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Fat for Fuel: A Revolutionary Diet to Combat Cancer, Boost Brain Power, and Increase Your Energy
For over a century, we’ve accepted the scientific consensus that cancer results from genetic disease due to chromosomal damage in cell nuclei. But what if cancer isn’t a genetic disease after all? What if scientists are chasing a flawed paradigm, and cancer isn’t a disease of damaged DNA but rather of defective metabolism as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction? What if that startling truth could revolutionize our understanding of other diseases as well—and show us a radical new path to optimal health?
In this groundbreaking guide, the first of its kind, New York Times best-selling author and leading natural-health practitioner Joseph Mercola explains how nearly all disease is caused by defective metabolic processes. Then he reveals what’s really causing your metabolism to go haywire: damage and dysfunction in the mitochondria, thousands of which are at work in nearly every cell in your body, generating 90 percent of the energy you need to stay alive and well. When mitochondria become damaged in large numbers, it is impossible to stay healthy.
Dr. Mercola shows you that you can to take control of your health simply by giving your body the proper fuel—and it’s not what you’ve likely been led to believe. A ketogenic diet, very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, is the way to optimize the biochemical pathways that suppress disease and support healing. And the benefits can be astonishing—not only in treating or preventing serious illness, but in boosting your brainpower, increasing your energy, helping you lose weight and keep it off, and much more.
As you read this book, you’ll learn in clear, rational terms how your body works at a molecular level. You’ll finally understand the type of fuel it’s designed to burn in the most efficient way possible. You’ll find detailed guidelines for starting and sticking with a ketogenic eating plan. And you won’t have to wait a decade or two for metabolic mitochondrial therapy to make its way into the mainstream. You can build a healthier body and brain at the cutting edge of this exciting new discipline, starting right now.
In this groundbreaking guide, the first of its kind, New York Times best-selling author and leading natural-health practitioner Joseph Mercola explains how nearly all disease is caused by defective metabolic processes. Then he reveals what’s really causing your metabolism to go haywire: damage and dysfunction in the mitochondria, thousands of which are at work in nearly every cell in your body, generating 90 percent of the energy you need to stay alive and well. When mitochondria become damaged in large numbers, it is impossible to stay healthy.
Dr. Mercola shows you that you can to take control of your health simply by giving your body the proper fuel—and it’s not what you’ve likely been led to believe. A ketogenic diet, very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, is the way to optimize the biochemical pathways that suppress disease and support healing. And the benefits can be astonishing—not only in treating or preventing serious illness, but in boosting your brainpower, increasing your energy, helping you lose weight and keep it off, and much more.
As you read this book, you’ll learn in clear, rational terms how your body works at a molecular level. You’ll finally understand the type of fuel it’s designed to burn in the most efficient way possible. You’ll find detailed guidelines for starting and sticking with a ketogenic eating plan. And you won’t have to wait a decade or two for metabolic mitochondrial therapy to make its way into the mainstream. You can build a healthier body and brain at the cutting edge of this exciting new discipline, starting right now.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2017
1448 people are currently reading
2501 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Mercola
75 books560 followersDr. Joseph Mercola is a natural health expert based in Illinois. He believes that people are capable of taking control of their health – they can harness their body’s ability to stay optimally healthy. He shares his recommendations through his website, Mercola.com. It is one of the leading natural health websites today, with over one million subscribers worldwide.
Dr. Mercola has authored three New York Times best sellers, "The Great Bird Flu Hoax", "The No Grain Diet", and his latest book, “Effortless Healing”, which he has written as an easy-to-read guide that can help you avoid the many pitfalls of the conventional approach to health through nine simple steps or healing principles.
Dr. Mercola has authored three New York Times best sellers, "The Great Bird Flu Hoax", "The No Grain Diet", and his latest book, “Effortless Healing”, which he has written as an easy-to-read guide that can help you avoid the many pitfalls of the conventional approach to health through nine simple steps or healing principles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
June 8, 2018
3.5
Fat for Fuel is a very science-heavy book that discusses Metabolic Mitochondrial Therapy (MMT), and why healing and health should start with our mitochondria. It's very elaborate and discusses the ideal diet being low-carb, and high-fat. Not just any fat, however, but healthy fats such as the ones found in avocado and coconut oil. It also discusses the importance of having water fasts, even just nightly fasts where food is avoided 3 hours before bed when our energy is slowed down and we can't digest foods as well. Since reading this book, I've adopted an even healthier form of eating, and I drink quite a bit more tea with coconut oil in it (its delicious!).
This book is a great read for those who are looking to get healthier or reverse a disease or cancer that is holding you down.
The 3.5 rating is because this book is a little slow, hard to understand in some ways (for me, anyway) because it was so science heavy, and towards the end it gets somewhat repetitive.
Fat for Fuel is a very science-heavy book that discusses Metabolic Mitochondrial Therapy (MMT), and why healing and health should start with our mitochondria. It's very elaborate and discusses the ideal diet being low-carb, and high-fat. Not just any fat, however, but healthy fats such as the ones found in avocado and coconut oil. It also discusses the importance of having water fasts, even just nightly fasts where food is avoided 3 hours before bed when our energy is slowed down and we can't digest foods as well. Since reading this book, I've adopted an even healthier form of eating, and I drink quite a bit more tea with coconut oil in it (its delicious!).
This book is a great read for those who are looking to get healthier or reverse a disease or cancer that is holding you down.
The 3.5 rating is because this book is a little slow, hard to understand in some ways (for me, anyway) because it was so science heavy, and towards the end it gets somewhat repetitive.
December 14, 2017
In the last three years, I've lost about 80 pounds. After a long stall, I switched to a low carb/high fat diet about six months ago. My wife joined the program about three months ago after seeing how well it was working for me. It's been the first plan she's been able to stick to. In fact, she says it's been pretty easy. I agree.
I've just hit my goal weight, about the same weight I was when I graduated from high school almost 40 years ago. My knees (I've had six knee surgeries) haven't felt this good in decades. I have more energy, and feel really good.
As I transition into maintaining my new weight, I wanted a book that helps me understand the science behind this way of eating. I saw some reviews of this book criticizing it for being too technical, too science-heavy, but that was what I wanted, and it doesn't disappoint. It has helped me understand how and why eating this way helps, and how it can help me improve my health beyond mere weight loss.
There are some aspects of the program the author prescribes, such as monitoring glucose multiple times a day, that I'm not going to follow. I've been eating this way for six months and have been monitoring my ketones once a week for about four months. That's been sufficient for me. But, for the most part, Dr. Mercola's suggestions match what I've been doing since the start of the year. Only, now I understand better why it's been working, and how I can move from active weight loss to maintenance.
While I don't agree with all of the methods suggested by the book, I've been converted to the benefits of the overall eating program. With the information in this book, I feel better armed to make eating healthy fats while reducing sugars an important part of my lifestyle, because I have a better understanding of how it benefits my body and my mind.
I've just hit my goal weight, about the same weight I was when I graduated from high school almost 40 years ago. My knees (I've had six knee surgeries) haven't felt this good in decades. I have more energy, and feel really good.
As I transition into maintaining my new weight, I wanted a book that helps me understand the science behind this way of eating. I saw some reviews of this book criticizing it for being too technical, too science-heavy, but that was what I wanted, and it doesn't disappoint. It has helped me understand how and why eating this way helps, and how it can help me improve my health beyond mere weight loss.
There are some aspects of the program the author prescribes, such as monitoring glucose multiple times a day, that I'm not going to follow. I've been eating this way for six months and have been monitoring my ketones once a week for about four months. That's been sufficient for me. But, for the most part, Dr. Mercola's suggestions match what I've been doing since the start of the year. Only, now I understand better why it's been working, and how I can move from active weight loss to maintenance.
While I don't agree with all of the methods suggested by the book, I've been converted to the benefits of the overall eating program. With the information in this book, I feel better armed to make eating healthy fats while reducing sugars an important part of my lifestyle, because I have a better understanding of how it benefits my body and my mind.
March 22, 2019
هو ليس كتاب أدبي أو سياسي كل ما يعني به هي تلك الثورة القائمة في الوقت الحالي لنظام الحمية المسمى الكيتو أو النظام "الكيتوني" وما يجعلني حريص على كتابة تقرير مبسط حيال هذا الكتاب أولاً ه التجربة التي قمت بها لتجربته وثانياً هي الفائدة التي من الممكن زن تعم على من أراد أن يتبع هذا النظام خصوصاً لذوي الوزن الزائد أو من هم مصابون بداء السكرية أو أمراض الخمول وقلة النشاط.
هذه الحمية التي أثارت جدلاً هي إمتداد لحمية تسمى حمية "أتكنز" وهي حمية إبتدعها الدكتور التي سميت بإسمه تدعو إلى إتخاذ الأطعمةالمشبعة بالدهون كأسلوب حياة غذائي وتحرص على تجنب السكريات والكربوهيدرات والنشويات ونظراً للهجوم الذي واجهته نظريته إضطر للإنسحاب لاحقاً ليضيف النشويات إلى قائمة هذا النظام
عموماً حمية "الكيتو" مؤخراً أثبتت فاعليتها البحتة في ضحض تلك الأساليب التي يتخذها محاربيها غرضاً لإجهاضها فهي تؤديفي ناتج الأمر إلى تدمير الصناعة الغذائية المصنعة والتي تعتمد على الغذاء المركب والذي أساسه السكريات والنباتات المليئة بالكربوهيدرات
ما هي هذه الحمية ...كل ما في الأمر هذه الحمية تدعو للتوقف التام عن أي أغذية تحتوي على كربوهيدرات وسكريات كما أنها تتجنب النشويات التي تتحول في الجسم رلى سكريات فترفع مستوى الأنسولين مما يتسسب في نقص عملية الأيض بصفة عامة ومنه تنتج الأمراض كالبدانة واأمراض القلب والسكر...الكتاب يبدأ في الشرح العلمي لآلية عمل هذه الحمية بشكل علمي ثم ينتقل لذكر فوائدها وما هو مباح ومحظور تناوله خلالها ..كتاب جيد وأنصح به لمن أراد إتباع هذه الحمية
هذه الحمية التي أثارت جدلاً هي إمتداد لحمية تسمى حمية "أتكنز" وهي حمية إبتدعها الدكتور التي سميت بإسمه تدعو إلى إتخاذ الأطعمةالمشبعة بالدهون كأسلوب حياة غذائي وتحرص على تجنب السكريات والكربوهيدرات والنشويات ونظراً للهجوم الذي واجهته نظريته إضطر للإنسحاب لاحقاً ليضيف النشويات إلى قائمة هذا النظام
عموماً حمية "الكيتو" مؤخراً أثبتت فاعليتها البحتة في ضحض تلك الأساليب التي يتخذها محاربيها غرضاً لإجهاضها فهي تؤديفي ناتج الأمر إلى تدمير الصناعة الغذائية المصنعة والتي تعتمد على الغذاء المركب والذي أساسه السكريات والنباتات المليئة بالكربوهيدرات
ما هي هذه الحمية ...كل ما في الأمر هذه الحمية تدعو للتوقف التام عن أي أغذية تحتوي على كربوهيدرات وسكريات كما أنها تتجنب النشويات التي تتحول في الجسم رلى سكريات فترفع مستوى الأنسولين مما يتسسب في نقص عملية الأيض بصفة عامة ومنه تنتج الأمراض كالبدانة واأمراض القلب والسكر...الكتاب يبدأ في الشرح العلمي لآلية عمل هذه الحمية بشكل علمي ثم ينتقل لذكر فوائدها وما هو مباح ومحظور تناوله خلالها ..كتاب جيد وأنصح به لمن أراد إتباع هذه الحمية
January 5, 2019
Here's my impression of what happened:
The keto train pulled into the station. Mercola perceived that it was going places, so he hopped on while he could. He was all excited about all the places he might be going; He got caught up in all the excitement on the train and started shouting out the windows as the train picked up speed. He didn't fully comprehend the entire story, but he listened to others on the train & pieced together a narrative. Except, he wasn't content to just be another passenger. So, he came up with an angle he thought he could use to differentiate himself. MMT, that's it! MMT wasn't the same as ketogenics because MMT focused on the effects on the mitochondria, not on how those benefits came about. Mercola tried to claim that his method (which he never actually defined nor successfully differentiated from ketogenics) also had some of the other benefits of ketogenics (beyond mitochondrial health), but didn't go into much detail, because HIS focus was on the mitochondria.
My thoughts about the book:
If you're still trying to figure out what to believe about a ketogenic diet, don't be swayed by Mercola's hype. He doesn't present evidence for any of his wondrous claims. He also claims that his Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy (MMT) approach is somehow different than a ketogenic approach because one has the goal of being in nutritional ketosis, while the other has the goal of keeping your body in a fat-burning mode. They're exactly the same thing. He says that "ketogenic diet" "implies that the whole purpose of the diet is to have as many ketones around as possible." Hogwash.
Mercola criticizes other publications/advocates for basing their positions on studies that are not scientifically sound, studies that are not randomized control trials. Yet, he then supports his suppositions in exactly the same way.
For example, he cited Jimmy Moore, author of Keto Clarity. What expertise does Jimmy Moore have? None. Moore's book was about HIS experience with a ketogenic diet, with a whole bunch of quotes from various types of "experts" expressing their opinions.
In other places, Mercola doesn't even cite any references. He claimed, for example, that "the lower your average insulin level and the better your insulin receptor sensitivity, the slower the aging process." On what does he base this claim? Oh wait, he continues, "In fact, according to studies of the planet's oldest people, lower insulin levels and higher insulin receptor sensitivity are associated with longer life." Mercola should know better than this. "According to studies": What studies? What kind of studies were they? Who did the studies? "The planet's oldest people": How many people? How old were they? Where did they live? What kind of lifestyle did they have? "Associated with longer life": Associated with? That proves nothing. Is there a causal relationship? Are there other factors that had more of an influence on longevity than insulin level? This is exactly the type of non-scientific, pie-in-the-sky non-study Mercola was complaining about others using.
After espousing the benefits of his nutritional program throughout most of the book, once he gets to the end, he cautions that he, himself, now wears a constant glucose monitoring system because his diet caused his blood glucose reading to go up. WTH?
It seems like most of the authors I've read who are writing about ketogenic diets simply regurgitate what others have said, cite them as references, and neglect to look at actual scientific support for their theories. There are two people I follow on YouTube who do actually look for scientific information: Dr. Darren Schmidt and Dr. Ford Brewer. Their presentations on YouTube aren't going to win over the masses, but they do critically analyze the studies.
For the record, I do subscribe to the ketogenic philosophy of nutrition. I picked up this book because I'm looking for a good, straightforward, non-intimidating way to introduce others to this way of eating. This book is not it.
I think that Mercola has discovered the wonders of being a published author and has now made book writing his primary goal. He seems to be an expert on so many different aspects of health and is writing separate books on each angle. Just take a look at the list of books he has published. By reading five of them, Mercola will tell you how to combat cancer, boost brain power, increase energy, sidestep illness, shed excess weight, help your body fix itself, prevent disease, prevent premature aging, optimize weight, live longer, conquer carbohydrate addiction, stay slim for the rest of your life, take control of your health. Are you noticing the overlap? I'm going to take a wild guess and suggest that all of these books will say pretty much the same thing as Fat For Fuel. And, none of them will map out a step-by-step plan for following his advice. Truthfully, some of his recommendations seem contradictory to some others.
Fat For Fuel gave advice about which foods to eat/avoid for mitochondria health and gave suggestions for ways to fast. Mercola told us which way he prefers, but admitted that no studies have been done on the long-term effects of this type of fasting. Mercola also tells us about many other types of therapy, beyond burning fat for fuel, for mitochondria health. The last two chapters are devoted to suggestions unrelated to burning fat for fuel. I'm guessing this advice will be in all of his books, regardless of the book title. Each book is likely just another ad campaign for the same product.
Don't be swayed one way or the other by Mercola's assertion that this is a science heavy book. It isn't. It doesn't even talk about processes mitochondria use. It talks about some things that can affect mitochondria, but never explains how the mitochondria work or how fat or glucose is used.
Because of its shortcomings & exaggerations, I found this book quite annoying to read.
The keto train pulled into the station. Mercola perceived that it was going places, so he hopped on while he could. He was all excited about all the places he might be going; He got caught up in all the excitement on the train and started shouting out the windows as the train picked up speed. He didn't fully comprehend the entire story, but he listened to others on the train & pieced together a narrative. Except, he wasn't content to just be another passenger. So, he came up with an angle he thought he could use to differentiate himself. MMT, that's it! MMT wasn't the same as ketogenics because MMT focused on the effects on the mitochondria, not on how those benefits came about. Mercola tried to claim that his method (which he never actually defined nor successfully differentiated from ketogenics) also had some of the other benefits of ketogenics (beyond mitochondrial health), but didn't go into much detail, because HIS focus was on the mitochondria.
My thoughts about the book:
If you're still trying to figure out what to believe about a ketogenic diet, don't be swayed by Mercola's hype. He doesn't present evidence for any of his wondrous claims. He also claims that his Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy (MMT) approach is somehow different than a ketogenic approach because one has the goal of being in nutritional ketosis, while the other has the goal of keeping your body in a fat-burning mode. They're exactly the same thing. He says that "ketogenic diet" "implies that the whole purpose of the diet is to have as many ketones around as possible." Hogwash.
Mercola criticizes other publications/advocates for basing their positions on studies that are not scientifically sound, studies that are not randomized control trials. Yet, he then supports his suppositions in exactly the same way.
For example, he cited Jimmy Moore, author of Keto Clarity. What expertise does Jimmy Moore have? None. Moore's book was about HIS experience with a ketogenic diet, with a whole bunch of quotes from various types of "experts" expressing their opinions.
In other places, Mercola doesn't even cite any references. He claimed, for example, that "the lower your average insulin level and the better your insulin receptor sensitivity, the slower the aging process." On what does he base this claim? Oh wait, he continues, "In fact, according to studies of the planet's oldest people, lower insulin levels and higher insulin receptor sensitivity are associated with longer life." Mercola should know better than this. "According to studies": What studies? What kind of studies were they? Who did the studies? "The planet's oldest people": How many people? How old were they? Where did they live? What kind of lifestyle did they have? "Associated with longer life": Associated with? That proves nothing. Is there a causal relationship? Are there other factors that had more of an influence on longevity than insulin level? This is exactly the type of non-scientific, pie-in-the-sky non-study Mercola was complaining about others using.
After espousing the benefits of his nutritional program throughout most of the book, once he gets to the end, he cautions that he, himself, now wears a constant glucose monitoring system because his diet caused his blood glucose reading to go up. WTH?
It seems like most of the authors I've read who are writing about ketogenic diets simply regurgitate what others have said, cite them as references, and neglect to look at actual scientific support for their theories. There are two people I follow on YouTube who do actually look for scientific information: Dr. Darren Schmidt and Dr. Ford Brewer. Their presentations on YouTube aren't going to win over the masses, but they do critically analyze the studies.
For the record, I do subscribe to the ketogenic philosophy of nutrition. I picked up this book because I'm looking for a good, straightforward, non-intimidating way to introduce others to this way of eating. This book is not it.
I think that Mercola has discovered the wonders of being a published author and has now made book writing his primary goal. He seems to be an expert on so many different aspects of health and is writing separate books on each angle. Just take a look at the list of books he has published. By reading five of them, Mercola will tell you how to combat cancer, boost brain power, increase energy, sidestep illness, shed excess weight, help your body fix itself, prevent disease, prevent premature aging, optimize weight, live longer, conquer carbohydrate addiction, stay slim for the rest of your life, take control of your health. Are you noticing the overlap? I'm going to take a wild guess and suggest that all of these books will say pretty much the same thing as Fat For Fuel. And, none of them will map out a step-by-step plan for following his advice. Truthfully, some of his recommendations seem contradictory to some others.
Fat For Fuel gave advice about which foods to eat/avoid for mitochondria health and gave suggestions for ways to fast. Mercola told us which way he prefers, but admitted that no studies have been done on the long-term effects of this type of fasting. Mercola also tells us about many other types of therapy, beyond burning fat for fuel, for mitochondria health. The last two chapters are devoted to suggestions unrelated to burning fat for fuel. I'm guessing this advice will be in all of his books, regardless of the book title. Each book is likely just another ad campaign for the same product.
Don't be swayed one way or the other by Mercola's assertion that this is a science heavy book. It isn't. It doesn't even talk about processes mitochondria use. It talks about some things that can affect mitochondria, but never explains how the mitochondria work or how fat or glucose is used.
Because of its shortcomings & exaggerations, I found this book quite annoying to read.
May 29, 2017
Having experienced a high fat/low carb diet for several months, I know Dr. Mercola's scientific explanations are true. My depression and anxiety have improved significantly, my brain fog is gone and my energy is great. I haven't experienced cancer or any major autoimmune disorders but his scientific explanations make sense and it was enlightening to read about all the other benefits as well as his view of critical nutrients/vitamins. I learned a lot and will continue down the LCHF path.
November 13, 2019
I had been looking forward to reading this, Dr. Mercola’s new book, but am somewhat disappointed.
Basically, the book informs us of the importance of “eating plenty of high-quality fats and activating the body’s natural ability to burn fat for its primary fuel instead of glucose”.
The author tells us that cancer and most chronic diseases are caused by defective metabolic processes in the mitochondria; he explains that mitochondria are “tiny energy factories” within our cells that convert our food and air into energy.
He presents a programme called Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy (MMT).
MMT is a system of eating that will help shift our metabolism from burning glucose as our primary fuel to burn fat instead. Making this shift optimizes our mitochondrial function and protects our mitochondrial DNA from potential damage that could lead to disease.
MMT is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carb diet, whereas most of us eat “excessive refined grains, sugars and low quality fats”.
MMT also includes (short) regular periods of fasting, which improve mitochondrial function and accelerate the transition from burning sugar to burning fat.
MMT is for people who either have serious health conditions such as cancers, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disease including Alzheimer’s, or are keen on optimizing their health while also slowing down the aging process.
Ketosis is the state you achieve when you enter a fat-burning state, and it is “an exceptionally healthy way to create the conditions your body needs to stay healthy and age well”. This is not to be confused with ketoacidosis, the dangerous condition which occurs in type 1 diabetes.
The author provides us with a chapter listing the foods you can eat on MMT. We need to limit our carbs to 50 g per day and some will need to keep their net carb intake as low as 10-15 g a day in order to enter and stay in the fat-burning state.
Though I find the book to be highly interesting, it is also somewhat difficult to understand.
Moreover, you will need to test your blood glucose level several times a day, purchase ketone monitoring devices and accessories, lancets and a lancet-holding device to draw drops of blood, a digital food scale for weighing your food, and measuring spoons.
You will need to take blood tests to check your Vitamin D and iron levels, test your fasting insulin and a “fasting lipid panel” is recommended with no explanation of what it is, together with HS-CRP, which measures blood protein.
Then there are a host of practically incomprehensible body measurements to take and something called Cronometer.com that we need to use. There are pages of complex information about devices, analyses x-rays, etc etc.
I realized quite soon that because of all this apparatus and necessity for weighing, tracking etc everything one eats, not to mention taking innumerable blood glucose and ketosis readings, this was not for me.
I also had difficulty in keeping track of the many abbreviations used.
To sum up, for immensely practical, scientifically gifted readers who are top motivated to find out what this MMT is all about, go for it! Dr. Mercola describes everything in detail. There was just too much detail for me, and too many practical obligations. The food changes themselves didn’t seem too difficult since to a great extent I’m already following the diet.
P.S. Now that I've read most of Anthony William's books I realize that fat is not the answer. Our diet should consist of only 15% or less of (healthy) fats.
Basically, the book informs us of the importance of “eating plenty of high-quality fats and activating the body’s natural ability to burn fat for its primary fuel instead of glucose”.
The author tells us that cancer and most chronic diseases are caused by defective metabolic processes in the mitochondria; he explains that mitochondria are “tiny energy factories” within our cells that convert our food and air into energy.
He presents a programme called Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy (MMT).
MMT is a system of eating that will help shift our metabolism from burning glucose as our primary fuel to burn fat instead. Making this shift optimizes our mitochondrial function and protects our mitochondrial DNA from potential damage that could lead to disease.
MMT is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carb diet, whereas most of us eat “excessive refined grains, sugars and low quality fats”.
MMT also includes (short) regular periods of fasting, which improve mitochondrial function and accelerate the transition from burning sugar to burning fat.
MMT is for people who either have serious health conditions such as cancers, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disease including Alzheimer’s, or are keen on optimizing their health while also slowing down the aging process.
Ketosis is the state you achieve when you enter a fat-burning state, and it is “an exceptionally healthy way to create the conditions your body needs to stay healthy and age well”. This is not to be confused with ketoacidosis, the dangerous condition which occurs in type 1 diabetes.
The author provides us with a chapter listing the foods you can eat on MMT. We need to limit our carbs to 50 g per day and some will need to keep their net carb intake as low as 10-15 g a day in order to enter and stay in the fat-burning state.
Though I find the book to be highly interesting, it is also somewhat difficult to understand.
Moreover, you will need to test your blood glucose level several times a day, purchase ketone monitoring devices and accessories, lancets and a lancet-holding device to draw drops of blood, a digital food scale for weighing your food, and measuring spoons.
You will need to take blood tests to check your Vitamin D and iron levels, test your fasting insulin and a “fasting lipid panel” is recommended with no explanation of what it is, together with HS-CRP, which measures blood protein.
Then there are a host of practically incomprehensible body measurements to take and something called Cronometer.com that we need to use. There are pages of complex information about devices, analyses x-rays, etc etc.
I realized quite soon that because of all this apparatus and necessity for weighing, tracking etc everything one eats, not to mention taking innumerable blood glucose and ketosis readings, this was not for me.
I also had difficulty in keeping track of the many abbreviations used.
To sum up, for immensely practical, scientifically gifted readers who are top motivated to find out what this MMT is all about, go for it! Dr. Mercola describes everything in detail. There was just too much detail for me, and too many practical obligations. The food changes themselves didn’t seem too difficult since to a great extent I’m already following the diet.
P.S. Now that I've read most of Anthony William's books I realize that fat is not the answer. Our diet should consist of only 15% or less of (healthy) fats.
December 3, 2018
TL;DR: Keto+IF. "Science."
Author positions this differently, as a mitochondria diet. Okay, whatever.
Also, you'll need some equipment, and a few hours each day to test your blood multiple times to make sure you're not dead. Uh-huh, fine.
Also, walk barefoot to absorb magical earth energy through your feet.
Also, also, special water that comes from springs. Stir it with a spoon, or get a special vortex machine.
I gotta give props to the narrator, that guy should start a YouTube ASMR channel because I fell asleep 4 times listening to this audiobook. That's not even a joke.
I'm still not sure if I was dreaming when I heard the author takes avocados with him on planes in a cardboard tube. Like, c'mon dawg they have avocados everywhere in current year.
Author positions this differently, as a mitochondria diet. Okay, whatever.
Also, you'll need some equipment, and a few hours each day to test your blood multiple times to make sure you're not dead. Uh-huh, fine.
Also, walk barefoot to absorb magical earth energy through your feet.
Also, also, special water that comes from springs. Stir it with a spoon, or get a special vortex machine.
I gotta give props to the narrator, that guy should start a YouTube ASMR channel because I fell asleep 4 times listening to this audiobook. That's not even a joke.
I'm still not sure if I was dreaming when I heard the author takes avocados with him on planes in a cardboard tube. Like, c'mon dawg they have avocados everywhere in current year.
May 31, 2017
“The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”
– Ann Wigmore
“He who takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skill of the physician.”
– Chinese Proverb
There are mainstream doctors, and there are open-minded doctors who are few, but dedicated, within the alternative health community. Dr. Mercola is one of these select few who isn’t afraid to not only call it how it is, but back up what he says with significant contributions and hard work.
Anyone that has been reading Dr. Mercola’s work for quite some time knows what kind of quality of work they will get. For those that might be newer, as all of us were at one time, Dr. Mercola has been putting in hard work on his website, and he has been dedicated to help others find truths within the sphere of health, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
It is no surprise then that in Fat For Fuel, Dr. Mercola has come out once again pulling no punches with his new effort to show the truth behind the myths claiming fats being unhealthy. Better yet, he goes beyond that to provide the ample benefits that are to be had by eating healthy fats, which harbor immense benefits.
Fat For Fuel is a veritable crash course on how to streamline your health. Some of the most salient points in the book, which stand to help a lot of individuals, is that Dr. Mercola takes a very comprehensive approach into showing how to cut off the supply line for cancer cells, how to improve your overall health with simple dietary/lifestyle changes, and even discusses how to maintain healthy mitochondria, which helps maintain optimal health reducing the likelihood of cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Type 2 Diabetes and other diseases.
All of this comes about through what Dr. Mercola calls Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy [MMT]. Essentially, what MMT does is target mitochondria, which aids in bringing about healing of chronic disease. This is accomplished by making sure the body uses fat as a primary fuel, rather than using glucose, which is far less optimal.
The system that Mercola provides is rather comprehensive in its approach, while not overlooking common issues that individuals may face in their journey towards optimal health. The book offers considerations like when to eat and how much time to leave between, what cooking oils to avoid that are deleterious to health, ways to help individuals self-monitor their own health, and much more.
Extensively covered as well are the many benefits of fasting. Thankfully, there are a few fasting options offered, as well as many of the do’s and don’ts as well. Also covered there in are Mercola’s own favorite fast, as well as other fasts which also help the body reach optimal health.
The book even covers many of the extensive issues that are prevalent within individuals with too much iron. This part alone is quite salient since it couples directly too many other health issues like Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, and more.
In its totality, Fat For Fuel is an in-depth look at how the marvel of the human body can achieve healing by providing it with the proper fuel source. If you’re interested in healing yourself without having to deal with the myriad issues of that conventional medicine espouses, then consideration of this book should be done. One thing is for sure, after reading Fat For Fuel people will never think of fats – healthy fats! – in the same way ever again.
– Ann Wigmore
“He who takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skill of the physician.”
– Chinese Proverb
There are mainstream doctors, and there are open-minded doctors who are few, but dedicated, within the alternative health community. Dr. Mercola is one of these select few who isn’t afraid to not only call it how it is, but back up what he says with significant contributions and hard work.
Anyone that has been reading Dr. Mercola’s work for quite some time knows what kind of quality of work they will get. For those that might be newer, as all of us were at one time, Dr. Mercola has been putting in hard work on his website, and he has been dedicated to help others find truths within the sphere of health, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
It is no surprise then that in Fat For Fuel, Dr. Mercola has come out once again pulling no punches with his new effort to show the truth behind the myths claiming fats being unhealthy. Better yet, he goes beyond that to provide the ample benefits that are to be had by eating healthy fats, which harbor immense benefits.
Fat For Fuel is a veritable crash course on how to streamline your health. Some of the most salient points in the book, which stand to help a lot of individuals, is that Dr. Mercola takes a very comprehensive approach into showing how to cut off the supply line for cancer cells, how to improve your overall health with simple dietary/lifestyle changes, and even discusses how to maintain healthy mitochondria, which helps maintain optimal health reducing the likelihood of cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Type 2 Diabetes and other diseases.
All of this comes about through what Dr. Mercola calls Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy [MMT]. Essentially, what MMT does is target mitochondria, which aids in bringing about healing of chronic disease. This is accomplished by making sure the body uses fat as a primary fuel, rather than using glucose, which is far less optimal.
The system that Mercola provides is rather comprehensive in its approach, while not overlooking common issues that individuals may face in their journey towards optimal health. The book offers considerations like when to eat and how much time to leave between, what cooking oils to avoid that are deleterious to health, ways to help individuals self-monitor their own health, and much more.
Extensively covered as well are the many benefits of fasting. Thankfully, there are a few fasting options offered, as well as many of the do’s and don’ts as well. Also covered there in are Mercola’s own favorite fast, as well as other fasts which also help the body reach optimal health.
The book even covers many of the extensive issues that are prevalent within individuals with too much iron. This part alone is quite salient since it couples directly too many other health issues like Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, and more.
In its totality, Fat For Fuel is an in-depth look at how the marvel of the human body can achieve healing by providing it with the proper fuel source. If you’re interested in healing yourself without having to deal with the myriad issues of that conventional medicine espouses, then consideration of this book should be done. One thing is for sure, after reading Fat For Fuel people will never think of fats – healthy fats! – in the same way ever again.
October 20, 2020
I admit, I just skimmed this book once I looked up the author and found out his eponymous website champions things like homeopathy for autism and argues that vaccines are dangerous for us all (argh!).
There are parts of this book that are describing in good detail how to start and continue a ketogenic diet (which he acts like he has created himself, calling it Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy, or MMT). Those parts are actually decent.
But there is bizarre pseudo-science and damaging advice so mixed in with the general diet planning stuff that I am giving this 1 star, and would not recommend to anyone. Instead of pitching the keto (er... MMT) diet as one which can have great impacts on conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes, he focuses on trumpeting the MMT diet as, basically a cure for cancer. Nah, thanks. I'll wait on further, actual evidence for that one.
There are parts of this book that are describing in good detail how to start and continue a ketogenic diet (which he acts like he has created himself, calling it Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy, or MMT). Those parts are actually decent.
But there is bizarre pseudo-science and damaging advice so mixed in with the general diet planning stuff that I am giving this 1 star, and would not recommend to anyone. Instead of pitching the keto (er... MMT) diet as one which can have great impacts on conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes, he focuses on trumpeting the MMT diet as, basically a cure for cancer. Nah, thanks. I'll wait on further, actual evidence for that one.
November 2, 2017
Over the last month I have read Eat Fat Get Thin, Why We're Fat and What to DO about it now Fat for Fuel. I've also watched Dr. Burg on YouTube. All promote some type of Keto diet and some with intermittent fasting. All have focused on different areas this lifestyle will improve your health or the history. All are worth reading.
Dr. Mercola's was the most deep scientific one that I read. But all very understandable. He really talks about the benefits that this type of diet/lifestyle will have on your Mitochondria and cells. Highly recommend reading even if your healthy.
Dr. Mercola's was the most deep scientific one that I read. But all very understandable. He really talks about the benefits that this type of diet/lifestyle will have on your Mitochondria and cells. Highly recommend reading even if your healthy.
January 10, 2019
.
الدهون كوقود
.
الكتاب مبسط في الشرح و مفصل الخطوات بعض الفقرات و الصفحات مكررة تقريبا، ينبه الطبيب بأن العلاج يتم تحت إشراف مختص مؤهل أو شخصي ذو وعي و إدراك، و يحذر من الإلتزام به بجانب البقاء على عادات الأكل السائدة (دهون مهدرجة و كربوهيدرات مكررة و أطعمة مصنعة إلخ ) لما له من مخاطر صحية على المدى البعيد
.
نظرية أثارت الصدام مع المعرفة السائدة حاليا و لعقود المرتكزة على معادلة : دهون أقل يساوي حياة صحية
لطالما آمن الطبيب الباحث د. ميركولا بشفاء الجسم بنفسه لذلك ثابر في البحث عن أسس الصحة عن جذور الأمراض المزمنة و ليس فقط علاج أعراضه و تبعاته
و كانت محاضرة في مجال الكيمياء الحيوية الأيضية مدخلا لإعادة النظر في فهم عملية التمثيل الغذائي و دور العضو الرئيسي فيه و هو الميتوكندريا في إنتاج الطاقة ، من هنا أسس نظريته (العلاج الأيضي للميتوكندريا) و التي تعتمد على حرق الدهون كوقود بدلا من الغلوكوز لأسباب منها تصميم جسم الإنسان على حرق الدهون لا السكريات و أيضا حرقها ينتج جذور حرة أقل من الأكسدة تفاديا لتلف الخلايا و بالتالي الأمراض
يسرد باختصار تاريخ اقتصاد صناعة الغذاء خلال المئة عام محاولا فهم أسباب و ظروف التغيير الغذائي لمائدة الأسرة الأمريكية و حقيقة الدهون المشبعة و أهميتها للجسم
يشرح الفروقات بين التمثيل الغذائي للميتوكندريا MMT
(عالي الدهون ذات جودة مقابل كربوهيدرات مخفضة و بروتين مناسب)، و أتكينز و باليو و لماذا هو الأفضل من بينهم
يشرح فائدة الحفاظ على صحة الميتوكندريا و أعدادها للوقاية و الحد من أمراض مثل الزهايمر و ( السرطان مهم) و تحسين الشعور بالطاقة ، بالمقابل يوضح مساوئ حرق السكر كوقود في مقاومة الأنسولين و نشاط الإلتهابات و غيرها ، حيث الفرق و الآلية بين كيتون مرض السكر و الكيتون الغذائي و حاجتنا للكيتون المتحولة من الدهون بالتحديد
يعرض دراسات منشورة تؤيد نظريته و أخرى اتخذت مبادئه لتحسين نوعية حياة المرضى منهم السكري و السرطان الذي اتضح للبعض بأنه ((خلل في النظام الأيضي)) لا الوراثة أو الطفرة الجينية
الفصل الثالث يذكر أهمية البروتين و الأهم تحديده بكمية مناسبة لتحييد نشاط مسار إشارات الأيض الناتج من البروتين المفرط التي تضر بصحة الخلايا لتعزز من صيانة و إصلاح الخلية و محتواها ذاتيا منعا للإصابة بالأمراض خصوصا السرطان و الكلى
الفصل الرابع معدن الحديد دوره الحيوي و آثاره المفرطة على الميتوكندريا و السبيل إلى حده
الفصل الخامس يستعرض و يشرح الأطعمة ذات الكربوهيدرات الأقل و الألياف العالية الموصي في نظام العلاج الأيضي ، و البدائل السكرية و ذات الدهون العالية و الأقل بروتين
الفصل السادس يوجه إرشادات و يشير إلى تجارب الغير قبل البدء بالإلتزام لهدف مخطط له ، و وجوب إعلام الطبيب لسببين يذكرهما
الفصل السابع كيف تبدأ النظام أولا بإزالة كل ما يربط بالسكر و الكربوهيدرات ثم بقائمة تسوق مع عرض أمثلة لوجبات يومية
الفصل الثامن شرح آلية الحرق عند بدء النظام و التخفيف من أعراضه والجسدية و العاطفية
الفصل العاشر يركز على قوة الصيام لتحسين الميتوكندريا ، كونه الوجه المقابل لتناول الطعام
الفصل الحادي عشر والأخير
يستذكر طرق لتحسين صحة الميتوكندريا (( مهم جدا )) .
.
ملاحق الأمراض و دليل البذور و المكسرات
.
.
شكرا لحسن الترجمة
الدهون كوقود
.
الكتاب مبسط في الشرح و مفصل الخطوات بعض الفقرات و الصفحات مكررة تقريبا، ينبه الطبيب بأن العلاج يتم تحت إشراف مختص مؤهل أو شخصي ذو وعي و إدراك، و يحذر من الإلتزام به بجانب البقاء على عادات الأكل السائدة (دهون مهدرجة و كربوهيدرات مكررة و أطعمة مصنعة إلخ ) لما له من مخاطر صحية على المدى البعيد
.
نظرية أثارت الصدام مع المعرفة السائدة حاليا و لعقود المرتكزة على معادلة : دهون أقل يساوي حياة صحية
لطالما آمن الطبيب الباحث د. ميركولا بشفاء الجسم بنفسه لذلك ثابر في البحث عن أسس الصحة عن جذور الأمراض المزمنة و ليس فقط علاج أعراضه و تبعاته
و كانت محاضرة في مجال الكيمياء الحيوية الأيضية مدخلا لإعادة النظر في فهم عملية التمثيل الغذائي و دور العضو الرئيسي فيه و هو الميتوكندريا في إنتاج الطاقة ، من هنا أسس نظريته (العلاج الأيضي للميتوكندريا) و التي تعتمد على حرق الدهون كوقود بدلا من الغلوكوز لأسباب منها تصميم جسم الإنسان على حرق الدهون لا السكريات و أيضا حرقها ينتج جذور حرة أقل من الأكسدة تفاديا لتلف الخلايا و بالتالي الأمراض
يسرد باختصار تاريخ اقتصاد صناعة الغذاء خلال المئة عام محاولا فهم أسباب و ظروف التغيير الغذائي لمائدة الأسرة الأمريكية و حقيقة الدهون المشبعة و أهميتها للجسم
يشرح الفروقات بين التمثيل الغذائي للميتوكندريا MMT
(عالي الدهون ذات جودة مقابل كربوهيدرات مخفضة و بروتين مناسب)، و أتكينز و باليو و لماذا هو الأفضل من بينهم
يشرح فائدة الحفاظ على صحة الميتوكندريا و أعدادها للوقاية و الحد من أمراض مثل الزهايمر و ( السرطان مهم) و تحسين الشعور بالطاقة ، بالمقابل يوضح مساوئ حرق السكر كوقود في مقاومة الأنسولين و نشاط الإلتهابات و غيرها ، حيث الفرق و الآلية بين كيتون مرض السكر و الكيتون الغذائي و حاجتنا للكيتون المتحولة من الدهون بالتحديد
يعرض دراسات منشورة تؤيد نظريته و أخرى اتخذت مبادئه لتحسين نوعية حياة المرضى منهم السكري و السرطان الذي اتضح للبعض بأنه ((خلل في النظام الأيضي)) لا الوراثة أو الطفرة الجينية
الفصل الثالث يذكر أهمية البروتين و الأهم تحديده بكمية مناسبة لتحييد نشاط مسار إشارات الأيض الناتج من البروتين المفرط التي تضر بصحة الخلايا لتعزز من صيانة و إصلاح الخلية و محتواها ذاتيا منعا للإصابة بالأمراض خصوصا السرطان و الكلى
الفصل الرابع معدن الحديد دوره الحيوي و آثاره المفرطة على الميتوكندريا و السبيل إلى حده
الفصل الخامس يستعرض و يشرح الأطعمة ذات الكربوهيدرات الأقل و الألياف العالية الموصي في نظام العلاج الأيضي ، و البدائل السكرية و ذات الدهون العالية و الأقل بروتين
الفصل السادس يوجه إرشادات و يشير إلى تجارب الغير قبل البدء بالإلتزام لهدف مخطط له ، و وجوب إعلام الطبيب لسببين يذكرهما
الفصل السابع كيف تبدأ النظام أولا بإزالة كل ما يربط بالسكر و الكربوهيدرات ثم بقائمة تسوق مع عرض أمثلة لوجبات يومية
الفصل الثامن شرح آلية الحرق عند بدء النظام و التخفيف من أعراضه والجسدية و العاطفية
الفصل العاشر يركز على قوة الصيام لتحسين الميتوكندريا ، كونه الوجه المقابل لتناول الطعام
الفصل الحادي عشر والأخير
يستذكر طرق لتحسين صحة الميتوكندريا (( مهم جدا )) .
.
ملاحق الأمراض و دليل البذور و المكسرات
.
.
شكرا لحسن الترجمة
July 23, 2017
I have been following Mercola's blog for a number of years now and recently saw the release of his new book Fat for Fuel. Given I've been practicing the "Primal Blueprint" lifestyle for some time I wanted to read this book to understand Mercola's perspective as well as learn about the latest trends and research.
What I liked about this book is it takes you through the aspects of nutrition and why certain foods impact you both positively and negatively. Yes you have probably read this in other health and wellness books however "Fat for Fuel" takes it to the next level; the Mitochondria. Mercola centres the book around Mitochondria Metabolic Therapy and how to integrate this in your lifestyle. This way you can benefit both in the short term and the long term.
"Fat for Fuel" can be a little technical at times however you are warned by the author in the beginning. Mercola does explain a lot of the concepts and terms, therefore if you do have a basic level knowledge of nutrition and how the body works you should be okay.
I would definitely recommend this book to those looking to de-toxify, get healthy, lose weight and perform the necessary maintenance our bodies need in this day and age!
Three key takeaways from the book:
1. The Warburg Effort - Mitochondria in cancer cells are dysfunctional and can't use oxygen to burn fuel efficiently; they cannot metabolise fat. Therefore feeding ourselves on fat vs. carbohydrates can be a good approach for someone with cancer
2. You shouldn't have more than 25 grams of protein in one meal as our body's ability to effectively use these amino acids and put extra burden on our kidneys
3. Mercola isn't an advocate of healthy people fasting more than 18 hours at a time. Note fasting is not starving yourself.
What I liked about this book is it takes you through the aspects of nutrition and why certain foods impact you both positively and negatively. Yes you have probably read this in other health and wellness books however "Fat for Fuel" takes it to the next level; the Mitochondria. Mercola centres the book around Mitochondria Metabolic Therapy and how to integrate this in your lifestyle. This way you can benefit both in the short term and the long term.
"Fat for Fuel" can be a little technical at times however you are warned by the author in the beginning. Mercola does explain a lot of the concepts and terms, therefore if you do have a basic level knowledge of nutrition and how the body works you should be okay.
I would definitely recommend this book to those looking to de-toxify, get healthy, lose weight and perform the necessary maintenance our bodies need in this day and age!
Three key takeaways from the book:
1. The Warburg Effort - Mitochondria in cancer cells are dysfunctional and can't use oxygen to burn fuel efficiently; they cannot metabolise fat. Therefore feeding ourselves on fat vs. carbohydrates can be a good approach for someone with cancer
2. You shouldn't have more than 25 grams of protein in one meal as our body's ability to effectively use these amino acids and put extra burden on our kidneys
3. Mercola isn't an advocate of healthy people fasting more than 18 hours at a time. Note fasting is not starving yourself.
July 6, 2017
This is one of the best books I have read on the high fat, low carb, moderate protein diet that is often referred to as "Ketogenic" due to switching your body from burning glucose (carbs) over to ketones (fat).
Based on science and with an easier on-ramp than Keto Clarity, I recommend this for anyone wanting to research this different way of eating and living.
Based on science and with an easier on-ramp than Keto Clarity, I recommend this for anyone wanting to research this different way of eating and living.
August 8, 2017
Lots of great information, but too bad the author includes pseudo science about grounding.
May 24, 2017
This book makes the cutting edge science of nutrition for the war on chronic illness readable and understandable to the layman. Mercola makes every effort to use case studies, experts in the ketogenic and nutrition field, and his own personal experiences to make adopting these radical health changes available to everyone. He even notes how many will oppose information found in his book as it goes against what is widely accepted as "healthy." This is not just another useless weight loss plan or diet book. This plan is for those of us wellness warriors who take incredible interest in their cellular health and wish to put immense effort into preventing diseases and the aging process. This is not just a book on ketosis. It takes it multiple levels deeper.
December 31, 2019
This was very interesting, it’s next level stuff. I was looking for more info on Keto/Paleo which there’s plenty to find in this book, however it’s much more intense. If I were to ever get sick like some of the people described in this book, I perhaps would return to this information. This book is heavy, real heavy with science. My review is incoherent because the book was just all around a lot to take in. Lots of amazing information. Enter at your own risk, it spins conventional thinking in many arenas on its head. The foundation of the book is MMT (mitochondrial metabolic therapy).
May 23, 2017
Fat For Fuel Pulls It All Together
Dr. Mercola's easy reading style combined with just the right amount and depth of the science behind the concepts explored makes this the most valuable book in this arena I have read. His coverage of iron levels, protein limitation and light alone makes the book worth my investment. Dr. Mercola... thank you!!!
Dr. Mercola's easy reading style combined with just the right amount and depth of the science behind the concepts explored makes this the most valuable book in this arena I have read. His coverage of iron levels, protein limitation and light alone makes the book worth my investment. Dr. Mercola... thank you!!!
December 14, 2017
This is a good book, but I would start with obesity code. There isn't much new here--it's a bit more dogmatic and the plan it recommends seems a bit crazy. Perhaps it would work though for people dealing with serious issues. For those of us who are dilettante nutrition people, it's probably too much. It did convince me to eat more fat though so I guess that's a win?
March 26, 2021
يبدو أن المترجم استخدم المترجم الآلي وطبع الكتاب مباشرة. للأسف النسخة الانكليزية ممتازة ومفيدة للغاية في حين أن النسخة العربية مقرفة. عيب على دار الخيال هذا العمل المشين وعيب على مكتبة جرير أن تبيع الكتب من دون مراجعة.
March 23, 2020
I discovered this book after reading Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter. Perlmutter delves into the effects of grains, sugars, and carbs on our bodies, while praising the high-fat, low-carb diet. It has become a (quite-welcomed) rabbit hole from there.
Now, onto Fat for Fuel, the star of this show. It offers a 360 view of some of the health problems people suffer due to diet. I found the science accessible, the history about how and why us Americans have come to the high-carb, low-fat diets of today (but how that is not necessarily good for us), fascinating.
People hate on these books. Wherever you stand on the issue, do your research. Don't spread mis- or disinformation just because someone else said it, because they are likely doing the same thing. Dr. Mercola uses studies to show evidence of his discoveries: that a high-fat diet can repair so many parts of our body, beginning with mitochondrial dysfunction, the underlying cause for so many diseases.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in changing their diet because nothing else has worked. After two weeks of keto I healed more of my body (and felt it) than I had in two years of going to doctors and trying to find out what was wrong. Hint: it was about insulin and leptin levels, and leptin was the kicker I had no idea about. Obviously, this is an oversimplification, but that's the essence.
Keto isn't for everyone, and it is TOUGH once you go into ketosis, but I learned so much from this book and plan to reference it regularly. The recipes in the back are fantastic!
Now, onto Fat for Fuel, the star of this show. It offers a 360 view of some of the health problems people suffer due to diet. I found the science accessible, the history about how and why us Americans have come to the high-carb, low-fat diets of today (but how that is not necessarily good for us), fascinating.
People hate on these books. Wherever you stand on the issue, do your research. Don't spread mis- or disinformation just because someone else said it, because they are likely doing the same thing. Dr. Mercola uses studies to show evidence of his discoveries: that a high-fat diet can repair so many parts of our body, beginning with mitochondrial dysfunction, the underlying cause for so many diseases.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in changing their diet because nothing else has worked. After two weeks of keto I healed more of my body (and felt it) than I had in two years of going to doctors and trying to find out what was wrong. Hint: it was about insulin and leptin levels, and leptin was the kicker I had no idea about. Obviously, this is an oversimplification, but that's the essence.
Keto isn't for everyone, and it is TOUGH once you go into ketosis, but I learned so much from this book and plan to reference it regularly. The recipes in the back are fantastic!
May 16, 2018
This was a great explanation of how healthful fats, and a fat-rich diet, can combat disease. However, for me, food and eating must be pleasurable at some level, and he treats eating like a chemistry experiment. The food journaling, constant monitoring for ketosis, etc., would drive me crazy. In spite of this, there were so many good takeaways, including information on grounding, sunlight, and intermittent fasting. Although I don't feel I can follow exactly what he prescribes, it is a fantastic resource.
July 29, 2018
Big words
So I get the point of this book and I like how it was done. However, I think that it could’ve been shorter for the point that he was trying to make and there was a lot of big words and Dr. talk.
So I get the point of this book and I like how it was done. However, I think that it could’ve been shorter for the point that he was trying to make and there was a lot of big words and Dr. talk.
January 9, 2019
Probably the best nutritionism-related book I've stumbled upon. Dr.Joseph Mercola explains principles of MMT (mitochondrial metabolic therapy) and it's similarities with ketogenic and paleo diet, long story short. This is one of those books which you want to shove in the face of those who you love and care about. Best money ever invested was the one I gave for this book.
September 22, 2018
Excellent. Full coverage of every aspect of the keto diet.
Joseph Mercola explains how nearly all disease is caused by defective metabolic processes
Joseph Mercola explains how nearly all disease is caused by defective metabolic processes
February 28, 2020
Some new information in this book, namely, the impact of dietary energy sources on mitochondria and how that affects our health. Most of it is well-documented in the scientific literature, and Mercola cites his sources. Most interesting were the sections on the aging effect of over-consumption of protein, the damage that can be incurred by excess iron, and the benefits of direct sunlight. Not so sure about the whole grounding thing, though (he recommends walking barefoot on sand or wet grass to "ground to the electron-enriched Earth"). Accessibly-written and engaging.
June 21, 2017
Lots of food for thought, indeed. I appreciate the facts along with the ease of reading the bulk of the information. I feel that some of the steps mentioned for testing could be off putting and cost prohibitive for some. The book lays out several ways to accomplish this style of living. I won't say diet because of the stigma attached. Three cheers for embracing fat. FAT is good.
May 19, 2017
Interesting and Informative
This book has a few new facts to consider when one is looking to the benefits of a low carb high fat lifestyle for optimum health and nutrition. Well worth the short read.
This book has a few new facts to consider when one is looking to the benefits of a low carb high fat lifestyle for optimum health and nutrition. Well worth the short read.
January 22, 2023
I truly like Dr. Mercola, and I appreciate the depth and breadth of the information informing his perspective. I simply wish that he and others who are trying to get important information out to the public would step beyond their very petty, very personal biases against adiposity. The "obesity epidemic" is 90% misrepresenting fact and 10% fraud. The biggest rise in the numbers of "obese" in the US occurred in, I believe, 1998, when the standard was changed, the weights/ BMI classified as "obese" were shifted downward and suddenly millions of folks found themselves thus categorized. Second is prior starving (dieting) behavior that seems to turn on epigenetics and make the next generation fatter. Third is the truly flaky, fake, even fraudulent-food grocery offering in the US. So, definitely, eat real food and encourage all to do so; Mercola's sage advice is to get away from omega-6/ seed oils completely. But more to the point on the "obesity" claim, STOP pushing semi-starvation/ dieting, and understand that the numbers were tweaked within most of our lifetimes. For those who can do more than merely desist, there are excellent books out there challenging the eating/ weight myths we hold so dear (and use to soothe our culture-damaged egos).
That said, the book is an excellent resource for really getting deeply into health issues, with understanding and encouragement to change. I would suggest reading Mercola's website articles, and subscribing to them via email (free, for many; paid, for all). Some of the information in the book has been amended slightly, or added to, in the four+ years since its publication, and Mercola explains his changes in thinking and/ or newer research on his website. Absolutely the website is vital for understanding the bigger picture.
I strongly recommend the book, with the caveat to ignore the weight bigotry, the obsessive damnation of fat PEOPLE for being "obese," a word without scientific meaning [it means "very fat," fat beyond a certain BMI number, without correlation with decreased longevity!]. A second caveat might be to be cautious with Mercola's claim that it's possible to get adequate protein from vegetables. I was a conscientious vegetarian through two pregnancies and for over a decade -- I combined aminos in a way Mercola does not even bother to explain, but we knew 30 years ago that unless you do so you are not getting real, or complete and usable, protein! Even then, both my children ended up with neurological issues, owing in part to my inadequate diet while pregnant. And I damaged my own body, ending up a type 2 diabetic. In fairness I was also being "good" and eating low-fat in those days! Fortunately I found Dr. Richard Bernstein's Diabetes Solution, which is focused on high-fat, low-protein, and very-low-carb eating to bring BGs into the normal range.
If you understand its limitations, then Dr. Joseph Mercola's Fat for Fuel is an excellent resource for health.
That said, the book is an excellent resource for really getting deeply into health issues, with understanding and encouragement to change. I would suggest reading Mercola's website articles, and subscribing to them via email (free, for many; paid, for all). Some of the information in the book has been amended slightly, or added to, in the four+ years since its publication, and Mercola explains his changes in thinking and/ or newer research on his website. Absolutely the website is vital for understanding the bigger picture.
I strongly recommend the book, with the caveat to ignore the weight bigotry, the obsessive damnation of fat PEOPLE for being "obese," a word without scientific meaning [it means "very fat," fat beyond a certain BMI number, without correlation with decreased longevity!]. A second caveat might be to be cautious with Mercola's claim that it's possible to get adequate protein from vegetables. I was a conscientious vegetarian through two pregnancies and for over a decade -- I combined aminos in a way Mercola does not even bother to explain, but we knew 30 years ago that unless you do so you are not getting real, or complete and usable, protein! Even then, both my children ended up with neurological issues, owing in part to my inadequate diet while pregnant. And I damaged my own body, ending up a type 2 diabetic. In fairness I was also being "good" and eating low-fat in those days! Fortunately I found Dr. Richard Bernstein's Diabetes Solution, which is focused on high-fat, low-protein, and very-low-carb eating to bring BGs into the normal range.
If you understand its limitations, then Dr. Joseph Mercola's Fat for Fuel is an excellent resource for health.
August 7, 2025
Fantastic, inspirational nutrition book!
For many years, I ate a clean paleo-ish diet. A few years ago, I had to switch to Keto-ish, on the advice of my holistic doctor, to deal with various health issues caused by inflammation from a certain big pharma product that shall remain nameless. The new diet helped. But I constantly make small changes and experiment with it, to try to improve my health and energy further.
I'm a huge fan of Dr Mercola, having already read his fantastic book Upgrade Your Immunity with Herbs. Dr Mercola has incredible knowledge of nutrition and natural medicine. This book takes keto one step further and focuses on the mitochondria - which are vital for producing energy and just about every other process in the body. He lays out which foods are 'mitochondria friendly' and which foods damage the mitochondria.
Thankfully, I learnt I only have to make a few tiny changes. He recommends aiming for a diet of 70-85% fat, which sounds pretty hard to achieve. But then he tells us macadamia nuts are 85% fat. I love macadamias and where I live here in Australia, they are readily available. So when I next need a snack, I will reach for a handful of macadamias. Easy!
I was interested to hear Dr Mercola eats 1-2 avocados every single day. They are high in good fat, very high in nutrients and vitamins and also high in beneficial fibre, great for the gut. I love avocados and eat half of one most days, but now I'm going to increase it to a whole one, which will hopefully replace the occasional carbs and dairy that I currently eat.
He also says protein is the new sugar. In other words, too much protein can be as toxic to the body as sugar. This was news to me. Apparently most of us are eating far too large portions of protein. Someone my weight (65-70kg) should restrict protein portions to 3/4 of the size of a pack of cards per meal. He recommends eating this size at every meal. This makes sense. It always stabilises my blood sugar when I eat protein.
The book also has comprehensive information on other ways to support the mitochondria, including supplements, vitamins, and a section on Red Light Therapy.
This book lives up to its title. It's a revolutionary diet, which I believe would definitely increase the energy and brain power of those able to follow it.
For many years, I ate a clean paleo-ish diet. A few years ago, I had to switch to Keto-ish, on the advice of my holistic doctor, to deal with various health issues caused by inflammation from a certain big pharma product that shall remain nameless. The new diet helped. But I constantly make small changes and experiment with it, to try to improve my health and energy further.
I'm a huge fan of Dr Mercola, having already read his fantastic book Upgrade Your Immunity with Herbs. Dr Mercola has incredible knowledge of nutrition and natural medicine. This book takes keto one step further and focuses on the mitochondria - which are vital for producing energy and just about every other process in the body. He lays out which foods are 'mitochondria friendly' and which foods damage the mitochondria.
Thankfully, I learnt I only have to make a few tiny changes. He recommends aiming for a diet of 70-85% fat, which sounds pretty hard to achieve. But then he tells us macadamia nuts are 85% fat. I love macadamias and where I live here in Australia, they are readily available. So when I next need a snack, I will reach for a handful of macadamias. Easy!
I was interested to hear Dr Mercola eats 1-2 avocados every single day. They are high in good fat, very high in nutrients and vitamins and also high in beneficial fibre, great for the gut. I love avocados and eat half of one most days, but now I'm going to increase it to a whole one, which will hopefully replace the occasional carbs and dairy that I currently eat.
He also says protein is the new sugar. In other words, too much protein can be as toxic to the body as sugar. This was news to me. Apparently most of us are eating far too large portions of protein. Someone my weight (65-70kg) should restrict protein portions to 3/4 of the size of a pack of cards per meal. He recommends eating this size at every meal. This makes sense. It always stabilises my blood sugar when I eat protein.
The book also has comprehensive information on other ways to support the mitochondria, including supplements, vitamins, and a section on Red Light Therapy.
This book lives up to its title. It's a revolutionary diet, which I believe would definitely increase the energy and brain power of those able to follow it.
September 30, 2018
Книгу читала на русском. Из минусов — сложно написана или, как пишут некоторые другие рецензенты, плохо переведена. Дальше о плюсах.
Я не была готова к этой книге. Думала, что это очередные советы по правильному питанию, которые приятно почитать, а потом почти сразу забыть. Но нет «Клетка на диете» — это в прямом смысле история про то, как посадить все клетки в организме на диету и заставить их работать как у пятилетних деток. То есть быстро регенерировать и быть гибкими.⠀
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Для этого предлагается перекроить своё питание в сторону высокожирового, низкоуглеводного и умеренно белкового. И тогда глюкоза будет трансформироваться в кетоны, которые намного полезнее (так я автора поняла). Ещё надо купить штуку для измерения сахара в крови и три раза в день брать у себя кровь, ее измеряя. На этом этапе мне стало нехорошо и я решила, что это наверное не мой вариант. ⠀
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Я в этом году пробовала сама себе укол сделать. Очень весело разбрызгивала лекарство по комнате, пытаясь убрать из укола пузырики. Пока все лекарство не оказалось распрыскано, а мне пришлось купить новое и пойти к медсестре. Поэтому вряд ли я смогу брать у себя кровь. Есть ещё вариант без крови, но он сильно дороже. Так что это тоже не про меня пока.⠀
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Из того, что можно делать бесплатно и безболезненно по этой диете — я в очередной раз поняла, что надо исключить из рациона сахар. Он губит наши клетки. Жир же, наоборот, помогает клеткам. Но только правильный жир. Из авокадо, например. Или из невинно убиенных коров, выращенных на подножном корме. Но просто так на этой диете сидеть нельзя — надо обязательно следить за уровнем глюкозы и кетонов. Иначе можно сделать себе хуже. Поэтому я пока ограничусь сокращением потребления сахара.⠀
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А если вы решите прочитать книгу, готовьтесь к изменению образа жизни. Иначе ее читать просто бессмысленно. Там целая адская система. Не до развлечений.
Я не была готова к этой книге. Думала, что это очередные советы по правильному питанию, которые приятно почитать, а потом почти сразу забыть. Но нет «Клетка на диете» — это в прямом смысле история про то, как посадить все клетки в организме на диету и заставить их работать как у пятилетних деток. То есть быстро регенерировать и быть гибкими.⠀
⠀
Для этого предлагается перекроить своё питание в сторону высокожирового, низкоуглеводного и умеренно белкового. И тогда глюкоза будет трансформироваться в кетоны, которые намного полезнее (так я автора поняла). Ещё надо купить штуку для измерения сахара в крови и три раза в день брать у себя кровь, ее измеряя. На этом этапе мне стало нехорошо и я решила, что это наверное не мой вариант. ⠀
⠀
Я в этом году пробовала сама себе укол сделать. Очень весело разбрызгивала лекарство по комнате, пытаясь убрать из укола пузырики. Пока все лекарство не оказалось распрыскано, а мне пришлось купить новое и пойти к медсестре. Поэтому вряд ли я смогу брать у себя кровь. Есть ещё вариант без крови, но он сильно дороже. Так что это тоже не про меня пока.⠀
⠀
Из того, что можно делать бесплатно и безболезненно по этой диете — я в очередной раз поняла, что надо исключить из рациона сахар. Он губит наши клетки. Жир же, наоборот, помогает клеткам. Но только правильный жир. Из авокадо, например. Или из невинно убиенных коров, выращенных на подножном корме. Но просто так на этой диете сидеть нельзя — надо обязательно следить за уровнем глюкозы и кетонов. Иначе можно сделать себе хуже. Поэтому я пока ограничусь сокращением потребления сахара.⠀
⠀
А если вы решите прочитать книгу, готовьтесь к изменению образа жизни. Иначе ее читать просто бессмысленно. Там целая адская система. Не до развлечений.
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