Editorial Review

Reviews

Yummy recipes, but know that several are still high in fat, calories, or sodium. No carb or fiber info, January 4, 2010
I hadn't heard these authors were doing a cookbook. I am a huge fan of the Eat This Not That! books. Although I'm a weight loss coach myself, I learn a wealth of information EVERY time I open one of these books. Even better, they are done so well that you WANT to read them from cover to cover rather than flipping through a few pages and putting it on a shelf. They are full of color photos, pages that stand out with artwork, colorful fonts, tons of information...just very well done.

Because of this, I was excited to get this new "COOK This, Not That!" recipe book. I'm a huge fan of cooking, huge fan of eating healthy, but an even bigger fan of GOOD food. With their knowledge behind the recipes, I figured it had to be a win/win cookbook and information guide.

And it is...it does have some drawbacks, however. First, all the good stuff:
If you want to learn how to eat well for a lifestyle that includes craving restaurant meals and formulating a better kitchen at home, this book will do it. It's not just a book of recipes. You get a comparison of how all the oils rate as far as fat per tablespoon, which are good oils to use etc. You get information that I personally know is backed up by great research I've read before, on what foods are "super foods"...which ones, for example will give you energy (this is quinoa--one I discuss at great length in my own diet groups. Full of energy and vitamins and protein, called the "food of the Gods" by the Aztecs, keeps you full as well.) Or which fruit will give you great skin, which helps your joints, etc. Really wonderful info. The book is full of things like this that aren't just recipes, but life changers.

The recipes are of a wide range and should appeal to most any palette. Here are a few I like, to give you an example:

Grilled chicken salad with cranberries, avocado, and goat cheese
Breakfast burritos
Tortilla Soup
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cornmeal catfish with corn salsa
Loaded fettucini alfredo with chicken and vegetables
green chile cheeseburger
loaded pizza
patty melt
hearty lasagna
mac and cheese
nachos with chicken and black beans
chicken panini with pesto and peppers

There are also ethnic dishes, appetizers, vegetarian dishes intermingled within, breakfasts, drinks, desserts...you name it, it's covered. And the dishes that I've made have all turned out great and been simple to prepare. Your family may not even know you've made some changes to lighter cooking!

NEGATIVES:
As much as I love the book and the recipes, there are some drawbacks. The recipes are presented as a lighter version to familiar restaurant meals. And that's excellent if you eat out a lot and want to save both money and calories. However, although the dishes may be lighter than say, your favorite dish at Outback Steakhouse, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a "diet meal" or a lighter version of that dish than at MOST restuarants and the reader should know this. A low-fat dish is one that has around 3 grams fat for every 100 calories the dish has. You'll find dishes here that are actually HIGH in fat and sodium and many fairly high in calories (like almost 500 calories for a small bowl of mac and cheese. This recipe is neither lower in fat or calories than most restuarant mac and cheese for the same serving size. It's just lower in fat and calories from the one restaurant they compared it to with mega fat and calories in their dish.) But if you crave recipes from certain places and want them lighter...and still VERY good..It's a win/win book.

For example, although you save some fat with the Crispy Quesadillas with Quacamole, you come out with a serving of this appetizer for 310 calories, 16 grams fat, and 730 mg sodium. Granted, the original restaurant dish had 1,480 calories, 96 grams fat, and 510 grams sodium...but 16 grams fat, with some of it saturated, is still quite steep. And that amount of sodium will keep your waistbands tight and your body bloated, among other things. So keep in mind you may want to balance some of these dishes with lower fat and lower sodium and sometimes even lower calories dishes within your day. Also take for example, their suggested breakfast recipe for a ham omelette. It has 330 calories, a whopping 20 grams fat and nearly half of it SATURATED fat at 9 grams sat.fat...if you compare that to an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's that fast food dish has 300 calories, 12 grams of fat and 5 grams saturated fat. When I can go to McDonalds and get half the fat, half the saturated fat, and 30 less calories than a breakfast recipe in this book for almost the same dish and McDonalds gives me an English muffin on top of it, and no messy pans...that's not a good thing. I am not a fan of Micky D's and haven't eaten there in years, but they won on this comparison for both calories, fat, and saturated fat for a breakfast dish. Was this ham omelette recipe in the cookbook better than the scary ham omelette at a restaurant they compared it to (IHOP)? Yes. But is it a healthy or light dish in any way itself? Nopers...

But I can ignore those dishes in the book and go for things like the Miso cod which is just 260 calories and 1g fat, or the chicken marsala which is 390 calories and 9 g fat. You'll find several to please those wanting low calories and fat. If, however, your only goal is to get lighter dishes than those in a restaurant, even if they are still a little too steep for me in the fat grams or calorie count personally, that's what this book is all about. It gives you a restaurant dish you may be familiar with, it's calorie and fat count, and then remakes it lighter to save you some calories.

Unlike most healthy cookbooks that now contain fiber counts in the nutritionals for those counting points on Weight Watchers, this does not list them on the recipe pages. The dishes simply list calories, fat, and sodium. So if you are wanting to use fiber counts for that diet plan, know this going in. You may have to figure out fiber on your own to get accurate point counts. If you want protein, carbs, etc to get a full picture, it's not listed...this will matter to some, it won't matter to others...so I thought I'd throw it out there for those who are wondering.

CONCLUSION: This book is especially important for those who want good taste but want to avoid eating out as much and I would say it's the primary target audience. If you want all low fat and low calorie dishes, however, you'll need to be sure to read the counts on each page and balance your overall day accordingly as some of the recipes are high in calories, fat, or sodium or all of the above...though still less than its original restaurant dish. The variety of calories can be good because men can use the book too for the higher calorie dishes they may want, while a woman can choose those that are lighter for her...just watch the fat and sodium either way. As for taste, the recipes have all been winners. (And if you feel deprived, you'll never stick with it anyway.) I'd recommend the book but, like I tell my weight loss classes, use it with caution and while adding up your fat, calorie, and sodium counts or you might not see the loss you hope for.

KNOW GOING IN: There is no disagreement that it takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose one pound. Meaning you have to take in 3,500 calories less than what your body uses in normal activity (walking, digesting, breathing sleeping, etc.) so that your body will then dip into fat stores for fuel for energy resulting in weight loss. If you are on the Biggest Loser you might reach this deficit half way through the day or in just a few hours because of all the calories your body is using. If I ate solely from this book I probably wouldn't lose weight, or I'd just lose a pound or two per month. However, if I was doing a lot of eating out, it would PREVENT me from gaining weight. Due to the higher fat and sodium content in many recipes, you need to leaf through the book for the healthier ones. But I am not gonna say I don't love this book either. I just balance it with lower fat and calorie dishes and I love the fact they've made some popular dishes lower in fat and calories on days you crave 'em. It is, after all, all about balance in the end.

also know: The recipes in here are typically at least half the size of the restaurant serving when I began comparing after someone else mentioned this fact, so in reality many wind up the same fat and calories (or more) as the restaurant-sized serving when compared apples to apples.

Eat smart, not dumb!, January 4, 2010
Addicted to the Cheesecake Factory's Warm Apple Crisp but can't afford the 1,355 calories? Save a whopping 1,155 calories by making your own! Cook This, Not That shows you how.

This book is for anyone wanting to eat smarter. It gets down to basics: "Forget dieting. Forget joining a gym. Forget the ads for the Abinator device you saw on QVC. If you really, truly want to lose weight, there is no quicker way to shave pounds off your body -- and dollars off your food bill -- than to cook more at home."

Cook This, Not That makes it simple for even novices to prepare home-cooked meals. A whole chapter gets you set up with exactly the utensils and equipment you'll need, and the items to set up the perfect pantry. Most of the dishes can be made in 30 minutes or less, and the instructions are short and straightforward. Every recipe is paired with a close-up color photograph of the finished dish. On same page is a small photo of the "Not That!" variation of the recipe from a restaurant chain, complete with price, calories and, in most cases, sodium and fat counts. In each case you learn how many calories and dollars you save by cooking at home.

Besides the hundreds of recipes, sprinkled throughout the pages are helpful segments:
* Scorecards: Ratings of fat, meat, carbs and dairy foods clearly show the best, worst, and everything in between in terms of healthiness. (The winners? Canola oil, light meat chicken, bulgar and nonfat yogurt.)
* Master the technique: Instruction on how to perform chef-like functions such as saut�ing vegetables or cooking an omelet.
* Secret weapon: Particular foods the authors recommend, and why. For example, Thomas' Light Multi-Grain English Muffin (only 100 calories each, and packing a whopping 8 grams of fiber).
* Save-Money Strategy: How to alter the accompanying recipe to make it less expensive but still delicious.
* Meal Multiplier: Ways to alter the recipe by changing the ingredients.

This book has a lot going for it, but its biggest benefits are:
1. Recipes that are easy, delicious and illustrated with beautiful photography.
2. Thorough nutritional information for each recipe, including the portion size, calories and gram counts of fat, sodium and sugar.
3. Simple comparisons with similar restaurant dishes.
4. Advice on the best brands to buy, from vegetable oil to breakfast cereal.

Other books in the series: Eat This, Not That!, Eat This Not That! for Kids!, Eat This Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide, Eat This Not That! The Best (& Worst!) Foods in America!, Eat This Not That! 2010 and Eat This Not That! Restaurant Survival Guide. All are uniformly excellent. I also recommend In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life and Deceptively Delicious.

Here's the chapter list:

1. The Truth About Your Food
2. The Eat This, Not That! Kitchen
3. Breakfast
4. Appetizers & Small Bites
5. Soups & Salads
6. Sandwiches & Burgers
7. Off the Grill
8. Pasta
9. American Classics
10. Ethnic Dishes
11. Sides, Snacks & Sauces
12. Desserts & Drinks

Another winner in this franchise!, January 5, 2010
There are a variety of books in this series ("Eat This, Not That" is the key term in several titles). This volume suggests cooking one dish rather than having something else less healthy for one.

One cool example. . . . Whip up a grilled chicken and pineapple sandwich. The recipe includes the ingredients needed and the steps needed to make this sandwich. The entry shows how much per serving this costs ($2.64) as well as calories (400), fat content (11 grams of fat, 6 of which are saturated), and 640 milligrams of salt. What not to eat? Outback's grilled chicken and Swiss sandwich--costing $7.95 and featuring 896 calories, 33 grams of fat (10 grams saturated), and 1,323 milligrams of sodium. The point is pretty inescapable: You can make something yourself that is less expensive and better nutritionally. Thus, one gets a recipe as well as data allowing the reader to compare cost and nutrition. The end result? Maybe a little more discriminating eater of foods. . . .

A second. . . . A homemade ham omelet, with a step-by-step recipe. $1.87 a serving, 330 calories, 20 grams of fat (9 of which are saturated), and 570 milligrams of salt. IHOP's ham and cheese omelette: $9.56, 990 calories. One would save 660 calories and $7.69 making it yourself!

Other cool features. Pages 256-257 focus on "The Wok Matrix" with "The Rules of the Wok." First, choose your protein; next, choose your vegetables; then, choose your sauce; finally, choose your garnish. A recipe lays out how you proceed, step-by-step, with a stir fry.

A clever volume that educates as it provides useful recipes and hints for cooking. Nice addition to the series!!

More flavor less time and calories!!, January 5, 2010
This is not the traditional "Eat This Not That". With this addition, Mens Health gives you a rare gem of a cookbook. As a cookbook afficionado, I would normally turn my nose up to something like this. However, this book proves the old cliche you shouldn't judge a book by its..... Inside is packed with recipes that are high in flavor, healthy, and require minimal time/ingredient/culinary skill to prepare. The ingredients called for are ordinary pantry/fridge staples that are neither expensive nor hard to find.

Each recipe is accompanied by a nutritional breakdown and the restaurant dish that it is similar to and healthier than. In my humble opinion the food you can make at home with this guide is far superior to it's restaurant alternative. These dishes are both cheaper, healthier, and have a cleaner taste (by clean I mean not loaded with heavy cream, butter, or other junk that takes away from the actual flavor of the ingredients).

The recipes I have attempted (~10), have so far provided a surprising depth of flavor that makes me want to cook my way through the entire book. It also has a ton of info about how to make healthy decisions with ingredients and other foods (which I guess is in line with the prior books in this series). To sum up you really can't go wrong with this book and I can't wait for the sequel so long as it is another cookbook!!

I note that another reviewer has commented that these recipes are not necessarily low in fat/calories....this book does not purport to be such a book. In fact the authors point out that fat is a good thing and provides direction as to what types of fats are good and which you should avoid at all costs.

Outstanding!!, January 1, 2010
Ok, so the whole series has been packed with information, advice, and witty comments that help us make better choices. Finally, we get to sample what's going on in their kitchen. It's not just a cookbook to fight the restaurant wars, it deserves a spot with the best cookbooks on my shelf - thoughtful, well written, easy to follow yet high quality recipes. Extra tips and comments show gourmet expertise. Great layout. I just got the book and have already tested it out for last night's dinner - Our whole family is very, very pleased!!

My Fave of the series, January 7, 2010
I absolutly love this book, by far the best in the series.I love how they explain exactly what you need in your kitchen in order to cook and cook healthy *turns out not a whole lot! Then gives you recipes that are easy to cook, not crazy diet food with weird grinding up of beans to sneak them in brownies or using cereal to fry fish. These are real recipies for people who want to eat good food without suffering the consequences. They even include simple things to help save money. I love it, my husband loves it, and I'm sure you will too!!!Cook This, Not That!: Kitchen Survival Guide

Not Just Another Yawn in a Series, January 11, 2010
I was a little hesitant when I saw Zinczenko and Goulding had ANOTHER book out, but was very pleasantly surprised when I read it. The book is colorful, easy to read, and helpful for starting the new year with baby steps to saving money and eating healthier. The book has great tips for stocking your kitchen, recipes for feeding your family interesting food while saving money, and helpful ways to incorporate new foods into your diet (even if you don't like to cook or "diet").

Biggest reason to buy the book: lots of photos so you can QUICKLY see and do, without reading a whole cookbook or diet book. The recipes are very appetizing and flavorful, but NOT intimidating for even inexperienced cooks.

For other longterm additions to your meal plans, we also highly recommend The Biggest Loser cookbooks.

These gentlemen know their information very well, and know how to teach people to incorporate baby steps of change into their lives. Their other books are good for keeping in a car or desk at work. This one is great for keeping in or near the kitchen. Nice gift idea too. Two thumbs up from our house!

Saves both money and calories!, December 29, 2009
I try to eat healthy in my house, but I'm usually frustrated by my inability to put together meals with as much flavor as the stuff I eat when I go out. Unfortunately every time I eat out, I can't avoid setting my diet back a few hundred calories. That's why I'm loving this book. The recipes are easy enough for someone like me, who doesn't have a ton of cooking experience, but challenging enough to still impress the people I have over for dinner (or lunch or breakfast). Plus everything I've made so far - the tortilla soup, honey mustard salmon, grilled apricots, sausage frittata with mushrooms, etc. - has all turned out infinitely more delicious than the drab stuff my kitchen table is used to.

Now when I'm really in the mood for something delicious, I just open up the book and pick something out. There's a full-color photo accompanying every recipe, so I can see it before I make it. It's like my own, in-house menu, and the meals not only save me calories, they also save me a ton of money at the restaurants. That means no more guilt-hangovers from eating too much fat and spending too much money. This one is definitely going to stay on my kitchen bookshelf for years to come.

Better than I hoped..., April 3, 2010
As a fan of the author's approach of "eat this, not that" I purchased this book on a whim. After trying 15 of the recipes and reading the book cover to cover, I'm an even bigger fan. Of the things I've tried so far, most are great and the others are quite good. Neither time consuming, nor bland, these recipes have become some of our new favorites and I'm sharing them with friends and family. Can't recommend this book highly enough - it's a great addition to any kitchen - even bought a copy for my mom.

Great Book!, March 21, 2010
This book has great recipes that are easy to prepare. The book includes healthy alternatives to everyday foods we consume. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in eating healthier or trying to lose weight. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The most thoroughly revised and updated bible of natural health with cutting-edge findings in alternative and preventative therapies.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing is the nation's #1 bestselling guide to natural remedies. The new fifth edition incorporates the most recent information on a variety of alternative healing and preventive therapies and unveils new science on vitamins, supplements, and herbs.

With an A-to-Z reference to illnesses, updates include:

•How omega-3 and exercise may help those suffering from Alzheimer's

•Current information on the latest drug therapies for treating AIDs

•What you need to know about H1N1 virus

•Nutritional information for combating prostate cancer

•Leading research on menopause and bio identical hormones

•And much, much more

In the twenty years since the first edition was released, the natural health movement has gone mainstream, and the quest for optimal nutrition is no longer relegated to specialty stores. With more than 800 pages of comprehensive facts about all aspects of alternative ways to wellness, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition, unites the best of age-old remedies with twenty-first- century science. ... Read more

Reviews

Comprehensive, November 3, 2008
With over five million copies sold, this book is one of the most read texts on nutritional health. I say "text" because it measures in at a good inch and three-quarters thick. Written by a certified nutritionist and a bona-fide MD, it is neatly divided up into three parts.

Part I, a quarter-inch thick discusses the basic principles of health and nutrition. This section lists and explains the various kinds of nutrients and food supplements.

Part II, by far the biggest section of the book measuring in at an inch and a quarter, provides the reader with an A-Z listing of many common disorders (such as backache or diabetes) and what you can do about them from a nutritional point of view.

The book ends with Part III, the last quarter-inch of the book, which is devoted to traditional therapies and conventional treatments that can be used along with a nutritional support. Here you'll find info on treatments such as chiropractic, massage therapy, color therapy, and so on.

I have to say, I was pretty impressed with the amount of info contained in this book and I can definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good nutritional reference book to put on their shelf when questions arise. Additionally, is also might give readers ideas of other types of therapies they could try for various medical problems. Other health titles I can recommend also include The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution for people who have trouble with chronic plantar fasciitis.

Be careful, and do your own research before following some of these prescriptions, April 19, 2008
This is an excellent book in that it contains, in one place, an enormous amount of information about supplements and their use in treating various medical conditions. It also goes through all of the vitamins and minerals, amino acids, digestive enzymes, herbs, etc., explaining their function.

But do your own homework after consulting this book. Under AIDS, St. John's Wort is noted as containing "two substances, hypericin and pseudohypericin, that inhibit retroviral infections and could be useful in the treatment of AIDS." This is bad advice, because one of the most widely known herbal/drug interactions--and widely known since about 1997--is that St. John's Wort and protease inhibitors don't mix. This might actually be THE most widely known and infamous interaction. If you're a person living with HIV/AIDS, and you're taking a protease inhibitor, you should not take St. John's Wort UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. It is proven fact that St. John's Wort decreases the levels of the PIs in your blood, making them less effective. Meaning that if you have AIDS, are taking a protease inhibitor and St. John's Wort, you could very well be shortening your life expectancy. This is serious stuff, and not to be taken lightly.

Glutathione is also mentioned throughout this book. When introduced, the book does say that "the effectiveness of oral formulas [of glutathione] is questionable. To raise glutathione levels, it is better to supply the body with the raw materials it uses to make this compound: cysteine, glutamic acid...glycine...and N-acetylcysteine". But when this is recommended for use in "The Disorders" section of the book, little mention is made of the ineffectiveness of oral glutathione, and indeed recommends specific amounts of glutathione one should take.

Let me be clearer than this book has been: oral glutathione is worthless. If you're using it, you're not getting any benefit, and the companies that sell oral glutathione know this well. It's frustrating to see reputable companies produce a product just to make money when they know *for a fact* that it has zero benefit. If they really wanted to make money, they should instead put sugar pills in the glutathione bottles. That would be cost-effective! Interestingly enough, my partner is in pharmacy school and they just had a lecture on glutathione yesterday. I won't try to translate the medical techy stuff, but the gist of it is this: it won't be absorbed by the cells.

So why does this book recommend glutathione (by itself, with no disclaimer) throughout? That's a good question, and I'd love to know the answer.

Still, the book has its uses. As I noted, nowhere else will you find such a wealth of information in one place, and so easily accessible and understood. Just be prepared to do your homework.

This book saved my life, January 27, 2002
In 1989, I was working Medical Intensive Care, U.C.I. Hospital. I was a widowed mother with three children in college & high school. My health was great, I loved my career and the security it gave us and my life revolved around my career and children. I worked circles around younger nurses, when I SUDDENLY became so exhausted that I couldn't push myself out of a chair. My doctor & friend, ran tests that revealed Acute Hepatitis B. Long story short, after 3 months - I remained bed ridden and my liver specialist gave me 1 to 2 month life expectancy. My life and my childrens lives had turned upside down. Out of desparation, (the medical field could not help me as the acute hepatitis became chronic), my oldest daughter bought this book. She bought all the vit., mineral, dietary supplements, etc. listed under "esential" and "very important" and started force feeding me. I felt like I was being tortured these last days of my life as I already battled nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and a type of exhaustion beyond explaination. It took all my concentration to force an eyelid open or to ask my tongue to move in order to speak. I knew she and the book were nuts but I saw the desparation in her eyes as she would beg me to swallow the beet juice, alevea juice or some capsule. Never-the-less, she continued to insist, three weeks later - I was out of the bed. Three months later I was able to work one night a week and soon a full week. 13 years later - the good news - I am health, happy, active and alive. The bad news - the Acute Hepatitis B became chronic, (which happens in a low % of cases and though I FELT like I overcame the disease, my doctor says the liver is still being destroyed. I truely believe this book saved my life. I have 30 years in the health field as a nurse, and a teacher but this is the book I most frequently use for information. It lists diseases and disorders from "Acme" to serious diseases like "Cancer". They are listed in alphebetical order, making them fast to find. First a very accurate describtion of the disease is given. Then a simple and consice list of things to use. I have bought copies for friends and families and lent my copies to many. Happy ending: Shortly after my close to death experience, I changed jobs, for fewer hours, leaving time for more activities: hiking, biking, swiming, working out, learned ballroom dancing, and I continued the recommended changes in nutritional eating. I met a wonderful man, we married, and I kept cutting back my work hours till I reluctantly retired from my wonderful position at the hospital last year because our travels, projects, hobbies and activities just didn't leave me time to work. We share an absultely fantastic lifestyle. My health is very dependent on how I eat and drink - even now. I have learned to really "listen" to my body and I can enjoy perfect health if I avoid the foods and drinks that do not leave me feeling well. Pepsi, fats in moderation and sugars are my challenge. I gave out my last copy of this book and am buying another because I fractured my ankle while hiking near our home in Southern Baja, Mexico, last week. Again, I will do EVERYTHING Dr. Balch and Phyllis Balch reccommends and heal rapidly.

SUPER, SUPER BOOK for solving NUMEROUS health problems, November 17, 1999
Look at all the "5 Star" reviews... that says it all. I have looked, for years, for a book like this, and this one is THE BEST. For nutritional approaches to a huge array of major/minor medical problems, this is it. Written by a MD and his wife (a certified nutritional consultant) it is well researched, has suppliers of products listed,covers tons of material...my skin, bone joint problems and allergy conditions improved 200% in 4 weeks; with the books Atkins Vita-Nutrient Solution and The Way Up From Down, my 15 year depressions began to disappear in a few days, and were totally gone in 5 weeks.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, October 12, 2008
I am amazed at the information available in this book. I have given copies to anyone interested in learning how to improve their overall health and well-being. This is my "Go to" book. I highly recommend this book to anyone truely interested in making positive changes in their life.

A great reference book but some of the advice may be iffy - or worse. Supplement it with other research., January 31, 2006
I do like this book and follow a lot of what it has said. It has proven to be of great help to me in some cases, others, not as much. So, let it be known that I do value this book, I do appreciate the work put into collecting this data and making it available to the general public, and the idea of empowering people to make smart choices about their health. I have utilized some of the information in this book myself.

But I do have criticisms. I will focus more heavily on those than on the positives because the positives are mostly covered in others reviews, but remember, I am giving this 4 stars, not 2.

Someone pointed out that my criticisms were more geared toward the earlier edition, but I looked over the newest one and still found examples of what I was talking about.

Some of the upper limits (ULs) for supplements are highly questionable, or whether such high doses or necessary or provide any benefit at all. For example, in some conditions the book calls for 3 doses of Vitamin B-50 a day. 3 doses? I would not do that. You take 3 doses of B-50 a day and you're overdosing on B-6, you're probably overdosing on Folic Acid, and you're getting more B-3 (niacin) than I'm comfortable with. Moreover, riboflavin is reported to have no benefit at doses over 20 mg and doses over that may contribute to cataracts. Excessive riboflavin causes your urine to turn a neon green - that's wasted riboflavin passing through your urine. It's not doing you any good. Now, I'm a huge fan of pantothenic acid, B-12, and biotin, but 150 mg of the rest of the vitamins (or 1200 of Folic Acid) is too much. Every doctor I've talked to agrees. It's simply a wasted mega dose for most people. There's probably cases where it isn't, but I'll allow for that. I can't think of any case possible where you'd need 150 mg of B-6. It's kind of crazy.

The worst case of all is the author's love affair with doses of Retinol (Vitamin A) that make me cringe. I've seen him advocate some frighteningly high doses. Go talk to your doctor, and ask him if you need 10,000 IU or more of Retinol a day. He's going to say no. That much Retinol is asking for serious liver problems. It's almost scary he didn't put some kind of larger disclaimer in there, I wouldn't take that much even in this "emulsion" form he's so quick to tout. 5,000 IU of Retinol a day should be plenty. It's like if you've got 1st degree burns all over your body 5,000 IU of Retinol is going to leave you a mess and 10,000 IU won't. Some of this is oversimplified.

Some of the recommended doses of Vitamin C are preposterous. 10,000 mg of Vitamin C a day? I believe for some conditions he advocates even more. Many studies show your body can't use more than 500 mg of Vitamin C at a time. So the authors could do a better job explaining what they mean by divided doses. I could see, for some conditions, taking 500 mg of buffered Vitamin C with some food every 2 waking hours or so for maximum Vitamin C supplementation. But even that is too high for some doctors, one doctor says that anything over 2000 mg of Vitamin C a day produces a kind of toxin that attacks your system. I currently don't have the report handy that states the name of the toxin. 1500-3000 mg of Vitamin C seems to be the recommended amount for maximum Vitamin C supplementation, according to the experts and doctors. 10,000 mg (10 grams!) a day to me seems mind-boggling.

Some of the brand names he uses can be substituted, and this is not made clear. Kyolic Garlic is not the only quality garlic formula - the Imperial 6500 sold by Vitamin World and Puritan's Pride is a good value, which may be a nice alternative for people not willing to plunk down (...)for Kyolic's 30 day supply.

Lastly, some poor interactions might be better pointed out - the inadvisable situation of combining inorganic iron and Vitamin E, for example.

Some of the lists of vitamins and supplements to take are incredibly long - many doctors have expressed concern over the strain on your organs such as kidneys in processing 50 or more supplemental tablets, capsules, etc. a day.

My biggest criticism is the sometimes outrageous upper limits on vitamins, as I have stated above. DO OTHER RESEARCH. A LOT OF OTHER RESEARCH. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR. Don't just just quaffing down 150 mg of B-6 just because the book says so. And be sure you're aware of other supplements you might be taking without knowing it, like fortified cereals or breads. This is why I stop well short of ULs.

Just be safe and know what you are doing.

*The* primary alternative medicine reference work..., October 27, 2001
"Prescription For Nutritional Healing" is perhaps the most condensed dictionary of practical alternative medicine available. The book contains so much information that it actually boggles the mind it can fit into one book. The book starts out with a large section entitled "Elements of Health." In this section, the Balch team discusses vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, herbs, natural food supplements and their history and uses. There is a helpful herb chart that lists the herb, the effective parts of the herb, most of its phytonutrients, its uses, and comments such as toxicity. This section is a primer for those who want to know a little bit about the nutrients they will be taking.

The next section, which makes up the bulk of the book, is the "Disorders" section. It goes from Abscesses to Yeast Infections, covering a host of common and rare disorders in between. For each disorder, a treatment plan is outlined by name and dose, and nutrients are grouped according to how helpful they are in treating each disorder. For instance, with regard to the common cold, Zinc lozenges are listed as "essential," while Olive Leaf extract is only listed as "helpful" (mind you, I disagree with their evaluation of olive leaf). Then they list effective herbs, followed by "recommendations." These recommendations are often common sense suggestions and additional useful information written in an easy to understand manner. Finally, there is a "consideration" section for each disease. Here the authors report on recent research and possible other helpful ideas. Many charts and tables are dispersed throughout the disease section, such as poison control center numbers, STD symptoms, pregnancy tests, and nutrient robbing chemicals and foods.

The book ends with a brief description of therapies, a glossary of terms, and a list of supplement manufacturers. Overall this is an extremely useful book, which lists virtually every alternative therapy that has been found effective in clinical and controlled studies. Some of the recommendations are based on shaky evidence, and sometimes the authors confuse certain facts (for instance they suggest cancer patients eat almonds because of their laetrile content, but sweet almonds contain no laetrile; only bitter almonds do) but nonetheless, most of their claims are backed by competent studies.

The third edition came out very soon after the second edition. This demonstrates how fast research into alternative therapies is moving. Also, the third edition integrates a lot of mainstream medicine into its pages, making it extremely helpful and useful to those who might only dabble with alternative medicine on occasion. I bought the first edition in the early 1990s, and whenever I have a basic question or get sick, I usually go to this book first. I am not a doctor, and obviously nobody should forsake his or her doctor and simply follow the suggestions in this book! Kudos to the Balch team for setting the standard and keeping up with recent research!

A New Update of the "Bible" for Feeling Better, November 21, 2000
A new update of the "Bible" for feeling better. I have had a copy of the second edition for years and refer to it regularly on many subjects. What I really appreciate about this book is:

1. It is comprehensive and lists many different drug-free remedies for various disorders and health conditions including vitamins, minerals, herbs, food supplements, exercise and meditation.

2. It is realistic about the role of herbs in healing. Unlike other materials and books it does not advocate the exclusive usage of herbs for healing or view herbs as a "cure-all." It is also quite honest and very straightforward about the dangers of some herb usage (for example, the regular use of licorice root, which has been determined to cause a sudden and unexpected rise in the blood pressure of some individuals.)

3. The book lists diseases, illnesses and disorders in alphabetical order (along with recommended treatment) for quick reference. There are other chapters which specifically explore vitamins, minerals, herbs, the role of food supplements, nutrition and good water.

A copy of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing", now in its third edition, is highly recommended for every household.

A must-have reference for taking control of your health..., April 30, 2000
This book is the first one I turn to when I am dealing with any illness or problem with my, or my family's health. I am a mother, with two small children, and I love being able to take control of my own and my children's health needs, rather than being dependant on a doctor to tell me what I should do (especially when I don't always agree!).

This book is packed with over 600 pages of information, listing various disorders alphabetically for easy reference. It provides information for treating various illnesses with nutrition, vitamins, and herbs. It has a separate section detailing various suppliments and their effects on the system. It explains the various disorders, and offers alternatives to conventional "allopathic" medical treatments for same (that being said, please be sure to check with your doctor before enbarking on any suppliment or herbal treatment).

As with any exhaustive reference of this size, there are a few inaccuracies here and there, but most of those are minor and have been corrected from previous editions. All in all this is an invaluable book for anyone who wishes to take control of their own health, and to use vitamins and herbs wisely and with substantial positive results. Don't hesitate, buy it!

A MUST for anyone intersted in natural remedies, January 16, 2002
This book was first introduced to me when I got pregnant and a friend referred me the pregnancy section in it. I saw how informative it was and how easy to understand, and decided to purchase my own copy. It has been my bible on natural healing since. It has so much info in it! The section at the beginning is all about the elements of health: it's divided in sub-sections on water, vitamins, amonoacids, etc, and they go into detail as to what each (vitamin, enzyme, etc) is called, what it's useful for, and where it can be found. Then follows part 2, which lists out various body problems in alphabetical order and gives an explanation of the illness, suggestions as to which herbs, vitamins etc to take and how they will help, followed by general giodelines about nutrition, possible causes, etc. Part 3 contains various methods used to bring good healthy, such as fasting, colonics, etc.
I suggest this book to anyone. It will be a great resource for those who don't like to use drugs to heal, but also to those who currently do use drugs, as you'll be able to find out just how effective natural healing can be, and how much better it is for your overall health. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Many common health problems can be treated with simple remedies you can do at home. Even if the steps you take don't cure the problem, they can relieve symptoms and allow you to go about your daily life, or at least help you until you're able to see a doctor.

Some remedies, such as changing your diet to deal with heartburn or adapting your home environment to cope with chronic pain, may seem like common sense. You may have questions about when to apply heat or cold to injuries, what helps relieve the itch of an insect bite, or whether certain herbs, vitamins or minerals are really effective against the common cold or insomnia. You'll find these answers and more in Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies.

In situations involving your health or the health of your family, the same questions typically arise: What actions can I take that are immediate, safe and effective? When should I contact my doctor? What symptoms signal an emergency? Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies clearly defines these questions
with regard to your health concerns and guides you to choose the appropriate and most effective response. ... Read more

Reviews

Disappointing, October 8, 2010
There was very little insight in this book. I had hoped for some real remedies that I had not heard of, or some evidence to support remedies that I had heard of. Instead, this book is full of advice that most people already know. It is completely sensible, but would be useful for someone who needs very, very basic information. I had hoped for some more new ideas.

No need to buy book, October 12, 2010
While the book is well organized and thorough, there is no need to buy the book when the content is readily available on the internet.

Simple guide, November 8, 2010
This Mayo Clinic guide is extremely simplified compared to most of the other Mayo Clinic books I have used. Its very simplicity is where it might be of use; so many medical books are overwhelming in the quantity of their information.

There is a table of contents in alphabetical order, which also includes an emergency care section dealing with such problems as; allergic reaction, bleeding, burns, shock. A section on medical supplies for your home and emergency items needed in incorporated. Each medical problem is described individually on a page with a chart of home remedies and prompts to seek medical help if, for example there is double vision for a black eye. An index is also included.

It would be an ideal book for those starting out on their own, maybe going away, even to college where they have to start dealing with their own health problems, rather than depending upon a parent. I can even picture it as a useful book to have on a vacation or somewhere, where the internet is not always available, or if someone might not always be sure of which site is a reliable one on the internet. Even a person just wanting a simplified medical guide could benefit from this book.

it is what it says, November 15, 2010
It's a very well organized book that simply provides the problem at hand and the simple home remedy! If you're looking for a list of medications or health advice then this is not for you. It's a useful read. ... Read more

Editorial Review

All healers are "energetic" healers, whether they know it or not. Because every health issue has a physical and an energetic component, even a simple physical treatment like bandaging a cut also impacts the body's spiritual, mental, and emotional welfare. The Subtle Body is acomprehensive encyclopedia devoted to the critical world of our invisible anatomy, where so much of healing actually occurs. Compiled by intuitive healer and scholar Cyndi Dale, this 500-page full color illustrated reference book covers: * What is the "subtle body"? New scientific understanding of our quantum-state existence and the unseen fields that determine our physical condition * True integrative care: how combining Eastern energetic modalities with Western scientific rigor yields optimum results * The meridians, fields, and chakras: detailed information and diagrams about the role of these energetic structures in our overall health * Energy-based therapy principles from the world's healing traditions--including Ayurveda, Qigong, Reiki, Quabalah, and many more. For professionals who want to make the leap from being good healers to great ones, one thing is clear: we need to care for every facet of our well-being. With The Subtle Body, practitioners and patients alike now have an unprecedented resource for understanding the physical, energetic, and spiritual elements of human health--for an informed, complete approach to healing. ... Read more

Reviews

A marvelous contribution, February 16, 2009
The Subtle Body is a truly outstanding 5 star book, and a masterpiece of publishing and easy readability. In my view, it is an essential book on the subject of subtle energy and health/disease. The book is subtitled An Encyclopedia Of Your Energy Anatomy, however it is that and MUCH MORE. The book is beautifully and clearly written; and subdivided into 6 parts containing 40 chapters each addressing essential fundamental information on energy structures and systems - (the fields, channels, and bodies) -- that underpin our physical bodies and physical reality. Additionally, this book explores means of accessing the tools and techniques used to energetically modify (heal) dis-ease and illness examining techniques used in ancient times as well as today's contemporary theories of subtle energy. The 10 pages of Notes allows for additional detailed reading on any area of special interest. The extensive bibliography alone is worth the price of the book. The many color illustrations are of the highest caliber and clarity; plus the publisher used high quality paper in the book imparting a wonderful feel to the reader.
On a personal note, I am a practicing physician with over 30 years experience as a specialist treating patients with pharmaceuticals and surgery. However, over the years I begin to wonder why some patients healed, and others with the same diagnosis and treatment did not heal. A quest for greater knowledge sparked a journey that ultimately lead me to discover Cyndi Dale and her work in healing. There are many books now in print on subtle energy, however, this book by Cyndi Dale is by far the most comprehensive, most researched, and best written book I have seen on the subject. In my view it is essential reading for anyone who desires to participate in the next revolution in medicine.
James E.(Ed) Shotts, MD

Energy flows where attention goes, May 20, 2009
I have bought many different energy based books, and used different energy based techniques, with great results.

Quantum Touch taught me the importance of breath and how to move energy, and the principles of resonance and entrainment. EFT taught me how to release negative emotions within two minutes by tapping on specific energy points. Reiki taught me the importance of healing touch, and using Universal Life Force energy effortlessly.

Matrix Energetics taught me the importance of intention, and active imagination. I could go on, Qigong, Reiki, Touch of healing, Yoga, Tibetans, Huna..

Here we have a visually stunning book, with great diagrams throughout. It offers a complete energy system overview, and numerous diagrams, and chapters on anatomy, and the different medical systems. It's important to understand how energy correleates with anatomy, and this book does a great job of that.

It gives an overview of different practices. I particularly liked reading about shiatsu, which was discovered by a 7 year old Japanese boy who healed his mother of rheumatism, and I loved the explanation and diagrams of Reflexology. In addition, the description of chakras and how they work, and what each one means is displayed in a very easy to assimilate format. Visually compelling.

You can also learn about Reiki, Qigong, and many others.

In educating us on many different practices within one volume, we get the big picture, and so it is not a specialist book. For example, you will learn what EFT is but not the tapping routine. If you're like me, there are a couple of places where you might like more detail. If it had a bit more detail such as the tapping routine, I would definitely give it five stars.

If you wish to explore energy medicine more, I recommend:

The Energy Medicine Kit by Donna Eden, which shows energy testing being demonstrated, energy zipups and more advanced techniques, including a five minute daily routine to boost your energy.

Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal (Third Edition) by Richard Gordon.

Life Energy: Using the Meridians to Unlock the Hidden Power of Your Emotions by John Diamond MD, one of the best books I have read on energy medicine, and a complete manual.

The Touch of Healing: Energizing the Body, Mind, and Spirit With Jin Shin Jyutsu by Alice Burmeister. It's Jin Shin Jitsu, a complete system, very easy to learn and use.

The EFT Manual (EFT: Emotional Freedom Techniques)by Gary Craig is a simple tapping process useful for letting go of troubling emotions. Imagine easily letting go of issues such as anger, anxiety, fear, forgiveness, stress, procrastination, traumas. [...], and buy various books on Amazon.

I hope this was helpful.

Excellent Resource--Energetic Anatomy, February 21, 2009
This 2009 book is a wonderful resource book for those interested in understanding the methodology of healing the energy/light body (which also affects the physical body). There is a treasure chest of information here that you often have to go to multiple books to find. It is explained in simplistic language and in a beautifully illustrated 488 page book, approximately 8" x 10" in size.

This wonderfully informative book begins with Universal Energy and Energy Healing, and moves to the Human Anatomy (human cell, DNA nebula, electromagnetic field of the heart), then on to Energy Fields (subtle energy fields, global ley lines, magnetic field of the body, sine wave, Fibonacci sequence, merkaba, platonic solids, layers of the auric field, etc.) , then to Channels of Energy and Channels of Light (various meridians, the 5 Chinese Elements, emotions and organs, food and emotions, etc.).

Next is Energy Bodies: Chakras and Other Light Switches (the charkas in detail, various other charka systems--Cherokee, Tibetan, Incan, Egyptian/African, Kundalini an 12 Chakra System, The Tree of Life: The 10 Sephiroth, The Sephiroth and Chakric Associations, etc.) Following is the section on Energy Practices (Acupuncture, Gemstones, Color Therapy, Shiatsu, Buddhist mudras, latitudinal cross-zones, reflexology, sound and color, etc.)

Another feature I like about this book is that it names names, so you know what to search on to find more information on the specific subject matter. For example, let's say you were reading about Sound Healing, on page 401. As you go through facts such as how ". . .In the 1970s, researcher Fabion Mamon sounded a tuning fork on a cancer cell. The cell dissolved. . . " and the additional information that follows to help you understand the relationship between sound and healing, you can easily google "Fabion Mamon" if you want additional information on the subject matter. The subchapter also mentions Jonathan Goldman, as a respected sound therapist and author for energetically based sound therapies. If you want to know more, you can search on Jonathan right here on Amazon and pull up some of his CDs. I even found Alberto Villoldo and the Incan Bands of Power and the luminous energy field in here. Although the book does not specifically mention the Munay-ki rites by name, if you check for Alberto Villoldo on Amazon, his books will come up or you can also google him by name. From there you can read more about the 9 rites and search on where to get them (if you are so inclined).

Although the book can be very useful to anyone, it is even more useful to someone just beginning to learn about energy bodies and healing because it provides so much knowledge up front, in one resource book. Think of it as a good "Energy 101" course. As the Doctor said in his review--how come some people, with the same illnesses, heal and some do not. Even if you already know a lot, this book still provides a one stop resource for a ton of factual information. Excellent product. On a scale of 1 to 5, worth WAY more than a 5. (How much is your health worth to you?) Do yourself a favor. If even a little piece of you can believe, get this book and read it. This book can provide a lot of information on understanding alternative healing, which you can use to supplement your care. First, you must accept the possibility. Second, you must obtain the knowledge of what is out there. Then, you can begin to make a more informed analysis and decision on your health care needs when you talk with your primary care physician. I have been "into" energy/light body healing since about 1999 and I strongly believe in this stuff. Many people do themselves such a huge disservice. The power of your mind, your belief system, your perception is TRULY awesome! YOUR PERCEPTION IS YOUR REALITY. Believe it. But don't take my word for it. Read. Read. Read.

God bless you in your search for truth and wisdom.

Unmatched Resource for Anyone Interested in Energy Body Theories, February 23, 2009
This book is an amazing accomplishment - the author has compiled and detailed energy body teachings from virtually every known energy healing tradition. Among these are Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, native and shamanic traditions from around the world, Hindi, Tibetan and Kabbalah chakra systems, ancient Greek philosophy, Western mystic teachings such as those from the Rosucrucians, and many, many others. She has combined this material with sections on basic human anatomy, and coverage of cutting-edge science that supports the mind/body/spirit connection, including work in physics and research into various alternative healing methods.

This book is written as a reference manual for healers, and is expertly organized and indexed to facilitate using it in this manner. However, I am not a healer - just an occult 'geek' that practices chakra meditation and loves energy theories of all types - and I LOVE this book. The author does a great job of making the material accessible to anyone.

Prior reviews have summarized the contents, so I won't repeat that here, but let me just mention a few goodies not mentioned already - sections on Sacred Geometry, mudras, and kundalini meditation were favorites of mine. Also a favorite was the final section, describing what must surely be every energy diagnostic and healing practice in the world - from acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and crystal use to thai massage, numerology, radionics and mudras. Ms. Dale does occasionally compare systems, but doesn't try and reconcile the differences between them, or offer judgment on which are more effective or provable, leaving that, presumably, to the healer and/or reader.

As I said, this book is expertly organized and indexed, to assure that a reader can return to it over and over looking for guidance on a particular ailment, energy system, or healing practice. The pictures and diagrams are also beautifully done and comprehensive. I would think any healer would want to own this book and keep it close at hand, and anyone interested in energy body theories from a spiritual perspective as well.

Great book if you ignore the "science", May 27, 2009

Beautiful, Engaging and Exhaustive, September 10, 2009
For many years I was an arch-skeptic when it came to the subtle systems of the body, but then a great deal of personal experience lead me to do a U-turn, and for more than twenty years I have been teaching others how to feel, sense and work with these systems, with often remarkable results. Though critics still love to call this "Woo," the tide is turning against them, and this book is a huge help.

Any book about the "energetic" or "subtle" systems of the body will always attract a mixture of breathless enthusiasm and mean-spirited criticism. And sadly there are still some who believe that any mention of these systems is somehow New Age or occult, although there are almost one hundred cultures around the world that have recognized and discussed them, including the Fathers of the Christian Church. This book provides a wealth of well-researched evidence for skeptics and enthusiasts alike.

Although you can have a look inside the book at the top of this page, and also on the Sounds True website, I think that it is helpful for a potential reader to see a breakdown of the six sections and forty chapters to get a good idea of the contents of the book.

Part I: Energy and Energy Healing
1. Energy Is Universal
2. Being an Energy Healer

Part II: Human Anatomy
3. The Cells
4. DNA
5. The Skeletal System
6. The Muscular System
7. The Nervous System
8. The Skin
9. The Circulatory System
10. The Respiratory System
11. The Endocrine System
12. The Digestive System
13. The Excretory System
14. The Reproductive System
15. Metabolism
16. The Immune System
17. The Senses

Part III: Energy Fields
18. A Primer on Energy Fields
19. Two Unified Field Theories
20. The Natural Fields
21. The Radiant Shine of Molecules: Lost and Found Research
22. L-Fields and T-Fields: The Partners Composing Reality?
23. Field Pollution: Geopathic Stress
24. The Power of Magnetism
25. Hands-On and Distant Healing: Proving Subtle Fields and a Nonlocal Reality
26. Sacred Geometry: Fields of Life
27. Human Energy Fields

Part IV: Channels of Energy: Channels of Light
28. The History of Meridian-Based Therapy
29. An Overview of the Meridian System
30. Theories of the Existence, Purpose, and Functioning of the Meridians
31. The History of Meridian Science
32. The Major Meridians
33. The Basic Acupuncture Points
34. Five-Phase and Related Diagnostic Theories
35. The Seven Emotions and the Corresponding Organs

Part V: Energy Bodies: Chakras and Other "Light Switches"
36. Energy Bodies
37. Kundalini, the Unifying Force
38. Scientific Principles Meet Chakra Theory
39. Chakra Systems from Around the World
40. The Jewish Mystical Energy System: The Ancient Kabbalah

Part VI: Energy Practices
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography

As you will see this book is extremely comprehensive! If you are new to the field it gently leads you by the hand. There is also a wealth of information for the more experienced practitioner or researcher. Despite many years as both a researcher and practitioner of a number of methods that use the subtle systems of the body, I found a lot of new material in this book.

Cyndi Dale writes well and I thought that her views and opinions were very fair and balanced. My only small quibble is the use of the word "Energy." I prefer the term subtle "systems" composed of the inseparable twins: First the subtle energies and second, the subtle fields that carry them. Without energy, the fields could not actualize, and without the fields, there would be nothing to carry the energy.


The book itself is beautifully produced and easy to navigate. I am delighted that Sounds True is producing ever more high quality books like this.

This is the only book on the subtle systems that you need. It is well worth the price, and is not only a reference and textbook, but also a wonderful book to browse through.

Very highly recommended.


Richard G. Petty, MD, author of Healing, Meaning and Purpose: The Magical Power of the Emerging Laws of Life

Gorgeous Energy Encyclopedia Covers Basic Information, July 14, 2009

Interesting take on the human body, February 26, 2010

Human Energetic Anatomy & Therapies, April 23, 2009

Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Reviewer, November 3, 2009
The soul is the substance of energy that organizes conscience and body and makes of it all, a coherent being for reality. And the spirit is the superior dignity of life.

-Unknown Author

A fascinating journey of discovery awaits you in Cyndi Dale's The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. By far this is the most in-depth collection of energy healing this reviewer has ever discovered.

What makes this book so unique is that it covers all of the top forms of holistic healing. Which includes chakras, energy meridians, acupuncture, reflexology, international healing, Ayurveda, Shiatsu, distant and hands on healing, energy fields, sacred geometry, color and sound healing, and magnetism. It is broken down into six easy to understand parts that include:

Part I: Energy and Energy Healing

Part II: Human Anatomy

Part III: Energy Fields

Part IV: Channels of Energy: Channels of Light

Part V: Energy Bodies: Chakras and other "Light Switches"

Part VI: Energy Practices

From the very first page I found that I was so mesmerized at all the knowledge that I was absorbing. With my background in healing touch and reflexology, I was able to quickly put to use the high quality illustrations that showed all the pulse points of the body.

No health care professional should be without a copy of Cyndi Dale's The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. This book is such an asset to the health care world I believe it should be introduced into the college setting. If all health care providers were to be exposed to all the information that this one book offers, mankind's health benefits would be unlimited. Very highly recommended. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Announcing the prequel. From Heidi Murkoff, author of America's bestselling pregnancy and parenting books, comes the must-have guide every expectant couple needs before they even conceive—the first step in What to Expect: What to Expect Before You're Expecting.

An estimated 11 million couples in the U.S. are currently trying to conceive, and medical groups now recommend that all hopeful parents plan for baby-making at least three months before they begin trying. And who better to guide wanna-be moms and dads step-by-step through the preconception (and conception) process than Heidi Murkoff?

It's all here. Everything couples need to know before sperm and egg meet up. Packed with the same kind of reassuring, empathetic, and practical information and advice and tips that readers have come to expect from What to Expect, only sooner. Which baby-friendly foods to order up (say yes to yams) and which fertility-busters to avoid (see you later, saturated fat); lifestyle adjustments that you'll want to make (cut back on cocktails and caffeine) and those you can probably skip (that switch to boxers). How to pinpoint ovulation, time lovemaking, keep on-demand sex sexy, and separate conception fact (it takes the average couple up to 12 months to make a baby) from myth (position matters). Plus, when to seek help and the latest on fertility treatments—from Clomid and IVF to surrogacy and more. Complete with a fill-in fertility journal to keep track of the babymaking adventure and special tips throughout for hopeful dads. Next step? What to Expect When You’re Expecting, of course.
... Read more

Reviews

Wonderful Resource, If You Don't Care About the Magic, May 25, 2009
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOU'RE EXPECTING is just like the other books in the expecting "series:" Jam packed with information in a good format. There are sections for both the "Mother to Be" and the "Father to Be," but neither are exclusive and should be read by both parties; in fact, there is more for men in this book than What to Expect When You're Expecting: 4th Edition. You probably already know what to expect given the monumental success of the previous Expecting books, and this book is no exception. Sections of the book include: Nutrition, Basic Anatomy, Ovulation, Timing of Intimacy, Miscarriage and Infertility, Medications, and tons of other little questions.

This book is excellent, but the next few comments should not be taken as criticisms but rather just information.

The difference with this installment is that there is more humor woven into the text than the previous books, which helps lighten the load; however, the humor at points is too much of a good thing, and the writing can seem juvenile and uses a lot of immature phrases (i.e. Aunt Flo), which I feel undermines the writing slightly.

One other thing is the book takes some of the magic away, providing step by step instructions, hundreds of pages of what to do better. I can totally appreciate how this book may help people who have struggled with conception, and I feel this book will be revered in that case. However, for everyone else be prepared to have the magic of conception possibly ruined as baby making becomes a job, you are forced to follow a specific calendar, and monitoring your diet. I know that at least a handful of people have successfully conceived and delivered healthy babies prior to this book being published, but this book could be the saving grace for any couple that is struggling to conceive. It reminds me of the movie Knocked Up when the characters are discussing how in the world people had babies before baby books were published.

Overall, WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOU ARE EXPECTING is a great resource, and should be read in smaller doses because it is so information and fact heavy; however, the humor (which at some points is rather juvenile) effectively lightens the load.

Good reading,

J.Stoner

Great book, October 2, 2009
I began reading this book as soon as I received it. This book has been full of facts I wasn't aware of. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trying to have a baby.

If I wanted to read a Cosmo article..., June 24, 2009
Okay, I will give the author this, there is some valuable information to be had here. The problem is that she uses language that you would find in a magazine like Vogue or Cosmo. You know those quick reads on how to make a man happy in bed, how to dress your body type etc.

Quite frankly, that kind of vocabulary and manner of speaking is plain annoying! For example, at one she is giving men advice on how to keep the romance alive while trying to conceive. Great idea! However, she uses this phrase, "Woo her while you do her."

Ick! And it just keeps going on and on and on. Every other word is from the pages of a fashion rag. I got so annoyed I couldn't even read a chapter. Sure, I want some humor and warmth when I am reading a non-fiction book, but this was taking bad jokes and regurgitating them on every other page. If you like to read Cosmo and Vogue then you will probably have no problem with this. But the rest of use want a little more hard-headed and to-the-point advice.

Informative, July 1, 2009
I found this book rather informative especially since I'm new to the whole trying to have a child thing. I was never really sure about what ovulation was before I read this book, quite frankly I was relieved by some of the things it mentioned women go through. The book gave me a better understanding about my body and what type of changes it goes through month after month. While the language used did seem a bit hokey and at times goofy, I was able to better understand it and I got the point. I liked the charts (although I didn't use any of them - something about writing in a book, just seems wrong) and the section for the men to read, although my husband didn't take an interest. I recommend this book and hope you find it as informative as I did.

Good info but . . ., October 18, 2010
There is some great information in this book. It's an excellent starting point if you want to get a jump on reading up about pre-conception health. It's also a good conversation starter with your partner (it's great for both parents to spend some time reading the book, both the "mom" and "dad" sections). The info on trouble trying to conceive was particularly helpful. However, after hearing all the hype about the "What To Expect" series, I expected it to be a better written book.

The book had some continuity problems. It looked like paragraphs and maybe even chapters had been copied and pasted straight out of the other books without checking for continuity. Acronyms would be used over and over and over again and never defined. Meanwhile, the acronym "STD" shows up for the hundredth time around page 200 and is defined. Pretty sure we all know what STDs are, and if we don't, we googled it 150 pages ago. But thanks.

Sometimes things would be mentioned in passing, never to be brought up again. "Get your blood tested for your Rh factor, and if you are positive, make sure your partner isn't." WHAT?! This sounds really serious. What does this mean? Yeah, the book totally leaves you hanging. Google it. Again, I expect that if the book is going to bring it up, explain to me why this is so important.

Some chapters left me with more question than answers. For example, it encouraged readers to drink lots of milk. Ok great, but more adult women are lactose intolerant than not. Since the book advised moms-to-be to limit soy, what alternatives should we seek for upping calcium intake? The author really didn't have a lot of suggestions. And speaking of soy, the author was very vague. Basically, "don't eat a lot of it." Well, what's "a lot?" If I use it on my cereal and cooking as my constant substitute for milk, is that "a lot?" I know what to do to get my calcium, but I expected the book to cover it, given the detail it went into in other areas.

Finally, the writing style was obnoxious at times. It was like sitting next to your cheesy inappropriate uncle at dinner and listening to him laugh at his own lame jokes and say "teehee GET IT? SEE WHAT I DID THERE! THAT'S A PUN!" Yeah, we got it, thanks. Not that funny. Luckily the author had the tact to drop the act in the chapters about challenges to TTC.

Again, overall, great info in this book, and it is worth the read despite my criticisms of the writing style. Hopefully when the next edition comes out, they will have cleared up some of these issues.

Not too much info for a 200 page book!, February 8, 2010
I flew through this book in 2 nights, yawning. Maybe this is just because I have researched TTC online, but I really didn't learn much from this book. I like how the questions are asked point blank , but then the answers will usually ramble on and on for paragraphs, most of which have very little to do with the actual question. It got downright annoying at times. I also expected a more informative diet plan and food breakdown, but (shock!!) I suppose I would have to buy the "What to eat while you are expecting" book from this author.
Most of the topics I wanted more details on (depression meds, bariatric surgery, ect) were answered with basically a "Yes, No, Well you should ask your personal doctor about that" theme. Gee, thanks.
Overall, I think the amount of useful information from this book (after eliminating the sidetracked rambling and stupid jokes) could have been condensed to a pamphlet.

UPDATE: Depression Meds: This book states INCORRECTLY on page 9 that Wellbutrin is proven safe for pregnancy. This is absolutely NOT TRUE! It is classified as a type C drug. It has been tested on animals and has shown some defects in the offspring of rabbits and mice. No adequete human studies have been done on pregnant women or newborns who have been exposed to this drug. Shame on the author and editor of this book. Get your facts straight, Ms, Murkoff!!!!

Worth Reading, but Tone is Super Annoying, February 22, 2010
I read this book in conjunction with Dr. Lu's "Get Ready to Get Pregnant," and I thought they worked well together - Dr. Lu's book covers the latest science behind getting your body ready for pregnancy, and this book had a lot of useful information about actually getting pregnant - ovulation, timing of conception, foods/activities that can affect fertility, etc. It's a very quick read, and it has a lot of charts included - I'm not sure I will use them, but I could see how they might be helpful. I'm only giving the book four stars, however, because the chatty, overly informal tone is - as other reviewers have noted - super annoying and silly (for example, the menstrual cycle is referred to as "Aunt Flo" or "AF", men are urged to "woo her before you do her," and dietary advice includes gems like "don't count all your grains in one basket when you're trying to get a bun in your oven"). At least half of the book made me roll my eyes - it's fine to be friendly, but we're all adults here, so let's act like it!

Getting a good idea!, August 31, 2009
When my fiance and I began talking about starting a family, I realized that I knew the basics of how things work, but I didn't know much about conception, and all those important factors to factor in before trying to have a baby. This book was fantastic!!!! It's a great starter to planning for pregnancy!!! You'll learn about ways to improve your diet without completely changing it, and how your body works naturally to bring you and your partner together during your most fertile times. There's chapters on charting your ovulation with kits, and also how to predict when your ovulating by paying attention to your body's natural functions!!

This is a must read for the couple contemplating having a baby!

An ok read., August 31, 2010
This book provided some interesting information, like one should be sure her teeth are in tip top shape before pregnancy, but I didn't care for the author's writing style. It was not concise and straight forward enough for me. The book could have been much shorter had she not tried to embellish, but I'm sure some people like that sort of thing. Most of the book was common sense, but it is nice to have a reference.

A Useful Reference, February 11, 2010
We've been trying to have a baby for a couple of years now, and I thought it was time that I made sure that I was as educated as I thought I was about conception. I definitely learned a few things from this book. This is a book you can skip around in easily, because not all of the topics are going to apply to everyone. It's informational without being dry and boring. There is also information here for the man you are trying to conceive with. I especially appreciated that the book acknowledged that not everyone can get pregnant at the drop of a hat, and addressed different options that are available. I'll definitely be holding on to this to refer to from time to time. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Dr. Dean Ornish is the first clinician to offer documented proof that heart disease can be halted, or even reversed, simply by changing your lifestyle. Based on his internationally acclaimed scientific study, which has now been ongoing for years, Dr. Ornish's program has yielded amazing results. Participants reduced or discontinued medications; their chest pain diminished or disappeared; they felt more energetic, happy, and calm; they lost weight while eating more; and blockages in coronary arteries were actually reduced.

In his breakthrough book, Dr. Ornish presents this and other dramatic evidence and guides you, step-by-step, through the extraordinary Opening Your Heart program, which is winning landmark approval from America's health insurers. The program takes you beyond the purely physical side of health care to include the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects so vital to healing. This book represents the best modern medicine has to offer. It can inspire you to open your heart to a longer, better, happier life. ... Read more

Reviews

Scientific proof for reversing heart disease, March 2, 2001
While we appreciate that Mr. Bayan took the time to comment on our work, we are concerned that inaccurate statements he has made may discourage some people from making changes in diet and lifestyle that we have proven to be lifesaving.

For the past 24 years, the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute and the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine have conducted research scientifically proving, for the first time, that the progression of even severe coronary heart disease can begin to reverse by making comprehensive changes in diet and lifestyle, without drugs or surgery. These studies have been published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of the AMA, The Lancet, the American Journal of Cardiology, New England Journal of Medicine, Circulation, and others.

Mr. Bayan alleges that the diet we have proven to be so beneficial is "dangerous" for some patients because both HDL and LDL may decrease and triglycerides may increase. HDL and triglycerides are only potential risk factors for heart disease, they are not diseases. When we measured the actual severity of heart disease using state-of-the-art measures such as computer-analyzed coronary arteriography and cardiac PET scans, patients showed continued improvement over time, even in patients like Mr. Bayan whose HDL decreased or triglycerides increased. Also, cardiac events were 2.5 times lower in the group who followed the program compared to the control group who made more moderate changes in diet (30% fat, 200 mg cholesterol). [reference: JAMA. 1998;280:2001-2007.] Clearly, lowering HDL by changing diet did not harm these patients. LDL cholesterol decreased by an average of almost 40% during the first year, and none of the patients who adhered to the diet showed an increase in LDL.

As Dr. Connor wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine, "There are no data showing that the physiologic reduction of HDL cholesterol levels with a low-fat diet is detrimental. Diet-induced lowering of HDL cholesterol does not confer the same risk of atherosclerosis as do low HDL cholesterol levels in Americans consuming a high-fat diet." [ref: N Engl J Med. 1997;337(8).]

It is true that one can eat an unhealthful low-fat diet if it is high in simple carbohydrates such as sugar, white flour, alcohol, and many popular fat-free desserts. Such a diet may cause a shift to the more harmful pattern B LDL subclass that Mr. Bayan mentions.

But this is not the diet we recommend for reversing heart disease. Other studies have shown that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and other complex carbohydrates (which is the diet we recommend) actually cause a shift AWAY from the pattern B LDL subclass to more beneficial patterns [ref: Kenney JJ, et al. Very-low-fat diets do not necessarily promote small, dense LDL particles. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1999;70(3):423-5.]

Patients whose triglycerides increase are counseled to be even more mindful in reducing their intake of simple carbohydrates and increasing their exercise. Also, for many years we have recommended that patients take 3 grams/day of fish oil, which also helps to lower triglycerides. In the Multicenter Lifestyle Demonstration Project, we found that triglyceride levels, which initially increased slightly but not significantly, then fell significantly in years two and three. [ref: American Journal of Cardiology. 1998;82:72T-76T.] Almost 80% of people who were eligible for bypass surgery or angioplasty were able to safely avoid it by making these diet and lifestyle changes instead.

We respect the work of Dr. Robert Superko and often refer patients to his lipid laboratory for testing. Again, we have found that patients with small dense LDL also show reversal of heart disease on the program recommend.

The program that we recommend includes a reversal diet for those with heart disease and the prevention diet for others. The prevention diet may be higher in fat and cholesterol than the reversal diet and is tailored to the needs of the individual rather than offering one diet for everyone. The prevention diet may include some oils, fish and other animal products for some people.

Switching from saturated fats to monosaturated fats is better, but for reversing heart disease or lowering cholesterol it is better to avoid all oils other than fish oils. Olive oil is 100% total fat and 14% saturated fat. The more olive oil you consume, the more saturated fat you consume, the higher your plasma cholesterol. The studies showing that olive oil lowers cholesterol are only when substituted in equal amounts for butter or oils that are higher in saturated fat. Also, olive oil has almost none of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

The bottom line is this: patients in our studies with severe heart disease reported a 91% reduction in angina (chest pain) within one month, and most became pain-free. They not only felt better, they were better. We measured improved blood flow within one month as measured by thallium scans and radionuclide ventriculograms, reversal of coronary artery blockages (atherosclerosis) within one year, even more reversal after five years, and 2.5 times fewer cardiac events (e.g., heart attacks). It works.

It worked for me!!!, February 26, 2002
When my doctor suggested cholesterol lowering drugs last year, I decided that 34years old was too soon to start taking drugs. My cholesterol was 266 (& that's after cutting out most red meat and pork fat -and no hamburgers). I was motivated to try to improve the health of my arteries and heart. I want to be around for my ten year old's retirement party!

I followed Dr Ornish's diet program for 6 month's then had my cholesterol levels tested again. Everything improved: cholesterol down to 210, triglycerides went from 389 to 217 and my ratio improved 24%. I never skipped a meal. I never went hungry. Secondary benefit: I lost 14 pounds and two inches around my waist without trying. I did not exercise enough so I am trying to increase my exercise now. I probably exercised an average of once a week.

By the way, Dr Ornish included a chart that demanded that you eat at least a certain amount of fat in your daily diet. I liked that the book is filled with studies by major US universities. This is not 600 pages of rambling prose but a how to book to reverse heart disease. If you want someone to hold your hand, call your Mom. If you want a "How to Reverse Your Heart Disease" manual, buy this book. ... Stop reading reviews and buy, read and try it.

We're using this program to REVERSE OTHER DISEASES !, February 5, 2000
We're using this book in our clinic as a text book for reversing many illnesses. Based on the premise "you are what you eat", we've witnessed our patients not only lose weight but also put many diseases such as diabetes, MS, diabetes, fibromyalgia, CFS, EDS, diverticulitis, arthritis, and some forms of chronic pain into remission. Many of our patients are following Ornish's plan and losing a "person". They like the new person they're discovering! One of our current patients started on the program Sept. 1999 (3.5 months ago) and weighed in last week 57 pounds less! With the help of this "text" people are learning to eat better and take control of their lives. Their weight and disorders are disapearing naturally. Thank you Dean Ornish from Cary, NC!

Almost magic for lowering cholesterol!, July 6, 2001
I'm 25, male, very physically fit, and ate a better than average diet. I was therefore shocked to find out that my cholesterol levels were at very unhealthy levels. I only had my levels checked due to family history. My doctor told me that I would definitely need to go on medication to control my cholesterol. I refused to start medication-for-life at age 25, so she suggested trying Ornish's diet plan for one month, but warned that she didn't think I'd drop far enough, and that medication would likely be inevitable. So, I bought this book and set out to try the my new diet. At first, I must admit it was hard... I had to give up things I liked. But, within days I had this new source of energy I'd never had before. My workouts lasted longer, I ran farther and biked harder. I lost 12 pounds in one month, even though I was eating almost non-stop. I was already amazed and convinced I'd stay on the diet regardless of it's effects on cholesterol. Today, I went for my results after the first month. My total cholesterol had dropped from 339 to 228, my LDL had dropped from 266 to 163 and my triglyceride count had dropped from 129 to 99. My good cholesterol only dropped 2 points, from 47 to 45, keeping it perfectly within the healthy range. While I still need to come down a little - it's only been one month so far, and I've gone from "needs medication immediately" to "doesn't even need to consider medication." If your doctor wants to put you on cholesterol lowering medication - do yourself a favour and try this out first!

I like the program but I'm concerned and confused., March 29, 2001
My husband, who is a physician, and has a family history of heart disease, and I, an RN, began diligently following the reversal diet of the Ornish program in January, incorporating the recommended supplements, exercise and meditation. Since then, in a period of two months, he has lost 30 pounds, his cholesterol, and LDL have significantly improved, his HDL has not, and his already high Triglycerides have risen significantly by 30%. The previous post by the Ornish group states: "HDL and Triglycerides are only potential risk factors for heart disease, they are not diseases" If they are potential risk factors..then my concern is that my husband may still be high risk since he still has the potential risk factors. The Ornish group also states in it's post, "It is true that one can eat an unhealthful low-fat diet if it is high in simple carbohydrates.... Such a diet may cause a shift to the more harmful pattern B LDL subclass that Mr. Bayan mentions" We have been following the Ornish reversal diet/program diligently and have seen " a shift to the more harmful pattern B LDL subclass that Mr. Bayan mentions" They also state that "Patients whose triglycerides increase are counseled to be even more mindful in reducing their intake of simple carbohydrates and increasing their exercise." We have not been eating simple carbohydrates, "such as sugar, white flour, alcohol, and many popular fat-free desserts", and my husband has been exercising almost every day. They also state: "Also, for many years we have recommended that patients take 3 grams/day of fish oil, which also helps to lower triglycerides" We have been taking 3 grams/day of fish oil, along with the other recommended supplements, and his triglycerides rose 30%.

I must confess I am confused, and while I do believe the Ornish program may work for some people, I am concerned about the safety of this program for my husband specifically. We are going to pursue the cholesterol subclass testing mentioned by Mr. Bayan. I have also posted several questions to the Ornish website about my concerns...but have not received any feedback n this phenomenon as of yet, or reassurance that these test results are not something to be concerned about. We plan to work with our cardiologist on exploring what we can do to lower his triglycerides and raise his HDL, since poor levels of both are still considered "potential risk factors" I do not wish to "discourage some people from making changes in diet and lifestyle that we have proven to be lifesaving", because I do believe for some folks the Ornish program may be just the ticket. My question, until I do more reading and have more information, is whether it could be risky for some who may not respond the same way. Until I have more information and answers to my questions, I cannot whole-heartedly know if it's for everyone. And I would certainly advise folks who are interested in trying this program, to do so with medical supervision, as is advised by the Ornish group. Just as a side note..I have really enjoyed eating the Ornish reversal diet. We have both very much enjoyed the recipes, the meditation, yoga and exercise. I like the total comprehensive approach dealing with the whole person. I've also lost 25 pounds on this program..and for that reason alone, would very much like to continue with it, as I have more to lose. I have not yet had my cholesterol re-tested but plan to soon. Still..we have some home-work to do to figure out why my husbands triglycerides and HDL are not responding, what we can do about it, and to figure out whether it's even a problem that they're not. As we have both been otherwise delighted with this program, we are both very disappointed to get caught on this snag.

Needs Updating but Excellent Program for Many, July 17, 2005
I have just finished reading the reviews on this book and am quite concerned at some of the negative descriptives used. I can certainly understand that for some people, the program may not be effective and might even possibly be life threatening. However, to go as far as "warning" people to stay away from a program all together that may ultimately prove life altering and life saving to them is irresponsible and irrational.

I am assuming from the negative reviews that those persons may have expected the Ornish program to be a "fix all" for anyone and everyone that comes across it, yet all over his book he is quite specific about the kinds of people who the program was tailored for. Still, everyone is different and his suggestions throughtout that it may be helpful to many more also are logical. All person's genes and chemical make-up are not the same. That is why BEFORE going on any specific program, one should ALWAYS consult with their personal doctor and after deciding on a program, continually be monitored afterward.

This is still NO guarentee that any specific program will work or wont work.

So what if the people in the studies were "hand picked" by Ornish? Please point out even one medical study where participants WERENT handpicked by their respective researchers?

So what if much of what is published in this book might be teachings handed down from Ornish's "spiritual" guide? Ornish writes about his own personal experiences which is a responsible thing to do since the book is about HIS program and HIS studies about it. Nowhere does it state in the book that you cant fit your own in.

After reading this book and following the program I can state that for myself it has been very helpful to me. Being a person who has suffered from reduced circulation in my legs due to smoking and having been overweight as well as pre-diabetic, the benefits of this program have been substantial in a relatively short period of time. However, I can also see where any change in diet, quitting smoking and raised activity level might benefit me. I just happened to chose to follow this one and it has worked for me.

I especially enjoyed that I didnt have to buy other program items or pay for weekly meetings although the option does exist online since the publication of the book.

On the negative side, the book has not been updated since 1996 and there are important updates that I feel a new printing could/should address (see below). I would have also liked to have seen "negatives" discussed such as the increase in flatulence and increase in bowel movements. These practical negatives arent really "negatives". However, finding out all of a sudden that the new way you are eating has "side-effects" and you are standing in front of 10 members of the board when you figure it out is very embarassing. I would love to have seen more discussion on these types of things.

As for updates;

Some people cannot have soy and certain vegetables in their diets and the issue was never brought up in the book that I can remember (please correct me if I am mistaken). I am not one of these people however my sister and father cannot ingest soy at all. Many people that take certain heart/blood medications CANNOT have soy and/or must avoid certain fruits and vegetables (cranberries and blood thinners dont mix). This is a critical update I think should be addressed.

I would also like to see discussion on weaning/coming off of meats and refined carbs. During my first week, I would become "lightheaded" during this adjustment. Having some apples and peanut butter around during the first week or two just in case is highly beneficial and could be life-saving, especially if you are in a safety sensitive occupation such as I am (truck driver). When this "withdrawal" period is over, the peanut butter can go. I think that this also is a critical update that needs to be addressed.

Despite the very few negatives I experienced, I cannot say that this program/book is "bad" and to be avoided. On the contrary, it is a choice that you must make and to not consider it might be cheating yourself out of something that could possibly save your life. You must do the research and take into consideration that you might know yourself best (unless you have lived in ignorance and denial of yourself). No doctor, book author, researcher and/or any kind of medical professional could ever replace the knowledge you have of yourself.

Be responsible, use your head and think objectively. Everything is not for everyone.

Excellent, September 27, 2002
Before starting this program, I had Stage 1 hypertension, cholesterol of 288, and was 50 pounds overweight. I also had a cardiac scan and got a calcium score of 27. Since I am only 38 years old, and have a strong family history of early heart disease, I was a bit overwhelmed with the direction of my health. The Cardiologist suggested the Ornish program. Within 6 months, I lost 54 pounds, my cholesterol is down to 119, my BP averages 109/70, and my cholesterol/HDL ratio is now 3.7. I look better, and feel better too. The "diet" does take some adjustment, but not as much as I thought. I also thought I'd never be able to eat out, but that didn't happen either. I still eat out 3X/week, but just feel better that I am making smart choices. While no "diet" is 100%, and while some things others have said in their reviews tend to concern me, no other program has ever helped me get my BP, cholesterol and weight under control as well as Ornish. They can say what they want, but I know I am healthier and will be less likely to "go" from a heart attack at 42 like my father.

You can eat as much as you want... as long as it is healthy., December 1, 1999
His book deserves to be read by all. It is easy to comprehend yet so compelling. As an emergency medicine physician I regularly recommend it to patients who are presenting in the ER with chest pain and have fear of having coronary heart disease. But his low-fat diet recommendation is just the beginning of his recommended lifestyle change. His recommendation of reducing stress is just as fascinating.

Great Book, April 1, 2000
Very well written. His enthusiasm for his work is obvious and he makes me a believer. Easy to understand book that makes sense. His suggested diets (the Reversal Diet and the Prevention Diet)are practical although I would rather alter my familiar recipes than try the ones in the book. A relative of mine followed the Reversal Diet to reduce his cholesterol and get off the medication that was giving him side effects and it worked. His cholesterol lowered considerably after only a few months. He is now on a diet that is a combination of the Reversal and the Prevention Diet. thanks Dean for great books, I'm reading them all

A great accomplishment and resource, March 3, 2005
Dr. Ornish builds a strong case for his diet and stress reduction plan, both in his review of the research that preceeded his study and in regard to the results of his clinical trial. I think the reason his work is often misunderstood is that he calls for major dietary and life style changes in order to REVERSE cardiovascular disease, something that had not been demonstrated prior to his research.

I am cooking a soup inspired by one of his recipes right now in my kitchen: chick peas, leeks, and tomato juice soup seasoned with sage and thyme.

As I read some of the negative reviews of his book I began to realize that many readers may have confused the mediators for cardiovascular disease with the actual disease process. Thus his diet does cause weight loss, does reduce cholesterol, does reduce high blood pressure but these are all mediators for cardiovascular disease. A person might try other diets for weight loss or to lower blood pressure, but reversing cardiovascular disease requires more effort. The amazing accomplishment was that he actually demonstrated a reduction in cardiovascular disease in his patients with this approach.

I can not immagine a single heart attack victim in this country not going on this diet immediately. I was convinced by his data and the logical consistency of his approach. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo has established himself as the world's most popular and respected authority on the connection between blood type and eating, cooking and living. Eat Right 4 Your Type, Cook Right 4 Your Type, and Live Right 4 Your Type have created an international phenomenon.

Now comes the essential reference book to answer all your questions about conditions, herbs, supplements, medication and food. From asthma to sore throat, from cancer to thrombosis, this guide recommends treatment for hundreds of conditions, citing rigorous studies that detail the frequency and severity of the conditions for each blood type. ... Read more

Reviews

More scientifically oriented than Eat Right..., October 23, 2003
I admit it: I was suspicious of this diet. Before examining this book, I thought the diet sounded very "fad-like" (and I remain wholly unconvinced by the personality-trait correspondences which are NOT essential to the scientific basis of the diet, just a curiosity). I read negative reviews and their justifications. What I noticed was that most of these reviews sounded a lot like the criticisms leveled at the Atkins diet, a diet that does work for a lot of people (though not all--this book makes clear why) that have since been disproven by double-blind studies. A number noted that d'Adamo's theories weren't backed up by scientific research. Fair enough; this book cites double-blind studies and peer-reviewed research extensively, far more so than the Eat Right and Cook Right books. It also fine-tunes some of the earlier findings. This is ongoing research, something you just don't see in proponents of "fad" diets. D'Adamo has clearly been listing to his critics, and makes every attempt to clarify, fine-tune, and explain how all of this works.

I picked this book--and the diet--up when I browsed it in the store and noted that the medical problems in my family charted almost exactly with the risk factors for blood type. (Blood type correlations with disease have actually been established in peer-reviewed medical journals for a long time, although they aren't much talked about.) I tried the diet. I'm about three weeks in. I've lost 10 pounds, my digestive problems are much improved, I feel more energetic, I don't crave sweets, and -- the most convincing thing for me, because I wasn't looking for it and therefore can't attribute it to the placebo effect -- the morning stiffness I've had for 30 years is gone. It takes at least a week for things to kick in--especially if one has increased intestinal permeability due to intestinal damage--but it does, and for many, myself included, the results are quite profound.

I am not a scientist, nor am I claiming that d'Adamo has everything right. There are some typos in the book, although most misprints are corrected on the website (www.dadamo.com)--hard to find, but worth looking. This is ongoing research, however. D'Adamo also uses that site to update new findings on food compatibility. I think this diet could easily be used in conjunction with others appropriate to type. For instance, type O people will do well with Atkins as long as they cut out the wheat gluten and dairy; people with food allergies may have to limit intake of more foods than he lists. He suggests 70-80% compliance works for most people.

Even the critics suggest that this diet isn't likely to harm anyone. I fully expect some version of this to be exonerated as fully as, if not more than, Atkins. In the meantime, this is a great resource, it's interesting reading even for the healthy, and it is more likely to engage a reader like myself who likes to see detailed scientific justification before jumping into a health plan.

How to Treat Your Illness or Disease with Relevant Herbs, January 8, 2002
Dr. Peter D'Adamo has written a very interesting adjunct to his superb book, Live Right 4 Your Type. If you have already read that earlier book, you will find this book adds to your knowledge by letting you know about the latest research about the statistical correlations of various diseases and illnesses to those with various blood types.

I wrote down the illnesses that I have more frequently than other people I know, and the diseases I have experienced before reading this book. I checked my experience against what the book reports, and found a high correlation (I have had two additional problems not typical of my Type O blood, and have not experienced three problems often associated with Type O people). I did the same for my wife, who has a different blood type, and found that her pattern reasonably closely matched what is described in the book as well. Then, the book has an excellent discussion of why people with each blood type can be affected differently by each illness or disease. You are also given extensive suggestions for herbal therapies that match your herb type. I have not had experiences with the herbs that were suggested for me, so I cannot comment on how relevant they are. If you already use herbs to improve conditions, you will probably adore this book. If you don't use many herbs, you will probably appreciate understanding more about the potential strengths and weaknesses of your blood chemistry. The book is quite thorough in providing articles you can read for more details, and where to access these articles on-line.

If you have not read Live Right 4 Your Type, you will find that this book covers almost the same background material but at a much higher level of abstraction. There is a fairly complete discussion of how blood types seem to have developed and what their chemical implications are. In other ways, the book is quite complete in similarity to the earlier ones. For example, you get the food indications for each blood type, essentially like the information in both Eat Right 4 Your Type and Live Right 4 Your Type.

Many people are skeptical about Dr. D'Adamo's work. I found him careful about what he had to say. For example, he notes that the risk charts in the book describe how blood type "in conjunction with other factors . . . may be [associated with] an increased risk for developing a certain disease."

As to the diseases and illnesses, I was impressed to see how much different cancers were broken down by the part of the body affected while different infections were also segmented.

I always find it helpful to keep the research-based associations to blood type in mind when I read other books about nutrition, health, and diseases. Perhaps someday other health authors will add this perspective to their work, as well. Until then, I am very grateful to Dr. D'Adamo for helping me understand how to make the most out of being a Type O person!

How can you turn your strengths and weaknesses into resources for improving the quality of your life . . . and those you care about?

Keep your mind and your body full of the most helpful resources you can add!

PETER D'ADAMO - HE IS BECOMING A HOUSEHOLD NAME!, January 11, 2002
Peter D'Adamo has proven his expertise in the areas of food, nutrition and health in general. His previous books of the "well-known 4's" - "Eat Right", "Cook Right" and "Live Right" have become extremely popular and offer new insight into choosing the right foods based on your blood type. I have been following Peter's advice for years and as his books will reveal, "you are exactly what youe eat." His theories on how to improve one's health, energy and general feeling of well being are based on sound, reliable research.

This encyclopedia contains some of the information found in his previous books but he expands on his topics in greater detail. There is extremely helpful information provided on herbs and supplements for those who are into natural healing alternatives. The author also expands on various diseases and, with cancer being one of most-feared diseases, the information presented here was particularly informative and helpful. Whether it be cancer, diabetes or heart disease, most people probably worry about these life-threatening diseases at some point in their lives, particularly as we grow older. D'Adamo makes mention of various studies which support the claims he makes for his theories on various blood types.

This "Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia", like all of D'Adamo's other books, is highly recommended and worth far more than five stars in the rating. Thank you, Peter, for providing such enlightening reading material, which may ultimately help prolong our lives and improve the quality of our daily living.

Comprehensive Volume for All Following the ER4YT Program, July 30, 2002
This updated 2002 volume supercedes D'Adamo's original title ER4YT as it adds secretor/non-secretor practical information regarding food choices for those who wish to further refine their diet.
Set up in an alphabetically arranged encyclopedia format, the text covers topics that range from the anthropology of the blood types, the history of blood types in medicine, a listing of conditions and diseases with relation to blood type and food choices for all 4 types.
If you are an advocate of the ER4YT program, this book is a must as is the delightful cookbook, 'Cook Right For Your Type'. I have been on the program at the advice of my health care provider for over 2 months and have slimmed down without really dieting all while feeling a heck of a lot better. Referring to this book, the cookbook as well as the original ER4YT help keep you interested --- as boredom resulting from monotonous food choices seems to be one of my number one problems with staying with any program.

1st diet, last diet?, July 11, 2003
Having studied, tried, or heard about many "health diets" in the last 35 years, I have always wondered why distinguished health professionals would produce diets that were so contradictory to one other. After all, it's the same human body we're talking about, right?

This book is the most complete in a series of books that answers these questions in a way that passes scientific muster. Of course we are not all the same, but why?

The answer lies in the fact that we each have a unique genetic heritage that dictates how we react to the foods we eat. The basic premise of Dr. D'Adamo's book reflects current thinking on the anthropological origins of our various blood types, which, although similar, are different enough to provoke adverse reactions not only to each other, but to foods that share the chemical markers of those various blood types.

If I can sum up my experience with this book in one sentence, it is this: If thousands of years of history of Homo Sapiens can be seen as a long dance of adaptation between plants and animals, we would all do well to know what our genetic ancestors adapted to, and stick to it. This book will help you do just that!

Individuals new to the study of genetics may find the science in this book to be quite overwhelming, as well as the many pages of footnotes.

I say bring it on! To those who say this is pseudoscience: Give this book a try. You may just discover what foods make you feel, think, and look your best, and discover why at the same time!

Eat Right for Your Blood Type by Dr. D'Adamo, November 7, 2003
This is a top medical reference in the alternative medicinal
area. The book discusses dietary implications based upon blood
types. For instance, Type A is the agrarian which is comfortable with grains and livestock. Blood type B people require a
balanced diet of meat and dairy. (B-Antigen) Type AB is the
modern man with an inherited tolerance of AB with enhanced
abilities to manufacture more antibodies. (A & B antigen)
The blood type is key to the immune system. Blood type 0
persons have no antigens. (Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies)
Type B people may have milk ; whereas, Type A people tend
to have systems which agglutinate and reject it.

The author mentions an Indican urine scale for bowel
putrification; wherein, the liver and intestines do not
metabolize proteins. Instead; they produce indols- toxic
byproducts on the Indican Scale. Foods with toxic Indicans
should be avoided. i.e. Bologna which magnifies nitrites

Lactin activity inflames the intestines, causes bloating and
slows food metabolism. Blood type O discourages the
metabolism of animal protein. This type person needs lean and chemical - free meat, fish and chicken. Wheat gluten slows the
metabolism and interferes with insulin efficiency.
Kelp, seafood,liver, kale, spinach,brocolli and red meat
are ideal for metabolism and weight loss/stabilization.
Bacon, ham, pork, American cheese, cheddar and ice cream
should be minimized. Soy may be utilized as a good alternate
to the dairy group. Flax oil and olive oil are beneficial.
Corn oil and peanut oil should be avoided. Type B persons
have stronger immune systems and may eat meat, green veggies,
eggs, liver, licorace tea and ginger. Type AB persons benefit
from TOFU, dairy , green veggies and millet.

Persons with sinusitis and Type B should avoid fenugreek.
Type O persons should avoid alfalfa. Type B persons react
badly to vaccines. Type A persons should avoid cayenne due
to potential nausea. Type O and B should avoid aloe vera juice.

This book contains a wealth of important dietary material.
It should be read carefully. The contents should be placed
in a daily diary for maximum benefit and systematic
measurement of progress. The book is worth the price.
I find the information content of this book nowhere else.
For this reason alone, the book should be purchased and
read carefully.

Very helpful book for improving heatlh, October 20, 2005
I suffer from serious food allergies and found that Dr. D'Adamos books are super helpful for me. Most everything he writes that Blood type 0 shouldn't eat is something that I have found the hard way (thru expensive blood testing and skin tests) is something I shouldn't eat. Now if I could only find a way to keep following what he tells me to do.
I highly recommend his books, Alice

This book wonderfully changed me!, October 25, 2006
I am blood type A. At the time when I started reading this book and trying the diet, I had been suffering from post-partum depression for 8 months. I felt miserable, my attitude was miserable and my family, friends and co-workers were paying the price. After being on the diet for a week, my mood began making a drastic change for the better and within a month, the post partum depression was gone. At that point I was actually able to bond with my baby for the first time. The large amount of fruits, vegetables, and soy (a way of eating that I had never thought of trying since I've grown up being a meat and potatoes girl) that the diet recommends did wonders.

I highly recommend this book, whether you are suffering from an illness or not, as a refreshing change from your current routine.

EATING RIGHT, June 27, 2007
THIS WAS A VERY EDUCATIONAL BOOK. IT WAS RECOMMENDED BY MY DOCTOR. I THINK THAT THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY OF THE BOOK IS GREATER THAN MANY PEOPLE WOULD ENJOY. IT REQUIRES MORE THAN A SINGLE READING TO UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPTS. IT ALSO RECOMMENDS A LOT OF HERBAL REMEDIES OF VARIOUS CONDITIONS WHICH COULD BE A LITTLE COST PROHIBITIVE. THE DIET GUIDE WAS SIMPLE AND EASY TO FOLLOW BUT REQUIRED THAT YOU HAVE A GOOD GRASP OF THE BOOK'S CONCEPTS IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND WHY TO EXCLUDE FOODS FROM YOUR DIET. I ENJOYED THE BOOK AND WILL REREAD MUCH OF IT. I AM ALSO FOLLOWING MANY OF ITS GUIDELINES FOR EATING FOR MY BLOOD TYPE.

Good Book, July 30, 2006
The book gives details on every food group for your blood type. You can look at all four blood types at a glance in the charts given. I just wish there was more information about how to tell if you were a non-secretor or a secretor. Otherwise, good book to have in your library. The husband and I have changed our eating to be according to our blood type as suggested, and within two weeks we could both feel a difference. More energy, less bloating or indigestion. It's a good book! ... Read more

Editorial Review

ReflexologyQuick Study Guide ReflexologyQuick Study Guide 8�" x 11" laminated fold out guide. ... Read more

Reviews

very good, April 7, 2008
I am a reflexology student and love this chart.
It is laminated so doesn't get dirty. Bright and clear colours
Easy to read and the labelling is very clear.
I will use this a lot.
Great value for money.

good, September 22, 2010
Shows excellent photos of zones and lays flat for you to practice. Shows feet bottom and top and hands.

Great chart, August 24, 2010
This chart is a wonderful addition for self-healing to help with various aches and pains in the body. I experienced reflexology by a professional many years ago and after one treatment my back pain was completely gone. I couldn't believe it. Since then I do it on myself and it's not as effective but does help. This chart shows where to apply pressure and is a great resource. Plus I love the lamination protection.

Great if you will use it vs. a book!, May 12, 2010
If you will really use this, it's great. But I think books are better and socks with parts marked on them. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

home remedies book, June 23, 2010
My wife uses this book almost every day. I have not been able to get it away from her. That gives it 5 stars in my opion.

One of my better purchases, October 9, 2010
I truelly love this book. Saves on unnecessory medicines. A great reference book; .

Doctors Home Remedies Book, April 14, 2010
I have not had the opportunity to use this book yet, but it was highly recommended by the Doctors on the TV show The Doctors. Who are always showing other natural alternatives along with traditional medicine on the show. Prevention magazine publishes this book and I have always found their information to be invaluable. So I got the book for "future reference"... Although I have not used it yet or referred to it, I will use it in the future as I do with most of my alternative medicine books. I think they have great info and you never know what will work for you to get you healthy again. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in getting some info from Doctors who actually admit that home remedies do work for may people. Other than just "take this pill and call me in a few weeks if you aren't better." ... Read more

Editorial Review

The perfect balance between the latest research and age-old wisdom
This completely revised and expanded second edition of the classic reference work arms you with the latest information on the extraordinary healing powers of natural medicine. Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, two of the most trusted naturopathic doctors in the world, have teamed up once again to bring you cutting-edge natural remedies for the most common ailments.
Easy to understand, a pleasure to read, yet scientifically well researched and documented, this is your complete health adviser to the natural approach to over 70 diseases, from arthritis to varicose veins. In addition, this life-long reference offers important information on:
�The four cornerstones of good health and how to achieve them
�How to enhance your body's key systems
�How to promote good health and increase longevity
Authoritative and up to date, the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine is the essential medical reference no home should be without. ... Read more

Reviews

An Excellent Overview of Natural Medicine, September 28, 2001
This is a great book for the general public as well as naive health care professionals to learn about Natural Medicine. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF THIS BOOK AND STUDY IT. YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT. I have learned that I am eating totally wrong and am setting myself up for a cardiovascular disaster. And I'm a doctor and should know better! Now I can set things straight.

Yeah, I'm an M.D. and have been trained to treat my patients with chemicals (Allopathic Medicine), but I have been trying to expand my knowledge base about the practice of medicine and luckly stumbled on Dr. Murray's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

I will integrate what I have and will learn about Natural Medicine in my everyday practice (and my own life!). I feel that, with certain exceptions, Natural Medicine should be tried first. Only when that fails or is inappropriate should Allopathic Medicine be used.

There is a growing trend for M.D.'s to use Natural Medicine in their practice. ...

Best Natural Medicine Reference, August 30, 2004
I have found this book to be the best source for natural medicine information bar none and use it in my practice as a registered nutritionist. The information is appropriately referenced and only included where supporting references exist. This make the information very trustworthy. I sincerely hope the authors will be producing a third edition. This is an important work in the field.

Why so few stars for such a great book?, March 18, 1999
No, I do not think this book deserves 5 stars, although it is the best book in this area. So, why only 3 stars? - because of the missed potential. I think I have read every word in every one of Dr. Murray's books. With minor changes and adaptations, this encyclopedia brings together the texts of 3 of his major books: the one on herbs, the one on nutritional supp., and the previous encyclopedia. What's wrong in that? - the fact that we got a very heavy book of over 900 pages with not much more new info. I was surprised to find out that none of the other reviewers mentioned the fact that this book still does not have a chapter on Cancer!! My feeling is that Drs. Murray & Pizzorno did not forget the second leading ailment of this era - at this moment, they are probably finalizing their next book, this time a whole book on cancer. As a professor of Medicine and a cancer researcher I feel that an encyclopedia of natural medicine that has not even one chapter on cancer prevention and natural medication is a "bug 2000" bearing item. Another aspect - this days, such an encyclopedia would be better "printed" on a CD, with an advanced search engine, rather then on paper. One last word, the book suffers from some faults and "deletions" of very important info, but unfortunately there is no way one can contact Drs. Murray or Pizzorno and discuss these faults directly with them. No e-mail address, nor fax number is provided. I would recommend them to contact me before they issue the 3rd edition of this encyclopedia. So, should you buy this book? - the answer is definitely yes. Just as I said: this is the best book available, though not the perfect one these two authors could write...

Excellent medical resource, November 9, 2002
If you are to own one basic medical reference book, this is it.
Contains the basics of medical ills/diseases, as well as the latest medical research for both standard therapies and alternative ones. I refer to it frequently. I just wish more doctors used it as a reference.

An informative text which will boost your health status!, July 31, 1998
As a student preparing to enter into the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine provides a wonderfully interesting, informative and easy-to-reference guide to natural medicines. What I enjoyed most was the fact that this book avoids giving a simple "run-down" of the natural treatments used for specific conditions. Instead, it teaches the reader the philosiphy behind how those natural treatments work (for example by promoting the healing power of our body), and therefore why they are used to treat certain conditions. The authors also do a great job of "backing-up" what is written with solid scientific evidence. This addresses a major concern readers have, namely, the validity of natural treatments. While there is still a multitude of research yet to be done, the authors utilize the available research and combine it nicely with the wisdom of centuries-old medical practices from various cultures around the wor! ld. Finally, the applicability of this book is widespread. It is a complete and comprehensive guide for both the everyday person as well as doctors and students (of both Traditional and Naturopathic/Complimentary Medicines).

Useful reference, well-researched, May 22, 2006
I am a physician (MD type) and find myself turning to this book often.

It does a good job of teaching patients about the medical problems at hand (sometimes quite thoroughly), and presents well-researched potential solutions to their problems.

My only complaint - where's a new edition (this one dates back to late 90's!)?

Awesome! Directly Applicable, Informative, Relevant Info!, December 21, 2001
When I bought this book, I had no idea how powerful an effect it would have in my life. As a science afficianado (and probable borderline hypochondriac), I have taken vitamin supplements for years "just in case" I might not be receiving proper nutrition from my modern microwave and fast food regimen. The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine is an eye-opening discovery of the side of medicine that is too often missing in the world of the M.D.: treating the cause of an illness, not just it's symptoms.
The writing is comprehensive yet precise, including evidence of the therapeutic effect of a given supplement, it's method of action (pharmacology), and even caveats about any weaknesses in supporting studies, including whether evidence comes from statistically meaningful double-blind controlled studies or from clinical or cultural experiences.
If you are the type of person to take supplements, exercise, or eat healthy and natural foods out of a desire to protect your health, I highly recommend you BUY AND READ THIS BOOK! And if, on the other hand, you don't do any of the above, and you have a medical condition or take any presription or over-the-counter medication, or just generally feel yucky, I would definitely urge you to BUY AND READ THIS BOOK!
And Finally, if you are currently in the medical field, or typically prescribe or endorse only synthetic drugs manufactured by American Pharmaceutical companies licensed by the FDA, please BUY AND READ THIS BOOK!
Then again, I'm probably biased; after acting on the information in this book, I feel better than I have in a long time. And as any scientist will tell you, such results are not statistically significant ; )

ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL guide to natural healing, March 20, 1998
Micheal Murray and Pizzorno are some of the most prolific natural medicine authors out. They are also founding fathers of the Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine; a very well respected institution. I am a medical student myself and found this book to be just as in depth (and much more useful) as many of my biochemistry/nutrition class notes! The authors give SPECIFIC (and refreshingly moderate) recommendations for a variety of illnesses, and back up their recomendations with very extensive references from various journals. They also describe the etiology of the illness very well, telling the reader WHY they have the problem they do...very few books for laypeople of any type do this. I cannot give this book high enough praise. It has certainly changed the way I will treat my own patients.

An Investment in Life Itself, October 19, 1997
Did you know that the style and arrangement of your fingerprints can indicate a predisposition to Alzheimer's disease? Or that a simple inspection of your earlobe will reveal whether or not you suffer from hardening of the arteries? Or why you should not drink orange juice when you have a cold? These are neither hocus pocus nor old wives' tales, they are medical fact. Doctors Murray and Pizzorno have accumulated a wealth of vital information, backed up by numerous studies and research papers, which will be of interest to anyone who values health and longevity. But don't let the scholarly background put you off. The book is easy to read, and it's chock full of illustrations and tables to make the reading experience both interesting and enjoyable. Beginning with coverage of general categories such as basic principles of health, detoxification, immune support, life extension, pain control and stress, it then addresses over seventy specific health problems in detail. For each condition you'll find causative factors, therapy, treatment and recommendations regarding lifestyle, diet and supplementation. I followed their recommendations during a recent bout with a cold, and I'm here to tell you: it worked! I was able to reduce both the time and severity of my suffering. They've made me a believer in natural medicine. I consider this book a "must read," a valuable reference work you should always have on hand, and a perfect companion to Murray's Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. And you can't beat Amazon's prices!

One of best natural medicine books, written for both laymen and practitioners, September 2, 2006
When patients ask me to recommend the book, most likely improve their health, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition, is one I recommend, unless they suffer from diabetes, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or cancer. I recommend Michael Murray's How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine and How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine, when they are more specific, to patient problems. From Fatigued to Fantastic, by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD is a better fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue book.

The information on liver detoxification, diabetes, alcoholism, attention deficits, depression, migraines, osteoarthritis, restless leg syndrome, obesity, high blood pressure, hepatitis, rheumatism, inflammatory bowel disease and prostatitis has improved our patient outcomes.

We have succeeded in totally eliminating restless leg syndromes, in 2 days, using research contained in this book. The prostatitis protocols have produced 75 % reductions in nocturia. The migraine protocols can totally eliminate histamine headaches and reduce migraine pain, at least 50 %. We were able to lower an insulin diabetic's blood sugar 50 points using Gymnema, an herbal, recommended by this book.

The book is thoroughly and exhaustively researched and documented. This book is readable, unlike much of the original research, published in journals. This book would be especially helpful for skeptics who ask where the published research for natural treatments is.

I do not understand the relationship between fingerprint patterns and Alzheimers disease, discussed in this book. I did not have the Alzheimers pattern, but am taking antioxidants and anti-inflammatory herbals, in addition to oral chelation, to decrease my risk for Alzheimers.

The main addition, which would make the book more complete, would be additional information about bioidentical hormone replacement. Disease Prevention and Treatment, Expanded Fourth Edition, by Life Extension Media, is a better book, since it integrates hormonal and pharmaceutical treatments, in addition to herbal, neutraceutical and nutritional treatment.

I have heard Michael Murray lecture and he is brilliant and knowledgeable. His interest in reducing suffering is obvious.

Dr. Murray continues to research more effective herbal and nutritional formulas and we have found formulas he developed to be highly potent and effective. Pharma GABA and Celery Factor are especially effective.

Steven Sponaugle,
Research Director, Florida Detox
... Read more

Editorial Review

The Long-Awaited Revision of the Bestselling Family Health Guide

"This completely updated fourth edition of our bestselling health reference is comprehensive, easy to understand, and even more user-friendly than the previous editions. We're excited to provide our patients with an invaluable resource to help them become more involved in their own health care. We think this is a book that belongs on the bookshelf in every home."
-AMA President John C. Nelson, MD, MPH

The American Medical Association is the nation's premier health authority-an organization that both patients and doctors look to for state-of-the-art medical information and guidance. Now, for the first time in 10 years, the AMA has updated its landmark medical reference-a book that belongs in every home.

This new edition of the American Medical Association Family Medical Guide has been thoroughly revised to bring it up to date and make it more accessible than ever before. Opening with a brand-new full-color section that walks you through key health issues, it follows with several new and expanded sections on everything from staying healthy and providing first aid and home care to diagnosing symptoms and treating hundreds of different diseases and disorders. This classic guide is the definitive home health reference for the twenty-first century-an indispensable book to keep you and your loved ones healthy.
* Authoritative guidance on hundreds of diseases and the latest tests, treatments, procedures, and drugs
* New or greatly expanded coverage of genetic testing, sexuality, learning disabilities, preventive health, infertility, pregnancy and childbirth, substance abuse, home caregiving, and first aid
* A host of new and updated features-including full-color spreads on important health topics, Q&A sections, first-person case histories, and newly designed symptoms flowcharts
* New chapters on diet and health, exercise and fitness, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, staying safe and preventing violence, cosmetic surgery, and preventive health care
* A new section on health issues at various life stages
* 64 pages in full color and almost 1,000 illustrations and photographs ... Read more

Reviews

The best is even better, September 30, 2004
It is no surprise that the latest edition of this excellent consumer reference is better than ever. For those who are newcomers to the power of this authoritative tome, its centerpiece is a series of symptom charts enabling users to conduct the equivalent of a differential self-diagnosis. Charts are available for the most common symptomologies--e.g. coughing, chest pain, abdominal pain, back pain. Through an interrogatory consisting of sequential questions which might be asked by a health professional presented with the symptoms in question, the charts guide the reader to action steps--ranging from reassurance and self-help options to advise to seek medical attention (urgently or in due course as the case may be).

By saving unnecessary visits to the doctor's office or emergency room (thus helping to control medical costs) or spurring the overly complacent to imperative action, the AMA does a great service to the public and the profession by publishing this reference at an extremely affordable price.

The bulk of the book consists of articles regarding various diseases and conditions encompassing symptomology, description diagnostic techniques (tests and such) likely to be employed, treatment options, and the range of expected prognoses--in a nutshell, what do I have, how will they find out, what will they do to treat me, and what's the outlook in terms of cure and survival.

A wealth of reliable, understandable information is readily accessible to the lay person and accompanied by helpful illustrations.

I have relied on this book for years to help me deal intelligently with health matters involving my friends, my family, and myself. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to empower themselves to be a prudent steward of health and well being.

The update is most welcome, as the dynamic pace of medicine has yielded therapeutic innovations (in particular new pharmaceuticals) that provide much happier endings to many of the disease entries.

AMA Family Medical Guide, September 11, 2005
Very informative. Easy to read and understand. Almost every disease I looked up was listed, and gave an easy to understand description of the symptoms and treatments. This book is a nice accompaniment to the "AMA Complete Medical Encyclopedia". If I had to choose only one book, I would choose the "AMA Family Medical Guide".

Everyone could use this!, November 9, 2006
My wife and I are both Registered Nurses and found this resource book to be very informative, up to date, well written and easy to read. This would be a great addition to any family, with kids or otherwise. We gave it to our daughter and liked it so well we got another one for us.

Excellent Reference Book, June 2, 2006
I have had an earlier version of this book for years and have referred to it time and again to look up information for myself, my friends, and my relatives. It has always been very helpful, informative, and always accurate... to date.

I highly recommend it and feel that the benefits will far exceed the cost of the book.

In one case, based on the charts at the front of the book and the symptoms section on the corresponding referral page, the book gave the correct diagnosis for my father's condition. His doctor had misstated diverticulitis when, in fact, my dad had appendicitus. Because of the misdiagnosis from the doctor, my dad got peritonitus but thankfully recuperated from his resulting extensive surgery and hospital stay.

The Most Useful Home Medical Guide - An indispensable Reference to Keep your Loved Ones Healthy, July 17, 2006
This latest edition of "The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide" has been thoroughly to keep it up-to-date and as one of the most authoritative and reliable family health reference. This edition opens with a full-color section on key health issues, followed by several new and expanded sections that covers almost everything you can need at home; from staying healthy and providing first aid and home care, to diagnosing symptoms and treating different diseases and disorders. Truly a most have for every family.

Among other things, you will find updated information on:

- Genetic testing, sexuality, learning disabilities, preventive health, infertility, pregnancy and childbirth, substance abuse, care-giving and first aid.
- New chapters on diet and health, exercise and fitness, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, complimentary and alternative medicine, staying safe and preventing violence, cosmetic surgery and preventive health care.
- Symptoms flowcharts and full-color spreads on important health topics.

A must have reference about self-prevention that shows how to diagnose your own health. This way, as an informed patient, and if the potential need for a physician's intervention arises, you can help him get the best and definitive diagnose.

Nice Updated Edition - Keep Former As Well, July 16, 2008
Very useful guide, almost all things you could think of are covered (a few are not though, i.e., I found one particular eye-related problem that although is mentioned somewhere in the book, is neither explained nor dealt with anywhere). As it is obvious given the time passed between the last two editions, the panel of doctors differs from the prior one, and some topics are treated differently as well, not necessarily due to the passage of time or technological advances, so I kept the former edition. I suggest you do the same if you have the older version.

Mistaken Identity, April 6, 2009
Mistook this item for an update edition of the American College of Physicians COMPLETE HOME MEDICAL GUIDE (1999). Frankly the Home Medical Guide is superior in every way in spite of its having been published 15 years ago.

Better Books are Available, February 19, 2007
The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book is a much more informative and detailed book. It is a much better value.

American Medical Association Family Medical Guide 4th, September 12, 2005
This is so much more informative even compared to the 3rd Edition. There are many new things added, more pictures, better explanations and descriptions, and just generally a more complete compendium of medical information.

Great Resource Book, January 8, 2008
My daughter pointed out that the previous edition of this book we were using was from 1994, so I agreed an upgrade was called for. I was thrilled to find it was still in print and in a much newer version, while still retaining features I liked-such as the diagnosis guide and the chapters focusing on various body systems. This book is a great family resource, and easier to cull for information than the internet. ... Read more

Editorial Review

As a hypochondriac, you've had to satisfy your need for self-diagnosis with medical reference materials written for the masses until now. Dedicated entirely to your unique perspective on health, this revolutionary book outlines the world's worst maladies, conveniently organized according to your symptoms (real or imagined). You're going to die of something--why not choose an ailment that's rare and hard to pronounce? ... Read more

Reviews

Greatest coffee table book EVER, June 4, 2008
I had this book out when family was over and everyone was checking it out. Basically, you look up your symptom (headache, whatever) and the book tells you what terrible disease you're dying from. I don't understand the reviewer complaining about the medical advice -- um, hello, it's a HUMOR BOOK! And my two sisters are nurses and they thought everything was hilarious. It looks legit to me! (And I watch Grey's Anatomy and House, so I am clearly an expert.) Seriously, this book is probably used by the writers of those TV shows because just like on the show, the most innocent symptoms indicate the most horrible killer disease ever. Just don't give it to your hypochondriac elderly aunt or anything. Also beware: My kids use it as a way to get out of school..hey, maybe I should try it for work..."Oh, my ribs hurt, I have costochondritis!"

Morbidly funny, May 14, 2008
Perfect book for anyone who's never satisfied with the common cold. I especially like the "You Eat, You Suffer" section on foodborne illnesses.

Want to give this to sooooo many people I know, May 12, 2008
I have so many friends who are constantly sending me those crazy emails telling me what might kill me next and I'm going to give each and every one of them this book. I love the Knock Knock style and pace, the amount of irreverence combined with knowledge. I always feel smarter but somewhat humbled as well after I read a Knock Knock piece. Keep 'em coming.

Now I know I have the cancer..., June 11, 2008
That strange chest pain (which I've been complaining about but doing nothing about for a week)? Yeah, turns out I probably have the cancer ... or atleast the costochondritis. My friend bought me this book because, quote, she "couldn't help it-you have issues." But at least now I have the fancy names to back up my claims ... I just wanted to shout out to others who need a vocab of scientific sounding names, to legitimize their claims of waning mortality of course, that this is the book for you. Way easier than the inter-web!

great for a light-hearted laugh, May 12, 2008
great book as a gift to the hypochondriac in the family and/or circle of friends. should not be taken too seriously as it is clear the book is meant to make people laugh so if your hypochondriac mom or best friend is a little sensitive, then this may not be the book for her/him.

but for anyone with a sense of humor...it is a fun read.

Hilarious, May 12, 2008
This is a great gift idea for friends or family with a sense of humor!

You're Killing Me, May 12, 2008
I'm young and healthy, or so I thought.

I especially appreciate the method in which the book is presented, the "If you have...you might have" approach. I also love the illustrations that are just detailed enough to gross you out and cross your fingers that you really don't have said disease, but still informative. Props for giving me even more things to worry about in my daily life and more importantly allowing me to assist in diagnosing my friends just for fun.

good to keep around, May 7, 2008
There are always days when rain or laziness keeps you inside, whether with friends or by yourself. Some of my favorite memories are from days like those when doing nothing is really the best thing. One of my friends had this sitting on their bookshelf and we wasted at least an hr flipping through it. There were some fascinating facts and I definitely left my "lazy" afternoon a little smarter than I started it! Glad to have a book that can help out when you wonder what a certain pain or feeling could mean- everyone's hoping for something that's at least a little dramatic!

This book is as much a medical reference manual as Jon Stewart is a news anchor., May 15, 2008
There are some subjects that are so inherently distressing that you have to laugh at them to keep you from crying. That the number of physical ailments is so vast and scary is enough to create a mental ailment -- hypochondria -- is tragically poetic.

Enter "The Complete Manual...." If the title doesn't tip one off to the tone of this tome, the endpapers -- which follow an EKG as it flatlines onto the title page -- leaves no doubt. The humor --dry as a bone -- comes from "worst-case scenario" approach to the subject matter, delivering on the hypochondriac promise.

The thing that I found refreshing about the book is that unlike other satirical offerings that tend to be a little lightweight, this book is truly crammed with information. Granted, I know it's a parody and I would never use it as my only resource in the event that I have some sort of malady, but the information is laid out surprisingly clearly and logically, it's tempting to do so.

My prescription: Provides instant relief to fractured funny bones., apply liberally to affected area.

complete manual of things that might kill you, December 16, 2008
I gave this book as a funny christmas gift to my friend and she absolutly loves it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Since its initial publication in 1990, the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" has become a classic home medical reference, selling more than 1.5 million copies. Now in its fourth edition, this updated and abundantly illustrated volume offers the latest in medical knowledge, with a strong emphasis on self-care. From prevention to treatment, from infancy to old age, this comprehensive health guide offers reliable, easy-to-understand information in five convenient sections: Part I - Injuries and Symptoms; Part II - Pregnancy and Healthy Children; Part III - Healthy Adults; Colour section; Part IV - Diseases and Disorders; and, Part V - Tests and Treatments. ... Read more

Reviews

A HUGE source of information!, August 13, 2002
Having been to Mayo Rochester, I was thrilled to get this book. It is MASSIVE. There is so much good info in here it's hard to know where to start. There are detailed illustrations of all of the body's systems, pictures of various skin disorders, instructions on how to deal with all types of illnesses and symptoms, info on healthy eating and diet, and info on various drugs used to treat a myriad of ailments. This book should be in EVERY home.

Poor index hinders search, June 15, 1998
It's very difficult to look up anything--you have be able to decide correctly in which division your query may fit--the book is divided into five parts--then turn to it and hope it will be included. Try, for example, to research "scoliosis." The next edition should include a complete index.

Great source for writers...., June 18, 2003
The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book is like having six resource books in one. Information from Mayo is reliable, easy-to-understand and reviewed by some of the most respected physicians in the world.

Part I: Living Well
Part II: Common Conditions and Concerns Through Life's Stages
Part III: Making Sense of Your Symptoms
Part IV: First Aid and Emergency Care
Visual Guide: Anatomy and Common Disorders (color photos and illustrations)
Part V: Diseases and Disorders
Part VI: Tests and Treatments
Glossary and Resources
Index

Each disease mentioned contains information about key signs and symptoms, a basic description of the disease, illustrations, how the disease is diagnosed, potential consequences, information on treatment, and information on prevention.

The comprehensive index in the third edition is easy to use. For example, information on "scoliosis" can be found on pages 235, 603, 774, 980, and 981. (Page 980 features an illustration.)

There is also a complete listing of resources for more information including addresses, phone numbers and Web sites. I particularly like the section on symptoms. You can just look up a symptom such as "back pain" and learn more about conditions that cause back pain. The book then directs you to the page containing detailed information about that condition.

I'm looking forward to what I hope will be the interactive DVD version of the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book in the future.

This is One of the Three books you Need to Have, December 22, 2005
This is an excellent resource book that covers a large majority of health conditions and treatments. It give a thorough explanation of Symptoms, First Aid, Diseases and Disorders, Tests and Treatments. What is especially nice are the chapters on common conditions based on your age group and how to Live Well. The information is covered thoroughly with illustrations and diagrams. There is a full-color photograph and illustrations section in the book called the Visual Guide. This section is helpful when trying to identify things like rashes and skin disorders and for reviewing anatomy.

The other two books you should possess for starting your medical/health library should include a good drug/medication book (or use a website like www.medlineplus.gov) and a good medical dictionary (recommend Taber's, but MedlinePlus also has an encyclopedia/dictionary).

Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, May 23, 2002
What an amazing source of information!! It is a definate must have for new parents. This detailed, yet easy to understand book offers specific chapters by age including newborns. It give prevenative information on health & safety including tooth care, controlling stress and travelng abroad. Of course first aid and diseases and disorders are the bulk of the book. It is well written easy to use and include helpful illustrations and photos. Every household should have one, but certainly families with children, of any age should have this book to refer to.

Excellent Reference Every Family Should Have, May 16, 1999
This book gave me a lot of information on illnesses and such. They list the cause(s), symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and preventions. I think this book should be owned be all families. It's a great reference and is simple to read!

When it is good, it is very, very good, but -- watch out, October 21, 2009
This review is of the blue, 1,488 page MAYO CLINIC FAMILY HEALTH BOOK that was published in October of 2009. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I was a little disappointed in this tome. Certainly, it is informative and in many quarters almost exhaustive (there are color photos of victims of every type of eczema or seborrhea extant, and boy there are a lot!). Food pyramid? This book has four pyramids, including Vegetarian and Mediterranean diets. I imagine it would be invaluable to the family whose member has been diagnosed with something new and frightening-sounding, or who has been recommended a fairly new and unfamiliar course of treatment. In many cases the book anticipates what the doctor is going to do if s/he offers state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment, and also explains what's going to happen in high-tech settings like MRI machines. The book is patiently and logically written, and really if you want anything more detailed you'll have to look at medical textbooks.

It is worth mentioning, though, that this book is not set up as a problem-solving guide of common illnesses and medical situations. Certainly it does exceptionally well for the reader who is willing to research a topic addressed by conventional medicine. What is particularly missing is any real discussion outside of the conventional American paradigm where the doctor's concern is allopathic (fix what's wrong, especially with high-tech meds) and alternatives are pretty well excluded. In fact, a chapter devoted to ALL forms of complementary and alternative medical practices is only a pathetic ten pages long, which shamefully squeezes in superficial discussions of chiropractic, natural substances, meditation, acupuncture, yoga and homeopathy, among many other forms of treatment - that's ten pages out of more than fourteen hundred!

This calls into question just which treatments are necessarily "alternative". Within those ten few pages, the section on natural remedies lists ten--yes, 10--of the most popular remedies, barely more profound than a PARADE magazine article and not worthy of an institution with the experience and clout of the Mayo. Left out are many quite acceptable natural substances like salvia, dandelion, elderberries --and chamomile (as in tea). In fact, in Germany standardized and concentrated extract of chamomile is commonly prescribed by doctors and filled at pharmacies like any other prescription med, making it "alternative" to nothing to alleviate anxiety. There is nothing about chamomile in the Mayo's book that I could find because it isn't to be found within this book's brief ten mentions. Similarly, a brief passage on "Touch and Manipulation" somehow neglects to use the words "Chiropractor" or "Chiropractic" except in a small blue box. Nor will you hear about the role played by Niacin (Vitamin B3) in lowering bad cholesterol; or zinc, essential to the prostate and which in more than FDA-recognized doses inhibits swelling and is even believed to forestall prostate cancer.

[rant]This gives the impression that Mayo, and by implication the health-care establishment, are not interested in anything other than big-ticket, high-tech (and high-priced) drugs, and this book's slight of complements and alternative therapies manages to reinforce and condone the common stereotype of U.S. physicians, uninterested in natural cures with hundreds (or thousands) of years of tradition, but ever-ready with the Rx pad and the pills. In all fairness, The Mayo has a separate (170-page) MAYO CLINIC BOOK OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, and I only hope the authors have taken the subject more seriously in that work.

So the MAYO CLINIC FAMILY HEALTH BOOK is certainly invaluable in many situtions, but not all. As I mentioned, it does not work particularly well as a problem-solver, where a medically urgent situation pops up (high fever, breaking out in pockmarks), books through which the reader can logically determine which situations warrant a trip to the ER and which can perfectly well be treated at home. YOUR BEST MEDICINE by Goldstein and Goldstein, addresses alternative and non-alternative remedies to common complaints and has that problem-solving quality. Another option is that darling of HMO enrollees, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, by Fries and Vickers, now in its ninth edition, which uses flow charts to get through various medical situations and determine how best to treat them.

Mayo Clinic - Family Health Book, August 7, 2006
The Mayo Family Health book is a "wealth of information."
My husband recently became ill and was hospitalized. We were able to pinpoint symptoms in the book which helped us along with our health provider get appropriate testing and treatment for his condition.

With healthcare today, we must be "informed consumers".
I have worked nearly 35 years in clinical laboratory medicine and I still learn something new everyday....this book certainly helps.

Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, July 27, 2002
We have had this book for 10 years and cannot imagine it being any better. Clear, direct, worth the price 50 times over. I am now buying the latest edition to stay up-to-date.

Best family medical reference, September 15, 2005
I have had an older edition of this book for years. Recently my husband has had a variety of health problems and the book translates what the doctor says, provides a "second opinion" whether the suggested treatment is appropriate and normal, and also helps self-identify conditions and whether they need medical attention or home remedy. The recent purchase is the new edition that we are going to give to his daughter and family in Canada. With two young daughters, they face a myriad of situations that need quick decisions, and they live in a rural area, so an authoritative source will be welcome. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Say you’re at a party. You’ve had a martini or three, and you mingle through the crowd, wondering how long you need to stay before going out for pizza. Suddenly you’re introduced to someone new, Dr. Nice Tomeetya. You forget the pizza. Now is the perfect time to bring up all those strange questions you’d like to ask during an office visit with your own doctor but haven’t had the guts (or more likely the time) to do so. You’re filled with liquid courage . . . now is your chance! If you’ve ever wanted to ask a doctor . . .

•How do people in wheelchairs have sex?

•Why do I get a killer headache when I suck down my milkshake too fast?

•Can I lose my contact lens inside my head forever?

•Why does asparagus make my pee smell?

•Why do old people grow hair on their ears?

•Is the old adage “beer before liquor, never sicker, liquor before beer . . .” really true?

. . . then Why Do Men Have Nipples? is the book for you.

Compiled by Billy Goldberg, an emergency medicine physician, and Mark Leyner, bestselling author and well-known satirist, Why Do Men Have Nipples? offers real factual and really funny answers to some of the big questions about the oddities of our bodies. ... Read more

Reviews

Funny and educational, August 4, 2005
"Why Do Men Have Nipples?" was big fun. I have to admit having had some of the sillier questions take up space in my head for years. You aren't going to find answers to life or definitive information on the origin of the universe here, just some of the more interesting facts we can't live without. This book had me laughing out loud, sometimes at the questions, sometimes because the question was ever asked in the first place. I am proud to say I already knew why your teeth chatter in the cold or with a fever (body trying to warm up) and sucking the poison from a snake bite wasn't such a good idea. I didn't know the average desk in the average workplace could kill you with the amount of germs and bacteria outnumbering those on the toilet seat. Think hand sanitizer for stocking stuffers this year!! There are hundreds more interesting and sometimes strange facts I didn't know but the team of Goldberg and Leyner has now educated me to the level of expert. I am not sure if that's something to be proud of or not but I laughed and laughed hard while reading "Why Do Men Have Nipples?" and I suggest it to anyone who might be tempted to accost a doctor outside of his office for answers to some of the more pressing questions you have about the human body. Recommended highly!

Ask away!, August 18, 2005
A great book. In somewhat of a twist, it was actually one of my patients that recommended this book to me. As a physician practicing almost 25 years, I've heard a lot of these strange but interesting questions before--"Can my contact lens get stuck behind my eye?"--but others I've never met anyone with the gall to ask ("How do people in wheelchairs have sex?").

It's an interesting premise: there's tons of things people would like to know, but are too afraid to ask. Well, all of these questions are easily answered by a knowledgable person with a little medical experience. But it's the funny, fast-paced format of Leyner that makes this book a success. This is a terrific bookeasy to read, and if you still have questions, give me or your doctor a call.

Very interesting indeed, August 4, 2005
This is a great coffee table book. In fact, perhaps doctors can put one in their waiting rooms. This book reminds me of Joel Achenbach's two "Why Things Are" books, which contains basically the same type of questions, except on more topics. If you like irrelevant factoids, check them out as well.

Some off-color humor amid some semi-serious Q and A, December 12, 2006
I knew why men have nipples before I read this book. Because we're all female for the first six weeks after conception until the male hormones kick in. Yes, macho men, the default human is female. But I can never resist the kind of book in which there are questions we'd like the answers to and answers.

Ah, but this book is a little different. First, some of the questions are given equivocal answers, which is to be expected, since most of what there is to know isn't known. Some of the questions, like "Will using a cell phone give you a brain tumor?" or "Is it true that left-handed people are smarter than right-handed people?" aren't answered at all. Leyner, who is a writer, and Goldberg, who is an MD, have a way of going around the question. I got the feeling that the extent of their research didn't go much past the Internet--which might raise the question, how did this book ever become a best seller and inspire a sequel? The answer, my friend, is in the comedy.

Leyner and Goldberg are a comedy team. While the bulk of the book is in the Qs and As, a good part consists of some hijinks at a cocktail party (thus the three martinis, although Leyner is mostly into Don Julio tequila). A third part seems to be lifted verbatim from their emails to each other.

Part of the fun are those emails because they seem to give the reader a realistic glimpse into the cooperative creative process. It is also kind of fun to read what a doctor writes when he lets his hair down, so to speak, or at least takes off the white coat. However all of this is carefully staged. This is one of those "best seller" ideas that actually worked. These guys trade raunchy humor spiked with some information and lo and behold it works.

Well, it semi-works. I liked the book and read it through in a setting, but some of the humor may be a little too raunchy for some.

Bottom line: diverting enough for a rainy day or for that cross country flight, or if you need a break from War and Peace.

Hilarious and informative, August 12, 2005
Ever since I turned 40, I have had cause to wonder about a number of new physical issues that seem to be cropping up for me...not to mention hairier ears! Thank goodness for Leyner and Goldberg, who seem to understand all of those nagging little (or sometimes not so little) issues that bring consternation to so many of us "at this age."

They manage to give good, solid information while at the same time making that information interesting, relevant, understandable, and--at times--hilariously funny. Let's face it, the human body is often a funny thing. It certainly does funny things. When it's not doing scary things, that is! While the book is a bit random in some of the questions and issues that it raises, the truth is that our minds and our concerns are sometimes random also.

And, while it is very well-written and might even make you laugh out loud, it could actually save your life--or at least improve your health. Great job!

Doctors shouldn't cause so much pain, August 4, 2005
This book is hilarious! I can't recommend this enough. The questions that everyone asks, but no one answers. Just make sure you're not drinking milk while reading, or you'll be seeing one of the authors soon enough. . .

Good Informational Guide Loaded With Lame Humor, October 20, 2005
Did you know that holding back a sneeze can potentially cause damage to the eyes and ears? Do you realize that the common cold cannot be caught due to cold weather or being wet, like the old wives' tale states? Did you know that beer and liquor, regardless of the order consumed, will have the same affect on the body? If these and other questions fascinate you, then you might find some interesting reading in "Why Do Men Have Nipples", a book with facts about the human body combined with some attempted humor from its two authors.

This book is at its best when it is providing answers to some of life's puzzling questions. Some of these questions and answers will be old news to the majority of readers, like the fact that catching a cold requires contracting the virus from someone else and has nothing to do with the actual feeling of cold. Other questions and answers are just as obvious and they won't provide any new learning material. On the other hand, there are a good number of questions and answers in this guide that involve topics I had never really though about in the past. An example is the fact that a woman's natural milk has been found, in some studies, to cure warts. Another example is the scientific explanation behind the causes of bags under the eyes. These, and other facts like them, are usually explained very well with medical sources to back them up.

Now, let's talk about this book's negative points, because there are several worth mentioning. First of all, the humor used in this book is lame and it isn't likely to amuse most readers. To give you an example, after talking about the chemical composition of snot and boogers, the authors provide some recipes that explain how to make homemade snot. Also, some of the explanations to the different questions end in a lame punch line- often the type that would only cause a chuckle or two in an eighth- grade locker room.

Another thing I don't like about this book is the "story" that begins each chapter, with a scenario involving guests at a party and the events that unfold. This was silly, and I don't know why it wasn't edited out because it adds nothing of value to the book. I also didn't like the inclusion of the scripts from (what appears to be) an on- line chat session. These appear several times throughout the book and they show the time of day, the author's name, and what he said as the two men (authors) chat back and forth. What they say often makes no sense and it isn't funny either. Again, something like this should have met its death at the hands of a good editor.

With the answers to the questions, the authors are careful to cite sources on some of them and to point out when no definite answer has been found. With other answers, there is a statement made that seems like it is factual, but there is no source cited. There is no list of sources in the back of the book either. It would have been better and made the book more credible if it included a list of sources in the back. It would make the explanations more convincing.

I appreciate the medical facts presented in this book and I can see how this type of reading material could prove to be interesting. I also like the fact that the book directly states when an answer isn't really known to be true or untrue (it will say "not enough scientific evidence exists to confirm this" or something to that affect). But the humor in this book is lame, and it even starts to get irritating after a while. Don't get me wrong- bathroom style humor can be fun and entertaining if presented and stated the right way. But this book doesn't do that and the humor it uses had me rolling my eyes more frequently than it had me laughing.

Overall, this is a decent enough book if you like to discover trivial information about some well- known and lesser- known facts about the human body. It would have been better if it had stuck to the facts and avoided trying to be funny. If you read it, my advice is to skip the chapter introductions and the chat room scripts. They have nothing of value to offer and they will frustrate more than anything.

Interesting and entertaining!, November 27, 2005
I found this book to be humorous and informative. I read the entire book in one day. It is very easy to read and has a comic twist at the end of each answer. I liked the format of the book...question and then answer. I did skip some parts, for example conversations that happened between the doctor and the author. I would recommed this book to anyone with a sense of humor!

Somewhat disappointing..., September 20, 2005
I suppose I was one of a handful of people who actually expected this book to be a bit more serious and informative than it was. Perhaps the title should have tipped me off, but alas - it didn't.

For Mark Leyner and Billy Goldberg, actually answering the questions listed in the table of contents seemed to take a backseat to filling the book with lots of pages of witty 'chat transcripts' (over 35 pages, to be precise), brainless jokes and useless lists.

Many of the questions are left unanswered entirely, with a paragraph of dirty jokes and clever puns replacing actual medical facts. Of course, this is covered up by the phrase, 'scientists don't yet know the cause of this,' followed by another tiresome joke. If you don't know, why even bother putting the question in the book in the first place?

While the book is mildly entertaining and does answer a few of the questions *somewhat* professionally, I was disappointed overall. I'm sorry, I guess I just expected a bit more for my money.

Waste of time and $, March 5, 2007
This book is like a comedy movie that only has enough humor to make a preview. You go to the movie thinking it's going to be a riot, but the only funny parts were those in the preview. Why do men have nipples? It's an intriguing question and makes you think you're going to learn all sorts of trivia and interesting facts about human anatomy. WARNING: If you made a C or better in biology there's nothing earth shattering in this book. If you ever took a human anatomy class, you could've written this book. I got the CD to entertain me on a road trip. It was a big fat waste of time and money. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The companion to the New York Times best-seller. ... Read more

Reviews

Very good day-to-day dieter's companion and guide, April 21, 1998
I started the Atkins diet on my own, based on the guiding principles described on the book "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution". I have steadily and comfortably reduced inches off my waist by using the "Dr. Atkins' New Carbohydrate Gram Counter" as a guide to food selection. If it were not for its reduced, concise listing of foods (carbs, proteins, fat) I could not have understood the method I was supposed to follow to achieve weight loss. It is not a comprehensive guide, so don't even think of it as the ultimate compilation of your diet choices. Yet, its tiny size made it perfect to carry it in a handbag, in a glove compartment, every time I need help to navigate through the supermarket maze in search for low-carb foods, and yes, to elegantly cover my tracks when I cheated the diet.

A great tool for implementing the Atkins diet., October 24, 1999
I purchased two carb counter books and found the other, more extensive book to be difficult to use. This simple, little book contains most ingredients used in recipes. It is a great tool in helping to create good meals while keeping within the limits of the Atkins Diet.

Quick pocket reference for the diet-conscious., June 2, 2003
If you've started the Atkins diet, or at least read the diet book, then you already realize the importance of counting the carbohydrate grams you consume. Please allow me to clear up some FAQ's:

1. This book will not teach you how to do the Atkins diet - for that, read Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution.

2. This book will show you total carbohydrate, fat, and protein gram counts for standard portion sizes of general or common foods. For instance, there is a general listing for "fig" but not "Kadota fig" or "Mission". If you are into more exotic fare than the standard American foods listed - say for instance that you like obscure asian fruits like or you're a oeniphile who is interested in the carb count of 60 different varieties of French wine- then you will have to do research for the carbs in your special interest on your own.

3. This book will not make specific recommendations as to which ones to avoid, eat more of, etc. - that's not its job. Instead, you are allowed to make those decisions for yourself based on the information presented and your individual allowance of daily carbs.

4. This book does not list calories because the Atkins diet is qualitative, not quantitative.

5. This book will, however, be a quick on-the-spot reference guide for Atkins dieters. It is designed to be portable and easy to understand at a glance when you need information in a hurry.

Are there any flaws? Yes. For one thing, IMHO, the price could come down a bit considering that this book is a very small, almost the size of those supermarket pocket books at the checkout counter that cost only 99 cents or so. Also, it would have been helpful if Dr. Atkins had included the fiber content along with the fats, carbs and protein so that one could calculate total impact carb grams and make more educated decisions. Still, I believe this is the best carb gram counter out there for low-carb dieting purposes. I find myself consulting it quite often.

Handy tote-able reference book, July 14, 1999
Despite complaints that the book is small, I found that it was very helpful to be able to carry the book with me and refer to it whenever needed. A 500-page tome would be a little bothersome when sitting at a table in a restaurant...I would definitely recommend this book as a companion to the "New Diet Revolution" book, and strongly urge anyone thinking about starting the Induction Diet for the first time to purchase the "New Carbohydrate Gram Counter" before they start. Why 4 stars instead of 5? A hard cover or spiral bound cover, and laminated pages, would make it easier to carry the book in purse or briefcase and use it in restaurants without worrying about ruining it.

The TRUTH about Dr. Atkins death, June 1, 2004
It is astonishing to read the slam pieces here about Dr. Atkins so-called obesity and overweight condition at the time of his death. Here are the facts:
* He previously had a heart condition called cardiomyopathy -- a serious disease of the heart muscle which is unrelated to diet.
* He died of a head injury because of an accident falling on slippery ice and not of being overweight.
* His actual weight was 200 pounds when he was admitted to the hospital at the time of his accident. The erroneous reports of him weight 258 lbs was based on his weight at the time of his death. The extra weight was not fat, but an accumulation of body fluids linked to organ failure during his coma.
* His previous reported heart attack was due to a viral infection and not diet related. He spoke openly of his condition on various national news programs.
* The report that was released about him being overweight was leaked to the press by a group named "Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine", which is an ardent opponent of the Atkins diet. In short, they distorted his weight by reporting the weight at the time of death - 258 lbs, and not at the time of his admittance - 200 lbs...an obvious attempt to discredit and distort the facts surrounding Dr. Atkins death.
* A formal complaint has been filed by the Medical Examiner of New York regarding the suspicious leak of this information to the public by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine."
* The disinformation surrounding Dr.Atkins untimely death is politically driven by the AMA and other detractors of the diet.

Dr. Atkins book, New Diet Revolution has turned the AMA and other nutritional views upside down and has created a furor over the standard edicts of the medical profession. What is not said among the detractors of the Diet is that it is safe and it works. The information contained in this book will not only help you lose weight, it could save your life. The food industry, especially the bread and pasta industry have lost hundreds of millions of dollars because of the low carb revolution. Is it any wonder that this diet is under so much fire? Keep an open mind and read the book.

As a side note, ignor the mumbo-jumbo rantings and ravings of the "Elixir Diet" system (see below). The hatred and mis-information spread by the reviewer is evidence enough that the Elixir system is phony as a three cent penny. Nuff said. The guy hasn't even read the Atkins book!

great and portable, February 2, 2000
very small - but filled with almost every product you can think of - take it with me everywhere - just wish some things didn't have so many darn carbs! I'm still trying to not go over 30 grams per day but it can be difficult.

You cant take it with you, March 17, 1999
This is a handy little book and by the way it certainly does have the carb counts for pasta, a previous commentator missed it. Look under "pasta and rice". I wish it did have the number of nuts you can eat instead of ounces. I don't carry a food scale to know what an ounce of nuts is. Otherwise, it is worth it because it has a brief introduction to the diet and the size makes it easy to carry with you. I think Dr. Atkin's deserves a medal for standing for what he knows is right. I highly recommend his diet for a way of life.

Very good as a SUPPLEMENT to the New Diet Revolution, January 26, 1999
I've read all the comments made about this book and would like to offer the following. This booklet is not meant to be used to "follow" the diet. It is a companion to The New Diet Revolution which is essential reading for anyone on this diet. I have been on it for several weeks now and I'm at the "maintenance" stage. For those of you who are looking up wine in the Carb Counter booklet, it is not listed simply because wine is made with grapes (the highest sugar content fruit) and sugar isn't allowed on this diet.

By no means the best available, June 24, 1999
Don't bother with this book! It isn't wrong or inaccurate, understand, it is simply woefully small. I highly recommend Corrinne Netzer's Carb Counter book--almost 500 pages of listings, broken down in almost unbelievable detail. Carb listings for nearly ever imaginable *brand* of a food item. Dr. Atkin's book pales in comparison, believe me.

Scanned friend's copy, liked it & decided to give it a try., June 21, 1999
I have been on this diet since March 19 and have lost 17 pounds. The diet is easy to follow and I get plenty to eat, never getting hungry between meals. After the 14 day induction diet, I began adding more vegetables and fruits, as the book suggests, and continue to lose a pound per week. The secret is to be creative with your menus. I feel great. My friends say I look great and years younger. My husband & sons have changed their eating habits as well. All this gives me the incentive to continue. The diet truly alters your eating lifestyle and the entire family is healthier. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Immune System,�Third Edition�emphasizes the human immune system and synthesizes immunological concepts into a comprehensible, up-to-date, and reader-friendly account of how the immune system works.�

Written for�undergraduate, medical, veterinary, dental, and pharmacy students in immunology courses, it makes generous use of medical examples to illustrate points.�

The Third Edition has been extensively revised and updated and includes two new chapters on innate and adaptive immunity, which explore the physical, cellular, and molecular principles underlying these responses to infection.� It also features enhanced coverage of aspects of innate immunity such as the complement system, Toll-like receptors, defensins, and C-reactive protein; the role�of dendritic cells in initiating the primary adaptive immune response and the functions of other cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity; immunotherapies using humanized monoclonal antibodies to treat certain diseases; and the nature of the immune response in the mucosal tissues and immunological memory.� The book offers over 500 full-color illustrations that complement and clarify the concepts.� The end-of-chapter questions have been expanded and include essay, multiple-choice, and case study questions, with answers provided at the end of the book.

Reviews

Great Introductory Text, April 6, 2009
I've been using the new and previous editions of the Parham text to teach an introductory immunology course for the last 4 1/2 years. Until I made a few unfortunate text choices for other courses this year, I didn't fully appreciate what a wonderful text this is. The chapters (especially in the new, 3rd edition) are arranged in a logical fashion and broken down into sections for easy digestibility & assignability. The figures are clear with excellent descriptions and correlate nicely with the text. While the chapter on T cell activation/effector functions still suffers from a bit of disarray, it is still highly usable & provides the necessary information. Immunology is a difficult subject, but this text makes it a pleasure to teach & learn, and receives high marks from my students as well. It is perfect for a one-semester course.

excellent basic book for immunology, October 14, 2009
I'm an electrical engineer, so I dont have good fundations on biology, however, this book unlike others, explain immunology very well, from the basics to the more advanced topics, the images, the figures, everything is really intend for an ignorant like me, to get precious knowledge. I really recomend it!

Immuno Course for undergrad to I&I in Medical School, December 17, 2009
I used this text when I was a student in Undergrad, our exams for my course were essay format. The author has broken down all of the chapters into small key points rather than writing 20 key points in one gigantic chapter which would be frustrating to decipher where one point stops and another begins. I found the illustrations extremely helpful in that they summed up the main point of a topic in the caption, so if you were ever pressed on time and needed to know the key points, you could essentially study the illustrations and understand what was written in the paragraph. I have the older edition and I'm sure you can get most of your information from that for an undergraduate course. I also was required to read this book for medical school for our immunity/infection course. However, if you've read through it enough and understood it, you don't need to read it again. I would hands down buy this book and recommend it to any student at any level needing to understand immunology. Just be aware, the order of the chapters in this book will not be the same as most professors teach it. If you can get past that minor detail - you'll LOVE this book!

Gold Mine of Information, January 8, 2010
I am glad this book (3rd edition) was chosen for the Immunology course in my university. The main point I want to highlight is that it is a serious book for dedicated people. I felt with this book I was "in good hands," as it covers everything you may want to know about Immunology. I would say that target audience for this book is someone who doesn't have any knowledge of the subject, but is eager to have a thorough, solid understanding of it. It's not the lightest introductory book on Immunology, but it is a very good one. Like a smart and caring professor, it carefully leads in every concept and wants to teach as much as possible. That is to say, chapters are quite heavy on the material, but author does a great job at breaking down the concepts into separate paragraphs. Also, author occasionally uses summaries within the chapter, which I found to be extremely helpful to lock in the concepts. There is also a summary at the end of each chapter. If you will remember most of the material from this book, you can sure proudly call yourself an Immunologist!

Quality book, shipping took forever, October 3, 2010
The book came in excellent condition but took over 2 weeks to get here. I didn't realize the seller was international until after i ordered it.

good, September 25, 2010
Great quality, but shipping took long, even though it was only traveling a few states.

super quick shipping! Thanks so much!, August 29, 2010
The item came so fast and was exactly what I wanted! Thank you so much for the product.

Good book., September 23, 2009
It's a textbook about the immune system, so how excited can I be? That said it's very straightforward, clear illustrations, and it repeats key points so that they are easier to learn.
Quality.

Excellent, April 28, 2009
This book was required for a class I took. It's a good read and I plan to keep it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

END PAIN, REGAIN RANGE OF MOTION AND PREVENT RE-INJURY

Millions of people suffer from debilitating shoulder problems each year. With Healthy Shoulder Handbook, you can take yourself off that list. This friendly manual outlines the causes for common shoulder conditions, including shoulder impingement, rotator cuff, tendinitis, dislocation and repetitive motion injuries.

Illustrated with over 300 step-by-step photographs, Healthy Shoulder Handbook offers easy-to-follow exercises to:

• Build strength
• Improve flexibility
• Speed up recovery
• Prevent injury

Healthy Shoulder Handbook also features specially designed programs to reverse or alleviate the strain from high-risk sports and occupations, including construction work, desk jobs, tennis, golf and more. Follow the approach in this book and you'll be able to quickly get back to the job (or back on the court!) and stay there--pain free! ... Read more

Reviews

Seems geared more toward prevention than treatment of acute injury, May 10, 2010
This book is a very comprehensive look at a range of different exercises for the rotator cuff, as well as prevention programs aimed towards different activities, including baseball, basketball, football, golf, hockey, swimming, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, construction, and office/desk job. it has exercises that are passive (he calls them "gentle" but i'll get back to that), on the floor, on a roller, with a cane, on a wall/door, and then some with resistance (band/dumbbell)

However, despite the comprehensiveness of the book, he doesn't actually present a program for acute injury. There is one "rotator cuff routine" on page 18 that appears to be for more acute injuries since it is placed rather awkwardly in the section describing the different rotator cuff injuries that can occur. I was completely unable to do all but one of the exercises in this routine when i was first injured. It was very frustrating and I felt as though the title of the book (especially the "treating" part) was misleading.

Dissatisfied, I bought Jim Johnson's Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff, and I did just that - his 5 day a week routine (with number of seconds/number of sets very clearly described) helped me start making small strides towards mobility. Johnsons's book also has a very informative section describing the shoulder and what exactly is happening, as well as why it is useful to do the exercises at all. Now, 6 weeks later, I can finally start in on some of the more sport-specific routines in the Healthy Shoulder Handbook.

All that said, I think that this is a great book for *prevention*, and I will use it as my shoulder recovers to prevent future injury.

At home physical therapy for shoulder issues (Good not Great), March 17, 2010
This book has it all. The only draw back is the photos are not as clear and they could be. Otherwise a good source for those after a shoulder injury or surgery recovery. A lot of exercises with a short techincal review of the shoulder. Would buy again

pretty good book, May 14, 2010
The book has some very good advice. I haven't managed to read it all, but right now the advice I followed showed results. I would definitely recommend this for someone with a shoulder injury.

Surprisingly comprehensive, February 25, 2010
The blurb on the front of the book indicates that it contains 100 exercises for the shoulder and rotator cuff. In reality, the book is much more than just that. In a comprehensive, yet easy-to-read manner, the author explains a great deal about the workings of the shoulder, what can go wrong, what types of activities to avoid, and finally a number of good strengthening and stretching techniques for the rotator cuff. I learned more from reading this book than two months of physical therapy. Although I already knew what exercises to do for the rotator cuff, I was rather ignorant of what exercises and motions I needed to avoid. No wonder I keep having so many repeat problems!

Excellent reference guide!, July 29, 2010
I play tennis and tore cartilege in my shoulder a couple years ago, requiring surgery. I hope to never go through that experience again. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful physical therapist who worked with me through my rehab. I now realize how delicate the shoulder joint is and the importance of keeping it strong and healthy. Many of the exercises in this book are what my therapist had me doing for my rehab and ongoing strength development. Regardlesss of your sport, and even if you don't play sports, I strongly recommend this book to keep your should healthy. It has different chapters focused on various strenghtening movements depending on what your need is. It's one of the best books on physical fitness I own. I heard the author on a local radio station and that's how I came to discover this gem.

Keep on playing Golf!, September 23, 2010
As mentioned before, our family really enjoys all of Dr. Karl Knopf's exercise and health books. This IS THE BEST BOOK for SHOULDER STRENGTHENING TECHNIQUE on the market! Prepare yourself so you do not ruin you shoulder joints and sockets. I was starting to hurt after playing golf on a more frequent basis, and my doctor told me to exercise correctly. We knew about Dr Knopf's book (as we have several others of his books) and purchased this Healthy Shoulder Handbook. Whooaaa! Instantly, the exercises really felt good. I know things take time, but you can tell almost instantly with the new exercises that feel great compared to the same repetitive motions we perform with our body and arms repetitively at 90% of the time. When you normally do a new movement (before reading this book and before trying to recover from shoulder injuries), either you cannot do it or it hurts instantly or you are sore, later. Dr Knopf's HSH book begins to share (over time) many motions that are easy to work on, but are seldom done in everyday living. All this feels so good when done correctly. When adding the stretching exercises, your joints and tendons and ligaments and muscles begin to work together, synergistically. Great book. Add the various shoulder exercises to your daily total body routine. Dr Knopf will provide reasons to perform each exercise correctly. Again, do not buy other authors who happen to publish books for college kids or gymnastic exercise fanatics and then reword the text for the 50+ crowd. Dr Knopf has a long history and long list of success at his university, his studios and with the groups of adults he actually works with every single day. Dr Knopf provides a realistic hands-on approach, which is so much better than other authors and their books who really do not care to serve the 50+ exercise crowd.

This books covers it all, April 15, 2010
Everything from the most gentle of moves to great tried and true strengthening. They have routines based on lifestyle and a lot of great moves for those deep foundation muscles. Nothing at all complicated but highly effective. I would recommend this book to anybody needing to build a strong shoulder foundation.

Great book for somebody that has a shoulder injury., July 28, 2010
The book is great the company took a long time for me to receive the book. And the company is very close to where I live. The company is 10 minute from my house. It took a couple of weeks. I don't know if I would use the company again. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The classic, bestselling expose+a7 on the dangers of sugar reveals how this commonly ingested ingredient in countless foods is highly addictive and causes a host of medical problems from depression to coronary thrombosis. Reissue. PW. ... Read more

Reviews

For Responsible Adults Only!, May 28, 2000
For weeks I walked to and from work, over one hour each way, to help drop through a weight plateau of 199 pounds. No matter what I did, including dieting, I was destined to be a 199-pounder for life! Then, one Sunday evening, I read the first few chapters of a book a friend lent me, "Sugar Blues" by Dufty. My first reaction to the information contained in it was entirely emotional: anger and disgust. Until that moment I had never given sugar a moment's worth of thought. That Sunday evening, I felt my anger so intensely, that I promised myself that I immediately would stop my ingestion of sugar for MORAL reasons. As I read further, I wished that I had known this information years ago. I wished that I had used this information while raising my children. I am saddened that I didn't get to the profound wisdom in this book sooner than I did. But, life is full of important lessons. This book is but lesson number one. And learning this lesson later is better than not learning it at all. While reading "SUGAR BLUES" I was also reading another book on the topic of meats. I decided to give up sugar and meats. That Sunday evening, I switched to a SWEETENER-FREE and meat-free lifestyle. On Thursday of that week I spent time between the fetal position in bed and sprinting to the washroom. I thought I had the flu, but looking back, I now realize I had what I'd describe as, "withdrawl" symptoms. 24 hours later I was feeling better. 7 days later, when I weighed myself, I received the first of many self-fulfiling rewards: I cracked my weight-loss plateau, was finally down to 190 pounds. Three weeks later, I lost another 6 pounds and was down to 184. Seven weeks later I was at 177. 10 weeks later 174. I have had to tighten my belt 5 notches! I fit into pants that I had not fit into since 1978. As of this last week, I stabilized at a weight plateau of 174 pounds. I have lost a cool 25 pounds. This book made me THINK about the quality of, and effect from, the "foods" I shovelled into my mouth. This book motivated me to read the labels before I bought. It is an absolute MUST HAVE for your home library...a MUST SHOW to friends who you care about...a book that you MUST DOG-EAR and underline, (use over and over again). It might be a good idea for you to think about buying several or more copies of this book in paper back version, (low cost), to either give away or circualte among your friends and relatives. If you do, you just might enhance your life and theirs. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts about "SUGAR BLUES". By sharing my experience I am hoping that your life will become healthier. All the best in your decision to buy "Sugar Blues".

Try to Quit if You Think It's Not a Drug, November 30, 1999
I read Sugar Blues years ago, and became a right-wingist, eliminating all sugar. Over the years, sugar crept back in. Now I'm doing it again because of (1) moodiness, (2) always being bloated, (3) loss of "real appetite". Sugar in EVERYTHING (even soups and vegetables) makes it very hard to stop totally but what I remember most about William Duffy's comments were the similarity to cocaine use when sugar was first introduced -- the first sugar users brought it to parties and it was a great specialty. That hit home.

Try to Quit! It takes almost a full month for the cravings to go away. Anyone who has seen The Insiders and the power that the tobacco industry has, can understand the enormity of trying to attack the sugar industry.

AS a PS, Sugar in everything is an American phenomenon. You won't find sugar in soups, canned vegetables, frozen dinners in Holland and the rest of Europe. WHY is it DONE to us here in America?

Pick up this book and begin to understand how eliminating ONE FOOD ITEM ALONE can change your life.

A true health classic!, February 3, 2000
I'm sugar-free ever since reading "Sugar Blues." I was sluggish, moody, hungry, etc. I remembered that John Lennon mentioned Dufty's book in an interview once. So I bought it at the local health food store. He starts off with his own sugar hell and redemption and then delves into the whole history of the cane. Very interesting, healthwise and also politically. This is the meat of the book. (The Boston "Tea" Party? More like the rum party.) I like his writing style; he keeps it homespun. (Why did some think this book needs more "hard science"? Isn't it already in there? It's not intended to be in a medical journal [which can't always be trusted!].) When I tell people I'm sugar-free they usually scoff, saying sugar's not that bad for you, why give it up completely. Well, now I wake up clear and I get through the afternoon w/o any flagging of energy. At various times of the day I'll feel some energy racing through my body. (A great feeling; keeps me motivated.) Now I need less food on my plate, and my hypoglycemia has all but disappeared. (Think about THAT one, folks.) Never eat "refined sucrose" again! It can be done! Sky's the limit! Thank you, William Dufty!

Perils of Refined Sugar and consistent theme: Food Industry and Drug Industry, September 5, 2005
I cannot add much more to the positive reviews that indicate how the book clearly identifies the negative affects of sugar (and refined and processed foods, by extension) on the human body. The book delves into the detrimental developmental, mental/psychiatric, and physiological affects that sugar has on the human body. Just a few points that I would like to point out to potential readers of this book:

(1.) Some of the very few negative reviews point out that the book is a one-track, narrowly focused diatribe against refined sugar (The author very clearly makes a distinction between natural carbohydrates and natural sugars as opposed to refined processed sugars and refined carbohydrates which is something that cannot be overlooked). I thoroughly disagree. There is a consistent and very powerful underlying theme throughout the book....the fact that throughout history the food industry and the medical/pharmaceutical industry have monetarily thrived off of each other at the expense of public health and human welfare. (and in my opinion, they knowingly did so and do so). This is not a conspiratorial left-winged angle on the theme of the book that the author pushes on the reader, but rather a theme that is supported throughout the European and American sugar history. The author uses this richly detailed historical backdrop to reinforce not only the perils and hazards of sugar, but to also provide perhaps an explanation (and motive) as to why and how refined sugar has become so pervasive in society. As is often the case, greed and monetary interests provide the very motives for the medical establishment's "looking the other way" in the face of overwhelming evidence pointing to the health hazards of sugar. The author leverages these historical actions effectively in telling the "story" and providing the facts. Admittedly, some of the facts are wholly anecdotal in nature, but nevertheless they serve the purpose to reinforce the overall theme of the book. At the core, this is the food industry "lobbying" for the pharmaceutical industry's interests, and vise versa. Consider this:
1.Cholesterol free foods, fat free foods-----Cholesterol lowering drugs. Health issues: Good fats (fish oil, Omega 9's)totally eliminated. Absence of these fats induces cardiovascular problems. Cholesterol in and of itself is not damaging to arteries and endothelial function, but the absence healthy fats and statins cause a host of other cardiovascular issues.
2.Polished refined white rice------Vitamin B1 derived from whole grain rice (they initially were able to market B1; there is no money to be made from B1 anymore so they have moved on). The author spends a chapter asking why was it removed in the first place? "How to Complicate Simplicity" all for the sake of money and greed.
3.Refined sugar-------Psychiatry for a host of mental illnesses. Insulin. Allergy industry. All very profitable
4.MSG, food additives--------Psychiatry and pharmaceuticals for a host of neurological disorders
5.Transfatty acids for fat free food-------Cardiovascular and vascular medications to deal with the problems transfatty acids cause. Transfats were substituted for natural fats all in the name of low fat heart healthy foodstuffs! The food and pharmaceutical industries making money for each other.

The pharmaceutical and established medical industry have one motive to look the other way when the perils of refined carbohydrates/sugars are discussed: Money and Greed. These "foods" supply their care industries with patients...."How to complicate simplicity"...


(2.)One must also keep in mind that the book was written originally in 1976. Since then, many of the medical disease states presented in the book have been thoroughly researched, studied, and clinically proven to be caused by refined carbohydrates and sugars. Naysayers are the pharmaceutical industry and the processed food industry. Greed.

(3.)The book in not meant to be a scientific double blind clinical study on the perils of refined sugar, but rather presents the reader with historical and anecdotal facts that point to one conclusion: the damaging effects of refined sugar on the human body and mind.

(4.) Another negative review pointed out that carbohydrates are necessary for proper human metabolic function. The review incorrectly states that the book bears relevance only to people who are insulin resistant or diabetic. The whole point of the book is preventative food medicine. Once you are insulin resistant or diabetic, the damage has been done and is very difficult to reverse. The book points out that the fastest way to do the damage (to the adrenals, insulin receptive cells, pancreas, etc.)is through the consumption of refined sugar. The author (even way back in 1976) was also very clear to provide a distinction between processed refined carbohydrates (focusing on the worst of them, refined sugar) and natural carbohydrates (pure unrefined unpolished brown rice as opposed to processed refined polished white rice, for example). Natural carbs are an essential part of a well balanced diet.

Changed My Attitude, July 29, 2000

SUGAR BLUES William Duffy

I read this book in 1975 when I was 28 years old. I had given up sugar for a year (100%) about five years prior to reading this -- which is what prompted the interest. I had come to the realization that EVERYTHING had sugar in it and I proceeded to even make my own ketchup (with handy instructions from Weight Watchers -- in 1971 they were just a mere dot on the map with products only -- no advertising that I remember). I used to carry around their salad dressings so that I could eat out and still maintain my good nutritional habits.

I continue to come across this book on my bookshelf, and have taken up to reading it again just to see what the inspiration was. Sugar still remains in my diet - removing it 100% now would be tough -- even though I have an excellent health and exercise regime. Now, at age 53, even though I still weigh the same and wear the same size clothes as I did 30 years ago, I am prepared to cut back again on the excess sugar....it becomes more difficult to maintain the weight and physique as time goes on, so removing excess sugar would be a beneficial thing to do right now for my 50+ year old body.

Everyone who loves sugar, knows that once they start eating (candy, baked goods, etc.) -- i.e., beginning from Halloween and ending after Christmas, that their system seems to then REQUIRE more and more -- that suddenly eating candy (sugars) everyday becomes a staple diet item. I see it happen every year, if I don't make a CONSCIOUS decision at the end of summer to NOT get caught up in the cycle. That approach has worked for me -- just being constantly aware. However, after coming across another review here, I am going to read "Get the Sugar Out...501 Ways...." as it sounds like that's what is needed now for inspiration to continue on my path from 30 years ago. Removing all, or as much sugar as one can, from the diet, IS the ONE best way to maintain your weight and increase your energy for a lifetime. Recipes and short cuts really, really help get you started.

A sledgehammer of truth, May 24, 1999
In SUGAR BLUES, William Dufty doesn't just lift the historical mask on sugar, he pulverizes it. I have read other books detailing the biological havoc that refined sugar wreaks on the body, but this is the first book I've seen that places sugar in a historical framework and charts its path of destruction over thousands of years, through the rise and fall of civilizations right up to present-day corporate and government duplicity. The results are truly eye-opening, if not shocking. If you thought sugar was just one of life's sweet little nuisances, think again. It has been one of the major levers for the enslavement and control of human beings for millenia.

The portrait of the historical drama of sugar is this book's strength. SUGAR BLUES does have minor weaknesses, however. It's lacking in science, which these days is important to have when challenging the status quo. It also lacks a systematic argument, the chapters often meandering from subject to subject (the chapter on sugar in cigarettes, for instance, ends with a discussion of sugar's role in auto accidents). Finally, the book sputters to its conclusion as Dufty provides a final chapter on recipes that frankly put me to sleep. He should have stuck to his original purpose here and delivered a final, clinching argument. With a new edition, all of these minor wrinkles could be addressed.

That said, this book's value is nonetheless extraordinary. Sugar is so entrenched in most people's lifestyles that it is practically invisible, taken for granted. But if it has caused half the damage Dufty claims it has, then everyone should do themselves a favor and read his book. It doesn't end there; I know from personal struggle that sugar is incredibly hard to kick. But the first step in any change is knowing you have to make it.

What good motivation to quit eating sugar...., September 25, 1998
I will admit that a lot of this book did seem like anti-sugar propaganda. When I say propaganda, I mean that the author was, at times, writing with more emotion than fact. Because of all the excellent points & the lead to macrobiotics, though, I still give it 5 stars. Some "facts" should be taken with a grain of salt & some of the material is a little outdated (this book is as old as me!). Still, I couldn't put it down. I have always been a sugar fiend, but I now have not eaten refined sugar for several months. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I always read food labels now. Even foods like Earthgrains bagels (that advertise themselves as being healthy) have refined sugar! This book will definitely change the way you look at processed food. It also tells the different ways refined sugars are hidden: brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses...I was on my last nerve trying to figure out why I was constantly tired. No one could seem to figure it out. I tried this just for the heck of it & I am a new woman.

Another Good Book On Sugar, February 6, 2003
Every author I have read who writes about sugar comes across to me as a little paranoid, but after reading their books they have every reason to be. White sugar is probably much more nefarious then most of us imagine. Whatever it is, I am certainly treading on a different ground when I shop\hunt for food.

Some good things about Sugar Blues is there is some quick really simple recipes. There also is a section on how government and industry always seem to work together for their OWN interest and not yours. Caveat emptor.... always! Never forget that and use your common sense.

He also warns that doctors are not your friends. I believe that to be quite true. They are on another paradigm and pity the fool that neglects his health by his bad eating habits and ends up in their care. Read this book and you could avoid being another "white stuff" casualty. I mean doctors do wear white coats don't they?

In other areas the author pushed it a little too hard in my opinion when he said a lot of "unexplainable [car] accidents" in which "millions of American drivers" may be driving under the influence or effect of sugar drowsiness (i.e. hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulin) when driving after a meal, especially after eating restaurant meals which is loaded with sugar. But who knows, it could be true and never has been investigated. Refined sugar is in nearly everything we eat nowadays.

His decrying of sugar is similiar to Nancy Appleton's book, but I wouldn't take both of what they say lightly. The bottom line to me is another "white" food to avoid. That is; white sugar; white flour; white rice; white salt; and white milk (non-raw). All of these foods face extreme processing to lengthen their shelf life, but may end up shorting yours.

Bye allergies, bye mosquito bites, bye PMS!, September 17, 2005
William Dufty's book was an addictive read, very hard to put down. Read it, get the motivation to go sugarfree, feel great, but warnings - research sweetener alternatives before using them. Make sure the research did not come from the company that made the product, to avoid bias.

My suggestions are Stevia for tea, xylitol for anything else. We found like others that the first month was the hardest, but after that, sucrose cravings went away, and a piece of fruit or some sultanas were enough to stem any desire.

FREE AT LAST!!!!! FREE AT LAST!!!!!, March 10, 2005
I used to visualize myself without sugar and just the thought made me nervous. I read this, along with Lifestyles of the Fit and Famous (a very good book combination) and I shed 20 lbs. in 3-4 weeks. People commented and said that even my face looked different.
Sugar is a dangerous and destructive substance and it needs to be subjected to the same scrutiny of alcohol (which digests as a sugar). My origin is German heritage and I grew up eating sugar for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. During summer months while staying down the shore as a guest, I was referred to as 'the cookie monster'. I could not live a day without sugar...then after reading Fit For Life (Harvey Diamond) I found that I could lose weight without sugar, but I didn't think that sugar was "that bad" and I could certainly negotiate with it on my "terms".
I find that when I eat sugar my thinking is flurried and scattered and my face becomes flushed and I get depressed because of it, and then my depression just spirals and I continue to eat sugar, not realizing that I am probably allergic to it. All of my anxieties, nervous disorders and what not; is attributed to sugar. I have perfect blood pressure and I am not diabetic. I am active duty military and in better shape than most people.
I am not 100 % sugar free right now, and I proplably never will. Sugar is added to soups, salad dressings, etc.; so I doubt if I will ever alleviate it. But a life style change is in order. I will not keep sugars in the house (at least I am trying my best right now). I have become "super sugar conscious" and when I do have an occasional ice cream, I pray that somehow it will be my last serving. My spiritual and psychological awareness depends on my sugar intake (or avoidance). My father drank alcoholically and died Sober (none of his 9 Grandchildren ever saw him take a drink) so I am probably sensitive to sugar imbalances. I love you Dad! :)
It seems that today, with all of life's technolgies and conveniences that we should be happy, but we are not. The richer our society becomes, the more clever corprate criminals find ways of introducing sugar into our lifestyle. I firmly believe that sugar is a major catalyst in arresting our moral, psychological and spiritual welfare.
This book illustrates how on entire civilizations have gone awry becasue of sugar. I do not know the historical accuracy of Dufty's arguements and I would think that some illustrations are out of context...but even if he is 75% right, that is good enough for me. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A must-have manual for boomers and their parents to take control of their health in a broken health-care system.

Too often our culture defines the aging process negatively instead of embracing it as a natural part of life. Nowhere is this problem more pronounced than in our health-care system, where "ageist" medicine often serves to worsen our medical issues instead of helping us figure out how to address or avoid them. Whether we're forty or eighty, what we need is an insider's guide to staying healthy despite the system.

In this book, renowned geriatrician Mark Lachs takes readers on a grand tour of adult medicine, showing how we can navigate a complex and confusing system to make the best choices for ourselves and our loved ones. With gentle humor and great wisdom, Lachs explains how being proactive and making smart decisions can lay the groundwork for a satisfying, active lifestyle that lasts well into the golden years.
You'll find out:

• How to identify the right primary care doctor, specialist, or care facility
• Why the hospital is no place for sick people
• How to make home improvements that will keep you there for as long as possible
• Why small life changes in your forties can lead to an extra decade of good health later on
• What to think about when planning financially for your future health ... Read more

Reviews

Essential reading, September 26, 2010
I'm a geriatrician who read this book to see how Dr. Lachs addressed the issues that my patients and their loved ones face daily. This is a masterful book. In it, Dr. Lachs provides superb advice not only about how to prevent the physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges of getting older, but thoughtful and concrete steps for how to cope with these challenges when they arise. This is a book that is both optimistic and realistic, letting readers know what they can do for themselves or loved ones while acknowledging the truth that that getting old is hard, and that there are no quick fixes. The book works well as a cover-to-cover read and a reference book to pull from the bookshelf for guidance about how to manage a specific type of problem. It is essential reading for people who are getting old and for the people who love and care for them. I highly recommend it.

Great Information for 40 something or 80 something, September 20, 2010
I originally read this book hoping that it would give me some direction on how to handle my aging parents. But in addition to giving me really helpful information for them, it also provided me with things that I should be doing for myself (in my 40s), so I can stay healthier as I age. This is great information that unfortunately my doctors never bring up or discuss. It's a must read for yourself and to help with older parents.

Essential and Outstanding, September 27, 2010
Treat Me Not My Age is outstanding and is the rare book that everyone in the US would benefit from reading. All of us are aging and most of us are or will be taking care of elderly family members, friends and neighbors. Dr. Lachs, a prominent geriatrician, provides us with a readable, practical and humorous look at aging and the complexities and problems of how to keep healthy and get better health care. His answers to such critical questions as how to choose physicians, navigate the health care system are extremely useful. His most important piece of advice, however, is that every one of us has to take charge of our own health and health care; fortunately his book tells us how to do it.

Get this book!, September 23, 2010
This is a book that should be in the home of people of all ages. Whether you have aging parents or grandparents, or are in your golden years you need this book. Here is a true narrative written so that you can easily understand and navigate our very complicated health care delivery system. The time to read it is when you are not stressed and trying to negotiate care. This is what you need to be prepared. Even if you think you understand the system, trust me - you don't. I am in the health- care field, have a 95 year old aunt, and have learned a tremendous amount from this book.

Stephanie Lederman

An incrediby readable and engaging book about a difficult subject: AGING!, September 20, 2010
Dr Lachs covers an enormous amount of important ground here about the aging process and the medical system and he does so with a writing style that is both charming and witty. I especially loved the stories he told throughout the book-he actually made the book enjoyable to read! I will definitely buy my aging parents a copy as I know they too will learn a lot from his incredible knowledge and experience. Great job Dr Lachs!

An Invaluable Read, September 20, 2010
This is an invaluable book for baby boomers and their parents. Dr. Lachs clearly understands how aging is viewed by society and the medical system. Reading this book is like getting an insider's view of the medical field of geriatrics. He offers practical, common sense, and highly beneficial advice--with a sense of humor--on dealing with an unavoidable subject for everyone. I highly recommend this book. It is destined to become a book "for the ages," both literally and figuratively.

Treasured Resource, September 20, 2010
Treat me, Not My Age... is full of important information for both the prospective older patient and for their busy children. As someone who wants to do the right thing for my own parents while also addressing the complexity of raising my kids, it is essential to have this resource guide.

This guide navigates the reader through the maze of issues, litany of concerns and intricacies of a complex and ever changing geriatric care world.

Dr. Lachs talks in real words about real issues and does so in a way that creates calm, understanding and strategy that makes it all seem manageable. It is a book to keep by your side.

Sensible, practical and readable, September 20, 2010
I thought I had a pretty good fix on how to get good medical care for aging friends and relatives, but this book had tips that I never thought of. This book is very readable and ought to be assigned reading for anyone with responsibility for an older person who has to be hospitalized. Actually, if you read it, you may avoid the hospitalization, which is even better.

A fantastic resource (and not just for older people)!, September 21, 2010
I'm 55 and have all the typical concerns about aging. I also have people I care about who are in the 70s and beyond. What an amazing resource this book is! The tone is as if you were sitting with a physician friend, giving you all the insider advice to get the best care in midlife and beyond. It's helped me already to plan out my next doctor visit. My only regret is that I didn't have this book when I was involved in caring first for my mother, and then for my parents-in-law. Mark Lachs's book is kind of like "What to Expect when You're Expecting" - but for those of us now in the second half of life. It would have helped me immensely not only at my age, but as a 35-year old with an older parent!

Treat Me Not My Age, October 26, 2010
Dr.Lachs has written a book that should be read by every "senior" and those caring about them. The range of topics from medical care to financial concerns to relationships with medical practitioners makes this a must read. The author's range of knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of his patients is impressive and further reinforces the need for medical practitioners of his calibre. Reading this book provides seniors and those who love them with a standard against which to measure their needs and the quality of those who provide them service. I especially urge medical practitioners to read this book so that they better understand the effect of their service on others. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The third edition of the essential,accessiblesource forunderstanding how drugs work andtheir effects on body andbehavior.Together, the first two editions ofBuzzed have sold over 120,000 copies—and now the authorshave revised and updated the book to includethemost recent discoveries about drugs, includingnewinformation on the energy drinks craze, prescription drugs such as OxyContinand Ambien,and the date-rapedrug GHB. Scientificallyaccurate and easy to read, this no-nonsense handbook gives the most balanced, objectiveinformationavailable on the most often used andabused drugs, from alcohol, caffeine, andnicotine to heroin, Ecstasy,andmethamphetamine. In both quick-reference summaries and in-depth analysis,it reports on how these drugsenter the body, how they manipulate the brain, their short-term andlong-term effects, the kinds of“high” theyproduce, and thecircumstances in which they canbe deadly. Neither a “Just Say No” treatise nor a “How to” manual, Buzzed is based on theconviction thatpeople make better decisions with accurate information at hand. 8 pages of color illustrations ... Read more

Reviews

Buy this book -- it could save your life, March 23, 2000
In a time where literature on illegal substance is usually limited to propaganda either for or against drugs, their legalization, etc.., this book provides a refreshing, unbiased account. The knowledge it provides on a drug's different effects on the body, the brain, one's emotional well-being, and its addictive potential prove to be invaluable. This is not a crusade against the use of substances, but it does not seek to glorify their use. Anyone planning on experimenting with any drug should at least read this book first. It allows an individual to weigh the risks from a more educated point of view as it dispels myths and delivers what it says it will: the straight facts.

I would urge everyone involved in this area from policy makers to other students to buy this book and read it. I finished it in two days, and I'm a better-informed, more careful thinker because of it.

Don't go to a party without it.

Necessity for Those Entering Substance Abuse Arena, January 20, 2000
As a college professor at Delgado in New Orleans, La., I found the book to be very informative and fact based for anyone interested in substance abuse and/or addictions. I am using this book as a text for a class entitled "Introduction to Substance Abuse". The authors are clear, concise and discuss various drugs (including alcohol) at differing levels of use. This is an excellent text book for those preparing to enter the prevention and treatment fields. If you are expecting to read that "all drugs are bad", and other typical statements, this book will not appease you. It has value for the professional interested in the field as well as the parent who may simply wish to be better informed on the current trends in the world of drugs and alcohol. Warren J. Perret,BSCW/BCSAC

Great Primer On Many Aspects Of Addictive Substances, September 7, 2001
I am a health care professional who just started working with patients in a hospital detox setting. This book was exactly what I was looking for as a review and primer on the effects different drugs had on the brain and body. The book is in two parts. Part one is basically a quick reference to the different classes of addictive substances, how they affect the brain, how the body disposes of them, the type of withdrawl someone will experience, etc. Part two covers some basics of neuropharmacology which you will need to understand some of the technical info in part one, and also goes into things as varied as the addictive process and social and legal issues involved with drug use. There is a good bibliography and a great index with many of the common street names for a variety of drugs and drug related activities.
I would highly reccommend this to anyone in health care, education, or any type of drug counseling or rehab. Great tool for patient/client/student education about drugs that is factual and easy to understand.

Modern, Factual, Agenda-Free Handbook on Modern Drug Abuse, December 14, 2005
Some folks reviewing this book don't seem to understand the purpose for which the book was intended: This is a general consumer book with "straight facts" from Ph.D.s in pharmacology and chemistry on "the most used and abused drugs." This isn't intended to be comprehensive. It it certainly isn't about grandstanding as some tool in the "war on drugs." The motto in this book is "Just say Know."

The authors candidly observe, for example, that it's practically impossible to overdose on marijuana. There's no "Reefer Madness" in this text. And alcohol, caffeine and nicotine certainly qualify as abused drugs in this day and age. The substances that are covered include those above and Ecstasy (MDMA), various hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms, peyote, etc.), so-called "herbal drugs", various inhalants (nitrous oxide and psychotoxics), marijuana, opiates, sedatives in general and stimulants in general. The chapters on "Drug Basics," "Brain Basics" and "Legal Issues" were straightforward and concise.

I work principally in law enforcement and use this book along with the Drug Identification Bible as resource literature in helping local kids with presentations. One of the authors, Dr. Wilkie Wilson, has been a TV Dateline expert and wonderful spokesperson for being informed about the risks of drug use.

Very good, unbiased information on recreational drugs, October 23, 2000
I read this book as a casual user of marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine. This book has made me come to the realization that I will never use another illegal drug other than marijuana. I never knew the drugs that my classmates were using so carelessly were so destructive. What I like most about the book is the fact that the information is completely unbiased, and is just focused on giving you the straight facts. Information that you get from other, unreliable sources, such as Internet web sites, is so completely biased towards telling you how horrible drugs are, you begin to pick up that you are not being given the whole truth but rather what anti-drug people want you to believe. "Buzzed" gave me more incentive to never do hard drugs than those "unreliable" sources would ever have, even with their terrible drug horror stories. People are smart....just give them the information they need about something, and they will decide their actions from there. I reccomend this book to anyone taking any drugs (including marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine), or anyone considering taking a potentially dangerous recreational drug.

A Book That Breaks Through the Chaff, June 30, 2004
As my review title states, this book targets an audience - one that wants to be well informed about drugs that are used and abused in our society.

What sets this book apart from so many others (most notably government-issued literature about recreational drugs) is that its language isn't dry, bureaucratic, and unappealing. Instead, the authors have successfully made their points about the uses and abuses of recreational drugs without boring the reader into submission. A book of this nature that is actually entertaining and enlightening to read is a breakthrough!

My one qualm with the book was with its lack of relevant informaton on steroids, which are definitely a drug that have been, and will continue to be, highly abused by many people the world over. The chapter on this drug class was brief and should have included more information about steroids from a user's point of view. However, it's worth noting that my library-issued copy was the 1998 version of the book, which has since been updated.

So, I have given this book a strong reveiw because, frankly, it deserves it; I was able to read the book cover to cover in about a day and a half without feeling any boredom. As a result I feel better informed and more confident with my knowledge about recreational drugs.

BUZZED takes much of the mystery out of how drugs work!, May 6, 1999
Understanding how drugs and alcohol work on the human body is an ongoing mystery for many people, whether citizens, students, or professionals working with drug/alcohol issues. Many traditional approaches include moralistic perspectives which, while helpful for some purposes, are not part of the human body's processing of these substances! BUZZED provides the facts, stripped of their moral and legal connotations, about how drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other substances work on the human body. BUZZED is refreshing in that it explains, with the best understanding that we have today, HOW drugs work on the body, and WHY they work the way they do.

Refreshingly, BUZZED provides this information in a way which helps the reader understand these facts. The book provides an understanding of why people generally feel the way they do when using various substances, and provides information about the various dangers that may be associated.

I believe the book will be helpful for people of all ages and all walks of life. While many of the biochemical principles and details underlying substance use and abuse are extremely complex, BUZZED takes these and makes them understandable.

I find it particularly helpful to see this emphasis upon the brain chemistry, and how drugs are linked to the neurotransmitters that we are increasingly coming to understand and respect. My only critique of the book is that I wish it included references for further reading and more detailed elaboration.

I anticipate that drug and alcohol education approaches, such as those emphasized in BUZZED, will come to represent the best approaches to helping people, particularly young people, understand and respect these substances to a greater degree. I think it provides great promise for future changes in how we understand drugs and alcohol, and how we address this important issue as the United States and as a world culture.

David Anderson, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Center for the Advancement of Public Health, George Mason University - Fairfax, VA

What educators and parents need to know., August 27, 1998
I am a deputy sheriff in a Southern California county of more than 2.5 million residents. For 3 years I have been educating children and adults about the dangers of drugs. Finding complete, factual information about drugs commonly abused was not an easy task. My search was complete when I read "BUZZED." No scare tactics, no outdated statistics, and complete information in both easy to understand language as well as scientific details. I believe it should be used as both a textbook and a reference source by law enforcement, educators and health care professionals. Since reading the book I have had the opportunity to speak to the authors who I find very accessible, knowledgeable and motivated to educate. I hope they will continue their research and I look forward to further editions.

Different than anything else, November 10, 2006
I love this book because it's the first I have read that JUST gives the facts. Good or bad, the writers speak from a scientific perspective rather than what the media tries to feed the public. It's refreshing and I can trust that there is no hidden agenda here.

Just Say Know!, April 24, 2007
This is a book that takes the right approach to drug education. It certainly isn't the naive rhetoric of the "Just Say No" campaign nor does it romanticize drug use or downplay the potential dangers. Instead it provides a wealth of useful factful information that is based on scientific research but is still accessible to the average reader.

The book is divided into sections based on the various classes of drugs - hallucinogens, opiates, stimulants, etc. Just about every drug, both legal and illegal,is covered, with extra attention paid to those most widely consumed, such as alcohol and marijuana.

The writers here tell it like it is and, overall, do an outstanding job. I would have preferred slightly more attention devoted to explaining the actual effects, both positive and negative, of each individual drug (ie) how it feels to "get high". Some people may see this as promoting drug use. But the truth is that "getting high" can make you feel really low. For example, smoking pot can, for some people, cause intense feelings of "paranoia" very similar to what people with clinical anxiety experience. Can smoking pot lead to clinical anxiety later in life? The truth is that the medical community is, to the best of my knowledge, still out on this question. In fact, far too little is known about all illegal drugs because the government, in its ignorance, makes it extremely difficult for scientists to study them. But exploring the effects of specific drugs on brain chemistry is where this book excels. The three primary writers are professors at Duke University Medical Center and so are clearly well qualified to write on the subject.

This book should be required reading for all high schools students and I would recommended it to just about anyone working in the field or interested in the topic. Knowledge is power and this book provides a great education. ... Read more