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Staying Alive in Toxic Times: A Seasonal Guide to Lifelong Health
The must-have health bible that explains exactly how to stay in radiant, optimal health all year round.
Are you confused about what supplements you should be taking? Do you want to know how you can reverse the effects of pollution on your body? Would you like to eat seasonally?
Drawing on Dr Jenny Goodman's 20+ years' experience as a medical doctor, lecturer and qualified nutritionist, Staying Alive in Toxic Times sets out exactly what to eat in order to live our healthiest lives, and how to adapt our lifestyle according to the season we are in.
Dr Jenny Goodman lays out how to safely and effectively supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals, explains what really works in terms of detoxing your body, and sorts through the confusing myriad of diets and healthy eating fads, using her expertise to myth-bust. Staying Alive in Toxic Times also reveals how to avoid seasonal health hazards, such as indoor pollution, hay fever and SAD.
With so many people feeling tired, ill and run-down, this timely guide is what everyone needs to read in order to live vibrant, happy and long lives.
Are you confused about what supplements you should be taking? Do you want to know how you can reverse the effects of pollution on your body? Would you like to eat seasonally?
Drawing on Dr Jenny Goodman's 20+ years' experience as a medical doctor, lecturer and qualified nutritionist, Staying Alive in Toxic Times sets out exactly what to eat in order to live our healthiest lives, and how to adapt our lifestyle according to the season we are in.
Dr Jenny Goodman lays out how to safely and effectively supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals, explains what really works in terms of detoxing your body, and sorts through the confusing myriad of diets and healthy eating fads, using her expertise to myth-bust. Staying Alive in Toxic Times also reveals how to avoid seasonal health hazards, such as indoor pollution, hay fever and SAD.
With so many people feeling tired, ill and run-down, this timely guide is what everyone needs to read in order to live vibrant, happy and long lives.
- GenresHealthNonfictionMedical
384 pages, Hardcover
Published December 29, 2020
45 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Goodman
5 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 26, 2021
Me two thirds of the way through this book:
"Hmmmm I have a feeling she's taking this to a vaccines cause autism place."
The very next page: "yikes"
The author doesn't explicitly say to avoid vaccines, but she does a big list of toxic things, including vaccines and in the next paragraph tells us to avoid said toxic things wherever possible. There isn't any discussion about vaccines being necessary or less dangerous than measles.
She doesn't explicitly say that vaccines cause autism, but she does say that there is a "link" between heavy metals (that she's already told us are found in vaccines) and autism.
If she thinks this, why hint at it? Just come out and say it. Why let it sit inbetween the lines like that? I might be being cruel, she may not actually be dumb enough to think that vaccines cause autism, but if not then that's something she needs to clear up.
There's also much more nonsense in here. Such as admitting that low fat diets probably contribute to obesity and dementia (i agree) and also saying that people should eat more healthy fats IF THEY'RE THIN. Sorry, but everyone should be eating healthy fats (and saturated fat).
This book starts well. With cute, wise advice about cutting down on salads in winter and then ends, I shit you not, with a warning about 5G.
This book was kinda like an aunty at christmas telling you to eat more greens, and then, upon realising she has your ear, descending the conversation into why you need to stick a rose quartz crystal on your computer.
She's also anti vegan and there's no mention, really, of alcohol. Although she does say at one point to avoid cheap wine because of additives. So I'm supposed to avoid STAINLESS STEEL PANS and tapwater because they might make me even more autistic, but drinking alcohol, which is literally a poison, is fine? This women will suggest taking vitamins in liquid form only, as to avoid "toxins" in vitamin capsules, but no mention of alcohol?
Very cute, pretty and well designed cover, covering a nonsensical rant.
"Hmmmm I have a feeling she's taking this to a vaccines cause autism place."
The very next page: "yikes"
The author doesn't explicitly say to avoid vaccines, but she does a big list of toxic things, including vaccines and in the next paragraph tells us to avoid said toxic things wherever possible. There isn't any discussion about vaccines being necessary or less dangerous than measles.
She doesn't explicitly say that vaccines cause autism, but she does say that there is a "link" between heavy metals (that she's already told us are found in vaccines) and autism.
If she thinks this, why hint at it? Just come out and say it. Why let it sit inbetween the lines like that? I might be being cruel, she may not actually be dumb enough to think that vaccines cause autism, but if not then that's something she needs to clear up.
There's also much more nonsense in here. Such as admitting that low fat diets probably contribute to obesity and dementia (i agree) and also saying that people should eat more healthy fats IF THEY'RE THIN. Sorry, but everyone should be eating healthy fats (and saturated fat).
This book starts well. With cute, wise advice about cutting down on salads in winter and then ends, I shit you not, with a warning about 5G.
This book was kinda like an aunty at christmas telling you to eat more greens, and then, upon realising she has your ear, descending the conversation into why you need to stick a rose quartz crystal on your computer.
She's also anti vegan and there's no mention, really, of alcohol. Although she does say at one point to avoid cheap wine because of additives. So I'm supposed to avoid STAINLESS STEEL PANS and tapwater because they might make me even more autistic, but drinking alcohol, which is literally a poison, is fine? This women will suggest taking vitamins in liquid form only, as to avoid "toxins" in vitamin capsules, but no mention of alcohol?
Very cute, pretty and well designed cover, covering a nonsensical rant.
February 28, 2020
The author is a doctor and a member of the British Society of Ecological Medicine – I can’t decide if that sounds legit or kooky. This is mostly a book of nutritional advice, including what supplements to take as well as what to eat in the four seasons. I mostly skipped the middle chapter on health in the various life stages. She has an interesting general framework for what to eat in the (British) seasons, based on what produce is available: “December, January, February: Be a carnivore. / March, April, May: Be a vegetarian. / June, July, August: Be a vegan. / September, October, November: Be a pescatarian.” In terms of supplements, in the winter she recommends Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, zinc, selenium and magnesium (this last is best absorbed through the skin via Epsom salt baths). Later on she gives a daily schedule: “With Breakfast: B complex, Vitamin C, probiotic. With Dinner: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin D.” I’m taking her tips with a grain of salt, but I will consider stocking up on at least a couple of these next time I’m in a pharmacy.
March 28, 2020
An absolute goldmine of information on how to maintain vibrant health, shaking off the chronic illness, brain fog and tiredness that afflict so many of us today. This is no one-size-fits-all plan, but the book shows how to decide what you may need to do for your own circumstances.
Although the science behind the recommendations is explained, it is completely understandable to the layperson. Best of all, Dr Goodman is a great writer as well as doctor: it's so readable, you just gallop through, enthralled, then go back and make a note of the things you need to implement.
Although the science behind the recommendations is explained, it is completely understandable to the layperson. Best of all, Dr Goodman is a great writer as well as doctor: it's so readable, you just gallop through, enthralled, then go back and make a note of the things you need to implement.
May 11, 2020
We live in toxic times and the toxicity around us is explored which I found helpful. The book advises us about what we need to eat by seasons and different stages in our lives. I found both helpful. In recent years, I have found conventional medicine good at times of health crisis but for improving and sustaining all round health less good. As someone who has just fought back from difficult health issues using a nutritionist, I found this book will reinforce my ability to stay well at my time of live.
The book unpacks useful and spurious supplements and when to take them and this again i found informative. The essence of the book is frightening because it is and at times it is a scary book for scary times. For me, a book that addresses an important issue with evidence and passion.
The book unpacks useful and spurious supplements and when to take them and this again i found informative. The essence of the book is frightening because it is and at times it is a scary book for scary times. For me, a book that addresses an important issue with evidence and passion.
February 16, 2020
This book gives a simple but comprehensive overview of how toxins and our food are impacting the longevity of our health in a way that anyone can understand. It explains useful ways in improving our health and living more mindfully. I particularly liked Dr Goodmans explanation of the different multivitamins and how they impact the body which is also illustrated usefully through case studies throughout the book. A must read for anyone who cares about their health and want to understand how our environment is subtly impacting this in ways we may not even be aware of.
August 12, 2021
My favorite of the Many holistic health books I have read. Dr. Goodman calls it Ecological Medicine, a term I had not heard before. (This may just be UK Terminology, not sure on that point).
I had not even finished the Introduction (somewhat lengthy at 46 pages when I knew this was going to be a health book with precepts I agreed with and wanted to learn more about).
Sunlight acts on the cholesterol on our skin! Wow! Fantastic information! (This is a good thing).
Dementia sometimes called Diabetes of the brain...yes...makes perfect sense.
Book doesn't just cover diet stressors but toxic chemicals, metals, etc.
I Do Not agree with some of the lower ratings on this book.
Also want to mention I had pre-ordered this book months ago (Amazon). I had found out about it from the magazine What Doctor's Don't Tell You. Took a very long time to get the book and it was impossible to obtain a copy in the U.S. from sources other than Amazon, while I got tired of waiting. (The U.K had it but I couldn't get it shipped here). Since copies are available now, I would order one asap.
I had not even finished the Introduction (somewhat lengthy at 46 pages when I knew this was going to be a health book with precepts I agreed with and wanted to learn more about).
Sunlight acts on the cholesterol on our skin! Wow! Fantastic information! (This is a good thing).
Dementia sometimes called Diabetes of the brain...yes...makes perfect sense.
Book doesn't just cover diet stressors but toxic chemicals, metals, etc.
I Do Not agree with some of the lower ratings on this book.
Also want to mention I had pre-ordered this book months ago (Amazon). I had found out about it from the magazine What Doctor's Don't Tell You. Took a very long time to get the book and it was impossible to obtain a copy in the U.S. from sources other than Amazon, while I got tired of waiting. (The U.K had it but I couldn't get it shipped here). Since copies are available now, I would order one asap.
May 27, 2024
This book was very informative, good simple nutritional advice. Everything is down to gut health and eating well, food is medicine. Simple as that. Eat organic and locally (when you can), avoid sugar, ultra processed food and focus on eating whats in season in your country (it tastes better anyway). Avoid all the toxic chemicals in products - swap to natural for body, household cleaning and avoid toxic candles, air fresheners etc... I mean this feels like common sense really. Don't put artificial chemicals on, in or around your body. I liked how she referred to fad diets as working for that person at that point in time so they wrote about it, doesn't mean it worked long term. However, she lost me a bit with all the supplementation. Worth a read and then take what you want from it.
April 23, 2023
I’ve spoken about this book so much whilst reading it, so clearly the teachings are something I feel compelled to share.
There’s a lot to action here, but I think some of it achievable and I have learned so much about how my body works and how it links to food, the environment and everything else. Case studies in this were FASCINATING.
As an audio book, great but not perfect. I think I’d like to buy the paperback and open it for a reminder in every season…
There’s a lot to action here, but I think some of it achievable and I have learned so much about how my body works and how it links to food, the environment and everything else. Case studies in this were FASCINATING.
As an audio book, great but not perfect. I think I’d like to buy the paperback and open it for a reminder in every season…
March 7, 2020
Clearly a salesperson for the supplements industry. In addition, if a doctor is registered with the GMC but without a licence to practice (as is the case here since 2015), is she still a real doctor ? This book is follow assertions that on closer examination turn out to be half-truths or untruths or outdated science.
February 10, 2026
my mum gave me this to read because I told her my resolution was to eat more seasonally. the first part of this book was excellent. I really enjoyed her take on diet and nutrition which I feel is very intuitive and harmonious with the world.
However once the section on nutrition was over, I felt that the narrative spiralled, the sources became less frequent and the messaging more extreme. one thing about these easy read non-fiction books which always annoys me is the conversational style of writing. in this case, I felt it was taken too extreme when discussing certain things which are in a bit of a grey zone regarding their toxicity, she would use very disgusting language with little further information on this (hrt oestrogen coming from horse urine or 5G microwaving us all). but then on a matter where it suits her, the language is so flowery and nice sounding that you don't even understand what she is suggesting (colon hydrotherapy).
overall, I enjoyed this book honestly. I won't be doing everything she suggest, but I will definitely be having an Epsom salt bath asap
However once the section on nutrition was over, I felt that the narrative spiralled, the sources became less frequent and the messaging more extreme. one thing about these easy read non-fiction books which always annoys me is the conversational style of writing. in this case, I felt it was taken too extreme when discussing certain things which are in a bit of a grey zone regarding their toxicity, she would use very disgusting language with little further information on this (hrt oestrogen coming from horse urine or 5G microwaving us all). but then on a matter where it suits her, the language is so flowery and nice sounding that you don't even understand what she is suggesting (colon hydrotherapy).
overall, I enjoyed this book honestly. I won't be doing everything she suggest, but I will definitely be having an Epsom salt bath asap
October 12, 2023
This is a great guide to understanding gut health, the role that different minerals and vitamins play in keeping us healthy and what we can do to help minimise the amount of toxins that we take into our bodies. Dr. Jenny Goodman gives a balanced view of different diets as well as helping us see what our bodies need in each season. The book is easy to read with case histories to help illustrate different points. I have recommended this book to many people.
You can watch Dr. Jenny Goodman discuss her book on In The Light- Growing Your Soul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0VQ7...
You can watch Dr. Jenny Goodman discuss her book on In The Light- Growing Your Soul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0VQ7...
August 30, 2024
Cant even bring myself to finish it. I find the author to be pushing supplements and lots of other interesting directions instead of coming from a factual unbiased look. She is a doctor so perhaps why. As someone who suffers from a LOT of health problems, i found it quite uncomfortable listening to some chapters advice and felt like it was a ‘eat how i eat and you wont have any problems’.
Also could potentially be triggering for people with eating disorders as i found myself coming away thinking ‘well what can i eat??’.
Also could potentially be triggering for people with eating disorders as i found myself coming away thinking ‘well what can i eat??’.
May 26, 2021
This read like some practical advice and then a bunch of potential quackery.
The reliance on supplements was a little troubling. In many countries, supplements are rarely assessed for quality, contents, safety, and health claims. I'm always wary of medical writing that doesn't point out potential side effects or efficacy questions. For example-the promotion of high-dose Vitamin C doesn't mention that this is controversial and even discredited by modern studies.
The reliance on supplements was a little troubling. In many countries, supplements are rarely assessed for quality, contents, safety, and health claims. I'm always wary of medical writing that doesn't point out potential side effects or efficacy questions. For example-the promotion of high-dose Vitamin C doesn't mention that this is controversial and even discredited by modern studies.
July 27, 2022
Brilliant!
A brilliant book that ought to be in every doctor’s and gastroenterologist’s book shelf, as well as digested to inform parents and teachers and the national school curriculum. Jenny Goodman has shined the light in such a brilliant way, that allows those driven to optimising their health and that of their clients, patients family or friends to do so easily and methodically. Thank you Jenny. Keep shining brightly!!
A brilliant book that ought to be in every doctor’s and gastroenterologist’s book shelf, as well as digested to inform parents and teachers and the national school curriculum. Jenny Goodman has shined the light in such a brilliant way, that allows those driven to optimising their health and that of their clients, patients family or friends to do so easily and methodically. Thank you Jenny. Keep shining brightly!!
March 31, 2020
I am skeptical of some of the advice in this book. As a research nurse, I have a small amount of insight, her use if references to make her appear more legitimate doesn't stand up on closer inspection. Her nutritional advice is more believable but I am disappointed when the book veered into anti vaxxer territory.
August 28, 2020
Started off sceptical but once I got to the small snippet promoting co-sleeping with your baby and advocating the pill-popping of seemingly unnecessary vitamins and minerals in high doses even on a "healthy omnivorous diet" why is she so against a vegan diet when the alternative is also reliant (in her opinion) on countless supplements?
June 18, 2024
Some bits need to be taken with a pinch of salt, but a lot of what the author says makes sense. She's definitely well informed on both food and human body. And the book moved me to make changes in my own eating habits (more greens, less sugar), which says a lot about it's power. I loved the case studies, especially the happy endings.
October 11, 2021
A lot of information I've read elsewhere, but it's always good to have another reminder and definitely learnt a few new things I didn't know before.
Love the seasonal sections at the beginning, will definitely be going back to those in future. Easy to read and understand.
Love the seasonal sections at the beginning, will definitely be going back to those in future. Easy to read and understand.
February 2, 2023
Great book!
I am a big nutrition fan, and I’ve read a lot of books. I didn’t really expect to learn anything new but I did. The information was well presented, very easy to read, with some great case studies. Honestly, I couldn’t put this book down.
I am a big nutrition fan, and I’ve read a lot of books. I didn’t really expect to learn anything new but I did. The information was well presented, very easy to read, with some great case studies. Honestly, I couldn’t put this book down.
August 21, 2023
Some interesting advice regarding eating seasonally, but about half way through it got too preachy for me. And no, I'm not going to turn the heating up and open the windows in winter. Nor try to wear short sleeves and shorts from March. I can barely manage short sleeves in August in Scotland.
December 20, 2024
It’s not often one reads a book on the serious matter of health and laughs out loud, but Jenny achieves just that! Brilliant, useful, timely facts about health with the occasional hilarious observation. Thanks Jenny for this masterpiece. Your off-centre sense of humour is perfect for this job!
April 23, 2021
Some great information in here and I found some things worth following but I’m not sure I could follow all of her golden rules.
May 7, 2021
Very useful advice
January 21, 2023
Eye opening!!!!
August 3, 2024
Everybody should read this book. It is a scary read but also provides you with the tools to detoxify all the chemicals we absorb daily.
April 29, 2025
this book is absolute pseudoscience. baseless claims. rhetorical questions with no answers that lead to speculation. used the word ‘commoner’ instead of more common. insane read do not recommend
February 8, 2026
I could have learned as much in a short ChatGPT thread. But with ChatGPT I could at least have asked for meaningful references to some of the claims made.
September 10, 2025
Excellent - sound sense. Dr Goodman has worked in healthcare for decades as a medical doctor and a practitioner of ecological medicine. She is not a person to disregard in this context.
To be honest there is so much going on in terms of synthetic chemicals and toxic pollutants on the planet these days that it is very difficult to follow everything recommended in this book. However it is an excellent indictment of our reliance on global corporations and their insidious relentless profit driven motives. Just taking up a few of the recommendations here will most certainly help. Every little helps, as the saying goes…..
To be honest there is so much going on in terms of synthetic chemicals and toxic pollutants on the planet these days that it is very difficult to follow everything recommended in this book. However it is an excellent indictment of our reliance on global corporations and their insidious relentless profit driven motives. Just taking up a few of the recommendations here will most certainly help. Every little helps, as the saying goes…..
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews