What do you think?
Rate this book
The Body Ecology Guide to Growing Younger: Anti-ageing Wisdom for Every Generation
As baby boomers, we're a generation that has transformed society. How will we redefine aging? This book provides a blueprint for restoring a vital friendship with our bodies and, in turn, renewing our bond with the earth. It shows us how we can live fuller, healthier, more meaningful lives. A fascinating blend of cutting-edge medical information, practical health advice, and spiritual wisdom, The Baby Boomer Diet is relevant for people of any age. Written by Donna Gates-theoriginator of Body Ecology,a world-renowned system of healing-this long-awaited book suggests that we don't simply have to age gracefully, we can age with panache.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2011
39 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Donna Gates
22 books15 followersDonna Gates, a nutritional consultant, author and lecturer has helped thousands of people overcome candidiasis and other immune system disorders. Her book, "The Body Ecology Diet", was written after years of research to find a cure for her own candida-related health problems. Frustrated with conventional medicine, she embarked on a long course of study into many different healing concepts, including ancient Chinese medicine, macrobiotics, natural hygiene, raw foods and mega-supplement therapy. Incorporating the most beneficial components of each concept into her own system of health and healing, her success inspired her to share it with others.
Much more than a "diet" Body Ecology offers a constantly expanding body of knowledge that focuses on the benefits of establishing and maintaining an inner ecosystem. Eating fermented foods and following the BED principles lays down a foundation for health that is essential to wellness.
Body Ecology and Donna are frequently mentioned in the books of many other authors and in natural health magazines. She does radio shows and workshops to educate the public and is well-regarded for introducing Americans to new concepts and insights for using medicinal foods. She pioneered "young coconut kefir", a healthful, nutrient-rich drink. Donna's latest focus is on resolving the crisis of our children's health, and she is committed to preventing and overcoming autism.
The "Body Ecology Diet" book has evolved into a complete system for rebuilding immunity, has sold over 180,000 copies, and is now in its Tenth edition.
from http://bodyecology.com/aboutdonna.php
Much more than a "diet" Body Ecology offers a constantly expanding body of knowledge that focuses on the benefits of establishing and maintaining an inner ecosystem. Eating fermented foods and following the BED principles lays down a foundation for health that is essential to wellness.
Body Ecology and Donna are frequently mentioned in the books of many other authors and in natural health magazines. She does radio shows and workshops to educate the public and is well-regarded for introducing Americans to new concepts and insights for using medicinal foods. She pioneered "young coconut kefir", a healthful, nutrient-rich drink. Donna's latest focus is on resolving the crisis of our children's health, and she is committed to preventing and overcoming autism.
The "Body Ecology Diet" book has evolved into a complete system for rebuilding immunity, has sold over 180,000 copies, and is now in its Tenth edition.
from http://bodyecology.com/aboutdonna.php
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 30, 2011
Donna Gates is on a mission to make those of us known as baby boomers healthy. In this book, she gives dozens of tips on how to slow or even reverse the effects of all our years of eating badly and more.
Unlike most diet books, this one does not contain menus or recipes for you to follow (okay, there are a couple, but not chapters of them). Instead she offers lists of allowed foods and restricted foods one should eat in order to bring your body back to its healthiest level. She goes into great detail about the reasons behind her suggestions, leaning heavily on the Chinese conception of jing (energy) and balance, especially as it relates to the acidity/alkalinity of the body. In addition to food and diet suggestions, there are other recommendations as to supplements, exercise, meditation, and more. All the things one needs to lead a healthy life.
While easy to read and understand, the book is a heavy read. Donna obviously did her homework as the information is well documented and backed up with numerous footnotes and citations. It is an easy read, but it can get bogged down with all the background given.
There are many aspects of her book I agree with and know I should follow, but there are others that I either disagree with, or cannot afford or have the time to follow. Things I agree with include: 1. eat less, 2. eat more vegetables, 3. drink more water, 4. eat less refined products, 5. exercise more, 6. sleep more, 7. pay attention to my body.
Things I disagree with: 1. severely restrictive calories, 2. frequent colonics, 3. expensive supplements, 4. foods not readily available in my area or expensive, 5. advocating therapies that are beyond the means of most people, 6. pushing her own products.
Throughout the book the reader is often encouraged to use this type of protein powder or that supplement, all of which are available on her website. It is basically a "paid advertisement", it's just not on television. She also says more than a few times that our favorite actors/actresses/idols/etc. use these techniques that she endorses. That may be true. But they can afford them. I cannot. Neither can anyone I know.
My recommendation: if you've got unlimited income and are looking for possible solutions to health issues, definitely give this book, and her body ecology site tie-in a look. But if you're like most boomers I know, maybe do a few things, but save your money and check it out of the library. Then use that money to buy something you really need, like a tank of gas.
Unlike most diet books, this one does not contain menus or recipes for you to follow (okay, there are a couple, but not chapters of them). Instead she offers lists of allowed foods and restricted foods one should eat in order to bring your body back to its healthiest level. She goes into great detail about the reasons behind her suggestions, leaning heavily on the Chinese conception of jing (energy) and balance, especially as it relates to the acidity/alkalinity of the body. In addition to food and diet suggestions, there are other recommendations as to supplements, exercise, meditation, and more. All the things one needs to lead a healthy life.
While easy to read and understand, the book is a heavy read. Donna obviously did her homework as the information is well documented and backed up with numerous footnotes and citations. It is an easy read, but it can get bogged down with all the background given.
There are many aspects of her book I agree with and know I should follow, but there are others that I either disagree with, or cannot afford or have the time to follow. Things I agree with include: 1. eat less, 2. eat more vegetables, 3. drink more water, 4. eat less refined products, 5. exercise more, 6. sleep more, 7. pay attention to my body.
Things I disagree with: 1. severely restrictive calories, 2. frequent colonics, 3. expensive supplements, 4. foods not readily available in my area or expensive, 5. advocating therapies that are beyond the means of most people, 6. pushing her own products.
Throughout the book the reader is often encouraged to use this type of protein powder or that supplement, all of which are available on her website. It is basically a "paid advertisement", it's just not on television. She also says more than a few times that our favorite actors/actresses/idols/etc. use these techniques that she endorses. That may be true. But they can afford them. I cannot. Neither can anyone I know.
My recommendation: if you've got unlimited income and are looking for possible solutions to health issues, definitely give this book, and her body ecology site tie-in a look. But if you're like most boomers I know, maybe do a few things, but save your money and check it out of the library. Then use that money to buy something you really need, like a tank of gas.
June 5, 2025
Good info on healthy eating and health habits. Alkaline, food combing, herbal supplements etc.
March 8, 2017
Just OK.
February 13, 2013
Book: The Body Ecology Guide to Growing Younger by Donna Gates
I usually don't subscribe to food or nutrition books, just plainly because there are so many different diets and approaches to food out on the market, that it's hard to pick one that makes sense for one's life style. However, I became intrigued by this book title's claim to growing younger, and decided to give it a try.
Being a vegetarian, there are certain foods that I will definitely not try, otherwise I'm open to suggestions of foods which will help not only to kill the harmful effects of certain substances but also to provide a better way to clean and keep the body well and healthy. This book is a guide - therefore, expect lots of hints and helpful information about food. This is the first time I am coming into contact with Donna Gates' body ecology principles, and I believe she has found a very interesting concept to improve the quality of life and health by giving a step by step guide that shows the benefits of eating and/or avoiding certain types of food and substances. Some myths are broken, and it's perfectly OK, after all, not everyone has the same body type or can tolerate the same amount of food or liquid in their diets. One should choose to live by what makes sense to their organism.
This is a very helpful guide to be kept handy when cooking or preparing food. The chapters about cleansing and detoxification were particularly beneficial, highlighting some information that was not new, and some which debunked some myths on how to eliminate toxins from our system. Worth trying for the sake of feeling better. My only issue was some of the recommendations for the shopping list at the end of the book. These items are not so easy to find and obviously buying everything organic can certainly put a big dent on any budget. If you can find a way to reconcile what you can do with the information and still maintain a healthy diet after reading this guide, you will definitely reap great benefits for your body.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
I usually don't subscribe to food or nutrition books, just plainly because there are so many different diets and approaches to food out on the market, that it's hard to pick one that makes sense for one's life style. However, I became intrigued by this book title's claim to growing younger, and decided to give it a try.
Being a vegetarian, there are certain foods that I will definitely not try, otherwise I'm open to suggestions of foods which will help not only to kill the harmful effects of certain substances but also to provide a better way to clean and keep the body well and healthy. This book is a guide - therefore, expect lots of hints and helpful information about food. This is the first time I am coming into contact with Donna Gates' body ecology principles, and I believe she has found a very interesting concept to improve the quality of life and health by giving a step by step guide that shows the benefits of eating and/or avoiding certain types of food and substances. Some myths are broken, and it's perfectly OK, after all, not everyone has the same body type or can tolerate the same amount of food or liquid in their diets. One should choose to live by what makes sense to their organism.
This is a very helpful guide to be kept handy when cooking or preparing food. The chapters about cleansing and detoxification were particularly beneficial, highlighting some information that was not new, and some which debunked some myths on how to eliminate toxins from our system. Worth trying for the sake of feeling better. My only issue was some of the recommendations for the shopping list at the end of the book. These items are not so easy to find and obviously buying everything organic can certainly put a big dent on any budget. If you can find a way to reconcile what you can do with the information and still maintain a healthy diet after reading this guide, you will definitely reap great benefits for your body.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
March 14, 2013
I understand how health and nutrition books can strike a nerve with people, but I don't know how anyone could give this book less than 5 stars. Well researched, well written, insightful, and thorough. This isn't a diet or recipe book. It is a comprehensive guide on, as the title says, growing younger. Two principles separate this book from the morass of nutritional science: the principle of uniqueness, and the principle of balance. There is no one size fits all, magic formula for health, fitness, or longevity. Nor is there one magic, nutritional or fitness trick that fixes everything. Donna Gates has written a fantastic book showing a much wiser path to wellness. Throughout this indispensable guide she manages to cover all the bases of creating your own personal fountains of youth, all the while, going much deeper than most health authors. For instance, many talk about the ancient Chinese theory of Chi energy, but she goes a step further with a complete explanation of what Taoists call The 3 Treasures; Chi, Jing, and Shen. She even manages to do a better job of explaining them than most Tai Chi/Qigong instructors. This book bowled me over. If you have the slightest interest in reversing the aging process, you need to read The Body Ecology Guide to Growing Younger, and keep it on your shelf as a reference tool. I received this book free, for review purposes from the good folks at Hay House. I was not paid for my assessment, and it is my honest opinion that this book rocks and you need to read it.
October 10, 2013
Lots of good info on fermented foods, and healthy nutrition in general. Too much emphasis on her expensive food products. Quite a few self-contradictions and ambiguities. Well referenced, but too much 'fairy dust' for my taste.
December 17, 2015
This book was a little too technical for me, but I appreciated all the research into staying young. I learned a few things that I can easily incorporate to be healthier, like eating more fermented foods. I probably won't be adopting it 100% but I am better educated at how the whole body works!
July 20, 2014
It had some interesting concepts. Though I am not in the baby boomer era, it was still full of information. Mostly full of eat right, move, do meditation or things that make you less stressed.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews