Healthy summer reading -- top wellness books

I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of listening to all of the talk about "reforming our healthcare system" in the news. "Is it good for you," "what will change," "how much will it cost" and "who is going to pay for it?" And more importantly, will it ever pass or will the "talk" just eat up space on TV and in the papers for another year?

Don't get me wrong, reform is important - we all know that our healthcare system is a mess and we pay too much for care. But I think we need to balance the air time with information on how we can take control of our own health and keep ourselves healthy, happy, and out of the hospital.

How about a good book to empower you? I've read a couple of amazing books this summer and wanted to share the list. They're not exactly beach romance novels, but they each offer a different perspective about our body's natural healing intelligence.

Check out these titles from your library or local bookstore:

CLEAN by Alejandro Junger, M.D.                

You may have heard about "detox diets" and other drastic measures to cleanse (juice cleanses, fasts, detox pills, etc.). This book provides one of the most balanced and reasonable approaches to cleansing that I have seen, and it mirrors advice from my holistic doctor. Dr. Junger discusses how most of our common ailments - colds, viruses, allergies, extra weight, restless nights, indigestion, itchy skin, acne, depression and anxiety - are a direct result of toxic buildup in our system. Our current diets of sugar, fast food, processed food and alcohol as well as our chemically-filled environment are creating the toxic build-up, weakening our body's natural detoxification process. The book does a great job of explaining how the build-up occurs and how we can reactivate the natural process to get rid of it. He provides a 7-day, 14-day or 21-day cleanse menu with great recipes, if you're thinking a detox might be for you.

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David Kessler, M.D.:                                              

Dr. Kessler, the former Food and Drug Commissioner under Presidents Bush and Clinton, provides a fascinating read about how our bodies and minds change when we consume foods high in sugar, fat and salt. He explains how food manufacturers - including those that supply chain restaurants - create products by manipulating these ingredients to stimulate our appetites and drive us to keep craving the foods. I always thought eating grilled chicken at a chain restaurant was healthy - but manufacturers actually inject the meat with added sugar and oil. The thought of it makes me cringe. This book was my impetus to try Dr. Junger's 21-day cleanse to try to banish my cravings for sugar and fat! The book will change the way you look at food forever.

The UltraMind Solution by Mark Hyman, M.D.:

If you know anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, memory loss or attention problems, this book provides an in-depth look at the diseases of the mind and offers alternative healing solutions. Dr. Hyman believes that the "truth is that these 'diagnoses' are all the result of a few basic problems with our biology, and if we pinpoint the biological problems, fix them, and allow the body's naturally healing intelligence to take over, we can repair our brains." The book explores what we do to our bodies that has a profound effect on the brain. He discusses nutrients, foods and lifestyle practices to keep our brains healthy. 

Happy and healthy reading!