The Longevity Paradox

February 1, 2019
A heart surgeon and restorative medicine authority continues mapping his blueprint for a robust life through scientifically supported dietary changes.In his latest, readers will find Gundry's (The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in "Healthy" Foods that Cause Disease and Weight Gain, 2017, etc.) friendly demeanor, sound advice, and compassionate motivational techniques unchanged as he takes a closer look at the aging process and examines a variety of ways to mitigate the damage done to the body across a lifetime. After debunking many commonly held myths about human aging, the author turns to one of his main areas of research: gut bacteria and how to make it advantageous for the body. In clear, concise language he describes the human microbiome (the body's collective microorganisms or "gut buddies") as being at the mercy of both a Western diet as well as a lectin-inducing plant-based one, each systematically hijacking and wreaking havoc on human cells. Gundry acknowledges this condition as reversible, however, as long as one adheres to his suggested nutritional therapies and lifestyle adjustments--e.g., avoiding lectins and carefully limiting alcohol and heartburn medications. Lay readers alarmed by the idea of micromanaging their microbial composition will find chapters on foods to best fight cancer and heart disease, as well as the enduring benefits of regular exercise for brain and memory health, more accessible and appealing. Gundry clearly lays out the immense potential for aging gracefully, and in the second half of the book, he presents a comprehensive program of wholesome organic food choices, meal plans, fasting intervals, vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle suggestions. Dedication and commitment are mandatory. Though the author sees aging as an unavoidable inevitability, that doesn't mean the process has to be arduous and unhealthy. Instead, he believes that once one's microbiome is improved and preserved, it can result in maximum health and longevity.A proactive, manageable, and practical approach to stemming the aging tide.

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