Macrobiotics for Life: A Practical Guide to Healing for Body, Mind, and Heart

Macrobiotics for Life by Simon Brown Publisher- North Atlantic Books Review by: Dr. Joseph S. Maresca A main premise of the book is that good food, moderate exercise and bodywork are conditions precedent to good health. Body healing should happen through the skin, organs and the digestive system. Death literally may begin in the colon. So, eating foods rich in fiber are helpful in promoting colorectal health. There are a number of psychological aspects to maintaining good health; such as, self love, a willingness to change in a constructive manner and commitment to worthy goals. The author mentions specific foods which promote health, as well as foods that simply don't . We should consume sea veggies, tofu, hummus, olives, herbs, mild spice, water and herbal teas. We should limit junk food and foods which promote a high glycemic index. Low glycemic foods are apples, hummus, cashews, carrots and yogurt. These low glycemic foods correlate with lower inflammation markers in the blood chemistry. Improvement in the C-reactive protein is associated with a lower glycemic index, and by extension, lower glycemic foods and a reduced danger of heart disease. A strength of the book is that the author provides sample meals that are easy to prepare like hummus. Watery veggies are the calming foods which are high in soluble fiber. The soluble fiber is good for the digestive system and/or the gastrointestinal tract. Exercise, breathing deeply, meditation, yoga and walking also promote health. Food impacts the pH in our saliva. Ideally, the saliva should have a pH of 7.4. The 7.4 statistic is only .4 beyond amphoteric (7.0) which is neither acidic or basic. Above 7.0 brings us into the basic range of pH. When we die, our pH rapidly approaches zero. Therefore, the pH is a good measurement of our health amongst other statistics like blood pressure, a 550 or above expiry rate on a pocket peak flow measurement device and clear urine. A thorough understanding of macrobiotics will lead to a lifetime of optimal health given whatever limiting factors are uncontrollable in the proximate environment. The book is well researched with over 25 contributing websites. The acquisition is highly recommended for health buffs, as well as medical providers.

In Macrobioics for Life, Simon Brown presents a compeling new look at Macrobiotics, one that couches all its wisdom in an attitude of acceptance and a generosity of spirit. One particular feature I appreciate is the new information he offers on the value of keeping the blood alkaline to avoid disease, as well as giving the reader choices on how to do that. Vegetables, followed by whole grains, become the new most important food group. The colorful format with many photos is so lovely, it makes this reader feel like she is in a spa of the mind. Meredith McCarty

Simon has written an amazing book! Insightful, intelligent and from the heart. Whether new to Macrobiotics or a long time practitioner there is something in Macrobiotics for Life for you.

This beautifully written and illustrated book contains a new approach to macrobiotics; one that is open, flexible and easy to understand. Simon has included quotes from macrobiotic teachers all over the world and this helps one to see the broad and varied ways that macrobiotics can be easily enjoyed as a lifestyle. This really is a book worth having especially for those who are interested in health on all levels.

Just published in August 2009, this is a 353-page classic reference for all those interested in macrobiotics (MB), especially for those who want to transform their lives, but don't know where to start. The psychological foundations of both lifestyle change and consistency are expertly presented. If you went macro decades ago but still have psychological issues to deal with, this is the book for you. If you know someone who meets that description, this is the book for them -- especially if they're the type that are hard to buy gifts for. This book traverses so many everyday nitty-gritty issues with a healing focus, expert guidelines and exercises, and an abiding compassion. In essence, with this book, and despite the age of anomie in which we live, your MB journey will no longer be taken alone. Macrobiotics For Life also contains major sections on healing the body, macrobiotic principles, practical advice, the special needs of babies and children, menu plans, recipes, and more. Many stunning color photographs accompany the 47 delectable new recipes. Several recipes for fish dishes are among those, reversing the trend of too many recent MB books which contain few or no fish recipes. Wonderful menus for recovery, alkaline-forming and low glycemic index lifestyles are provided, along with many other menu ideas for satisfying breakfasts, lunches, dinners, hot drinks, snacks, and juices. A final section, missing too long from the MB literature, is a list of 27 websites of MB contributors and colleagues, with a range of resources, recipes, treatment centers, recommended readings, and more. If you can't afford to buy another book right now, ask for this book at your local library; while there, ask if they plan to provide e-book readers such as the $199.00 Sony reader on which you can "check out" new books for 21 days for free. That reader was just announced this week.