DR. BRALY'S OPTIMUM HEALTH PROGRAM: For Permanent Weight Loss and a Longer, Healthier Life

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 10, 1985

The emphasis here is on proper nutrition, exercise and life style rather than weight loss. Braly claims that the body will naturally stabilize at a lower weight if his regimen is followed. His first step calls for identifying and eliminating all allergenic foods, which may include milk and milk products, whole grains, eggs, citrus fruits and various meats. How is this done? Braly claims that the Immune Nutritional Clinical Laboratory (associated with his Optimum Health Laboraties in California) is the only facility that currently provides accurate testing. It uses the computerized Food Immune Complex Assay (FICA), developed in 1983 by the University of Kansas medical school, which tests blood samples for antigens and antibodies specific to partially digested (and hence allergy-causing) foods. Self-testing is also possible (preferably under medical supervision), and Braly details the various methods by which suspected foods can be eliminated and then restored to the diet one at a time to determine which, if any, are reactive. A non-allergenic diet is then constructed around the following foods: raw or nearly raw vegetables and fruits, whole-grain cereals and breads, chicken, cold-water seafoods and fish, low-fat yogurt and cheese, unprocessed oil, eggs and nuts. Red meat is allowed in moderation. All foods are to be taken in rotation, with none repeated in fewer than five days. He also recommends large doses of supplemental vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids as well as aerobic exercise such as jogging, swimming, tennis, dancing, etc. His traditional taboos: cigarettes, alcohol, food additives, white sugar, highly refined foods, processed oils, coffee and tea. This compendium of dietary facts and theories will probably find a large audience among the health conscious. It's also bound to stir up controversy from those nutritionists who take issue with high-dosage supplemental vitamins, minerals and essential oils, not to mention allergy specialists whose food-reaction tests Braly summarily dismisses.

Pub Date: Jan. 10, 1985

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Times Books

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1985

Categories: NONFICTION