cover image The Schwarzbein Principle II: A Regeneration Process to Prevent and Reverse Accelerated Aging

The Schwarzbein Principle II: A Regeneration Process to Prevent and Reverse Accelerated Aging

Diana Schwarzbein, M.D.. Health Communications, $14.95 (500pp) ISBN 978-1-55874-964-1

Schwarzbein, founder of the Endocrinology Institute of Santa Barbara, first presented her plan for weight loss and overall well-being in The Schwarzbein Principle. This expanded follow-up is designed to help people manage stress, consume the right combination of nutrients, exercise properly, manage any necessary hormone replacement therapy and avoid toxic chemicals. By controlling these key concerns, Schwarzbein promises readers will feel better, younger and more alert and avoid degenerative diseases associated with aging. Though she cautions people not to expect quick-fix results, some will find it difficult to stick with the Schwarzbein regime when the desired physical changes don't become rapidly apparent (some readers, for instance, might gain weight before they lose it). Readers must identify their particular problems-insulin dependency, adrenaline addiction, etc.-and then modify their current diet accordingly. Meal suggestions will please some dieters-red meat and some sausage is permitted. (Condiments, protein bars and bagels are verboten, however.) Sometimes Schwarzbein's advice is quite specific-""Never eat a protein by itself. Too much protein raises adrenaline/cortisol levels and will cause you to burn out your adrenal glands over time""-and some of her warnings are a little disconcerting. ""The more cardiovascular exercise you do, the faster you will age,"" she writes. Many readers will no doubt benefit from the Schwarzbein plan, but her promises of a radical transformation need to be tempered by more caution. And, since she offers specific advice about hormonal supplements, readers should have a complete physical and blood workup from their physicians before following all of the strategies.