When I go to the library, I tend to pick fiction books over nonfiction. My favorite genre is historical fiction. I like a good story. It takes more effort for me to choose nonfiction. Recently I heard about a book written by Casey Means, M.D. and requested it.
In the book, Good Energy, Dr. Means explains why she quit her residency as a surgeon and moved to functional medicine. I understand functional medicine because my daughter has a functional medicine practice.
Dr. Means realized that as a surgeon, following protocols, she was not getting to the root of her patients’ health problems. Patients were increasingly dependent on the medical system. She made an abrupt change. She focused on the metabolism in the body and how to best support it.
In part one of the book, Means explains energy at the cellular level. She encourages the reader to understand the importance of knowing what the body needs to function healthily. She discusses the immune system.
In part two, Means focuses on diet. She explains lab tests and what the values mean. Improvement can be made with diet and lifestyle choices. The typical American diet has problems. To follow all of her principles of a good diet can be overwhelming. I feel like I do a pretty good job, but found some things that I could improve. There were a few items on her list to avoid that I might challenge. I did enjoy the list of micronutrients and their sources. I noticed herbs and berries (included in my diet) that are good anti-oxidant sources.
Other areas of health that are covered in the book: respecting your biological clock, tackling fear and anxiety, developing good habits. Part three provides a plan for making changes. The final section of the book has recipes.
Making changes to diet, sleep habits and lifestyle takes resolve. The effort is worth it in better health, more energy.
Kate’s prompt for the Five Minute Friday writing community is: EFFORT
I purchased this book awhile ago after hearing Dr Means on a podcast, but only started reading before the holidays, so I’m not very far along yet. Was interested to see some reviews from real people so I appreciate your thoughts on it. Visiting from ST&F today.
The book has so much detail. I am finding it helpful to pick up a couple of areas I can improve–giving up snacking late in the evening. I also need to include exercise each day–taking a walk or using the treadmill. Also, I have been reading it slowly–maybe 10 pages at a time.
I’m always on the lookout for reads and recommendations. And this sounds like something I’d definitely be interested in looking into.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend
{{Hugs}}
I’m always on the lookout for reads and recommendations. And this sounds like something I’d definitely be interested in looking into.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend
{{Hugs}}
There is no chance that all this heals,
the deep-set pain and bloody cough,
and so I’ll drive it ’till the wheels
get wobble-loose and then fall off,
for this is functionality,
the way in which I can yet serve,
and this is my reality,
and maybe all that I deserve,
for I was not the best of men,
maybe closer to the worst,
and therefore I accept that then
in this life cancer’s got me cursed,
but in my Christ I’m counting on
the next life and a pain-free dawn.
Cancer is hard. I am saddened that the rate of cancer diagnosis is increasing. I hope you have relief from pain.
I’m listening to the audible now. Very informative.
The book is packed full of information. I read a few sections at a time.