In a world where sugar-laden treats and processed foods have become a ubiquitous part of daily life, the impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health cannot be underestimated. Astonishingly, each year, the average American consumes a staggering 60 pounds of processed sugar, which has alarming consequences for public health. The harrowing statistics reveal that 40-50% of American adults are at risk of developing diabetes, a condition closely linked to high sugar intake.
Dr. Richard P. Jacoby’s book, ‘Sugar Crush,’ seeks to address the issue and shed light on the negative impact of sugar on our bodies. In this review, we will delve into the book’s insights, recommendations, and the critical takeaways it offers to help combat this growing health concern.
Author’s background

Dr. Richard P. Jacoby is a distinguished peripheral nerve surgeon renowned in the USA. He specialises in treating peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Jacoby played a significant role as one of the co-founders of the Scottsdale Healthcare Wound Management Center. In the past, he held the position of president in both the Arizona Podiatry Association and the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. As a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, he is actively involved in professional organisations such as the American Podiatry Association, the Arizona Podiatry Association, and the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. Dr. Jacoby resides in Scottsdale with his wife and two children.
What is the book about?

‘Sugar Crush’ delves into the negative impact of a diet high in sugar, processed carbs, and wheat on the body’s peripheral nerves. Dr. Richard Jacoby shares his professional experiences, drawing connections between sugar and chronic conditions like peripheral neuropathy, migraines, gallbladder disease, and diabetes.
The book sheds light on how excessive sugar consumption compresses nerves, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling in the hands and feet, and various unexplained health issues like rashes, digestive problems, headaches, mood swings, and fatigue. Dr. Jacoby takes a comprehensive approach to grasp the effects of sugar and carbs on the body, offering practical dietary guidance to reduce sugar and wheat while increasing healthy fats. These changes are proven to promote nerve regeneration and restore normal nerve function.
In ‘Sugar Crush,’ readers will find a self-assessment quiz for nerve damage, innovative dietary recommendations, and valuable insights on preventing and reversing neuropathy. The book is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or those with health concerns. It equips readers with indispensable tools and knowledge beyond conventional medical prescriptions.
Table of contents

- Foreword by Dr. A. Lee Dellon, M.D., Ph.D.
- Introduction
- PART I: THIS FINE SWEET MESS
- 1. The 500-Pound Canary: A Sugar Tsunami
- 2. The Nerve of It All: How Chronic Inflammation Crashes Your Miraculous Hard Wiring
- 3. Killing You Softly: The Creep of Compression
- 4. Slightly Diabetic: The Metabolic Syndrome and Its Ugly Cousins
- PART II: THE TRAIN TO NOWHERE
- 5. On Track for Nerve Damage: Are Your Nerves Already Inflamed?
- 6. The Five Phases of Peripheral Neuropathy: Heed the Clarion Call
- 7. Meanwhile, Just Make It Stop: What We Suffer to Ease the Pain
- PART III: SO NOW WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?
- 8. The Sugar Addiction: #kickingthehabit
- 9. The Big Fat Lie: Educated into Ignorance
- 10. So Then What Can You Eat?: Hot Buttered Coffee with Judy Nicassio
- Epilogue: My Own Awakening
- Acknowledgments
- Bibliography
- Index
- About the Authors
- Credits
- Copyright
- About the Publisher
Key takeaways from ‘Sugar Crush’

1Stop eating sugar
The book presents compelling evidence why we should cutt back on sugar. Through various evidence and studies it showcases the detrimental effect of sugar on the whole body system. Excessive sugar consumption leads to inflammation in the blood vessels and the harmful process of glycation.
The metabolic syndrome, linked to sugar consumption, involves various risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood sugar, setting the stage for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, research points to sugar’s role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, as it leads to compression of the olfactory nerve and brain cell deterioration.
Thus, by ceasing sugar consumption, we can take charge of their health and well-being, potentially avoiding serious and life-threatening conditions.
2Eat healthy animal fats
Dr. Richard Jacoby presents compelling evidence that fat is not the culprit behind obesity and heart disease, but rather it is excessive carbohydrate consumption, particularly in the form of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. The prevailing belief that saturated fat leads to heart attacks lacks solid scientific proof and has been influenced more by marketing and commercial interests than by true nutrition.
The author encourages readers to rethink their approach to fats in their diets. He emphasise the importance of healthy fats, such as those found in grass-fed animal products, and their role in promoting satiety and overall well-being.
3‘And don’t steal honey from bees. It feeds new, baby bees and we need them to help pollinate the planet.’
The author sheds light on a common misconception surrounding honey as a healthier alternative to refined sugar. While honey may have some health benefits, it’s essential to recognise that our bodies metabolise sugar in the same way regardless its source. Contrary to popular belief, honey is not a ‘healthy sugar’ and should be consumed with caution.
The author highlights the ethical aspect of honey consumption, urging readers not to overlook the impact on bees. Honey plays a crucial role in nourishing young bees and sustaining their colonies. Considering the significant role bees play in pollinating our planet, it’s essential to be mindful of the consequences of consuming excessive honey.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths
-
Presents a well-researched and comprehensive understanding of the neurological effects of sugar.
-
Offers practical advice and tools for readers to decode nutrition labels, understand glycemic loads, and manage sugar intake effectively.
-
Explains complex medical concepts in a way that is accessible and understandable.
-
Well-referenced and indexed, allowing readers to verify the information and delve deeper into the scientific studies.
Weaknesses
-
The second half of the book, which should have been helpful for those wanting to quit sugar, lacks relatable stories and offers little explanation for overcoming the challenge.
-
The author’s portrayal of quitting sugar as easy and without any struggle may be discouraging and unsupportive for readers facing real difficulties in making dietary changes.
Best quotes from ‘Sugar Crush’

“Sugar + refined Carbohydrates = Inflammation + Trauma = Nerve Damage.”
“When you eat a diet heavy in processed foods full of wheat and refined sugar, your body is put on a glucose roller coaster. Because fiber has been stripped out of these products, the sugar inherent in all carbohydrates literally enters the bloodstream in a rush. As your blood sugar spikes, most of the excess gets carried away to be stored as abdominal fat.”
“The loss of smell as a harbinger to Alzheimer’s is another example of how global compression from sugar is actually the underlying cause of very different symptoms. Sugar contributes to compression of the olfactory nerve just as it contributes to compression elsewhere. And we know that people with type 2 diabetes are at least twice as likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as are people without diabetes.”
Final takeaway

‘Sugar Crush’ by Dr. Richard Jacoby delves into the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption on our health, particularly on the peripheral nerves. With compelling evidence and well-researched insights, the book urges readers to reconsider their dietary choices and emphasises the importance of reducing sugar intake.
‘Sugar Crush’ is a must-read for individuals seeking to understand the connection between sugar and chronic health conditions and take charge of their well-being by making informed dietary choices.
Where to buy
You may purchase ‘Sugar Crush’ on Amazon at the best price. It is available in paperback, hardcover, audio and Kindle versions, so you may choose an option that appeals to you the most.