[Subdue] Why We Get Sick, by Benjamin Birman, 4-5 stars

[NancyJ]

Why We Get Sick: The Hidden Epidemic at the Root of Most Chronic Disease―and How to Fight It. If you’re of a certain age, chances are very good that you or someone you know could benefit from this book. I had many “aha” moments while reading it. It’s a clear, highly readable, well organized review of a wide variety of serious and chronic conditions that have been linked to insulin resistance. It’s not about viruses, or contagious diseases. The author uses some humor and good analogies to help clarify the key points. He reviews all the disparate streams of medical research that eventually tied into insulin resistance, in relatively short chapters. So you can start with the topics most salient to you before you read the rest.

When most people (including many medical professionals) hear the word insulin, they think only of diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that is used by nearly every organ and system in the human body. It is now known to be a factor in heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune, infertility, and disorders of the liver, kidneys, skin, and more. Insulin resistance can wreak havoc on the body for many years before it shows up on a glucose test. If you had any of these, you might have insulin resistance: high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, belly fat or obesity, skin tags or dark patches, hormonal disorders, or a family history of heart disease, diabetes or insulin resistance. (He has a test in the book with more items.) If you often crave carbs, but feel lousy later, this book can probably help you.

The good news is that there are many lifestyle solutions that can help. He cautions not to ask for medication or surgery before trying other things. The bad news is that a lot of the conventional wisdom about insulin and nutrition is making people sicker and fatter. Low fat diets don’t help most people at all, and all calories are not the same. This isn’t just an American problem, it’s all over the world. Though the causes differ.

I’m getting copies for my siblings and a good friend. Actually, i think it might be might even be free on Audible for members.

[Amy]

I think we are learning so much these days about why what we conventionally understand about insulin resistance, doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Facebook is full of ads about how so many people have tried everything, and the conventional options might be actually keeping the weight on. People talk about eating for your blood type, your hormone type. Some people say you have to do intermittent fasting, others say you must eat a little bit six times a day. People talk about all the varying ways you put your body into a "burning Ketosis." They talk about the hidden Shark Tank secret K-3 Spark Mineral, ACV, Apple Cider Vinegar. They talk about internal temperature. They talk about natural Lepithin. Truth is, there is a lot of marketing out there, but not a lot of people really know what to do about insulin resistance, for those of us for whom its a stubborn, quirky, eccentric thing. And of course, its not just about weight, its about disease and balance of the body. Here is what I have finally come to believe. My new God around this - and I admit to have searched for many gods.

My close friend is an integrative medicine doctor, and she has been recommending for years, this amazing woman who is a functional nutritionist. I met with her and told her my tale, one that is a familiar one to many, and circulates the internet along with many ads, secrets, and hacks, that I am one of these people who have tried everything people suggest, and still can't get rid of the stubborn belly fat. And in the two years since my period began to disappear, the problem has become way worse and more stubborn. What I learned, which has been fascinating, and I am just at the beginning of this journey, is that some of these things work exceptionally well for some people, but there is something to our different bodies. And that for some of us, our healthy and toxicity is in fact tied to our customized genetics. I gave over my blood, my urine, and my saliva, and got this huge report, Which tells me exactly how my body and my genes manage what goes on inside. So when people suggest you eat for your body type, or hormone type, its not a five minute quiz. Its a truly deeper look into how your genes operate and where one is weakest. You can literally eat the foods that strengthen what is most needed in your own system. To me this makes incredible sense and is cutting edge to wellness. And beyond weight. Its about getting your own genetic panel for where your body is vulnerable. My parents have done that for years, and have flown all over the world to be tested. So lucky enough, because they are unicorns, I always knew I was likely pretty good as well. I actually considered myself a Covid Unicorn, and was pretty shocked, because if I am being honest, I did consider myself Super-Immune. But I was cocky, and it turns out I am pretty darn human after all.

I love sugar. And breads. I never want to be one of those annoying folks who lives only for dark greens and talks all the time about ketosis. I don't want to be a person who doesn't enjoy good foods. I don't want to live like a rabbit and eat like a barbie doll. I believe in ice cream as much as soup. I think in my life I have believed in the power of foods and eating, but also eventually in the power of moderation. That one maybe cleans out ones system to help prevent disease, to fit into a dress, to be able to exercise more, but ultimately, one finds the lifestyle that suits them. I am as turned off by our sugar/carb culture (although I have sure enjoyed and indulged in it) as I am the raw, meal prep, plantbased culture. Somehow I think we have to find our way into the two - and the thing that works for us. And I do think genetics is they key. Something customized to your own body and your life. And that part of the goal is just finding it and figuring it out.

I don't have all the answers, but I like to think I am on a journey. I will let you guys know how its going. But I think there is a lot of good stuff out there, and like neuroscience, we are just at the cutting edge now, and learning more and more.

[NancyJ]

That sounds like a great approach. He talked about genetics in the book as well. I am a big fan of using tests and data in designing an action plan. I’ve always been frustrated by specialists who focus on just one body part, and those who are quick to prescribe a pill before making a diagnosis, or without considering the whole body. I realized I need to better understand the big picture myself. In my work, I always took a systems approach, because outcomes are always influenced by more than one action. This book was enormously helpful in that regard. Many pieces of the puzzle fell into place. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, but there are some common things that are causing problems for an awful lot of people. All of his advice was consistent with things that worked for me in the past. (Low fat diets and small meals made me fatter, and now I understand why.)

[Anita]

Fascinating, Nancy. I read a book that is pretty similar in messaging (at least sounds like it), called Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It. The focus was also on insulin.

I definitely believe that overweight people get a bad rap for something they can't help (how well insulin is being produced and working in their body). The real question is what can be done. There's some recent research with mice that looks very promising, and actually one drug that has worked in people . . .but I am sure it is a long way from the mass market.

At any rate, I had gestational diabetes with my pregnancy which means I am very predisposed to diabetes. So I try hard to keep my weight under control. But I love to eat so it's a quandry!! I have taken the route of a lot of exercise (not just quantity, but intensity) plus intermittent fasting, but I've tried other things. Other things worked better, but I didn't find them sustainable for the long haul.

I'm happy to see research is still being done in this area.