in the subtitle. It is unlikely that someone with these health problems will search on the keyword "potbelly". ......... I am an autoimmune disease specialist and endorse the findings presented in this book. My research has found a clear link between so-called autoimmune diseases and infection, but today's prevention and treatment approaches are inadequate. Patients must take charge of their health and become informed about the prescribed painkillers that do not address the root cause of the illness. These drugs merely treat symptoms and often have toxic side effects. ........ This book is a great start to understanding three of the most important health problems today and how to deal with them. Armed with this knowledge, a patient is better equipped to work with the doctor as a team player to conquer chronic illness.

What if we had it all backwards?

First and foremost, this book made me think. It opened up perspectives I would never of stumbled upon otherwise. If insulin resistance does precede obesity, that drastically changes research perspectives and treatment options. The evidence that infectious disease is at the heart of obesity, heart disease -- is fascinating, but IMO, still quite weak. The evidence that excess cortisol is (basically) to blame for everything was well supported. Even things we know are beneficial, such as low-sugar eating, may be beneficial because they decrease hypoglycemia episodes (associated with cortisol production). Being skeptical, I'm going to have to go back through all the literature with this new explanation in mind. The facts on obesity, appestat, were very interesting as well.

AMAZING DISCOVERY.........

Whoa! I thought that I was healthy, Russell Farris and Per Marin will change how you look at your world. At least I can say that. This book is a wake-up call for people who can't seem to figure out why they are depressed, overweight, or constantly craving that sugary donut. This book has changed my thinking more that any other so called "diet" book out there. The relationship between how we deal with stressors (sugar, caffeine, catastrophic thinking, etc) is much more important than ANY other single thing we do for our health. You will never lose weight if you don't change your lifestyle to include more relaxation techniques. Period, end of story! Thanks Mr. Farris, and Dr. Marin!!!!!

A new approach

This book is a radical departure from the usual approach to the mounting problem of obesity and the disorders that seem to always accompany it. Rather than the same old refrain about exercising more and eating less, it explores a different theory and approach to treating obesity, heart problems and diabetes. This is one of the few health related books that I have read that does not put all of the blame for weight problems on the overweight person. The author cites a multitude of references to support his theories, and some very good explanations regarding how our bodies actually function. There are some good practical suggestions on ways to reduce stress, and beleive me that you will see the need to do so after reading this book! I would recommend this book for anyone who has tried years of dieting with no lasting result. You owe it to yourself to dig deeper as to the possible cause of your weight and to seek alternative treatment. This book will encourage you to seek answers to your health problems and become more pro-active with your health care providers.