The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children

By Carol N. Simontacchi

Book Overview

An unprecedented and impeccably reported look at how American food manufacturers and their "products" may be endangering our minds.

With obesity becoming one of the fastest-growing worldwide epidemics, and manufactured food fueling that trend, The Crazy Makers is timelier than ever. This updated edition includes a new chapter on autism, as well as revised material that illustrates just how much the industry has changed in a few short years.

Based on extensive research, epidemiological evidence, and a formal study of schoolchildren's eating habits, The Crazy Makers identifies how the latest food products may be literally driving us crazy. Carol Simontacchi offers the reader nutritional primers and recipes to help counteract the problems facing us and our children every time we sit down to eat.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585426261
• ISBN13: 9781585426263
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Adult Hc/Tr
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Not Junk Science

This book has influenced me in no small way, and since I first read it several years ago and made various changes to my diet, my family and I have reaped so many very real rewards. I no longer shop in the "center" of the grocery store except when absolutely necessary. I choose fresh produce, dairy, and breads instead and I compose simple meals with the ingredients: brown rice, grains, vegetables, real butter, etc. They take even less time than various "instant" products I used to use. My family has, and especially I have, experienced redoubled energy, concentration, psychological calm, weight loss, regularity, steady sleep habits and many more benefits leading to our happiness and well-being. Ms. Simontacci may not have all the research -- but she has noticed these benefits in her subjects and they cannot be denied. The science to back up all of her claims is out there and has been stated by nutritionists and backed by research and experience over and over again. Aspartame, for instance, has been found unsafe on many fronts, and not just by some extremist sect as one reviewer claims (see "Excitotoxins" for more info). Most importantly, this book raises questions like, "shouldn't we at least be examining what we put in our bodies and feed our children?" I refuse to one day tell my kids not to do drugs, but the next day feed them non-nutritive, "non-food." ALL chemicals affect our metabolism, and potentially our brain health -- not just certain chemicals. That's what food is designed to do. Otherwise, we wouldn't need it! The suggestion that we begin eating real food again is not crazy, but common sense that our society overloooks every day. Whether we consciously know the reasons why nutritious food is helping us or not, the benefits are there, and our bodies will do the work. Anyone claiming this book is "junk science" is probably in the food industry, and a "Crazy Maker" himself.

Should be required reading for every teacher

A fabulous book, very technical at times, but brutally honest. It has given me the true ammunition for explanations to my childrens questions as to why they should not have such an such junk food. It is very convincing to pull out the right page and read the info to them. I am a former psychiatric nurse of children and adolescents, and I wish I had had this information then, I think it could have made a world of difference in their treatment. As a mother of four, from ages 21 months to 13 years, and being pregnant also, the information covers my family in every way imaginable. I intend to send a copy to my sons principal at his middle school, because I feel that these are the people who MUST read this book and become instrumental in implementing improved eating habits in schools, and increasing awareness in both students and parents.

Crazy Makers

I am a chiropractor with a degree in nutrition and this is one of the best books I have read for lay people and professionals alike. It is well written and a fast read for busy parents. It remains focused on the topic while acknowledging there are other important facets to ones health. I highly recommend it to everyone with or without children. Laura A, Bailey D.C.

No Wonder We're All Somewhat Crazy

Like most people, I try to eat right. I read labels and avoid Nutrosweet, MSG, and other suspect additives. And yet my energy level is low, I experience mood swings and occasional sleeplessness. I observe children who are anxious, moody, and have a difficult time in school. And I wonder what we are doing wrong that we have such problems. But it was by chance that I picked up The Crazy Makers How the Food Industry is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. This book both frightens the reader as it describes the bizarre results of our poor diets and offers an easy solution as it clearly and factually explains what vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs are essential for physical and mental development and growth and what food products and additives not only are non-nutritive but actually harmful to growing bodies and minds. The book is easy to follow, cites credible studies of daily requirements and actual nutritional content, offers recipes for entrees and snacks that not only satisfy but fortify the body, and lists sites for puchasing healthful foods. The extensive Notes section is a complete bibliography for anyone interested in health and nutrition. This book has been added to my cooking and health collection and I expect to consult it regularly.

Shakin Up Mealtime!

"Bravo" Carol for telling the truth about the American diet and how it is effecting not only our children, but ourselves. I must say that I had quite a few moments of, "Ah-ha!" as I read through specific examples of health issues that myself and my family have experienced due to processed foods. I was particularly thankful for the suggestions for improvement and messages of hope that you give your reader. I know there are going to be some changes happening in our household! This is must read!