By Emanuel Barling Jr. Esq. and Ashley F. Brooks, R.N. has approximately 69 or more pages of medical references.

For this reason, readers can attach some credibility to the presentation; however, the FDA has not made any formal evaluation of the work.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg is a good supplement to this book. The authors begin by criticizing certain types of surgeries which may deprive the patient of the benefits inherent in organs removed for various surgical reasons.

For instance, the appendix helps to provide good bacteria for the body. The ascending colon aids in food digestion. The longer a person has IBS or IBD and related diseases- the greater the likelihood of colon cancer developing.

Increased processed food intake is associated with greater inflammation. Note that diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may have specific genetic markers in individual cases.

Environmental medicine seeks to eliminate toxins from fertilizers, pesticides, preservatives, additives and genetically engineered food. The average woman has put on 6 pounds or more of lipstick in a lifetime. The lipstick probably has lead content which may be harmful. Synthetic ingredients in pills may be damaging. There is no real difference between herbicides used in weeds or crops.

Genetically modified food causes inflammation. Another issue involves eating at night.  Generally, I find that eating after 8PM is out. Also, I find that high content alcohol just prior to bedtime is an absolute aggravant. The authors advise us to eliminate non-organic food from the diet.

Gluten intolerance may be manifested by aching joints, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, bowel cancer and anemia. Essentially, oats have no gluten. The authors indicate that Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oats are best.  Personally, I have reduced gluten significantly for over a decade with some positive benefits. I simply had no other choice.

The authors point out that the Chinese use red yeast rice as an anti-inflammatory. The body needs enzymes for homeostasis. Enzymes are known to stop chronic silent inflammations. Although inflammations may cease, the deformity associated with the primary disease and secondary symptomatology may be impossible to reverse.

An alkaline diet avoids grains, dairy, meat, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and fungi. Personally, I've reduced or significantly eliminated high content alcohol, smoking, gluten, whole milk dairy, white sugar, most meats and caffeine. Luckily, I never depended on smoking emotionally.

The book mentions that CoEnzyme Q10 (in divided doses) benefits digestion and may prevent heart failure. There is an extensive alkaline food list which I find very helpful.  The list contains alkaline-like foods; such as, grapes, green beans, herbs, avocado, banana, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe and many other foods. In addition, I find that juicing with a high quality machine like Vitamix 5000 is helpful both nutritionally and for the benefits contained from the fiber.

This book should be used in conjunction with your family physician, nutritionist and even physical therapist. I agree with the authors as regards surgery. Always get multiple opinions before even considering surgical interventions. In addition, ask about complications, as well as non-invasive alternatives. Sometimes, you can benefit by talking with patient support groups about specific procedures.

Overall, the book provides patients with an all-important supplemental perspective to aid in selecting optimal treatments in consultation with physicians, nutritionists and others. Always make sure that you get a complete diagnosis for your symptoms (visual and internal). Never accept a conditional diagnosis without followup to confirm the ultimate diagnosis.