Rating: 
Summary: If I could give this book 10 stars I would...
Review: After hearing about this book and its authors I felt it would be helpful in my search to take better care of my family's health. My expectations were low to say the least. It has, however, become one of the most influential books/studies of my life. I very quickly went online and purchased an additional 6 books to give to friends and family. Everyone should know what these men are trying to tell us. The book is written in common sense English, and gives very moving examples of how others have come to benefit from their studies and practice. It has forever changed the way I look at oils, fats, sugars, carbs, and dairy - especially dairy! You will be doing yourself the greatest favor to buy this book and read it right away. Good reading, and good health.
Rating: 
Summary: Requires too many life changes to be practical
Review: After reading this book I was extremely depressed. The advice the author gives would require so many life changes that it is not practical. So I am back to the "everything in moderation" philosophy. I do not believe that most people would even attempt to follow this advice. I am not saying that the author isn't right. His program requires more changes than most people would be able to stick to.
Rating:
Summary: A way to attain and retain health
Review: Excellent book. Opened my eyes to many things about our medical system. Why do doctors only treat our symptoms and not try to find the root causes? I have Hypothyroidism, but have no idea why. One benefit of reading this book was I talked to my doctor about why I was still feeling crappy even though I have been taking Synthroid for three years. Turns out my T3 levels were low. I think I will live longer because I read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Ultraprevention
Review: Finally, a health book that makes sense to me, that is exceptionally lucid and intelligently written. In the early pages when I went through those 10 provocative multiple choice questions, and then read on page 26 the debunking of 17 medical platitudes, and further read some eye brow raising myth stuff about doctors (having my own internist in mind) I knew I'd got my moneys worth. This book should remain in view on any health conscious person's coffee table
Rating:
Summary: Agreed...A fine book, but Nothing new!
Review: First, I must in large measure agree with Justus Pendelton's "All good stuff but nothing new". Having read the book and watched an interview of Dr. Liponis on TV ;-), I find his approach utilizing an integrated holistic approach to health refreshing.
But here are a few general comments about the book and about the characteristic reviews regarding it:
1) Dr. Liponis, in the book and in interviews makes frequent reference to many very specialized tests of which few are aware (including many doctors! - just ask them!). These were critical in identifying various maladies that he and other's then proceeded to attempt to remedy. These tests are mentioned with some reverance and credited with being a critical factor in identifying significant maladies. So....aside from the 'readily accepted' modern recommendations of exercise, a low glycemic index diet high in fiber, low in poly & saturated fats, fish 2x a week, and portion control while minimizing refined and chemical additives - a regimen that anyone who has been even vaguely aware should already know, there is no reference to what tests are recommended for a proper screening or diagnosis of existing maladies. To be a bit sarcastic, we are left on our own regarding the area about which the author repeatedly makes significant and frequent reference! Oh well.....
2) My other comment, which is not really one about the book!, is about the myriad reviewers who rate this book based on whether it conflicts, reinforces and validates their own previously held convictions!
Unfortunately the book is not rated on whether it provides new insight or grounds for expansive thought or even if it challenges previous popularly accepted notions. And with all due respect, such a review review is of little value, as it provides no insight into the book itself. And to amplify this a bit, if the book simply validates one's previously held opinions, but adds little additional insight or practical application, the book indeed offers "good stuff but nothing new". And this in itself is NOT a reason to add this book to one's bookshelf, as it contributes little substance to the discussion at hand. Rather, it constitutes a review akin to one saying their blind date was "nice" or has a "nice personality"! While not a denouncement, neither is it a hearty endorsement!
All in all, the book is fine if it is the only book you will read on the subject. But if you are familiar with the current basic 'wellness' concepts and looking for an enlargement of your understanding and a regiment of additional applied means by which to achieve this, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: All good stuff but nothing new
Review: I give this book a low rating not because anything in it is bad per se, only that there is nothing all that great in it either. It is broken into three sections. The first two basically discuss their theory of disease along with anecdotes from their practice. While all of this is certainly interesting you're probably reading this book for its practical application to your life. So a story about someone's drug interaction and how the doctor's diagnosed it isn't particularly relevant unless you happen to have the same weird biochemistry that that patient had.The third section contains the practical applications of everything they've talked about up to this point and this is where the disappointment sets in. I have two complaints: One, in the previous two sections they mentioned numerous medical tests (e.g. checking homocystein levels or measuring metabolic performance) as being useful for diagnosing your overall health. Yet in this section there is no mention of these tests. Which ones should I ask my doctor to perform? How often should I have them performed? Two, and this is the killer, nothing they have to say is new or different. Almost the same exact advice regarding diet and exercise is contained in my 10 year old copy of a book by the guy who did Abs of Steel. If you haven't paid *ANY* attention to health and diet literature over the past decade then what they have to say might be new to you and so the book is useful for that. But at this point you can pick up most diet and nutrition books that aren't focused on a single fad diet and they'll contain the same advice: exercise (both aerobic and resistance) regularly, watch out for foods with a high glycemic index, cut out sugars, caffeine, and alcohol, minimize your animal and large fish protein and fat consumption, avoid overly processed foods, eat lots of colorful vegetables high in antioxidants, get plenty of sleep, lower your stress, laugh, enjoy life. Yes, their plan will make you healthier if you can follow it. But their plan isn't any different from what most health books have been suggesting for at least a decade and most people haven't been following their advice. There is nothing *wrong* with this book and if you aren't familiar with modern diet, exercise, and nutrition advice it is a fine place to start. But if you are familiar with such things you won't find anything new in here that you can apply to your life.
Rating:
Summary: All good stuff but nothing new
Review: I give this book a low rating not because anything in it is bad per se, only that there is nothing all that great in it either. It is broken into three sections. The first two basically discuss their theory of disease along with anecdotes from their practice. While all of this is certainly interesting you're probably reading this book for its practical application to your life. So a story about someone's drug interaction and how the doctor's diagnosed it isn't particularly relevant unless you happen to have the same weird biochemistry that that patient had. The third section contains the practical applications of everything they've talked about up to this point and this is where the disappointment sets in. I have two complaints: One, in the previous two sections they mentioned numerous medical tests (e.g. checking homocystein levels or measuring metabolic performance) as being useful for diagnosing your overall health. Yet in this section there is no mention of these tests. Which ones should I ask my doctor to perform? How often should I have them performed? Two, and this is the killer, nothing they have to say is new or different. Almost the same exact advice regarding diet and exercise is contained in my 10 year old copy of a book by the guy who did Abs of Steel. If you haven't paid *ANY* attention to health and diet literature over the past decade then what they have to say might be new to you and so the book is useful for that. But at this point you can pick up most diet and nutrition books that aren't focused on a single fad diet and they'll contain the same advice: exercise (both aerobic and resistance) regularly, watch out for foods with a high glycemic index, cut out sugars, caffeine, and alcohol, minimize your animal and large fish protein and fat consumption, avoid overly processed foods, eat lots of colorful vegetables high in antioxidants, get plenty of sleep, lower your stress, laugh, enjoy life. Yes, their plan will make you healthier if you can follow it. But their plan isn't any different from what most health books have been suggesting for at least a decade and most people haven't been following their advice. There is nothing *wrong* with this book and if you aren't familiar with modern diet, exercise, and nutrition advice it is a fine place to start. But if you are familiar with such things you won't find anything new in here that you can apply to your life.
Rating:
Summary: Best book to read for staying healthy!
Review: I have read many books on how to stay healthy, and by far, this is the best book that I have read on the subject. I suggest that anyone who is interested in taking control of their health destiny to sit down and absorb what these two very informed doctors have written on the subject. We need more doctors who, "look outside the box," and desire to educate people as Dr. Hyman and Dr. Liponis have undertaken with their wonderful and enlightening book. It is a must read for everyone!
Rating:
Summary: Best book to read for staying healthy!
Review: I have read many books on how to stay healthy, and by far, this is the best book that I have read on the subject. I suggest that anyone who is interested in taking control of their health destiny to sit down and absorb what these two very informed doctors have written on the subject. We need more doctors who, "look outside the box," and desire to educate people as Dr. Hyman and Dr. Liponis have undertaken with their wonderful and enlightening book. It is a must read for everyone!
Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!!
Review: I realize that's a big statement. It's a true one, however. Ultraprevention is a remarkable philosophy that can help you move from feeling so-so to terrific without an enormous amount of work. It's really more about a change in your attitude. The doctors feel that there are five forces that can destroy your health; they lucidly and concisely explain what each one is and then go on to tell you exactly what you need to do to overcome them. In the back of the book is an extensive list of possible changes you can make to ensure a disease-free life. Yes, it is a long list. But if you read the book carefully, you'll see that you don't have to adhere to each one. You decide. You pick what makes most sense for you. I doubt even the world's healthiest person could do all of it. Do what makes sense, and profit from it!
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