The Seven Pillars of Health

by Don Colbert, Mary Colbert (Collaborator)

New York Times Best Selling book with over 300,000 copies sold and nearly 200 Five Star ***** reviews. What is the status of your health? What if in just fifty days, you could experience more energy, feel better, look better, decrease your stress, prevent diseases, be more efficient in your work, and enjoy each day? Would you? In Seven Pillars of Health , best selling author Dr. Don Colbert shares timeless truths as he introduces you to the basics of good health. Following this well-respected life plan outlined in The Seven Pillars of Health will help you make healthy choices one day at a time!

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Christianity

304 pages, Hardcover

First published December 11, 2006

About the author

Don Colbert, MD, has been a board-certified family practice doctor for over twenty-five years in Orlando, Florida, and most recently in Dallas, Texas. He is also board-certified in antiaging medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and has received extensive training in nutritional and preventive medicine. He is the author of three New York Times best-selling books: Dr. Colbert's Keto Zone Diet, The Seven Pillars of Health, and Dr. Colbert's "I Can Do This" Diet, along with best sellers Toxic Relief, the Bible Cure series, Living in Divine Health, and Stress Less. He has sold more than ten million books and treated more than fifty thousand patients in his years of practicing medicine.

Reviews

[Josh Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don Colbert’s book The Seven Pillars of Health is an information jammed how-to of health. Dr. Colbert is family practice Medical Doctor who brings years of experience and as well as a Christian perspective to the volume. Colbert organizes the book around seven fundamental principles, or pillars of health which Colbert describes as crucial to the well-being of every person. Each of these pillars, Colbert breaks up into seven-on in the case of the final, eight-daily segments. Colbert gives a theological reason for this, explaining that his 50 days of health are similar to the ‘Jubilee Cycle’ of ancient Israel. More importantly perhaps, however, he suggests that the reader ingest the information in small chunks so as not to be overwhelmed by the data.
Dr. Colbert’s first pillar of health is water. He suggests drinking lots of it. Perhaps more importantly, he explains that not all water is created equal and gives details on the purity, acidity, and even molecular structure of water. In pillar two, Colbert addresses sleep patterns. He addresses not only the need for sleep, but things such as the causes of insomnia (p. 42), the stages of sleep, and various sleep aids (p.58-60). The third pillar of health according to Dr. Colbert is Living Food. Colbert explains that food may be seen as ‘living’ or ‘dead’ and encourages his readers to opt for the former. Dr. Colbert notes that most American eat too much and encourages portion control. Far more importantly, however, he warns are the ‘dead’ foods containing MSG, high sugar content, white flour, and numerous other processed contents. While suggesting living foods as an alternative, Colbert ventures well beyond the obvious and discusses many hidden dangers such as irradiation and acidity. Exercise is Dr. Colbert’s fourth pillar and here the reader will find fewer surprises and more encouragement. Pillar five is detoxification. In one of the most disturbing sections of the book, Dr. Colbert reveals that we completely surrounded by toxins including many surprising sources. In this chapter, Colbert concedes that it is impossible to avoid all environmental toxins but prescribes a combination of avoidance and strategies to enhance the bodies cleansing system. Dr. Colbert suggests nutritional supplements in Pillar 6. He explains that a variety of causes conspire to deplete our foods of vital nutrients and recommends that his patients take a regular multivitamin, along with photonutrient powder and omega-3. In his final chapter, Dr. Colbert address the ever present problem of stress and provides an array of strategies for allying, avoiding, and overcoming stress in one’s life.
Although Colbert’s effective organization and presentation of his material helps, the sheer quantity of data seems likely to overwhelm all but the most passionate of students. Colbert struggles it seems, to find a balance between a shorter, pragmatic book intended for a popular audience and a more hefty volume geared toward specialists. His pillar on nutrients provides more information than anyone could hope to implement and the chapter on toxins is overwhelming except possibly in light of the resilience of the human body. At times, Colbert veers toward the ideal such as when he recommends a hexagonal alkalinizing filtration system for home drinking water. If the reader can avoid throwing up their hands in exasperation from the sheer volume of recommendations which do not seem to be feasible, they’ll also find a great many alternate options which will guide them toward a healthier and happier life.

[Calinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has alot of common-sense types of hints and tips for staying healthy. I particularly liked the lay-out. That is, it is arranged in 50 short segments, meant to be read one per day for 50 days, with one action item for each day that you either do one time or (usually) you keep doing as a habit from then on.

The downside is that there are some things in the book that are of questionable efficacy and safety (ie, bioidentical compounded hormones). So some of it can't be implemented without doing alot of extra research. And many of the supplements listed are coincidentally sold by Dr. Colbert's company. Which, of course, he would endorse a product that he knows is a quality product, so that's expected. But it still makes it difficult to follow his advice on some points without investing in something from which he himself...or his company...will make a profit.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here's just a quick sum up of the book:

Chapter 1: Water: Its really good for you.... But not the kind YOU drink.

Chapter 2: Sleep: It's really good for you... But you're doing it all wrong.

Chapter 3: Food: Only eat it if you must... But you're seriously going to DIE!
(subchapter- meat:is REALLY bad for you, PETA just gave me reliable statistics on it.... So is milk, fruits and all other substances come to think about it)

Chapter 4: Exercise: absolutely... But YOUR probably doing that wrong too

Chapter 5: Detoxification: It's really a wonder you're alive. JUST . DON'T. TOUCH. ANYTHING.

Chapter 6: Nutritional Supplements: You take too much... And I hate fish oil.

Chapter 7:Stress: We all have it but I have less then you because my wife can drive her Hummer over curbs to get to the airport in time. By the way.. You're even breathing wrong.

I feel like I just read a book by Dr Fauci's cousin! And I'm really not understanding why, if everything in the entire world is toxic but all I have to do is pray a prayer asking God to magically cleanse me, I need this book at all!

On a more serious note, this is a health book written by a charismatic Dr, along the lines of Kenneth Copland crazy. Magic prayers, spoken word healing, forgiving yourself, and simply believing yourself into health. I'm sure there is some truth in here, but not worth keeping. Besides I'm always doubly suspicious when, in every case given, those who followed this man's advice immediately became better and those who did not, were left unhealed. Convenient truths.
Plus, changing yoga to Christian truths reminds me of changing rap to Christian lyrics. It's the same thing and from a distance you can't tell them apart. There goes being the light of the world!

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don Colbert lists the seven steps to health. Most of them are common sense, but I need to know what I need more of to see a healthier body. I also need to loose weight. I first heard about him on Joyce Meyer and Kenneth Copeland Christian program shows! Very resourceful and acknowledged that I was not getting enough sleep and/or exercising. More conscious of what I am eating.

[Gaelyn Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was the best overall book on health that I have ever read. The information is vital, but it is an easy read. Most all areas of health are addressed. It really has inspired me to "get my act together" and eat in a more healthy manner.

[Zdenek Sykora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main Points:
1. Comprehensive Health Approach: Don Colbert presents a holistic approach to health, focusing on seven key areas that are crucial for overall well-being.
2. Nutrition: Colbert emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition as a foundational pillar of health. He provides practical advice on eating whole foods, avoiding processed foods, and understanding the role of nutrients in disease prevention and management.
3. Exercise: The book stresses the significance of regular physical activity for maintaining optimal health. Colbert discusses different types of exercises and their benefits, catering to various fitness levels.
4. Water: Colbert highlights the vital role of hydration in supporting bodily functions and overall health. He provides guidelines on adequate water intake and its impact on energy levels and detoxification.
5. Sleep: The book delves into the importance of quality sleep for physical and mental well-being. Colbert offers insights into establishing good sleep hygiene and its profound impact on health outcomes.
6. Detoxification: Colbert explores the concept of detoxifying the body to eliminate toxins and enhance organ function. He suggests practical methods for detoxification through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
7. Mind-Body Connection: The book acknowledges the influence of emotional and spiritual health on physical well-being. Colbert discusses stress management techniques, meditation, and cultivating a positive mindset.

"The Seven Pillars of Health" by Don Colbert is a comprehensive guide that combines scientific knowledge with practical wisdom to empower readers in their journey towards optimal health. Colbert's approach is accessible yet deeply informative, making complex health concepts understandable and actionable for everyone. His emphasis on holistic health resonates throughout the book, offering a roadmap to not just treat symptoms but to address root causes of illness.
Colbert's writing is engaging and compassionate, reflecting his decades of experience as a medical doctor and Christian minister. Each chapter is structured to educate, motivate, and equip readers with the tools needed to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Whether you're looking to improve your diet, boost your fitness, or enhance your mental clarity, "The Seven Pillars of Health" provides practical strategies backed by evidence-based research.
I particularly appreciated Colbert's balanced approach, integrating traditional medical advice with insights from nutrition, exercise physiology, and spiritual wellness. His emphasis on preventive care and holistic healing sets this book apart as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to optimize their health and vitality.

In conclusion, "The Seven Pillars of Health" is not just a book but a transformative guide that empowers individuals to take charge of their health destiny. Colbert's holistic framework inspires readers to adopt healthy habits that nurture the body, mind, and spirit, paving the way for a vibrant and fulfilling life.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book back in 201o and it changed my mindset on food and water and health. I lost 60 lbs after reading this and doing some self-reflection. This book is great if you want to learn more about the food and water and supplements that you are consuming. I read it again this year for a follow up and review. Take it with a grain of salt, so to speak, as it is great information to get started on your journey to health!

[Terra Wolski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too religious for my liking - didn't learn too much- but otherwise had some good info.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of the godbiblejesus elements. But good health recommendations otherwise.

[Molly Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out inspiring but got more and more depressing as I read. He seems very sanctimonious and offers lots of doom and gloom from everything we consume regardless of what we change.

[Semi-Academic Eric]

The Seven Pillars:
Water,
Sleep and Rest,
Living Food,
Exercise,
Detoxification,
Nutritional Supplements and
Coping with Stress

Of course, there are more parts of a healthy lifestyle. And yet, these may very well be "pillars." This has already affected my health habits!

About the Seven Pillars

Water: An adequate amount of water remains essential for our health. This, of course, is not a new concept. However, many of us could well be reminded of this. Other books I have come across, which go into more detail are Your Body's Many Cries for Water, You're Not Sick You're Thirsty and Water: The Ultimate Cure. Drink before you are thirsty, because when you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. Drink about half an hour before a meal or two hours after. He, of course, goes into why. During a meal, drink only 4 to 8 ounces, so as not to dilute your digestion. Tony Robbins also talks about this in Unlimited Power.

Sleep and Rest: Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. He explores why and what might be getting in the way. Dim the lights to help the brain prepare for sleep [interesting chemical explanation]. Make sure the bedroom is darkened and clutter-free. Use an appreciation list before going to bed to help settle the mind and relax. Power Naps: This, I found very interesting, probably because I was so resistant to napping when I could be working. "Researchers at Loughborough University's Sleep Research Laboratory have found that people are designed for two sleeps a day - the main one at night and a nap in the afternoon. Very successful men have been known to nap regularly: Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Napoleon, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and George W. Bush...A study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a forty-minute nap improved performance by 34 percent and alertness by 100 percent... Naps also extend alertness a few hours later in the day."

More to come as I study this more...

Living Food:
Exercise:
Detoxification:
Nutritional Supplements:
Coping with Stress:

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most practical book on health I have read so far. I have been slowly achieving mastering all seven pillars. I go back to this book as a reference and a check list for reaching goals. The sleep pillar I have practiced for years. The water pillar I decided to begin with in my journey for healthy living. Supplements is AND was easy to come by too. Stress I took care of with yoga and deep breathing. Exercise was accomplished with the afore mentioned yoga and deep breathing along with walking, stretching and the isometric stance the doctor shows you in this book. The living food diet is what I'm working on now coupled with detoxification. I hope to eliminate some if not all prescriptions I am on. I currently take a drug to ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed with Grave' s disease which corrected itself but now I have hypothyroidism and take a prescription for that. When I was diagnosed with Grave' disease, I was also diagnosed with high blood pressure hence, I take two meds for that plus a statin.I suffered from atrialfibrulation which has been corrected, and the cardiologist found my left carotid artery completely block. I have sleep apnea and use a breathing machine. And recently diagnosed with rhumatoid arthritis and have a prescription for that too. I am overwemght by 50 pounds. I said all that to say this, this book has helped me achieve and regain some health and I look forward to accomplishing weight loss which will hopefully eliminte some if not all the prescription I take, alliviate the pain I endure on a daily basis and make me a stronger person. THANK YOU DR. COLBERT.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that it had great principles for the most part. I learned a TON about WHY so many things are important for your health like drinking water, taking vitamins, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy. You also learn what happens physiologically if you don't do those things. He explains how your body works in an easy to understand way to help you understand WHY it reacts certain ways.

The author is a Doctor that rarely prescribes medication. He prescribes water, sleep, healthy diet, exercise, vitamins and stress relief. For that reason alone I respect him and take his views seriously. He is a very religious man so it was nice to see evidence from not only top medical journals and studies, but also from the Bible which is even more important.

Some of the things he talked about I didn't agree with or thought he took to an extreme. We're implementing about 80% of what he said into our daily life because we know that he is teaching true principles.

If you're looking for a book that can cover a lot of ground about living healthy this is a great one.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a while to get through because there is so much information. I wanted to read another health book to compare what Dr. Asa Andrew said in his book. Both books were extremely helpful and do a great job educating me on how to live with better health. Some of it is common sense. Some of it is technical info written in a casual tone.

Dr. Colbert breaks this book down into 50 days of reading and it is very doable for people who don't like to read. He focuses on seven pillars of health and writes 7 small chapters for each larger pillar. So much good info in this book that I would recommend reading it slow.

The parts that surprised me the most are:
- The facts about water: bottled, tap and filtered
- The problems with plastic bottles
- The way nutrients work together

This will be a re-read for sure.

[Mrs. Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned aloth from this book. I think it is more than common sense tips. It's more than the basic book telling you to eat healthy and excercise. It tells you how you need to be drinking clean, filtered water if you want to make it count. It tells you to stay away from processed foods that are loaded with MSG and it tells you all kinds of interesting facts of how food companies hire the smartest scientist to make their foods addictive (MSG). Anyways, thats just some of the information shared. I think it's really good to know.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book in my opinion.Sometimes commonsense isn't just common and you need someone to make it plain. I loved the fact that it is to be read a chapter a day as there is so much information to take on. Definitely a book I will be reading again and already implementing lots. On the whole an excellent resource to have. Have now purchased his other book on getting healthy through fasting and detox.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is your basic health book with a Christian bend. There's not much here you won't learn in other health books--drink lots of water, exercise, eat healthy etc. but the author does also examine the spiritual side of things and how our thoughts and feelings affect our health.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has tons of good information and has changed the way I eat and live. I found "What Would Jesus Eat" book to be much more practical and livable and I would recommed that book whole heartedly over this one.

[Julina · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information in this book if you're ready for a life-change (not just a trendy diet) that will improve your health. Sometimes there's so much information, that it's overwhelming, so I plan to read this book more than once and take notes.

[Keren Threlfall · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Mostly) helpful information on essentials to good, prolonged health; horrible use and manipulation of Scripture. I appreciate what the book says and the importance placed on health, but the author could probably use a few pillars of hermeneutics in his life.

[Sarabeara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly detailed and well worth the read if you are interested in becoming healthy. More than a read guaranteed it is worth putting into practice as well. Very wise words are inside the covers of this book.

[JR, Mom, Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

great info for getting your health on the right track and keeping it there

[Klista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes perfect sense. Good one to flip through.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It's not a diet to follow, but more of an encylopedia of health knowledge and what food does to/for your body.

[Karen Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be informative and discovered some useful hints and tips regarding health.

[Sarah Hartfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-read

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy Read, broken up into 50 days. 7 Pillars are: Water, Sleep and Rest, Living Food, Exercise, Detoxification, Nutritional Supplements, and Coping with Stress

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was motivational and prompted me to take some important steps to better my eating habits and be more attentive to the kinds of foods I eat and serve my family.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good foundation for healthy living - but I don't know if I'd read anything else by him.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read containing useful health tips.