Featured Review

“Toxic Food Nation: Why the American Diet is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It” by George M. Burnell, MD, is an absolute must-read for anyone concerned with improving their health, longevity, and quality of life. As cited on the back cover, this Book is a wake-up call to all Americans about the standard American diet. Most of our food supply is in the form of processed convenience foods that are full of sugar, fat, chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics. This diet can be directly linked to numerous diseases, including among others:  chronic inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, mood disorders, eating disorders, and cancer.

In “Toxic Food Nation” Dr. Burnell writes clear-cut, concise information to inform and educate readers in language that is easy to follow and understand. The chapters address a multitude of issues that the average American is just not aware of, such as the effects of toxins and chemicals in our food, the safety of vitamins and minerals, and the science of manufactured flavors and food substitutes used to make our food look and taste better, and last longer. There is also extensive information on the role of the government and politicians, as well as what they do (or don’t do) to protect their citizens. I found the information to be meticulously researched and documented and could be the most powerful source of reference available on the subject.

Each chapter stands well on its own but I found it most helpful to read the entire book straight through then backtrack to review chapters holding special interest. With an extensive glossary, a list of resources, and other helpful websites, “Toxic Food Nation” by George M. Burnell, MD provides a practical look at how to make beneficial changes for your health and well-being. It is a book I will keep close at hand and refer to often.

– reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views

Other Reviews

I am a health and fitness instructor and I read Dr. Burnell’s book with great interest because I am very careful about what I eat and food I recommend to my students. I learned a great deal about all the chemicals that exist in conventional foods, namely the American diet.
Dr. Burnell has written one of the best books on food safety and prevention of chronic illnesses triggered by chemicals in our food, most of them untested by government or private industry.
He pulls no punches and tells us in a clear and non technical language about the risks and danger that the American diet presents in our lives. He gives us easy to follow guidelines, once you know the science that support his recommendations. You will most likely want your friends, family and co-workers to read it and spark discussion on the issues this book brings up.
Undoubtedly, this is a wake up call to all Americans that will save lots of money on unnecessary medical bills in the long run.

 – reviewed on Amazon by Douglas

“Toxic Food Nation” is a comprehensive book on what’s bad and risky in the typical American diet today. Dr. Burnell has made this book very easy to read, and understand. He starts with a questionnaire that assesses whether your current diet puts your health at risk for future chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stroke and cancer) and compares it with a retake version of the same questionnaire after you finish the book.
At the end of each chapter you can follow a set of guidelines that will lead you to more healthy eating at your own pace. There is lots of invaluable information, well researched and backed by evidence peer reviewed studies up to 2016. You can always refer back to a given chapter or page you wish to tab for a revisit. Many of my pages are tabbed already. Our foods are becoming the good, the bad, and the ugly, due to so many toxins in processed and packaged foods, our water, and soil.
Organic is the way to go forward. Invest in good food now and save yourself the big extra bucks for medical care later on. Remember: It is never too late to start.