The Schwarzbein Principle II, "Transition": A Regeneration Program to Prevent and Reverse Accelerated Aging

by Diana Schwarzbein

In her very successful book, The Schwarzbein Principle, renowned endocrinologist Diana Schwarzbein introduced her scientifically proven conclusion that degenerative diseases are not genetic, but acquired.

Many studies have supported this, proving that life expectancy is 75 to 90 percent due to habits and only 10 to 25 percent due to genetics. This means that someone who is genetically destined to die at age 100 may not live past age 60 because of poor habits and lifestyle choices that cause accelerated aging and premature death. Conversely, a person can live to 100 and be functionally healthy.

In this highly anticipated follow-up, Diana Schwarzbein, M.D., goes beyond the diet she introduced in her first book—which literally helped thousands of people lose weight—and offers a personalized anti-aging program for readers to heal their metabolisms and stop advanced aging in its tracks.

Weaving in groundbreaking research and provocative case studies—including her own regeneration and that of her clients—she leads readers through a series of eye-opening questionnaires, which identify where they are on their path to either accelerated or healthy aging.

Based on readers’ answers, she leads them to the “how-to” sections, which explain, in easy-to-follow and personalized detail, the steps they need to take to restore healthy functioning. For each unique situation, she covers five Nutrition , Hormone Replacement Therapy (if needed), Tapering Off Toxic Chemicals or Avoiding Them Completely , Cross-Training Exercises and Stress Management.

The Schwarzbein Principle II is sure to follow the success of the first book and will help people live a more healthful lifestyle by embracing a regeneration process to prevent and reverse accelerated aging.

Genres: Health, Diets, Nonfiction

500 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is heavy. It is not a book to read lightly. I would've given it 5 stars for the information it contains, but it does read like a science text book.

The information on nutrition, diet and lifestyle is amazing, inspiring, and probably life changing and I can't recommend it more for people who want to live a long and healthy life. But reading the book takes a lot of commitment - which might be a good litmus test for whether or not you will follow the program.

[Storystitcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, I had the same youth phase at Dr. Schwarzbein. I was a high energy, athletic kid running on lots of sugar with acne and messed up hormones. Large blood sugar swings kept me constantly hungry for more food, always eating yet rail thin. I was 5’7 and 117 at high school graduation then entered the military (for 4 years). The years that followed were more of the same till I had 2 kids in my mid 20s, a crap diet, and serious lack of sleep and could never lose the pregnancy weight. After that, it was very low cal diets with moderate alcohol intake until 30 when I decided to eat very low carb Paleo and did it for 5 years (2009-2014) thinking I was correcting all my mistakes. That took all the weight off but eventually I crashed and burned hard (obvious adrenal burnou, age 35) as it was very stressful physically and mentally although my exercise habits are low stress. No to low carb will screw a womans hormones up 100%. I don’t recommend it to anyone ever.

I stopped no to low carbing at age 35 and proceeded into a Matt Stone rest and refeeding style for the next 2 years eating everything I wanted/craved to heal myself. (Around this same time I’d been having random mystery health issues; I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 1 year ago at age 38.) Although I had already starting naturally losing a little of the abdominal weight I had gained during healing, I also know that I just rebuilt myself with mostly fat biochemicals but am now eating a more balance diet.

In addition to the more balanced diet, I went from low alcohol consumption to none 6 months ago. I have had chronic anxiety and insomnia for 20 years and have eliminated them by 50%. I also used to get constant migraines but these seem to be gone now. My odd skin rashes occur less often too. Having read this book I am making some more changes such going from low soda and caffeine consumption to none and no processed sugar. I think I have been slowly healing myself of my high adrenaline adolesence and adult high stress and dieting for the past few years (with some self medicating) but am now ready to get this finished already. I have never known a time where I didn’t crave sugar, starch, and chocolate. It looks like I am on year 4, so my healing may be taking 7 years like Diana’s by bouncing around different states trying to figure this out.

Having just turned 39, I think I am insulin sensitive but still feel I have adrenal burnout. I have been tired since starting this quest. So glad I decided to read this book but know I should have read it last year after I read her first one. The hormone explanations really are key. I am sooooo tired of being tired but I keep trucking. Perhaps I am closer than I think.

I took away 1 star due to the rigid food recommendations. I guess for some people this is necessary, but if you have been a dieter or done Paleo, which makes you a food quality paranoid orthorexic, you really don’t need more recommendations like this creating stress. (She also mentions eating carbs by glycemic index when GI has been proven to be very inaccurate.) Trying to nit pick every single thing you eat absolutely causes stress. You need more of a relaxed Michael Pollan just eat real food type of recommendation, so that is all I will be focussing on. I also think her overall carbohydrate recommendations are still too low. No soda, no alcohol, no caffeine, no problem. I am not about to go back to counting carbs tho. Divide your plate equally into protein, veggies, and carbs (stop obcessing about what kind of carb; as long as they aren’t a stack of Mother’s Circuis Animal cookies you’re good) add good fats and eat slowly without seconds helpings. Simple.

[PolkaDotBanner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read an excerpt of this book online (chapter 8, I think) and was fascinated by the explanation of the healing process of cells and the transition process. I also began to more fully understand why some diets seem to work--short term, but fail long term. It is a way of eating that requires patience and due diligence to work.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit high level for me (though probably either just right or too low level for most readers).
I don't remember anything particularly bad or innovative here, basically another paleo book.

[Sarede Switzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative though I didn't love some of the format and was repetitive at times.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dr. Diana Schwarzbein's books. She has done much research and is sharing it with the world to help as many people as possible find balance and health. When I eat and live the way she recommends, not only am I healthier, but I'm more optimistic and happier overall. I have recently suffered a huge set back with an auto-immune attack on my body, and her program is getting me back on my feet. I swear by her research and program. Everybody should adopt these principles into their lifestyles!

Everybody should understand how their metabolisms really work and what to do to save them! Different than what I used to believe, but totally adaptable in our lives. It takes some time and effort, but is so worth it when you feel better!

[Mary-anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have rated this book much higher, pre-paleo days. I did find it rather confusing as she advocates that you MUST eat carbs, but only recommends that you get 100-150g of carbs a day. Something that is easy to go over, if you eat carb rich sources. It does do a great overview of how to fix a damaged metabolic system and a good indication of how long it takes to fully recover. It also talks very in depth about how the current wisdom can destroy your system. Please don't eat low fat or low calorie and definitely don't do chronic cardio.

[Lillian Martin]

Great explanation of how to have a healthy metabolism

If you've ever wondered about the science behind "eating s balanced meal" and how you can maintain a healthy life, this is a great book. Dr. Schwarzbein breaks down the biology of hormonal health in a very clear and concise manner.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it and consider it a reference. Schwarzbein is well educated and has experience helping people heal their bodies. In this book, she gives a lot of concrete things you can do to improve your health.

[Karen L.]

This might help me feel better in peri-menopause!

[Kathy]

Great book so far on hormones and your metabolism and how it all works together.