My feelings about Western Medicine are no secret. The last 6 years or so, I found that I had to do an awful lot of legwork myself regarding health, and preparing for doctors appointments. But then, like I’ve said to hundreds of my own clients: Your health is your responsibility. Who should be more interested in your health than you? Doctors are busy people. They are not going to be as motivated to spend hours on the internet or in a book researching your symptoms.

Consequently, I have amassed a small library of books on various diagnoses and clinical topics. In this hub I share the first of what will likely be many sets of my favorite books.

This book gave me my life back the first time Western Medicine failed me. I had suffered chronic sinus infections for over 6 years. In addition to countless rounds of medicines including antibiotics, I had 2 surgeries. Nothing helped. After stumbling on Dr. Ivker’s book, I began his vitamin and supplement recommendations outlined in his book. Recommendations are given for adults, pregnant women and children. The book also has other recommendations such as for nasal saline washes, air purifiers, and dietary suggestions. He also discusses candida, an adverse effect of the overuse of antibiotics on the body. Dr. Ivker’s programs have been highly successful. Testimonials describe not only relief of sinus conditions, but a positive impact on clients’ other health problems such as blood pressure.

This book educated me about laryngotracheal or extra-esophageal reflux the second time Western Medicine failed me. Dr. Barrett is a family practice physician who could not help his own daughters. They had uncontrolled allergies and suffered horribly for years. Dr. Barrett came to realize that it was not allergies, but reflux that was the cause of their allergy-like symptoms. The over-production of mucus is a protective response to the excess acid production in the stomach. As the acids creep up the esophagus and near the trachea, the body produces mucus to attempt a barrier. This explains why typical allergy treatments do not work. He estimates as many as 50% of reflux suffers do not have stomach or gastrointestinal symptoms. His book outlines physical exam findings that he has come to recognize, such as a particular appearance of the uvula, the ear drum and the nasal turbinates.

Mary Shoman has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. Through her experience with the medical system, she has become a patient advocate and author in all of these issues. This book was a lifesaver the third time Western Medicine failed me. I have this book tabbed and highlighted like some people do their Bible. She has not only exhaustive information on thyroid disease, but abundant resources on both Western Medicine and alternative medicine resources. She also includes online resources, such as one of my absolute favorites, Dr. Bruce Rind.

This book is directed to those with an array of health problems including digestive problems, cancer, Alzheimer’s, ADD and Multiple Sclerosis. It combines and builds on many other diets, including the food combining and blood type diets. The eating plan is designed to optimize the pH of the body, making it a less hospitable environment for diseases, including cancer. Combining meat protein and starches in the same meal is highly discouraged because the digestive processes are too diverse, therefore together they are too difficult to digest. Fermented, or cultured foods like cultured vegetables and kefir, are highly encouraged. Recipes are included for recommended foods.  Visit The Body Ecology Website. 

This book is very easy to read.  It does a great job of simply explaining the essence of natural healing and the departure from Western Medicine.  Western Medicine identifies symptoms and treats them with prescription medications.  Natural or alternative medicine looks on symptoms as important clues to imbalances in the body.  These imbalances are thought to be caused by toxins in the environment including foods, and cause harmful free radicals.  The book has short sections on numerous common health conditions, from headaches, high blood pressure and high cholesterol to lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and cancer.  Western Medicine treatment is discussed, as well as natural cures.  Lot to be learned here, for men or women. 

I’d say the book is biased toward Alternative Medicine principles and techniques, in diverse areas.  Topics are divided into 9 strategy areas:  Self Improvement, Nutrition, Energy Techniques, Fitness, Hidden Health Dangers, Holistic Health, Physical and Mental Problems, Stress, and Nutritional Supplements.  Each of the 101 topics are only 2 to 4 pages.  Ideal to keep on the bedside table. 

I decided to buy this book after reading an interview with Ms. Sellman by Mary Shoman. The author talks about myths and misconceptions of women’s hormones propagated by physicians and pharmaceutical companies. Her logical presentation clicked with me. She relies highly on the work of Dr. John R. Lee’s work. Neither Ms. Sellman nor Dr. Lee recommend hormone replacement therapy nor expensive osteoporosis treatments, but instead natural progesterone cream. Dr. Lee’s work is pretty compelling in noting the use of progesterone in helping directly or indirectly with cholesterol levels, blood pressure and an array of health problems.