Renewal: The Anti-Aging Revolution [Mass Market Paperback]

What separates RENEWAL by Dr. Timothy J. Smith from other and similar anti-aging books is his early assertion that the ability to turn back the clock does not depend totally on one specific Ponce de Leon fountain of youth but rather on a spectrum of activities that, if followed, represents just one more step on a spectrum of wellness. Smith divides his text into seven parts, each of which builds on the previous step for continuity. He begins with a unified theory of aging (I) which stresses the need to eliminate the destroyers of health, those dastardly free radicals. Then Smith rips into the meat-heavy diet (II) that far too many Americans gorge on. He suggests that cutting out fats and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables are an indispensable element of anti-aging. There is certainly nothing new in being told that your mother was right when she sternly warned you to eat your vegetables, but Smith's special talent is explaining exactly why dear old mom was right. Smith adds that even the best diets are lacking in the megadoses that are needed to restore youth (III & IV). Most Americans may have heard of such esoteric supplements as phytochemicals, antioxidants, and Ginkgo, but after reading Smith's text, they might be inclined to dash into the nearest health store to buy them. Smith discusses the role that hormones play in the many-layered process that is anti-aging (V), and in so doing, mentions the potential benefit that accrues from their consumption. Smith finishes with the role that exercise plays in restoring health and youth.

Dr. Smith has performed an invaluable service with RENEWAL. He is informative, engaging, witty, and bedrock in his depth of knowledge. His frequent use of shaded charts helps the reader to synthesize information that is occasionally heavy going. The ultimate lesson that the reader gets is not that any one action will lead to anti-aging, but rather that the entire process starts with the realization that desire, dedication, and discipline must be present in the heart before stuffing innumerable nutrients into the body.

I long struggled to define a healthful dietary regimen and this book finally put it all into perspective for me. Of critical interest is that the reasons for choosing such a way of eating is laid out in scientific terms. The explanation of free radicals and the complex biochemical reactions that either encourage or suppress their existence was all it took. I'm sold.

The joy of the book is that, in the doctor's own words, one should take charge of one's own health. The degree to which one follows the program determines the benefits one can expect. Oh, and contrary to comments made by some reviewers that the regimen is too extreme, it isn't presented as something to be religiously followed. The good doctor even admits to daily coffee and occasional wine -- both taboo items in the strictest sense of Renewal. To suggest the book is extreme simply indicates that the reviewer gave the book little more than a cursory glance.

For me: no more meat, no more processed foods and, the clincher, no more cooked foods. Aside from a few vitamin supplements, however, I'm not popping a bunch of pills. I feel great and haven't been sick a day in over 2 years.

I have read a few nutrition and health books, some have been ok reads, some have been rather boring. Timothy manages to keep the reading entertaining.

This is a must have for anybody interested in understand what food does to your body.