Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Be cautious about how you approach healing your Lupus., July 26, 2008
I bought this book perhaps three years ago when I was first diagnosed with Lupus. I read it extensively. I have had Lupus for more than a decade now, although I was only diagnosed just before I purchased this book. I am 45 years old, and I can honestly say that good nutrition is pivotal for any healthy body, but that Jill's proposed diet should be viewed with caution. There are indeed some lovely ideas about using whole foods, but here I was, a vegetarian for most of my life, eating a whole foods based diet, as slim as can be, and still searching for ways to amend my already sound eating habits to hopefully embrace remission. I too have Celiac disease and many people with Lupus have other comorbidities. My advice is not to look at this book as the only way to heal. Far more helpful to me (and I was a practicing pharmacist for many years) was to discover a wonderful naturopath. With no Lupus medications, my approach to healing is all about stress control, rest, diet, exercise and supplements. Most importantly, get an allergy screen. The night shades are not good for anyone with Lupus and this is not made clear in the book. After working with my naturopath, and after 30 years, I began to eat wild fish and use fish oil supplements. Last week, after 40 years, and following the Type O diet as elaborated by Dr. Dr D'Adamo, I began to eat grass fed meat. That was the most difficult thing to do and not something that Jill would ever advocate. I avoid the fruits and veggies that are toxic to my blood type and I honesly can say that for the first time in years, I am feeling so much better. My thoughts about Jill's work is that diet is important in helping people with Lupus feel better, but her diet is certainly not for everyone. In fact, eating raw produce even though organic, can be quite dangerous if you are immune-compromized. There are times when people with Lupus need to eat softer cooked foods so as not to stress the gut and avoid possible infections. I would strongly suggest eating according to your blood type, while avoiding allergens after allergy testing. Stay away from alfala and nightshades all together. I know Jill uses nightshades but they are pro-inflammatory. Gluten containing foods are also pro-inflammatory and should be avoided regardless of sensitivities. Certain gluten-free grains are wonderful like quinoa and buckwheat and I do not think Jill favors the use of grains. I think too often in life we grapple with the illusion that one plan fits all. Would it not be so lovely if that held true. I certainly think that Jill has devoted so much of her life's work to helping people with Lupus, but from my own journey, I have begun to understand immunology a whole lot more. Eating foods that do not awaken those auto-anti-bodies might just be another logical approach.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to read and makes sense, June 15, 2007
My dad bought me this book afer finding it on the internet. I have been in diagnosis limbo for 6 years. Although I haven't gotten a firm lupus diagnosis, there is some type of autoimmune disorder affecting me and this book helped prompt me to make some lifestyle changes that I already knew I should adopt.
Although I haven't been able to commit fully to Ms. Harrington's plan, I do feel better eating a vegetarian diet and I find her recipes easy and tasty.
All of my doctors have said that the diet wouldn't hurt, but none of them believe that diet alone could reverse lupus or any other autoimmune disease. I feel that if the diet was followed strictly that the possibility of a reversal isn't a dream for some patients. I honestly believe that following the diet will help everyone feel better. How can eating fresh, wholesome food NOT be good for you.
Anyone who has struggled with an autoimmune disease should at least buy the book and read Ms. Harrington's story and recommendations.
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
REALLY worth a try for anyone with autoimmune disease, May 14, 2007
As a physician, I look at all "cures" with skepticism. This is much more than "stories", although the stories are enlightening. Ms Harrington presents a very reasoned approach that has obviously worked well for her (You should see her dart around the tennis court after being grounded from most active pursuits for several years...and yes, all her auto-antibodies are gone, too. So this isn't a placebo!)It gives the reader lots of background, a cogent review of popular and scientific literature, and a personalized approach. Take from it what you will and what works for you. Even if you do not have any autoimmune problems, the recipes are great and the book is a practical guide to a healthy lifestyle. (+/- prolonges fasts).
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