I have always loved to read. Could be due to my mum being a Librarian and avid book reader and passed the love of books on to me. I do prefer a hard copy of a book, fact or fiction but appreciate others are quite happy with their downloads on tablet or phone. I will be using this site to tell you about food, nutrition, exercise, natural therapy books that I have enjoyed and recommend.
This is purely from my personal perspective and not in conjunction with any company, author or sales. You may have a favourite health & well being book to share.
Australia is both an old country and an old continent and has some of the oldest, most unique foods in the world. This book, The Oldest Foods On Earth, brings "bush tucker" to the table. Combining indigenous vegetables, fruits and animals with other cuisines to produce some tasty meals from cooks such as Maggie Beer, Andrew Fielke, Laklak Burarrwanga, Peter Gilmore and many more.
If you are not into cooking, try a restaurant that does Indigenous Cuisine.
I give this book an apple thumbs up
This book, The Complete Leaky Gut, Health & Diet Guide by Dr. Makoto Trotter, Naturopathic Doctor and Doug Cok, a Dietitian and Integrative Nutritionist, whilst providing information on Leaky Gut Syndrome with regard to nutrition, physiology and biochemistry, relates the information to the lay person. It explains what LGS is, signs and symptoms, causes and ideas to aid with healing. Recipes are provided to guide the reader to a healthier gut.
I give this book an Apple thumbs up
As you may gather as you look at the list of books I have recommended below, you can see that I am a bit of a Dr Sandro Cabot fan! The first book of her's I bought was The Liver Cleansing Diet (she has also signed my copy at a talk I attended 1998). I find her books useful for both the practitioner with knowledge as well as the lay person who wants to improve their health.
I have had my copy of this book, "The Healthy Liver & Bowel Book" for years and its falling apart in some places as the recipes are well used. I have included my favourite in the section "Seasonal Foods & Recipes"
I give this book an apple thumbs up
Bloating and feeling uncomfortable after consuming a meal containing grains, fruit and vegetables makes enjoying food a problem. Dr Sue Shepherd and colleagues at Monash university in Victoria, have identified the cause for many people and these foods are called collectively FODMAPs. Basically those carbohydrate foods, that, whilst healthy from a nutritive point of view, can be an issue physiologically. When they pass into the large intestine (bowel) they are food for your gut microbiota. These organisms create gasses which are not always absorbed resulting distention, bloating, gases, pain, nausea and flatulence. The TWO-STEP Low FODMAP Diet and Recipe Book is designed for IBS - irritable bowel syndrome. By reducing or removing the trigger, life becomes more tolerable and eating enjoyable.
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
The Mediterranean Diet is not new! The Greeks and Italians as well as other countries along the Mediterranean Sea including Spain & Southern France and countries of North Africa and coastal Middle East, have had a Mediterranean diet for Millennia. Its is simple to follow and for those who like red wine, includes that too! Focus is on fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains as well as oily fish, cheese, yoghurt and olives & olive oil. It permits poultry and red meat but in reduced amounts.
The Mediterranean diet concept has been shown to be beneficial for a number of ailments experienced from a Westernised diet including arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
This book, The Mediterranean Diet by Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos draws on her knowledge as a doctor and her Greek heritage.
It is simply written and provides delicious recipes.
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
This book correlates with the information section relating to anaemia, iron and vegans. However, as more are increasing their plant based dietary intake and are choosing less animal protein, it is valuable information for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. I first came across Patrick Holford over 20 years ago with his book "The Optimum Nutrition Bible". This latest book, expands on that information focusing on deficiency prevention and suggestions/recommendations for those choosing a plant based only diet.
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
This book topic focuses on Immunity and I have chosen to review "the science of staying well" by Dr Jenna Macchiochi, an Immunologist. A very apt profession at the current time when so many are focusing on the Immune System.
She looks at the Immune System and health from a number of aspects including food & nutrition, mental health/seasons & sleep patterns, how the immune system works and your immune system in the modern world.
Whilst as a scientist (and I know this from my own experience), you cannot avoid the science background when explaining about health & well being, Dr Macchiochi has kept the science to an understandable level for all readers level of knowledge.
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
This book topic focuses on Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and I have chosen to review "the 8-week blood sugar diet" by Dr Michael Mosley.
Dr. Michael Mosley is well known in a number of countries as a presenter including the TV series "Trust me, I'm a Doctor" where T2D has been a topic. You may be familiar with his work relating to the "5:2 fast" diet.
Whilst I am not a fan of dietary plans less than 1000 Cals ( 4200KJ) nor long term Ketogenic style plans, his latest work "the 8 week blood sugar diet" does have a sound nutritional science background and if the book is read correctly and plan followed, there are some benefits to this diet.
As with all "diets", get a check up with your GP and see a dietitian or a nutritionist specializing in nutritional medicine diets to guide you through the diet to reduce and balance your blood glucose levels
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
The "Jane Austen Diet" you may be wondering? Whether you are a "Janite" like myself or not, this is very interesting with regard to Regency eating and links to today. What to eat, when to eat, how much to eat are very much tied in with what nutritional practitioners recommend today - moderation, 2-3 meals, reduced amounts and time periods (think 16:8) and enjoying food as fuel. Eat meat, eat "carbs", eat dairy....The co-author is Bryan Kozlowski whilst not a nutrition practitioner provides an enlightening viewpoint to Jane's world, her characters and may be how we should be eating (even if we are so poor now we only have 5 servants....)
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
News media from medical sources are reporting increasing levels of depression and anxiety due to the current lockdown, social isolation and social distancing COVID-19 situation. However, many suffer from these on a daily basis outside of the pandemic. Reasons vary as does treatment, however, diet overall and vitamin D as the focus vitamin for this review, are also shown to help with management. Dr Sandra Cabot discusses a variety of options as well as vitamin D in this book. Well worth a read for your own condition, someone you know or as a professional reference. Available from bookshops, health food shops & online.
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
I have added this book taking into account the current pandemic as a good read because it deals with how humans have survived in the past when under quarantine. I may add, in much harder times. This book relates to the bubonic plague of the mid to late 1600's focusing on a small village in the Peak District of Derbyshire, Eyam. Unlike the current COVID-19, a viral disease, the plague was caused by a bacterium, Yersinia pestis spread by fleas carried on rats. When the plaque reached Eyam from London via a travelling salesman, the citizens of Eyam decided to quarantine and act to stop the plague. It also covers the use of herbs and the scaremongering of "witch craft", the courageous citizens including the priest and support of each other and residents of other villages who delivered food. I have been to Eyam several times and I was born in Derbyshire so I also have that connection to the story. It is confronting but a worthwhile read. Available online to read and order.
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
"Gut Biome" has been a catch phrase for a few year's now. As a Biological scientist with a minor in Microbiology, I have always had a soft spot for our little "bowel buddies" and their importance regarding our overall health. There is an increase in knowledge now on how much the amount and type affect our weight and that nutrition plays a vital role.
I found "The Diet Myth" by Tim Spector to be informative for myself as a scientist but worded in a way lay people would understand.
It is available from bookshops as well as online in hard copy and as an e-book. Prices vary depending upon distributor.
I give this book an apple thumbs up!
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