Customer Reviews

Patient Heal Thyself: A Remarkable Health Program Combining Ancient Wisdom with Groundbreaking Clinical Research

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

To start off, I think the book has an incredible amount of information that, if everyone followed it to the tee, would bring down the medical establishment as we know it, and return doctors back to what they were meant to do -- find the cause and heal it, instead of writing a script to alleviate the symptoms. That being said, while a lot of common sense and a call for the return to more sensible eating habits that our ancestors followed, I couldn't help feel I was reading a brochure of some kind. All the testimonials and calls for his Garden of Life products had me skipping through a lot of the commercial and getting back to the information I wanted to read.

I don't quite buy into the Biblical writings, either. It's obvious he believes his Jewish upbringing, but I'm not convinced that pork is a "dirty" meat. Rather, I believe the principles of the Jewish faith, like those of other religions, forbids certain foods as a way of controlling it's congregations. Just as vegetarianism, cows are sacred, do not eat meat on Friday, and all the other religious dogma exist to riddle the body with guilt, those who have proclaimed these "truths", even back in Biblical times, were living "High off the hog". Recent archaelogical discoveries prove that priests, rabbis and other religious leaders lived palatially, even avoiding contact with the masses of their flocks, all the while eating what they forbade those that they preached to, from eating.

The information is worth it, but you can get the book for free right now via Vitamin Shoppe. Like another reviewer, I cannot give out a 5th star for the simple fact of the advertising in this book.

I am a born again Christain who has known Mr. Rubin since I was ten. We attended Lee's Tae Kwon Do in North Palm Beach,Florida, (where Jordan earned a black belt).We went to high school together at Palm Beach Gardens High. I saw him basically every day and at giant "keg parties" on week-ends, and I can tell you that I have never known Jordan to be sick with any illness, nor has any of our mutual friends. If anything he was healthier that 98% of the student body, who were often out of school with influenza, bronchitits, etc.

The assertion that Jordan suffered from any digestive disorder is laughable!I recall Jordan eating and drinking whatever he pleased - pizza, beer, coffee, chocolate ice cream.Not one of our mutual friends has any recollection of Jordan being ill at any time from about 1986-1996.

I have read the book twice, and now own four copies of it as a result of four recent orders I've placed with Vitaminshoppe.com.

I, too, was bothered by the constant hawking of his products, and couldn't quite reconcile some of the claims/timelines depicted in the book. Also, he takes credit for saving his grandmother's life! I just don't know how he could have done all of the necessary research to develop these products so rapidly and then gotten them into mass production, all the while obtaining numerous degrees and certifications, plus continuing to battle his disease. I did check and the school where he got his NMD is in Puerto Rico and is NOT accredited.

I have recently bought a number of his products and I'm hoping they're as life-changing as he claims. I want to believe. But the rational side of me is thinking that at the very least, some of his claims are hyperbolic.

I, too, am bothered by those who call themselves Dr. Whatever, in an attempt to deliberately make people think they're an MD. Frankly I put Dr. Phil in this category. He talks and words things like he's an MD, and he's actually a PhD.

I've read this book and his other book The Makers Diet. Mr. Rubin should be prosecuted for his intentional misleading of millions of people, most of whom are desperate and in ill health. Mr. Rubin lies through his teeth and does so in the guise of a christian. His titles N.M.D., C.N.C were both purchased from internet corespondence courses with no standards or accreditations. In fact the only requirement for awarding of degrees is ones ability to pay the fee. He also makes numerous mention of "Peer Reviewed", and "prestigious" medical journals all of which are created by his own company and are not peer reviewed at all. Don't take my word for it just google the name of the school from which he claims to have obtained his N.M.D. ,Peoples University of Puerto Rico for yourself, they are not accreditted to award any degree much less a N.M.D., nor do they have any faciliities, in short the Peoples University of Puerto Rico consists of a hewlit packard computer and a book of postage stamps. I wanted to believe in Mr. Rubin but his lies are thinly veiled and he is the worst kind of charleton one that preys on the mos vulnerable and does so in the name of God.

If you can get past the controversy surrounding Jordan Rubin's credentials and the "infomercial" aspects of this book then, by all means, buy it! I can attest from personal experience that Garden of Life products are very effective and I highly recommend them.

I've been taking Primal Defense, RM-10, Revivall Classic, and Omega-Zyme regularly for the past six months and I must say I've never felt better. I've lost weight and my allergies are under control to the point where I no longer need to take Allegra. I also have more energy and stamina than I've had in years.

The only rub is these products are very expensive though I must say the benefit you get from taking these supplements outweighs the cost. Also, some of the foods Rubin recommends (e.g., grass fed beef) are hard to come by, especially if you live in an urban area like I do.

Nevertheless, this book offers a lot of good, if not unconventional, insights on health, nutrition, and natural/spiritual healing. In reading this book, one would do well to keep in mind the words of Sirach, "The Lord created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man will not despise them." (38:4)

"Jordan was diagnosed at age 19 with Crohn's-Colitis, an "incurable" inflammatory disease of the bowel. His weight plummeted from 180 lbs to 104 lbs at a height of 6'1" and he was bedridden for almost two years. As in most chronic conditions, Jordan's immune system began to fail. He suffered from intestinal parasites, severe candida, extreme anemia, food allergies, diabetes, excruciating abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, poor circulation, liver problems, chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue, arthritis, insomnia, hair loss, intestinal dysbiosis, prostate and bladder infections, irregular heartbeat, eye inflammation and chronic depression. Jordan sought the help of approximately 70 health professionals from seven countries and tried more than 200 different alternative supplements. His illness did not respond to standard medicine or alternative medical approaches. He was forced to drop out of college and was bedridden for almost two years.

After standard medicine failed he was on a desperate search for alternatives. He was treated by Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Herbalists, Nutritionists, Immunologists, Acupuncturists and private clinics all over the world. Finally, after trying everything else with no improvement, his chiropractor father sent him some information on soil bacteria. In 1996, Jordan began taking a product that contained HSOs, Primal Defense. He started taking it and for a few weeks felt slightly worse. After 30 days he felt a sudden surge of energy and his digestive problems began to disappear. Within three months he gained his weight back. Within four months his body began to heal itself. "

This History is taken from Crohns.net. (A site which appears to be funded or supported by Jordan's books.) Yet as several readers have mentioned, how could someone that was ill from age 19 (1995 if he is 28 today), and began his own healing journey in 1996, have written 3 books, Obtained a Ph.D., a N.M.D., founded a company (which sells all the products marketed in his books), done all this vast intensive research, and healed himself from Chrons Disease. All this was done in 8 years? Maybe Jordan should write a book on time management. I have read two of his books, and most of the theories and information is just a hodge podge of many different diets and supplemental recommendations made for years by many different officianodos within the Natural Health Community woven together in his books to sell product. Most of the ideas and concepts will be helpful for most people, but there are far better products on the market for less money, that will achieve the same results as Garden Of Life Products. Please do your own research before totally subscribing to this kind of Marketing. There are many other great reference books that are truly dedicated to helping people heal thyself without price gouging and playing to peoples desperation. In Short, Go buy some really good Pro-Biotic Supplements, A really good greens formula, each raw vegetables (organic), moderate you carbs, get enough protein, and drink Aloe Vera Juice. These products any many more that are helpful for such conditions are also available, at a far more reasonanle cost, than Jordan's Garden Of Life products sell for; and are just as effective. But if your are having sucess with the Garden Of Life Products, great, stay with it, Healing yourself is the key, but if it is becoming more than your pocket book can stand, try checking the shelves at your Health Food Store and read the labels for similar products. I think you will find some very comprehensive products for less money, that are just as effective.

I have been to a nutritionist whom made similar reccomendations as Mr. Rubin has here, PRIOR to his book (claiming he has researched all of this privately with his own people). I fear that the severe malnutrition poor Mr. Rubin experienced may have made him delusional. Outside of the soil products, my nutritionist (working as partner in a reputable oncology clinic)prescribed a diet of NO sugar/dead flour/wheat/caffeine/additive/hormone/pesticide/corn/soy/yeast;among other things, many sprouted grains,brown rice, high fiber supplements, probiotics, organic green leafy vegetables, fruits, free range natural meats,non farmed certain fishes, yogurt, green tea etc. ALL included in diet. Goats milk products are often recommended for anyone with digestion problems, assuming that they may have a low lying lactose intolerance, or atleast rule this out by eliminating cow's milk. Actually cow's milk yogurt products including cheeses are often well tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant, the transformation to yogurt creates a more bioavailable substance for certain individuals. I improved without the 'dirt', which seems like his goal, to sell this product with accompanying claims of miraculous results. One can't help but wonder if his health deteriorated because of his father's reccomendations all those years...many which probably were not listed. Mr. Rubin has the audacity to criticize the supplement industry almost entirely, accusing many fellow sellers of 'borrowing' science to tout their products, then claims he himself has found inspiration and detailed instructions from the 'Good Book'...if that isn't borrowing of information, what is it? Perhaps he will give all of his gain to a religious institution or interest, to give proper credit? And as for his reminiscing about childhood, I ask, who on earth actually ATE mud pies??! Did you have no parental supervision or common sense? Maybe it was just my neighborhood, but we stopped short of ingesting such imaginary food products constructed of backyard dirt. Also, walking in the wilderness without shoes often results in the need for anti parisite medication (due to not uncommon worm infestations). It is not revolutionary to ponder the scientific evidence already out there, relating to the proliferation of antibacterial products out on the market and the studies associating overuse with antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Mr. Rubin's theories sound more like junk science and carefully worded marketing strategy. I'm sure many desparate sufferers will buy into this book and products, however you may well find relief from following the advice of any vigilant and caring nutritionist. I encourage ANYONE with life threatening medical problems going on a new diet to seek out a qualified nutrition counselor guidance or from your doctor; I live with Chrohns and have had VAST improvement since getting vitamin B12 injections and carefully avoiding foods that aggravate this condition (including sticking to the diet given to me by my nutritionist and avoiding difficult to digest seeds, corn and more). About the only valid reccomendation in the book is to stay away from antidepressants and steroids which are horrible. Of course if it comes down to dying from a severe depression (suicide) or taking life saving antidepressants (as individual cases may dictate) The choice is obvious, esp. if temporarily administered and accompanied by other support. Same goes for pain medicines, which many must take for a lifetime depending on various health problems and injuries which cause chronic conditions. There is a danger of people assuming that nutrition changes are a cure all which they unfortunately are not. I would love to see Mr. Rubin cure his grandma of Parkinson's with this diet!! The pompousness of this man is astounding...

I have been around the block with vitamins, juicing,natural foods, etc. I improved on all of them to a certain extent, but it was expensive, time consuming, and promised to stay expensive, since there was no self-sustaining mechanism there. I always thought there was one piece missing to the puzzle. I think this is the piece, the Homeostatic Soil Organisms. And it is eventually self-sustaining. I didn't just read the book and intellectually evaluate it. I put it into practice. I had a history of candidiasis (20 years in various degrees), hyperthyroid (Graves disease) that was testing in normal ranges now, but the autoimmune marker was still there, and fibromyalgia (1.5 years). My hearing had been diminishing for 2 years, to the point I couldn't hear my fingers rubbing if held right next to the ear. I tried various medical treatments with moderate results. I saw an ENT and had an MRI to look for blockages. All negative. So I finally read this book (someone had loaned it to me) and it made a lot of sense with what I had already learned. So I started with Fungal Defense and Perfect Food and in 3 days I could hear next to my ear, and by the end of the week I could hear a soft rubbing of my fingers at arm's length! I've been able to cut my medication for fibromyalgia in half in less than 4 weeks. Yes, I'm doing the diet (not perfectly), but I've done the diet before and not with such dramatic results. The Fungal Defense seemed to take the cravings away too. The difference here is that I'm not just ingesting high levels of nutrients compensating for my compromised digestion that can only marginally utilize them. I'm healing the damage and innoculating my own system with healthy bacteria that was meant to be there anyway, and is meant to extract the nutrients from our food more efficiently. What I think is remarkable is that the goal is to recover using higher doses, but then to taper off after 90 days to a small maintenance dose. The company markets through health professionals and retail establishments, not multi-level marketing, a fact I appreciate. As for using coconut oil , the tests that indicated saturated fats are bad for your health were done on HYDROGENATED coconut oil. ALL hydrogenated oils are bad for your heart. I've researched good fats and bad fats and found Rubin's claim that coconut oil is healing to the gut to be supported and repeated in many other circles. It is particularly good for leaky gut. There is a big difference in brands. (I found the one by Laureece, Inc. being the best, with Garden of Life coming in a close second.) As for the biblical aspect of the diet, who would better know the best fuel for the body to run on but the Creator? I'd already been doing that diet, to my benefit, but the Fungal Defense and Primal Defense have added a new dimension to that benefit. I was so excited about what I'd read and with my own results, I gave back the borrowed book and now have two copies of my own, one for lending. There are very many studies documented in Patient Heal Thyself. So I encourage readers to not just give it an intellectual evaluation alone. Try it. That's where the proof is.

WOW! I can't believe how many people are knocking this book. Especially the person with Crohns that hasn't even tried the products. Nobody claims it's a miracle cure, and yes we still need doctors and other medicines. The simple fact is, that we hear all about drugs on tv or from our doctors, and not enough about products like this, so we think it's a joke. Or we only hear about the harmful natural products, then we are scared off of anything else. Plus, I admit, alot of natural things are filled with low grade material, so we see no results, leading us right back to the doctor. Look at all the side affects from man made drugs. Vioxx is for inflamation,which can be great, but it can also damage you liver and kidneys. Theres good and bad in any situation.

Also the people saying they don't like the marketing aspect of this book, look they are just trying to sell their products like anyone else. Do you complain when you see all these Viagra, birth control, and cholesteral commercials on tv? No, you go and buy them. Thats all anybody tries to do, promote their product, synthetic or natural. As for giving a free book with a large order, thats not wrong. Everything out there is buy two get one free and so on. Thats smart marketing. It gets them sales and us a great product with a free book. SO WHAT!!!

Also from personal experience, I have been taking the perfect food and probiotics, and can honestly say that I feel great. I no longer have IBS, which I have had since I was 15. Also my allergies are better and it has helped balance my hormones. My doctor couldn't seem to help me very much in these areas. Her synthetic drugs either didn't work or the side affects made me feel worse. Not that her way is wrong, it just wasn't right for me.

Yes, we need to watch our diets no matter what. Nobody claims we don't have to, including Doctor Rubin. In fact, if you really read the book, he tries to encourage us to eat better in addition to using his supplements. If we use prescription drugs, they tell us to still try to live a healthy lifestyle. Their drugs are not a cure either. They just enhance what we are already doing right. The better we do, the better the drugs will do. This goes for natural supplements as well. Even the cholesteral commercials say in conjunction with diet and exercise, this drug can aid in lowering cholesteral. Most doctors even promote supplements along with their conventional drugs. For some people, that might be the answer. Who's to say?

As for the biblical standpoint, we don't have to completely agree with his views. Can you honestly tell me you don't question things in the bible or things you hear from your pastor? It's all about interpretation. The bottom line is, we are all trying to figure it out, and do whats best for us in all areas of our lives.

I definatley think people should try these products, and if they don't work, then thats ok too. Not everything can work for everbody. So yes, we will still need our doctors.

As for the person claiming to know Dr. Rubin, I would say to be careful about the things you are saying. Maybe when you knew him, if you even did, he was healthy. Good for him for trying to help people and use his education and life experience.

Sure it might seem like a leap of faith, but our doctors are not taught natural healing. They promote synthetic drugs, which is somewhat ok, because this is what they learned. Although, I think it would be helpful if they told us more about natural remedies, since we look to them for answers. However, they are doing their job too, just like Dr. Rubin, who was taught a different method. You can't tell me that there is only one way of doing everything. It's our job to make smart choices for ourselves. But to just say, I don't think it will work, is possibly keeping you from getting well.

Ok, I'll calm down. Just read the book and see what you think. I know it has been great for me, and I am the skeptical type just like alot of you.

I would like to know how close of a friend the individual from North Palm Beach was to Jordan. Of course you never saw him sick because his illness happened in college. Or did you atted Florida State as a close friend of his? Get your facts straight before you make yourself look so foolish through a response like this.