4.53

3

Oct 01, 2008

This is a very large, very comprehensive guide to alternative medicine, and is split into three parts.

Part 1 deals with overall health, including information on nutrition, vitamins, supplements, etc. The guides in this section explain the various vitamins and supplements available, along with recommended minimum and maximum doses for each (including also the FDA's guidelines when available).

Part 2, which makes up the majority of the book, lists a wide variety if disorders (both common and This is a very large, very comprehensive guide to alternative medicine, and is split into three parts.

Part 1 deals with overall health, including information on nutrition, vitamins, supplements, etc. The guides in this section explain the various vitamins and supplements available, along with recommended minimum and maximum doses for each (including also the FDA's guidelines when available).

Part 2, which makes up the majority of the book, lists a wide variety if disorders (both common and uncommon). Information on each disorder is given, followed by vitamins, supplements, and therapies that are recommended. The disorders covered are numerous, everything from allergies to cancer.

Part 3 goes into detail about the various remedies and therapies described in the book (from color therapy to hair analysis), and often guides you to where you can find more information on a given subject.

This is certainly an indispensable book for anyone interested in alternative medicines, or for those looking to supplement traditional medicine. ...more

5

Jun 10, 2009

This book was recommended to me by a man at Wild Oats in their supplement department as being one of the best resources for nutritional healing. I have used it for a number of reasons - thyroid issues, mononucleosis, fatiguqe, high cholesterol, high blood pressure... etc. for myself and my family. Most topics have 3-5 pages of information about what the issue is in medical terms, things that can be done to mitigate, improve, or in some cases alleviate the issue altogether. Supplements are This book was recommended to me by a man at Wild Oats in their supplement department as being one of the best resources for nutritional healing. I have used it for a number of reasons - thyroid issues, mononucleosis, fatiguqe, high cholesterol, high blood pressure... etc. for myself and my family. Most topics have 3-5 pages of information about what the issue is in medical terms, things that can be done to mitigate, improve, or in some cases alleviate the issue altogether. Supplements are suggested in categories such as "essential", "important", "helpful", and herbs, spices are also cited that might prove helpful. Diet recommendations are given on types of foods to include or to avoid. My family has found this book tremendously helpful. My husband came down with a severe case of Epstein-Barr a few years ago and he followed the recommendations given in the book with great results. The dr. was surprised how quickly he bounced back, and when the Dr. was told that we had added these supplements to my husband's diet he asked for them to consider recommending them to other people.

This is a book that I refer to regularly and hits almost every topic you could think of. It cites research, what specifically the supplements do to the body to help treat condition, etc. It is not meant to replace medical care, but to enhance it. ...more

3

Mar 01, 2016

“A healthy outside starts from the inside” - Robert Urich
The book I chose to read was the Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements. This book is more like an encyclopedia rather than just a nonfiction book. This book goes into great depth in three main categories: the elements of health, numerous disorders, and remedies/therapies. In the elements of health, sub-categories include, “A healthy outside starts from the inside” - Robert Urich
The book I chose to read was the Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements. This book is more like an encyclopedia rather than just a nonfiction book. This book goes into great depth in three main categories: the elements of health, numerous disorders, and remedies/therapies. In the elements of health, sub-categories include, nutrition/dieting/wellness, importance of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, water, and so on. For example, this book discusses how magnesium is a catalyst primarily involved with enzymes of energy production. It can be found in most foods including, but not limited to, dairy products, meat/seafood, apples, avocados, and leafy green vegetables. Topic discussed in the second section of the book consist of a wide variety of health obscurities (anything from arthritis to canker sores, or fibromyalgia to wrinkles) specific explanations of the disorder, how much of what nutrients to best cure the “ailments,” other actions, techniques, and remedies for restoration, and considerations to take into account. The final section of the book goes over the therapies and remedies more clearly and extensively, for instance, hyperbaric oxygen therapy--the administration of oxygen while experiencing high atmospheric pressure. I wanted to read this book because I have always been intrigued by the human body and restoring it to a state of equilibrium, or better, as naturally as possible. In relation to my life, this book went over some natural healing methods my mother has already used as I was growing up. You should read this book because it provides excellent and vast amounts of knowledge on how to heal and maintain your body. If you are interested topics similar to health sciences and don’t bore easy, this book could be an option for you; however, if science does not interest you, and you don’t feel like reading an encyclopedia, this book is probably not the best choice for you.
...more

5

Aug 26, 2010

This is a book that I have had on my shelf, and referenced, for many years. It has helped me understand the nature of various illnesses (minor and major). The great thing about this book is the index in the back that allows one to instantly look up what is ailing them, and to read nutritional recommendations. Also, this book does not slam traditional medicine. James Balch is an m.d. and his wife is a nutritionist. The book clearly states when it is a good time to consult an m.d. or when This is a book that I have had on my shelf, and referenced, for many years. It has helped me understand the nature of various illnesses (minor and major). The great thing about this book is the index in the back that allows one to instantly look up what is ailing them, and to read nutritional recommendations. Also, this book does not slam traditional medicine. James Balch is an m.d. and his wife is a nutritionist. The book clearly states when it is a good time to consult an m.d. or when prescription medication or surgery may be warranted. I have followed nutritional recommendations and have found them to be effective (i.e. avoid caffeine, nuts,etc. when you have a cold sore and supplement with lysine..) I feel that everyone would benefit by owning a copy of this book. Also, if you are not in the medical profession, it is very helpful to read this book prior to seeing your doctor. You will have a better grasp of your illness and will know what questions to ask during your visit. ...more

1

Feb 04, 2011

I wanted to like this book as it appears to be a good source of information but upon reading several sections this morning I am absolutely appalled that some of this advice was even allowed to be published. Twice the author claims that rice and nut "milks" are appropriate substitutes for breastmilk or formula. This could not be further from the truth and is extremely dangerous advice. These products do not contain the necessary fats and other nutrients needed for a baby to survive. There are in I wanted to like this book as it appears to be a good source of information but upon reading several sections this morning I am absolutely appalled that some of this advice was even allowed to be published. Twice the author claims that rice and nut "milks" are appropriate substitutes for breastmilk or formula. This could not be further from the truth and is extremely dangerous advice. These products do not contain the necessary fats and other nutrients needed for a baby to survive. There are in fact warnings on the sides of these products for parents to not use them as substitutes. ...more

1

Feb 26, 2011

I had high hopes for this book, but it doesn't have references. Its claims are not backed up by research studies. I can understand that for some sections, the herbals, and natural remedies, but so much of the prescribed diets do not have references even for the warnings, and this woman seems not to have an understanding of heart disease, inflammation, nor cholesterol and how it works in the body. Disappointing... glad I didn't buy it.

4

Nov 07, 2007

Great reference book for what hurts and how to maybe make it better or better yet, avoid ills.

4

May 29, 2014

This is hit and miss. It seems to be quite thorough for vitamins. However, the herbs they mention doesn't seem to get much detail.

The strongest point of this book is that it is organized by disease.
It also has some very useful points that I hadn't learned elsewhere. On the other hand, some herbs that I've heard as dangerous (I don't remember which perhaps sasparilla) didn't mention that information here. Additionally, many things I've learned through my searches don't show up here.

I might use This is hit and miss. It seems to be quite thorough for vitamins. However, the herbs they mention doesn't seem to get much detail.

The strongest point of this book is that it is organized by disease.
It also has some very useful points that I hadn't learned elsewhere. On the other hand, some herbs that I've heard as dangerous (I don't remember which perhaps sasparilla) didn't mention that information here. Additionally, many things I've learned through my searches don't show up here.

I might use this with other reference books; finding a herb/vitamin for a specific illness in this book and then getting more information from another book.

That being said, most of the book's content isn't useful to me and I will continue to search for a better resource before settling on this one.

I am giving this 4 stars, because relative to the other options I've seen this far it is pretty great, it's just not as good as I think it should be. ...more

1

Nov 05, 2009

I would not recommend this book, full opinions of author with nothing to back it up

4

Jan 16, 2008

This is a must-have resource for addressing your health/body concerns through diet and natural supplements. Reading through the general info., and the catalogue of various disorders is also a great way to become aware of the health concerns that are out there and ways to prevent them. Yeah! Preventative medicine!

5

Jul 13, 2012

This is an excellent resourceful book full of endless information and fabulous natural alternatives to health. I absolutely LOVE it! No matter what medical condition you are dealing with, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, is filled with a chalk full of holistic approaches to wellness.

Everything imaginable is covered in this book ranging from skin disorders, autoimmune diseases, thyroid, heart, ADHD, female issues, allergies and it's endless. Also, there is plenty of helpful information This is an excellent resourceful book full of endless information and fabulous natural alternatives to health. I absolutely LOVE it! No matter what medical condition you are dealing with, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, is filled with a chalk full of holistic approaches to wellness.

Everything imaginable is covered in this book ranging from skin disorders, autoimmune diseases, thyroid, heart, ADHD, female issues, allergies and it's endless. Also, there is plenty of helpful information about herbs, vitamins, antioxidants and so much more.

If you prefer alternative health over traditional medicine, this book is perfect. I use this beneficial resource so much that my pages are literally filled with yellow highlighters and tons of bookmarks. I wouldn't go without it! ...more

4

Dec 17, 2009

(also posted on my site The Paperback Stash)

If you're into vitamins, minerals, and supplements, this book will be sure to please you. I'm not one into pill nutrients much, but hold this book in high regard because it is seemingly endless with its information. There are countless disorders, with information on them - then treatments - then final notes. The authors were obviously not in a hurry as some seem to be, or pressed for space. It's a great resource that covers so much more than just what (also posted on my site The Paperback Stash)

If you're into vitamins, minerals, and supplements, this book will be sure to please you. I'm not one into pill nutrients much, but hold this book in high regard because it is seemingly endless with its information. There are countless disorders, with information on them - then treatments - then final notes. The authors were obviously not in a hurry as some seem to be, or pressed for space. It's a great resource that covers so much more than just what it says it does. There are chapters on vitamins, minerals, herbs, but the great heart of this book is the index referencing various conditions and ailments - everything from research, herbal suggestions, vitamin and mineral therapies with dosage recommendations - wonderful stuff. There are of course some eyebrow raising points, such as how orange juice is bad for everyone, but the authors seem to know their stuff and it shows. Highly recommended. ...more

5

Sep 03, 2007

A little background on why I like this book: I grew up with hippie parents who only once took me to the hospital when I was a kid (when my brother hit me with a stick and we thought my hand might be broken--and, no, my mom didn't even go to the hospital when she was pregnant with me). Instead, we took lots of vitamins and homeopathics. I still rely on them to this day and find this book really useful. I started reading/using it in middle school when I worked in a health food store where they A little background on why I like this book: I grew up with hippie parents who only once took me to the hospital when I was a kid (when my brother hit me with a stick and we thought my hand might be broken--and, no, my mom didn't even go to the hospital when she was pregnant with me). Instead, we took lots of vitamins and homeopathics. I still rely on them to this day and find this book really useful. I started reading/using it in middle school when I worked in a health food store where they sold this book. ...more

5

Nov 19, 2013

I had the first edition and then the third edition. I now own the Fifth edition and glad I could finally get it. My Third edition was falling apart from use, and this one is already being highlighted, written in and used on a regular basis. My friends and family know to call me and ask "What does that big book say about...??..." before going anywhere else.

I highly recommend this book to all. I will be attempting to stay caught up with editions in the future, but even if you don't, much of the I had the first edition and then the third edition. I now own the Fifth edition and glad I could finally get it. My Third edition was falling apart from use, and this one is already being highlighted, written in and used on a regular basis. My friends and family know to call me and ask "What does that big book say about...??..." before going anywhere else.

I highly recommend this book to all. I will be attempting to stay caught up with editions in the future, but even if you don't, much of the information from the other editions can be supplemented with on line searches at places such as WebMD and such. ...more

4

Mar 26, 2012

I had chosen this book because I have been reading up on a friend's health issue. I have been looking for alternative treatments verses prescription meds for him. For an over all more holistic approach.

I found his book to be very reader friendly and clearly explains all options in the area that I was looking in. Such as surgical verses nonsurgical treatments and prescriptions verses natural treatments.

I highly recommend it as a resource if you are looking to take some control of your health I had chosen this book because I have been reading up on a friend's health issue. I have been looking for alternative treatments verses prescription meds for him. For an over all more holistic approach.

I found his book to be very reader friendly and clearly explains all options in the area that I was looking in. Such as surgical verses nonsurgical treatments and prescriptions verses natural treatments.

I highly recommend it as a resource if you are looking to take some control of your health issues. At the very least this resource is a good starting point and may make you question, in a healthy way, just what it is that you want in your treatment plan and not just take the doctors word for what is best for you and your health. ...more

5

Mar 25, 2010

Jeneil, I am not sure of the spelling of this name, posted a review of this book and suggested it was full of unsubstantiated opinion.

Interestingly, she offered no substantiation for her opinion of this book.
I have used this book, in it's many editions, for over a decade. Additionally, I have suggested this book to, and purchased it for many of my friends and family.

The information contained in Balch's "Prescription for Nutritional Healing is simple, concise, well-reasoned and, when used Jeneil, I am not sure of the spelling of this name, posted a review of this book and suggested it was full of unsubstantiated opinion.

Interestingly, she offered no substantiation for her opinion of this book.
I have used this book, in it's many editions, for over a decade. Additionally, I have suggested this book to, and purchased it for many of my friends and family.

The information contained in Balch's "Prescription for Nutritional Healing is simple, concise, well-reasoned and, when used appropriately, very effective.

I need only to cite my vast physical and mental improvement, and that of my family and friends, to lend substance to this review.

Patrick Tynan
TynanTexas@gmail.com ...more

5

Apr 25, 2013

The BEST complementary body book ever written, without a doubt! It's been, time & time again, a huge, helpful time saver, pointing out different ways to approach & tend to minor home remedies, as well as providing in depth information on diagnosed illnesses of a more serious nature, and providing options from palliative care to cutting edge treatments helping the reader to gain the best understanding of any risks involved. A enormous range of available treatment modalities are covered, The BEST complementary body book ever written, without a doubt! It's been, time & time again, a huge, helpful time saver, pointing out different ways to approach & tend to minor home remedies, as well as providing in depth information on diagnosed illnesses of a more serious nature, and providing options from palliative care to cutting edge treatments helping the reader to gain the best understanding of any risks involved. A enormous range of available treatment modalities are covered, with up-to-date, realistic and down to earth facts regarding the efficacy of newer and/or more experimental treatments on the horizon. Each update also includes extensive references to hundreds of specialized health organizations in the United States and worldwide. ...more

5

Jul 09, 2008

I've purchased this book no less thatn six times! (They come out with a new edition every year, and update it with the latest information, etc.) I can't live without it, it's my guide for "whatever ails ya". Think of any physical or mental problem, from rickets to depression, and this book will tell you what vitamins and/or minerals may deficient in your diet, what you should eat (and avoid eating) in order to feel better, and begin healing. It also has a full run down of every vitamin, mineral, I've purchased this book no less thatn six times! (They come out with a new edition every year, and update it with the latest information, etc.) I can't live without it, it's my guide for "whatever ails ya". Think of any physical or mental problem, from rickets to depression, and this book will tell you what vitamins and/or minerals may deficient in your diet, what you should eat (and avoid eating) in order to feel better, and begin healing. It also has a full run down of every vitamin, mineral, herbal supplement, including what foods they can be found in, how to take them, how they work on different party of the body, brain, etc. There's even sections on color, music, and light therapies (that I really haven't looked into). I don't always do what the book recommends, but I always feel like I at least have a better understanding of what's going on with any area where I find some sort of medical concern. ...more

5

Apr 06, 2008

I love this book. It is my "health bible". I always consult this book for any sickness that my family has. I started with the 2nd edition and get a new copy each time a new one is available (the 4th is now available).

The first part of this book reviews nutrition, diet and wellness. Then there is a section that reviews vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, antioxidants, etc. Each time you read about a particular vitamin for example, you receive an explanation about the vitamin, the source and I love this book. It is my "health bible". I always consult this book for any sickness that my family has. I started with the 2nd edition and get a new copy each time a new one is available (the 4th is now available).

The first part of this book reviews nutrition, diet and wellness. Then there is a section that reviews vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, antioxidants, etc. Each time you read about a particular vitamin for example, you receive an explanation about the vitamin, the source and additional comments.

Part two lists alphabetically sicknesses/disorders. This section reviews the disorder and then gives supplement and herbal suggestions. It continues with recommendations and considerations for the particular disorder.

Part three has remedies and therapies that are suggested in part two.

This book does focus on maintaining overall health. It does help you get to the underlying cause of a sickness rather than just covering up the symptoms.

I think every household needs a copy!
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5

Apr 19, 2007

This was my nutritional bible for a long time and still refer back to it today. More than 250 health conditions--from everyday problems such as insect bites and bad breath to serious diseases including bulimia, cancer, and AIDS--and the nutritional protocols the Balches recommend for treatment. Since any number of supplements can be taken for the same condition, the Balches make sifting through the glut of information a little easier by separating their nutrient recommendations into four This was my nutritional bible for a long time and still refer back to it today. More than 250 health conditions--from everyday problems such as insect bites and bad breath to serious diseases including bulimia, cancer, and AIDS--and the nutritional protocols the Balches recommend for treatment. Since any number of supplements can be taken for the same condition, the Balches make sifting through the glut of information a little easier by separating their nutrient recommendations into four categories: essential, very important, important, and helpful. And they take a lot of the guesswork out of buying supplements by listing the brands they know and trust. Once again, the authors have squeezed in an impressive amount of information, including valuable sidebars on topics such as the dangers of aspartame; how to choose a calcium supplement; common heart problems and procedures; cancer risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments; and sports nutrition.


http://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Nu... ...more

5

Sep 18, 2014

Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch

I have read a number of nutrition books over the last few years but this book by Balch ranks at the top of the pile in my estimation. The vast amount of useful and relevant information contained within the cover is astounding. Every nutritionist should have a copy of this book on his or her bookshelf. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that anybody interested in improving his or her health through Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch

I have read a number of nutrition books over the last few years but this book by Balch ranks at the top of the pile in my estimation. The vast amount of useful and relevant information contained within the cover is astounding. Every nutritionist should have a copy of this book on his or her bookshelf. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that anybody interested in improving his or her health through nutrition should have a copy of this book. There are more than 1.75 million copies of this book in print; that speaks volumes about the benefits this book provides readers.

Balch discusses how nutrition, diet and wellness are entwined in creating good health. There is great material covering vitamins, minerals, air quality, water, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, natural food supplements, herbs, and drug interactions we should aware of.

Let us look at how Balch presents this information. Take vitamins for example. First, she gives us a general understanding of the role of the item in question. Then she tells us where we can find that item in the foods we eat. She also provides any comments and cautions that we need to be aware of. Vitamin D is necessary for bodily absorption of calcium and phosphorous, necessary for growth and many other things. Some of the best sources of Vitamin D are fatty saltwater fish, dairy products and eggs. But be careful taking too much Vitamin D (more than 1000 IU daily) as it will decrease bone mass.

This book has been one of the biggest and best information sources that I have read about healing with nutrition. Some of the other books that I have do present information better is some areas and are weaker in others. This tome is strong throughout the entire length.

This is definitely one nutrition book everybody should have.

Happy Reading,
...more

5

Nov 08, 2016

This is probably the least expensive book that every household could benefit from for many lifetimes! I cannot say how many times a person suffered from dis-ease and this exceptional book was given as a gift (or how many times I've replaced the one given)

Every subject is broken down easily. What are amino acids? What are herbs? Superfoods? Vitamins, oils, various types of waters, etc. it then gets into conditions people may suffer from, with essential vitamin/nutritional needs. Then lifestyle This is probably the least expensive book that every household could benefit from for many lifetimes! I cannot say how many times a person suffered from dis-ease and this exceptional book was given as a gift (or how many times I've replaced the one given)

Every subject is broken down easily. What are amino acids? What are herbs? Superfoods? Vitamins, oils, various types of waters, etc. it then gets into conditions people may suffer from, with essential vitamin/nutritional needs. Then lifestyle recommendations, foods or exercise suggestions, herbs to try. They actually name certain brand names (which, no, they do not get funded by these companies, but should!)

If someone wants a primer, and has questions such as what is homeopathy anyway? Or, what is acupuncture vs acupressure. What organizations are out there to call to help me condition. What is a vegan vs a raw vegan? How can I alkalize my diet more? Beginners to seasoned practitioners can always go to this book for suggestions, or ideas in area they may not specialize.

Over 30 some years I've seen this book get larger, and the price stay just about the same. It has contributions from so many sources, and now comes in Spanish... perhaps other languages as well!

With the holiday season, or just a way to tell someone you truly care about them, their long term well being and health, or if you wish to understand what your partner, loved one or friend is going through, and how to be supportive. (Yes, I need an editor...) I'd say this book is the best $30 one can spend, perhaps even less on sites like Amazon, or if you don't mind a used edition. There are some listed from sellers on Amazon and other sources. Your local organic market, vitamin and herbal shop should Ave a copy on hand. I'd not advise this only on Kindle. Maybe to travel with, but in general these will hopefully be one of the great all time books that remain in paper form.


...more

5

Aug 22, 2018

Great resource on how to treat common (and not so common) ailments with supplements, herbs, and nutrition.

5

Nov 13, 2019

The absolute best book on nutritional healing. My mom and I have been using it since it came out.

1

Feb 07, 2019

Don’t tell me to eat antioxidants and not eat berries, The amount of restriction you must endure to follow along with this book is excessive and there are no references, I have a chemical imbalance, not a nutritional one but I don’t think this would work for most people anyways. Eat food, not supplements.