Amazon.com Review
Combining a thorough explanation of nutritional supplements with healthy food recommendations,
Feed Your Genes Right is a straightforward guide to healing modern illnesses--sometimes even before they strike. Author Jack Challem (
Syndrome X) does a fine job with presenting complex health information in simple terms, and the mix of research, individual stories and personal touches result in a book as informative as most textbooks while being far more readable.
Supplements are accessible in two separate ways (in addition to an excellent index): by the supplement name, and by disease. One section explains each supplement in fine detail, including how they are available and what conditions particularly benefit from them; a later section lists medical conditions alphabetically--including everything from sickle cell anemia to wrinkles to cancer--and suggests dietary and supplemental recommendations, including specific reference to the research that makes the recommendation.
Many of the diet-related advice will sound familiar: there is nothing too earth-shattering about eating nutritionally-dense foods along plenty of water, fruit and vegetables, and getting a good mix of lean proteins and healthy fats. Challem makes a clear case for eating organically when possible, and also avoiding trans fats, referencing a number of studies that zoom in on specific nutrient loss or potential cancer-causing agents. A short recipe section provides new inspiration for following these guidelines, with interesting options like roasted carrots and black rice pudding with coconut milk.
While probably of more use to those looking to prevent chronic health issues rather than to cure acute illness, the book offers fine assistance to anyone investigating the use of supplements past the addition of a one-a-day tablet. --Jill Lightner
From Publishers Weekly
Offering an unusual mix of hard science, commonsense nutritional advice and even a handful of recipes, this book counsels readers to take control of their bodies (and, more specifically, their genes) by being knowledgeable about what to feed them. "Nutrients provide the building blocks of genes, and they turn many genes on and off," Challem notes. Therefore, what you eat determines not only your energy level and your belt size, but also your risk of DNA damage and disease. Challem, coauthor of Syndrome X, packs his volume with information on specific genetic conditions and advice on how to avoid or ameliorate them, as well as general tips for healthy living. The text is well organized but full of arduous terminology, particularly the latter half, which details specific diseases and their genotypes. At one point, for example, Challem notes that "people with an inefficient APOE E4 variation of the apoliprotein gene, which is relatively common in some parts of Scandinavia, tend to have higher blood-cholesterol levels and are more likely to suffer a heart attack." Though Challem stuffs his book with facts and makes frequent references to clinical studies, readers may be skeptical of some of his claims. (He asserts, for example, that many of the biochemical problems associated with Down Syndrome "can be circumvented through high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements and thyroid medications, leading to improved intelligence and appearance.") Not all readers will embrace Challem's prescriptions, or his sometimes technical writing, but those interested in the science of healthy living, particularly the nuts and bolts of the body's inner-workings, will find this a fascinating read.
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