Deadly Emotions: Understand the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection That Can Heal or Destroy You

by Don Colbert

Did you know that negative emotions can adversely affect your health? Depression, anger, guilt, condemnation, low self-esteem-these are only a few of the lethal toxins that threaten body and spirit. Offering a clear definition of deadly emotions-what they are, where they come from, how they manifest themselves, and their effects on the body-Dr. Colbert uses scientific evidence to support his views. He further offers hope in the form of God's power to deliver readers from these toxins, focusing on the power of forgiveness and repentance, the value of a merry heart, and the joy of the Lord. Finally, Dr. Colbert shares insights on the role nutrition plays in removing the physical toxins that inhibit true health.

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

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

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

[Andy Coleman · Rating 1 out of 5]

A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:

This is a clear case of "bait and switch". The description of the book states that the doctor will use scientific evidence to show the connection between emotions and physical health. And at first, there are plenty of studies doing exactly that. But then a few chapters in, a couple of quotes from the bible start showing up. It feels a bit out of place but nothing to worry about... until the whole book shifts from medical studies to biblical theology. Science is forgotten and "putting your faith in God" becomes the mantra.

Now don't get me wrong, plenty of people can get a great deal of help from a bible-oriented self-help book. But those are probably not the same people who seek out books about scientific studies. And visa versa. This book uses the claim that it is based on medical research to legitimize itself to a certain group of people, and then offers no solutions to the problems that it outlines other than trusting in God. I'm not against praying, but if it worked as Dr. Colbert says it does, we really wouldn't have any health issues, would we?

And as one last point, each chapter starts with a description of a patient who is a perfect example of the point the doctor wants to make in the upcoming chapter. Those people do not exist! At best, they are an amalgam of many patients, carefully crafted to bring out certain characteristics and flaws. But instead of being illuminating, they make the book feel disingenuous.

If you liked Eat, Pray, Love and its ilk, you might enjoy this one. But if you're looking for a book with medical ideas for dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. - skip it.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is one amazing book.

Written by a Doctor who noticed a relationship between unresolved emotional reactions to a variety of illnesses and conditions. I think that most of us are willing to admit that someone who has a problem with anger and hostility MAY end up with a heart condition. This book goes further and explains how many negative emotions contribute to disease and how we can "lighten up" to ease the discomfort of those conditions, improve our health and just plain ole feel better.

I got this book on a recomendation of a friend and while reading the first half I bookmarked and highlighted and shook my head in agreement so much-I risked whiplash!

Oh and did I mention that it is written with a basis in Christianity and there are several references to scripture to use as meditations and explanations? One of the biggest prescriptions is the power of forgiveness.

Right now THIS is the best read of the summer!

[Dna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Colbert early in the book sits around with his wife Mary “trying to list the names of individuals we believe to be genuinely happy”, but the list is “pitifully short”. Excuse? Are you and Mary the arbiters of happiness? I have a real problem with anyone who tries to define happiness for others. So I yelled OH SHUT THE FUCK UP and dropped the book. Bye.

[Aztry Bulnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me realize how much I was contributing to my own bad thoughts and decisions and heavily focused on the physical symptoms of depression, anger and bitterness


Side note: it references the bible all through out the book especially in chapter 7 so id consider this a spiritual read

[Mycala · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have been a good book. I did find a few helpful things in it, but I completely lost interest the minute he mentioned that women are angrier than men and he couldn't seem to pinpoint why that was -- maybe it's just hormones. Seriously? I won't even get started on that.

Also, one would assume that having earned a doctorate, it would sink in that bible verses are not citations for scientific fact. Great, you love jesus. Good for you. None of my business, I don't care. The topic here is unhealthy emotions, not one's particular religious preference. But on that note, I love how he talks about following your heart, apparently forgetting the verse in the bible about the heart being desperately wicked above all things. I guess that verse didn't serve his purpose.

So, yeah. Not impressed. Next.

[Benoit Marinoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine gave me this book. I am so glad she did. Everybody seems to know how managing your emotions (or the lack of managing it), can affect your overall well-being and health. Well the doctor who wrote this book goes one step further and explain you how this emotions affect all of it by stating anecdotes of patients he worked with over the years and also explaining the chemical reactions on your body. He also let you know of different ways to conteract these emotions negative effects such as laughing, relaxation techniques and simply loving. I recommend this book as it gives you knowledge to enhance your life and your outlook on it and on how to maintain good health.

[Tonya Helmkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most comprehensive book on the connection between emotions and the body with scriptural integration that I have ever read. The book is so much more, it is a lifestyle reference guide, and I appreciate the appendices that inculdes a variety of inventories. I hated to see it end, both reference and story line combined to make an eloquent piece of art. I learned a great deal from reading this book.

[Jarmo Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the Norwegian translation (Livsfarlige følelser) of the book: I have read quite a few books that deals with the area of emotions, but never a book that mainly deals with negative emotions and calls them life-threatening and toxic. Dr. Don Colbert does this when it comes to negative emotions we sometimes express, some more chronically than others. In other books, we read about the importance of recognizing all emotions, especially in children, even the negative ones, and that is fine, but these same authors rarely go as far as to say that these emotions can be life-threatening and that we should learn to avoid them in our lives.

As a believer Colbert also gives examples from the Bible where the Bible itself warns against many of these emotions, such as anger and fear. Colbert also points to research on how anger, anxiety, bitterness, intransigence, fear, just to name a few, can have serious consequences on your overall health if you don't do anything about it. Dr. Colbert points to a clrea connection between several autoimmune diseases and not being able to forgive someone. He also gives several examples on these matters from his own practice as a doctor. This is a good book about emotions, from a slightly different perspective than I am used to, but as important. Towards the end, he doesn't overlook the positive feelings and their health-giving effects on spirit, soul and body.

[Hestiaseve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivimos en la época de los fármacos. Sólo en USA la cantidad de recetas aumentó un 85% en 10 años, siendo las afecciones más populares el dolor de espalda, dolores articulares, migrañas y un largo etc. Este libro, quizás por ser el primero que leo de este género, me dejó sentá y peiná pa'trás XD La conexión de las enfermedades crónicas como el asma o el cáncer con las emociones consideradas "tóxicas" por nuestro organismo es impresionante, y el autor lo explica con los tecnicismos suficientes para creerle sin latear. Al estar dividido en dos partes (diagnóstico y prescripción), me ayudó a entender mis propias emociones y también le achuntó a varias cosas de mi salud física, así que exclamé varias veces "aaaah, con razón po, todo calza pollo" mientras leía. Como dije, este es el primer libro que leo sobre este tema, así que puede que no sea taaaan bueno, pero a mí me gustó y lo encontré un buen lugar donde empezar :). Si les gusta nomás po. Igual ta el pdf disponible a una googleada de distancia 😉 Bendito siglo XXI.

[Rachel Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Colbert’s book on the mind-body-spirit connection is really eye opening and intriguing. The first part is a breakdown of the way different emotions impact the body (getting only slightly repetitive toward the end), with personal examples of clients who suffered with them, and some brief tips on overcoming them. The second part is how to foster positive emotions and develop them in your life.

I found the book helpful personally, though I don’t suffer from the diseases mentioned or any one “deadly” emotion. The first part was helpful from a counseling perspective (I have regular opportunities to counsel those dealing with resentment, anger, worry, and depression), and the second part encouraged me to develop some of those preventative habits of thinking and relaxation.

I would highly recommend this book for counseling, self help, or simply informational purposes!

*Dr. Colbert is a Christian and views these emotions and potential treatment from a Biblical perspective. I found that to lend his views more credibility, but others may find it grating.

[George moffat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bastante información médica, sin llegar a ser un libro de medicina
Contiene información que raya en el ocultismo, como decir que el trasplante de un órgano llevó a la persona trasplantada a reconocer al asesino del donante, o tratar a la oración como un ejercicio oriental de meditación recomendando el uso de mantras y otras aseveraciones poco documentadas y que provienen más de la emoción que de la investigación.

En general las respuestas y el trabajo que se debe realizar con las personas que tienen problemas con el manejo de emociones es bastante escaso... y muy empírico cayendo en muchos lugares comunes y sin una base teológica fuerte que es (asumo) el propósito del libro

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook, and I thought the narrator was very smooth and easy to understand. This was the first self-help book I have read, and I was really pleased with how the Dr. spoke about cognitive therapy and how stress and other negative emotions can cause our bodies stress, thus linking to disease and other ailments. My only qualm is that I wish he would have talked a bit more about coping mechanisms. Even so, I really did enjoy the stories of his patients and his perspective. I definitely walked away from this book with new ideas and conclusions.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book and the deep explanations of all of the negative emotions that we carry and how it can impact the body. Being a Christian man, I was also comforted by scripture in addition to the psychological and physiological aspects of the connection between mind and body. It galvanized me to even make some changes in my life and take action in multiple areas of my life. This was all tied in with real life scenarios he faced as a psychiatrist when helping patients. I would definitely recommend this book to others(I already did mid-read)!

[Sara Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a non-religious person I actually found this enjoyable and easy to read. I didn’t realize it was religious at all (was more focused on the auto-immune piece) until I started to read, but the author is very well written. He introduces you to scripture, but in an educational way vs feeling like you’re reading a sermon.

This was more of an eastern taken on wholistic medicine and it definitely gave me some things to consider about how I am approaching my own life as I just began suffering from an autoimmune condition.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro bastante bueno, con bastantes ejemplos sobre como el estrés ante cualquier situación de la vida puede enfermarnos con enfermedades desde fibromialgias hasta cáncer, así como también como Dios nos acompaña a través de estos procesos dolorosos de la vida y por medio de la oración y la espiritualidad podemos salir adelante.

Vale la pena estar consciente de esto.

[Ren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been 3.5 stars. Here I thought it would be a book about science and although it is, there is much Bible quoting. Also putting down of another religion. “Practice yoga but don’t chant like they do.”

You have missed the point of the religion you profess to practice, you also lost a lot of readers due to your inability to respect other religions.

[Davidson Ajaegbu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a Christian book and yes it was an wholesome read.

There was so much relatable topics discussed like repressed hostility, anger and anxiety that affects us physically in ways we don't even know.

An interesting part of the book for me as unenforceable rules we set for ourselves and others that in the end make us feeling frustrated.

Forgive and Fly on by.

[Colomba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it reading a couple of months ago now; I just forgot I was in Goodreads to review the book! The book is superb. Don Colbert takes us by the hand to explain in a very easy way the chemical reactions produced in the human body while facing emotions of any kind. It is valuable information within to ponder, I highlighted many parts of the book than I intend to go back and take notes.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I read this book (and been open to its message) about 20 years ago. So much eye opening information. The back synopsis of the book does not mention God or faith, but both factor heavily which was something that I really appreciated. I finished it having a newfound hope and practical applications for dealing with stress and negative emotions.

[Kateko Idiegbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I'd read this 20 years ago- would have saved me a lot of suffering. Practical tips on how to deal with and release negative emotions and avoid the diseases they can cause. Best and most relevant book I've read in a while.

[Emily ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically well-written, easy to read, and highly relevant. It’s a health book dealing with the emotions that harm physical health, while at the same time incorporating Scripture as a guide for right thinking and truth. I recommend this to anyone who is remotely stressed out.

[Charles Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hit a little close to home. Someone close to me died of a heartattack because of his rage and anger over his dog digging holes in his backyarad. It would pay dividends to read and heed the contents of the book if you know you have emotional issues.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the science, client stories, and historical and cultural references. I would not recommend this book to anyone that would have a hard time with the frequent Christianity leanings - there are many.

[Odette Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy buen libro para entender las emociones, con muchas herramientas de auto análisis y reflexiones. No le di 5 estrellas porque por momentos se va mucho por lo teológico, por lo que, para leerlo y poder identificarte con el libro necesariamente debes creer en Dios.

[Josh Laird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary of the current research on the power of positive thinking

[Olivia Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn't what I was expecting. Wish I knew it was faith based before I bought it. I thought it was a psychology book but it's a Bible study.

[Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books provided me answers for several questions that had been puzzling me.

[Arlina Rangel Quintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro! Super recomendado!

[Álex Oliva Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

De todo lo que he leído hasta ahora en este último par de años, este libro está en el top de mejores lecturas. Y es que es super honesto, super entendible, super práctico y súper alentador respecto de la naturaleza de nuestro corazón y de la libertad que podemos alcanzar en Cristo.

[Corien Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breder zicht op ziekte en psyche