CONTENTS

Foreword

Finding new tools to heal the whole body, BY ANDREW WEIL, MD

Traveling the world researching alternative healing practices

Introduction

Body On Fire?

As youth, we have a perception of invincibility and how the choices we make can overwhelm our body’s natural defenses.

1

A Juggling Act

Balance, internal stability, and homeostasis

Balance must occur between resources and demands. When demands outweigh resources, illness is triggered and the body becomes inflamed.

2

How My Daughter Saved Me

Dr. Monica Aggarwal’s story

Dr. Aggarwal developed a significant illness that became her defining life moment and turning point.

3

Learning the Meaning of MD

Dr. Jyothi Rao’s story

Dr. Rao struggled as a physician not treating patients but illnesses, leading to her transformative decision to move into a wellness practice.

4

Breaking Down

When balance is disrupted, stress and inflammation are created

A detailed look at how chronic illness affects the immune system and activates the sympathetic nervous system.

5

Chronic Illness Is Born

What we know about illnesses and risk factors for illness that your body can tell us

A detailed look at specific illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease and how they affect our bodies.

6

The House of Bugs

Learn about your gut

The microorganisms in the gut make up our second immune system. Changes in our gut bugs can put us at risk for inflammation.

7

Heal Thy Gut

The role of elimination

Removing toxins from the body allows the gut to heal and perform as a stronger line of defense against illness.

8

Superfoods

Greens, beans, carbs, oh my!

A detailed look at the phytonutrients in foods that help fuel the microbiome and help with lowering inflammation.

9

Oil Change

Nuts, seeds, and avocado

Nuts, seeds, avocado, and a conversation about oil—the controversy over the benefits of oil in different food sources.

10

Spice It Up

With the spices (and herbs) of life

Spices offer unique ingredients to help lower inflammation and oxidative stress. Turn your kitchen cabinets into a medicinal cabinet.

11

Water

The essence of life

Learn about the substance which has the ability to rejuvenate, invigorate, and sustain balance.

12

Sleep on It

Rejuvenate and detoxify by catching some Z’s

Recharge the body to bring back balance from the stresses. Restorative sleep helps with metabolism, hormone balance, and detoxification.

13

The Mind-Body Connection

Unleash the healing power of a calm mind

A look at the interplay between the mind and the body—how postures, breathing techniques, and meditation can induce healing.

14

The Euphoria of Exercise

Movement to reverse the damage of a sedentary lifestyle

Physical movement sustains balance, protects the heart, and can help with energy, hormone balance, and mood.

15

The Benefits of Fasting

How fasting can help reset the immune system

An age old concept that can increase the weight loss benefits of exercise.

16

Optimism

The role of positivity in health

An optimist will always believe that there is something positive to be gained regardless of the situation. A look at how attitude can affect our health.

17

Recharge

Eat well, play more, sleep deeply, heal

Summary of tools to help rest and digest and bring back homeostasis

Endnotes

Glossary

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Index