Book review: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutritional Medicine May Be Killing You

I just finished reading this book by Dr. Ray Strand. It basically deals with nutritional supplements and how antioxidants are important in preventing various chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and even conditions like cardiomyopathy, cataract and macular degeneration, to name a few. The emphasis is on preventive medicine.

Nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals and other supplements like 0Q10, which are vital to prevent oxidative stress and free radical damage to the body.

However, it does not mean you should bombard yourself with high doses of vitamins and minerals. In fact, a high dose of vitamins can lead to hypervitaminosis.

The book is written in a simple language, and explains even complex physiologic process in a simple way. There are some interesting revelations also on how raised cholesterol levels may not be the only cause of heart attacks and how recommended daily allowances (RDA) of key nutrients may not be enough to protect against disease.

But I would like to say that it is not true that doctors are ignorant about nutritional supplementation. In fact, vitamins may be the most frequently prescribed by a doctor! Also, there is too much emphasis in the book on nutritional supplementation. Adequate exercise and the right kind of diet is also vital. This could have received some more attention in the book.

But as Dr.Strand says, it would be wise to take supplements and be safe than spend an exorbitant amount on treatments like a coronary bypass surgery later on in life.

I would like to emphasize:

* Get adequate exercise.
* Eat healthy, fiber-rich food.
* Take adequate nutritional supplements (especially if your diet lacks fruits, vegetables).

All in all, I would recommend this book highly for everyone, irrespective of whether you are healthy or suffer from any disease.