Book Guide
There's nothing like a good book to give depth of knowledge, a wider perspective,
and an excuse to pass a rainy afternoon on the couch.
You owe it to yourself to be educated about your health, your future, and your options.
Reading not your thing? Try a podcast instead. Better yet, have a listen while you go for a walk!
Retention of material is proven to be better if your body is active.
​
Fueling for Athletes
While I don’t always eat low-carb, and I certainly don’t race low carb, this book and other blogs and podcasts from Ben Greenfield have revolutionized my race-day fueling. I went from having IBS and walking most of my Ironman “run”, to racing with no stomach issues for 24 hours to finish a 100-mile ultramarathon. I cannot recommend learning from Ben highly enough.
Greenfield, Ben. Beyond Training. Victory Belt Publishing, 2018.
Greenfield, Ben. The Low Carb Athlete. Archangel Ink, 2015.
Liver and Gallbladder Flush
Do you have gallstones? What about liver stones? Kidney stones?
Did you know that you might have hundreds or even thousands of stones in your liver and galbladder?
You may have heard the term NAFLD, or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. More than 1/3 of the population may suffer from NAFLD whether or not they drink alcohol. But what is it, and how does NAFLD affect our health? The liver is arguably the most important organ in the body. It filters up to 3 liters of blood a minute, and also produces up to 1 1/2 quarts of bile a day! Bile is transferred to the gallbladder, where it is stored and released after you eat a fatty meal. The bile helps us digest fats, as well as reduce the acidity of the stomach contents after they arrive in the small intestine.
If this system isn’t working properly, then bile production can be reduced to less than a cup a day. The bile ducts in the liver and gallbladder become stagnant, forming stones which become hard and calcified over time. These block the ducts, making the problem worse. If the liver is congested, we may have have constipation or diarrhea, cysts, skin issues, hemorrhoids, osteoporosis, gout, allergies, gut issues, joint pain, food cravings, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, back pain, poor circulation, and the list goes on. And on. And on.
But you CAN reverse this by flushing out the stones from your liver and gallbladder, and it’s painless. Some people report they feel absolutely amazing after seeing hundreds or thousands of stones release from their bile ducts!
Read a funny but honest review of the process here:
​
Moritz, Andreas. The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush. Ener-chi Wellness Press, 2012.
Understanding the Oligoscan
Delve into the Oligoscan, and see how this non-invasive instant scan can help us understand ourselves. By looking into our intracellular data using a spectrophotometer, we can measure vitamins, minerals and heavy metals accurately and consistently. In many cases no other test (blood, urine, or hair) comes close to giving us the same information. Track changes over time as you optimize your minerals, or detox your heavy metals.
​
Gamble, Jon. Mastering Chronic Disease: Toxicity, Deficiency & Infection. Karuna Publishing, 2022.
Niacin
Niacin (especially the non-flush version INOSITOL HEXANICOTINATE) is effective in helping with depression, mental illness, alcoholism, cardiovascular disease and many other issues. We recommend this supplement often.
Hoffer, Abram; Saul, Andrew & Foster, Harold. Niacin: The Real Story. Basic Health Publications, 2015.
https://www.amazon.com/Niacin-Story-Wonderful-Healing-Properties/dp/1591202752
World Without Cancer
In the remote regions of the Himalaya Mountains is a tribe called the Hunza. A man’s wealth in that tribe is measured by how many apricot trees he owns. And the most prized part of the fruit is the tiny seed inside the pit. The rate of cancer in the Hunza people is ZERO.
Inside the apricot pit is a substance called Vitamin B17. The B17 molecule contains glucose, cyanide, and benzaldehyde. The molecule is tightly joined together and can only be unlocked with beta glucosidase. Cancer cells have 3000 times as much beta glucosidase as other cells. Hence, the cyanide molecule in B17 is only unlocked in the presence of the cancer cell. Non-cancer cells have an enzyme called Rhodenase which neutralizes the cyanide into non-harmful byproducts.
​
Vitamin B17 was first isolated in 1950, and it has been used widely as an anti-cancer drug around the world. Foods containing B17 have been valued for their health properties since Roman times, if not before. B17 may also help with high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, asthma, immunity, gastrointestinal issues, and tooth decay.
How well does B17 work to cure cancer compared to orthodox cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy, surgery)? In one study: Advanced Cancer: B17 helped 15% be cancer free, compared to one-tenth of a percent for orthodox treatments! Early Detection: B17 helped 80% be cancer free, compared to 15% for orthodox treatments. Presently Healthy: B17 helped 100% stay cancer free, compared to 84% using other methods. In fact not ONE of the people in the study taking B17 was ever known to get cancer.
​
Griffin, G. Edward. World without Cancer: The Story of Vitamin B17. Dauphin Publications, 2011.
How do your teeth affect your health?
Think those cavities, root canals, infections, receeding gums, amalgam fillings, and poor dental hygiene aren't affecting your overall health? Think again.
​
Dr. Jorgensen runs a successful holistic dental practice in American Fork, Utah. Her book is surprisingly clear, concise, and well written. Following her guidelines would help you not just have good dental hygiene, but could also help you gain better overall health.
​
This book will also help you understand how to prevent and reverse cavities, as well as safely remove amalgam fillings and start to detox. Good health starts and ends with the mouth!
​
Jorgensen, Michelle C. Healthy Mouth, Healthy YOU! Independently Published, 2019.
Throw away your Calcium Supplements?
You have probably heard the slogan “Got Milk?”. You also probably have absorbed the concept that bones contain calcium from this catchy ad campaign (paid for by the dairy council!). What you may not realize is that bones contain 12 major minerals, along with more than 60 other trace minerals. Over 90% of people have excess calcium in their bodies. Calcium is perhaps the one thing that we almost always get enough of in food, whether we eat a lot of dairy or not.
When minerals are out of balance, the body must choose which functions to prioritize. It may not be a surprise to hear that the body will always choose to prioritize the functions which keep you alive! However, the non-optimized parts which now aren’t working as well, can leave you feeling less than optimal.
​
Excess calcium and mineral imbalances cause multiple health problems, including obesity, heart disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, anxiety, migraines, depression, dementia, and hypertension.
However, it turns out that sea water contains all the trace minerals in just the right ratios that we need in our bodies. Isn’t our creator amazing?!
​
Thompson, Robert. The Calcium Lie 2. Take Charge Books; 2nd edition. 2013.
Hormones and Women's Health
Women are complicated. Hormones are a big part of that. But you can age more gracefully and retain your strength, energy and health by replacing your hormones as they decrease through menopause. I’m not talking about birth control fake hormones, either. Bio-identical hormones from a compounding pharmacy can make you feel youthful again, in many ways!
Wartian-Smith, Pamela. What You Must Know About Women’s Hormones: Your Guide to Natural Hormone Treatments for PMS, Menopause, Osteoporosis, PCOS, and More. Square One Publishers, 2022.
Brownstein, David. The Miracle of Natural Hormones. Medical Alternatives Press, 2003.
Wright, Jonathan & Lenard, Lane. Stay Young and Sexy with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement: The Science Explained. Smart Publications, 2010.
Niacin
Niacin (especially the non-flush version INOSITOL HEXANICOTINATE) is effective in helping with depression, mental illness, alcoholism, cardiovascular disease and many other issues. We recommend this supplement often.
Hoffer, Abram; Saul, Andrew & Foster, Harold. Niacin: The Real Story. Basic Health Publications, 2015.
https://www.amazon.com/Niacin-Story-Wonderful-Healing-Properties/dp/1591202752
Men's Hormones
We live in a world which throws a lot curveballs at our bodies and our health. It’s been proven that the average Testosterone levels in men have declined 1% a year for the last 30 years. It’s no wonder that many men feel tired, sluggish, low on energy and low on libido. Pssst…there’s something you can do about that.
Campbell, Jay. The Testosterone Optimization Therapy (TOT) Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Living a Fully Optimized Life. 2018.
Kelly, Daniel. Optimized Under 35: How to boost testosterone, increase your sex drive, and achieve incredible health. Archangelink, 2019.
The Low Carb Diet
This is the original idea that started the low carb trends, and this book is still a good place to start if you are curious about how controlling carbohydrates can benefit your life goals.
Westman, Eric; Phinney, Stephen; & Volek, Jeff. The New Atkins for a New You. Touchstone, 2010.
Why You Should Eat More Salt
If the government tells you not to do something, do the opposite. This is true about eating more eggs, more fat, and definitely more salt. Salt is NOT a condiment. It is an essential nutrient and shortages of it can cause insulin sensitivity, weight gain, sluggish metabolism, increased toxic load, and more.
DiNicolantonio, James. The Salt Fix: Why the Experts Got It All Wrong – And How Eating More Might Save Your Life. Harmony Books, 2017.
Iodine and the Thyroid Connection
Why are SO many people on Thyroid medications these days? Dr. Brownstein postulates, though his experiences with 6000 patients, that a shortage of iodine is the true underlying cause of low body temperature, dry skin, low energy, cold hands and other thyroid issues. Iodine deficiency is found in 90% of people and can iodine can help reproductive organ problems as well as repairing toxin overload.
Brownstein, David. Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. Medical Alternatives Press, 2014.​
Mushrooms
Paul Stamets is excited about mushrooms, and you will catch his excitement and want to grow them yourself by the end of this book!
Stamets, Paul. Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World. Ten Speed Press, 2010.
Healthy Water
Mind blown. That’s how Dawn felt after reading this book. Plus, you will want to go watch your pasta water boil in a pot, just to see if what the author describes is true.
Pollack, Gerald. The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid Liquid Vapor. Ebner and Sons Publisher, 2013.
Escaping Your Comfort Zone
Soft. We are soft creatures these days. Go do something really hard. Your brain will thank you for it. Aging is the aggressive pursuit of comfort -Gary Brecka
Easter, Michael. The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self. Rodale Books, 2021.
Rewiring Your Brain
Norman Doidge manages to educate about tough concepts as well as tell fun stories to keep the pages turning. He has several books, and they are all good. You might find yourself crawling around the house, though, to make sure all the circuits in your brain are firing!
Doidge, Norman. The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science. Penguin Books, 2007.
Doidge, Norman. The Brain's Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity. Penguin Life, 2016.
Why We Can't Change Our Minds
Ever wonder why it’s hard to say Yes after you’ve said NO to something? Why you would defend the Cov1D vaccine in the fact of overwhelming evidence that it is harmful and not helpful? Why you lean to one political party even if you no longer agree with their ideals? Ironically, and somewhat unwittingly, perhaps, the authors reveal their own political bias while trying to explain why it is hard to let go of bias! If you are curious why we get stuck defending the ideas we’ve adopted for ourselves, even when they no longer make sense, then you will find this fascinating.
Tavris, Carol and Aronson, Elliot. Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts. HMHCO, 2007.
Essential Amino Acids
Imagine starting a long hike across the country and carrying only Carbs, Fats and Essential Amino Acids as your food source. No other proteins or meats. You will finish the hike stronger and healthier than when you started. Yep, science has cracked the code! We can now put the exact ratios of protein building blocks that are needed by the human body into pill form. Fascinating.
Minkoff, David. The Search For The Perfect Protein: The Key to Solving Weight Loss, Depression, Fatigue, Insomnia, and Osteoporosis. Lioncrest Publishing, 2019.
Children
Children are having more problems than ever before. More toxins, more childhood vaccines, more electronics, less freedom to explore the outside world. It can be overwhelming. Children are short of nutrients, too, and can benefit from a balanced micronutrient lifestyle.
Saul, Andrew & Campbell, Ralph. The Vitamin Cure for Children’s Health Problems. Basic Health Publications, 2011.
Bock, Kenneth & Stauth, Cameron. Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies. Ballantine Books, 2007.
Low Dose Naltrexone
Naltrexone was originally developed aa a drug for opiate abuse treatment. In a low dose (2-4 mg rather than 50 mg per day) people have found it be helpful with many other chronic health issues.
Moore, Elaine & Wilkinson, Samantha. The Promise of Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy. McFarland & Co Publishers, 2009.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is not a vitamin. It’s a hormone. It’s been a key factor is the severity of Cov1d cases. It’s also pretty important for health. Since most people don’t get enough from sunshine, especially in the winter, this is a good read.
Holick, Michael. The Vitamin D Solution: A 3-Step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common Health Problems. Penguin Group, 2010.
Strength Training for People Who Hate Weightlifting
If strength training is an afterthought, and you don’t want to spend hours in the gym, this type of workout is for you. Don’t get me wrong….it’s intense…but you only do it for 10 minutes a few times a week. Highly recommended for reversing osteoporosis and age-related muscle loss.
Jaquish, John and Alkire, Henry. Weight Lifting Is A Waste of Time: So is Cardio, and There’s a Better Way to Have the Body You Want. Lioncrest Publishing, 2020.
McGuff, Doug & Little, John. Body By Science: A Research-Based Program For Strength Training, Body Building, and Complete Fitness in 12 Minutes a Week. McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Orthomolecular Medicine
Linus Pauling is the grandfather of orthomolecular medicine and won a Nobel Prize for his work on Vitamin C. His attitude towards using nutrients to cure disease has fallen out of favor due to the high profits of drug companies suppressing the concept, but it is one we all need to get back to for better health. Following in his footsteps is Andrew Saul, who managed to raise his kids to adulthood without ever giving them antibiotics!
Pauling, Linus. How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Oregon State University Press, 2006.
Saul, Andrew. Doctor Yourself: Natural Healing That Works. Basic Health Publications, 2012.