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Prescription for Happiness: How to Eat, Move, and Supplement for Peak Mental Health
A “compassionate, authoritative, and wise” (Mark Hyman, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Pegan Diet) 30-day program that “will shift the way you think about your body and your health” (Gabrielle Bernstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author and international speaker) based on a paradigm-shifting You have to change your body to change your mind and mood.
Prescription for Happiness offers a 30-day program for reaching a new level of energy, clarity, and calm. Too often, conventional medicine treats the mind as separate from the body. However, science shows that physical issues, such as chronic illness and weight fluctuation, are oftentimes intricately entwined with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and more. This must-read book explores the new science of optimizing the body in ways that will help anyone attain a new baseline for energy, calm, and optimism. Dr. Berzin draws on cutting-edge research and her work with thousands of patients to tell the complete story of how our physical health influences our energy level, mood, focus, and emotional wellbeing. This builds on her work at her nationally renowned holistic health service Parsley Health, where Dr. Berzin and her team of over 100 highly trained medical providers focus on treating the whole patient, yielding extraordinary results for those dealing with gastrointestinal, hormone-related, autoimmune, and mental health conditions. Leveraging Parsley’s unique patient data and successful proprietary protocols, Prescription for Happiness is the ultimate gateway to creating your new baseline for peak physical and mental health.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2022
223 people are currently reading
4662 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 21, 2022
I’ve been reading Dr. Robin Berzin’s State Change, a new plan for connecting mind and body in medicine when addressing anxiety and mood. I really love this premise, and I wish that many of the doctors I’ve interacted with over the years had this same stance. It’s important to consider the whole person, and not just a symptom, when really trying to help them improve their health and well-being. I also like there’s a practical plan embedded in the book.
I skipped over the diet advice because I tend to take a more intuitive and clean eating approach as much as possible. It’s important to find what works best for you.
All that said, this is an important book to open up critical conversation about the link between mind and body in medicine. I’m hopeful for the future as this body of research builds into practice, and this work is a great head start for those interested in learning more and finding what may work for them.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I skipped over the diet advice because I tend to take a more intuitive and clean eating approach as much as possible. It’s important to find what works best for you.
All that said, this is an important book to open up critical conversation about the link between mind and body in medicine. I’m hopeful for the future as this body of research builds into practice, and this work is a great head start for those interested in learning more and finding what may work for them.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 30, 2021
Accessible and manageable for most any lifestyle. Affordable and conscientious, not so much.
Things I liked: A breakdown of healthy eating habits where it counts, taking it incrementally, understanding where the biggest impacts can be made; same for exercise plans - starting small and increasing over time so as to avoid 0 to 60 burnout; key supplements worth taking and why - so you can pick what may be best for you; technology fasts - addressing phone addiction and negative self esteem issues due to social media; promotion of energy healing as it benefits you - whatever that may be: massage, reiki, acupuncture
Things I'd approach with caution: There is an overwhelming amount of privilege here. My assumption while reading was that this kind of "functional healthcare" or holistic healthcare is for the wealthy, predominantly white middle, upper class. After googling the author and her clinic, it does look like a spa, and she's featured in and alongside other medical professionals who pair up with Goop - so take that for what you will. I think anyone can gain insight into basic mind/body health here, but it will not be just anyone (myself included) who can afford to regularly purchase the diet Berzin recommends or the pharmaceutical grade supplements, let alone membership to her clinic. And for advertising a "whole person" holistic approach to healthcare, she doesn't address the very real toll that racism, sexism, and homophobia play in terms of mental and physical health as well as access to healthcare in general.
Some red flags: While mentioning covid-19 and its impact on mental health in several parts of the book, she never addressed vaccines. I was curious where she and the other doctors she cites as medical sources for patient care and information stood on the topics around the pandemic. It was VERY hard to find ANYTHING about it. Several of them, the author included, had general posts promoting Vitamin D, getting more sleep, and creating an exercise regime to combat health and mood issues during the pandemic, but none of them stated their vaccine stance outright. Given we're all living year 2 of the pandemic, I think that would be crucial information to include, if not in the book, then at least somewhere on their platform! Since there was a strong lack of anything, and an overwhelming amount of publicity to weed through (paid content), I was disheartened by an obvious choice to be obscure here. It's a business just as much as it is a clinic, but that took away from the "we see you as a whole person" messaging and felt more about branding and making money.
Additionally, I've seen other readers advise caution, and I would agree, that for anyone who's faced an eating disorder, the paleo and keto diet recommendations could be triggering. There's some language that could be deemed as anti-prescription drugs for mental health, and she offers a few disclaimers for that, but it's one more area to read with caution if you take such drugs and find they help you.
As with any health and wellness book, take what helps you and leave the rest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Things I liked: A breakdown of healthy eating habits where it counts, taking it incrementally, understanding where the biggest impacts can be made; same for exercise plans - starting small and increasing over time so as to avoid 0 to 60 burnout; key supplements worth taking and why - so you can pick what may be best for you; technology fasts - addressing phone addiction and negative self esteem issues due to social media; promotion of energy healing as it benefits you - whatever that may be: massage, reiki, acupuncture
Things I'd approach with caution: There is an overwhelming amount of privilege here. My assumption while reading was that this kind of "functional healthcare" or holistic healthcare is for the wealthy, predominantly white middle, upper class. After googling the author and her clinic, it does look like a spa, and she's featured in and alongside other medical professionals who pair up with Goop - so take that for what you will. I think anyone can gain insight into basic mind/body health here, but it will not be just anyone (myself included) who can afford to regularly purchase the diet Berzin recommends or the pharmaceutical grade supplements, let alone membership to her clinic. And for advertising a "whole person" holistic approach to healthcare, she doesn't address the very real toll that racism, sexism, and homophobia play in terms of mental and physical health as well as access to healthcare in general.
Some red flags: While mentioning covid-19 and its impact on mental health in several parts of the book, she never addressed vaccines. I was curious where she and the other doctors she cites as medical sources for patient care and information stood on the topics around the pandemic. It was VERY hard to find ANYTHING about it. Several of them, the author included, had general posts promoting Vitamin D, getting more sleep, and creating an exercise regime to combat health and mood issues during the pandemic, but none of them stated their vaccine stance outright. Given we're all living year 2 of the pandemic, I think that would be crucial information to include, if not in the book, then at least somewhere on their platform! Since there was a strong lack of anything, and an overwhelming amount of publicity to weed through (paid content), I was disheartened by an obvious choice to be obscure here. It's a business just as much as it is a clinic, but that took away from the "we see you as a whole person" messaging and felt more about branding and making money.
Additionally, I've seen other readers advise caution, and I would agree, that for anyone who's faced an eating disorder, the paleo and keto diet recommendations could be triggering. There's some language that could be deemed as anti-prescription drugs for mental health, and she offers a few disclaimers for that, but it's one more area to read with caution if you take such drugs and find they help you.
As with any health and wellness book, take what helps you and leave the rest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2022
After borrowing a water stained (I hope) copy from the library (gross) and reading the first chapter, I bought my own copy as I thought that I would learn more about supporting myself and colleagues to avoid/beat burnout.
Unfortunately, midway, the author lost credibility for a few reasons:
1. her reference to Dr. Oz as a mentor
2. her constant plugging of her own companies' supplements
3. her experiment (non medical) with psychedelic drugs
I did finish it but found it was repetitive towards the end and although there were some helpful parts such as a sugar and technology detox, the credibility was lost.
Unfortunately, midway, the author lost credibility for a few reasons:
1. her reference to Dr. Oz as a mentor
2. her constant plugging of her own companies' supplements
3. her experiment (non medical) with psychedelic drugs
I did finish it but found it was repetitive towards the end and although there were some helpful parts such as a sugar and technology detox, the credibility was lost.
February 18, 2022
Save your money. I am so annoyed with this book right now. I think there is a great need for holistic medicine however the bashing of Western medicine was ridiculous. Primary care and internal medicine are very important and yet she bashed them throughout the book. Then to recommend that psychedelics have a place in medicine was the last straw. The only good part of the book was the first couple of chapters which are very similar to many others out there. Basically eat healthy, exercise and decrease screen time. Mediation and yoga are also helpful. There are many other great books out there that I would recommend over this one. Save your money and your time or just read the first few chapters and reference the supplement section.
February 3, 2022
If you are trapped in a state of minimal common sense, this is a basic health book. Doing anything with Dr. Oz makes me mistrust a doctor, but her thinking and facts are solid and plain common sense. Nothing to see here. Consider it a pitch for her clinic and see any local FM doc.
February 24, 2022
I picked up this book because I was referred by a friend to Parsley after struggling to get much help with a treatment plan beyond pills for a chronic illness, so I was curious to learn more about the founder's background and approach.
I appreciated how thoughtful and comprehensive this book is about treating a bunch of different chronic ailments that often get brushed aside by typical primary care doctors. Having clear action plan, a list of tests to get, and supplements to take including dosage and the why behind each recommendation makes this book more beneficial than your average health and wellness book. I also appreciated that she gave researched-backed non-traditional recommendations like psychedelics with integrative therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
But overall, this book is not anything new. You're going to get the same wellness advice you've always heard: eat your fruits and veggies, cut out added sugar, exercise 6 times a week, meditate, stop looking at screens, have good sleep hygiene. At least she's clear that if you follow the recommendations for 30 days and they aren't serving you and making you feel better, you can drop them.
The tone of the book is all about personal choices, without going into systems to help you actually achieve these changes or how to make your personal relationship with your doctor better. She pushes going to an integrative healthcare physician (especially at her clinic) heavily. But she doesn't even include a section for doctors about ways they could better serve their patients or take a more holistic approach. Maybe that'll be the next book...
There were other things about this book that made me uncomfortable too. For starters, Dr. Berzin talks about interventions that can help with things like ADHD in a way that makes me get the sense that she doesn't think it's a real disability or a valid diagnosis. For example: she reports that one of her patients goes on a two-month boat trip away from technology and is magically cured of ADHD when she gets back.
She also mentions that she got her start with integrative medicine by working for Dr. Oz's radio show, which is not an instant discredit from me, but certainly a red flag.
She suggests that people go plant-based paleo without super concretely defining what that means. It's not regular paleo, since you can eat whole grains but not gluten, but also maybe no grains at all if you're doing her Advanced level reset. She also recommends them in combination with intermittent fasting, without any acknowledgment that it might be harmful for people with a history of eating disorders or disordered thoughts about food, and even slips in a couple of "it's not about weight loss, but you will lose weight" comments.
Interestingly enough, my doctor at Parsley didn't even order all of the tests that Dr. Berzin recommends in the book, and my health coach through them recommends a very different approach to eating (Meditteranean and stop intermittent fasting because it can apparently mess up women's hormone cycles?) so I haven't even done what she has recommended through her practice. But outside of that list of tests, I'm not sure that this book is worth reading. It probably could have been a four-page worksheet with the symptom inventory, test recommendations, supplement recommendations, and list of lifestyle adjustments.
I appreciated how thoughtful and comprehensive this book is about treating a bunch of different chronic ailments that often get brushed aside by typical primary care doctors. Having clear action plan, a list of tests to get, and supplements to take including dosage and the why behind each recommendation makes this book more beneficial than your average health and wellness book. I also appreciated that she gave researched-backed non-traditional recommendations like psychedelics with integrative therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
But overall, this book is not anything new. You're going to get the same wellness advice you've always heard: eat your fruits and veggies, cut out added sugar, exercise 6 times a week, meditate, stop looking at screens, have good sleep hygiene. At least she's clear that if you follow the recommendations for 30 days and they aren't serving you and making you feel better, you can drop them.
The tone of the book is all about personal choices, without going into systems to help you actually achieve these changes or how to make your personal relationship with your doctor better. She pushes going to an integrative healthcare physician (especially at her clinic) heavily. But she doesn't even include a section for doctors about ways they could better serve their patients or take a more holistic approach. Maybe that'll be the next book...
There were other things about this book that made me uncomfortable too. For starters, Dr. Berzin talks about interventions that can help with things like ADHD in a way that makes me get the sense that she doesn't think it's a real disability or a valid diagnosis. For example: she reports that one of her patients goes on a two-month boat trip away from technology and is magically cured of ADHD when she gets back.
She also mentions that she got her start with integrative medicine by working for Dr. Oz's radio show, which is not an instant discredit from me, but certainly a red flag.
She suggests that people go plant-based paleo without super concretely defining what that means. It's not regular paleo, since you can eat whole grains but not gluten, but also maybe no grains at all if you're doing her Advanced level reset. She also recommends them in combination with intermittent fasting, without any acknowledgment that it might be harmful for people with a history of eating disorders or disordered thoughts about food, and even slips in a couple of "it's not about weight loss, but you will lose weight" comments.
Interestingly enough, my doctor at Parsley didn't even order all of the tests that Dr. Berzin recommends in the book, and my health coach through them recommends a very different approach to eating (Meditteranean and stop intermittent fasting because it can apparently mess up women's hormone cycles?) so I haven't even done what she has recommended through her practice. But outside of that list of tests, I'm not sure that this book is worth reading. It probably could have been a four-page worksheet with the symptom inventory, test recommendations, supplement recommendations, and list of lifestyle adjustments.
January 27, 2022
Thanks so much to the publisher and Net Galley for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. First of all, confession here- I don’t like “Self Help” books because they stress me out or bore me- I always feel like i “ should be “ doing something with the advice- digesting, absorbing, and taking it. Otherwise- whats the point? It’s usually given in a sort of vague way that I can’t recall 10 pages later. Often, the author gets preachy about how they figured it all out, and I quit reading.
When I started this book, I was at a point in my life where I feel like crap. Most of the time- tired, grumpy, sad, lonely and a bit depressed. It is written by a doctor, who run a bougie clinic. I figured why not get the same advice as her clients. Low expectations but worth a try.
At the beginning, She outlines how our medical system is set up to treat symptoms, not the whole person-example many people are on anxiety and depression meds for years, and are not feeling better . Many are seeing therapists for years, and not feeling better. Most doctors aren’t running the proper tests or digging into their symptoms to actually figure out the why.
As I began reading, she explained how my symptoms were caused by my behaviors- the same behaviors MANY of us in the modern world have- too much sugar, look little exercise, too much screen time, too little sleep. The book then goes into detail on how each of us can do some simple things to change them, and feel better, I was ready to try.
Most of the advice is pretty common sense- e.g. we spend too much time on screens, but the hearing the science behind WHY its bad, resonated with me. She also encourages us to start small- change one small thing, whatever is easiest for us, and see how we feel. For me, it was trying to get more sleep. I spend hours scrolling news, insta, FB before going to bed. Often staying up really late doing it. I averaged 5-6 hours of poor quality sleep a night.
There is self health test where you rate your symptoms every 2 weeks - everything from heartburn, to depression. I took the test and first scored a 43 .( above 23 may indicate a chronic issue) Three weeks in Im averaging 7.5 hours of sleep, I have added new good behaviors, and my symptoms are down - This a.m. I scored a 14. I feel so much better. Im planning to add more things ( reduce more sugar, add daily meditation ) to feel even better.
She provides the proper level of caution that those with conditions like diabetes , eating disorders , depression they must work with their doctors before undertaking changes to medications or diets etc. Advice is also given on what to look for in supplements, tests your doctor should be running every year as well as how to find a functional doctor.
Bottom line, for a non-self help reader- this book has actually made a difference to me, and my health.
Highly Recommend
January 18, 2022
Looking for a book to help jumpstart your routine in the new year? Look no further…
Written by a holistic doctor and the founder of Parsley Health, State Change details the various steps the author took in her own life to improve her health and wellbeing as well as those that have helped her patients to overhaul their lives. While some of the book reads like a sales pitch for Parsley Health, the data provided is nevertheless compelling… as is the conclusion that mental health is rooted in physical health.
The author’s guide for achieving a “state change,” which she defines as a “metamorphosis of your emotional and mental health triggered by a change in your physical health” includes guidance on the following:
—Diagnostic testing (to determine your baseline heath and any potential underlying issues)
—Exercise and healthy eating
—Daily supplements
—Technology (and how our modern reliance on screens and tech affects both mental and physical health)
—New frontiers in mental health (think psychedelics, energy healing and meditation)
A few interesting takeaways:
— The average American attention span is just 8 seconds - due in large part to our obsessive use of technology, the internet and social media
—Just 20 minutes of aerobic activity is enough to improve mood. The more intense a workout, the more feel-good endorphins you produce
—Those who don’t exercise are twice as likely to be depressed and 60% more likely to experience anxiety
—One night of poor sleep can increase anxiety levels by 30%
—1 in 6 Americans takes at least one psychiatric drug
—Genetic testing can help determine the most effective antidepressant for a person’s genetic makeup
—The author recommends most everyone should take the following daily supplements (at a minimum): Vitamin D, Omega 3, probiotics and methylated B12 & folate.
As someone who has read my fair share of psychology, nutrition and self-help books, much of the information included in the book was not necessarily new to me, however, it’s always helpful to have a little refresh - especially when it’s compiled in an approachable and engaging format.
Written by a holistic doctor and the founder of Parsley Health, State Change details the various steps the author took in her own life to improve her health and wellbeing as well as those that have helped her patients to overhaul their lives. While some of the book reads like a sales pitch for Parsley Health, the data provided is nevertheless compelling… as is the conclusion that mental health is rooted in physical health.
The author’s guide for achieving a “state change,” which she defines as a “metamorphosis of your emotional and mental health triggered by a change in your physical health” includes guidance on the following:
—Diagnostic testing (to determine your baseline heath and any potential underlying issues)
—Exercise and healthy eating
—Daily supplements
—Technology (and how our modern reliance on screens and tech affects both mental and physical health)
—New frontiers in mental health (think psychedelics, energy healing and meditation)
A few interesting takeaways:
— The average American attention span is just 8 seconds - due in large part to our obsessive use of technology, the internet and social media
—Just 20 minutes of aerobic activity is enough to improve mood. The more intense a workout, the more feel-good endorphins you produce
—Those who don’t exercise are twice as likely to be depressed and 60% more likely to experience anxiety
—One night of poor sleep can increase anxiety levels by 30%
—1 in 6 Americans takes at least one psychiatric drug
—Genetic testing can help determine the most effective antidepressant for a person’s genetic makeup
—The author recommends most everyone should take the following daily supplements (at a minimum): Vitamin D, Omega 3, probiotics and methylated B12 & folate.
As someone who has read my fair share of psychology, nutrition and self-help books, much of the information included in the book was not necessarily new to me, however, it’s always helpful to have a little refresh - especially when it’s compiled in an approachable and engaging format.
April 8, 2022
READ THIS BOOK. |
IMPLEMENT THE MIND BODY CONNECT. |
READ THIS BOOK
IMPLEMENT THE MIND BODY CONNECT. |
READ THIS BOOK
February 11, 2022
I thought this was a great book but I did have a couple of reservations.
Firstly, any expert who recommends fad diets (and yes, I consider keto and paleo "fad" diets even though they have both been widely accepted for different reasons). So Berzin's focus on plant-based paleo eating, while accompanied by many good points, is not something I plan to pursue. (For further reading I'd recommend 'Eating to Beat Anxiety and Depression.')
Secondly, I didn't love that the book closes out with a big ole plug for the author's (very expensive) private clinic. I thought this was unnecessary and undermines the value of the book with a perceived sales pitch.
On the whole, LOTS of good advice that's grounded and approachable. Readers will just have to tune out the salesy bits and promotion of approaches they do not agree with (in my case, paleo eating).
Firstly, any expert who recommends fad diets (and yes, I consider keto and paleo "fad" diets even though they have both been widely accepted for different reasons). So Berzin's focus on plant-based paleo eating, while accompanied by many good points, is not something I plan to pursue. (For further reading I'd recommend 'Eating to Beat Anxiety and Depression.')
Secondly, I didn't love that the book closes out with a big ole plug for the author's (very expensive) private clinic. I thought this was unnecessary and undermines the value of the book with a perceived sales pitch.
On the whole, LOTS of good advice that's grounded and approachable. Readers will just have to tune out the salesy bits and promotion of approaches they do not agree with (in my case, paleo eating).
October 22, 2021
I took a lot of notes while reading this. As someone with hashimotos and anxiety, this was extremely eye opening in the different ways I can take charge of my health and wellness. I now plan to start some of these suggestions presented in this book and I’m very excited about it. The author was relatable and gave so many different examples and solid plans.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC of this book!
Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC of this book!
November 4, 2021
I enjoyed a lot of the foundations of this book and the research behind it. I agree with the principles of making sure your body is functioning optimally for your brain. However, she takes it too far and gets into indirectly encouraging eating disorders by supporting paleo and keto diets. Research shows that Mediterranean (blue zone) is the best for you
January 25, 2023
It’s an ad for her company. Unrealistic approach to health for the vast majority of Americans. Also, questionable info on psychedelics, refuses to acknowledge benefit of vaccines, and also Dr Oz as her mentor???? There is a way to promote holistic approaches to health without constantly bashing western medicine and this is not it. Read with caution!
March 31, 2022
I find it interesting that many of the lower reviews claim this information is common sense even though the overall health of our population is terrible and declining. I think the information in the book is so important and based on a different medical model than solely pharmaceutical driven western medicine. I think this book is incredibly important. People can implement what they want but to claim that everyone knows this information is simply not true.
Now as a mental health therapist, this book is awesome on a whole other level. I have personally worked with clients who do not improve using medication but the only options given is upping the dose and continue talk therapy. The reality is that sometimes, that is not going to cut it. This book offer many many additional options to help people experience significant improvement if not complete healing.
I am not sure if we are really ready for this type of shift of thinking about healthcare. There will be many who discourage it. The people who are wanting something different from healthcare can start with this book and will benefit greatly.
Now as a mental health therapist, this book is awesome on a whole other level. I have personally worked with clients who do not improve using medication but the only options given is upping the dose and continue talk therapy. The reality is that sometimes, that is not going to cut it. This book offer many many additional options to help people experience significant improvement if not complete healing.
I am not sure if we are really ready for this type of shift of thinking about healthcare. There will be many who discourage it. The people who are wanting something different from healthcare can start with this book and will benefit greatly.
February 27, 2022
Reiterating alot of what my holistic dr has said. It has a great plan to get you started with making changes, very well explained.
November 30, 2022
For anyone looking to overall improve their health and well-being while learning what the critical factors are that lead to our biological happiness, this is the book for you.
March 14, 2022
I wanted to like this book, but it was mostly a long advertisement for Parsley Health. Too many anecdotal stories, not enough connecting the dots for me.
May 1, 2024
This is a super practical book for anyone looking to improve their overall health.
I’ve been seeing a functional medicine doctor for almost 10 years and this book covers a lot of the main strategies for improving wellness that I’ve worked on with her. The author, clearly a well-trained physician, explains how to improve both your mental and physical health in a no nonsense manner. I resonated deeply with her visceral takedown of sugar and processed foods, which are my personal enemies!
If you don’t want to spend exorbitant funds on fancy doctors, this is a great resource to push you over the line. A great reminder that exercise, a healthy diet, limiting exposure to addictive technology, and meditation can do a world of wonder for your health.
I’ve been seeing a functional medicine doctor for almost 10 years and this book covers a lot of the main strategies for improving wellness that I’ve worked on with her. The author, clearly a well-trained physician, explains how to improve both your mental and physical health in a no nonsense manner. I resonated deeply with her visceral takedown of sugar and processed foods, which are my personal enemies!
If you don’t want to spend exorbitant funds on fancy doctors, this is a great resource to push you over the line. A great reminder that exercise, a healthy diet, limiting exposure to addictive technology, and meditation can do a world of wonder for your health.
March 2, 2022
Do not read or buy this book. Filled with information that essentially promotes Robin's company Parsley Heath and her so-called supplements. She promotes starving yourself to the point of exhaustion and only discusses diets for super thin women. Not a healthy book at all.
December 18, 2024
I wanted to hate this book, because the author comes off as smug to me, but her recommendations aren’t wrong, albeit laden with privilege in the western world. She makes suggestions about life and living that feel targeted at able-bodied, semi-wealthy or well-off white people. And that’s fine if you’re part of that target demographic who is looking for guidance on life balance, knowing you have access to the resources she recommends. But if you suffer from many of the conditions her techniques would cure, often times the cures are inaccessible or at the very least, difficult to access. Point of example—I personally have seen the positive effects of exercise on my mental health. And there are days that even showering let alone putting on shoes to go for a walk, seems like a herculean effort. I appreciate that she added that one should start with meds to lift their baseline to get to the place where exercise is possible, and even getting that far can feel difficult if you are of a culture that disavows medication (many cultures believe you just need more Jesus or god in your life). While she mentioned the need for reiki, meditation, tai chi, and yoga, I didn’t hear her mention about other spiritual practices (church). (Maybe I missed it?) and I agree with all of her points that physically one should restrict their eating for 30 days to figure out what components of their current diet caused them fatigue or to feel sluggish. That also assumes that you have access to healthy fruits and vegetables, and grass fed meats— some thing that is not accessible to many people on restricted incomes. Furthermore, many of these tests she recommends accessible by people with good insurance and disposable income. So I guess I don’t disagree with any of the recommendations, I just find the scope of them limited to people who have access to these resources already, and are not taking a vantage of yes.
December 30, 2022
Definitely actionable- but her plans aren’t so affordable. However, I learned a lot that I look forward to implementing as I’m able.
June 17, 2023
I've tried to distill my review into a few main gripes I had with this and the couple sections I thought were fine. It's still long though. Whoops.
1. The scientific evidence she references is often disingenuously presented. Part of what took me forever to finish this is that I felt like I had to do a lit review every 10 pages. In both the diagnostic tests and supplements chapter she presents claims as if they are well studied, widely accepted, but being poorly implemented by "most doctors," when a lot systematic reviews of literature found major methodological issues, conflicts of interest, or no positive associations in studies of efficacy of something like Rhodalia rosea as a mood supplement or using gut flora testing routinely. Despite this being annoying, being annoyed by how information was presented actually did lead me to learning more about some of the supplements and things she mentions, so I guess there's that. Also, onyl tangentially related, but the weird flex/name drop about her connection to Dr. Oz did not come off to me as the credibility boost I think she was hoping it would be, especially these days.
2. The chapters about exercise and psychedelics/meditation/energy work were actually pleasantly balanced, though didn't contain very much new information for me. She does a good job of staying focused on the benefits to mood and mental health rather than the typical veer off into weight loss or panacea-cure-all rhetoric you often see in similar books. Defintiely a couple places where "evidence" seemed weak or overblown, but overall fine. I also agree re:alternative therapies, that western medicine does have a tendency toward overmedicating especially for mental health. Same overall "eh okay" feeling with the screen time chapter. That research actually does check out, but also...the information she shares and steps to mitigate screen time are pretty widely publicized nowadays, so it was just kind of repetitive and boring to read.
3. Though I felt fine about the above chapters, even in those and definitely in all the others, Berzin repeatedly and egregiously cannot stop doing the tropey self-help book thing where she unequivocally catastrophizes the negative outcomes of every aspect of "how most of us live." She then continues this trope by habitually going on to word vomit the "evidence-based" solutions and cures (yes, she actually says multiple times that some of her recommended supplements and solutions CURE mild depression) that she believes can help (using as many science-y sounding words as humanly possible in the process), but then backtracking and inserting so many caveats about who they may not work for, how rigorously they need to be implemented (i.e. only pure, only 1 hour, etc.), and how no one thing works alone, that I was left to wonder if the proposed solution even really works for anyone at all. In no section was this more true than the supplements - barely made it through that. Ugh.
Overall, it didn't offer anything new to me that was genuine and scientifically sound. I have a healthy skepticism about our healthcare system, but the "THE ONE TRICK MOST DOCTORS WON'T TELL YOU" way she kept presenting information bothered me a lot. Absolutely ready to read something ELSE for a while. yikes.
#nowatnpl
1. The scientific evidence she references is often disingenuously presented. Part of what took me forever to finish this is that I felt like I had to do a lit review every 10 pages. In both the diagnostic tests and supplements chapter she presents claims as if they are well studied, widely accepted, but being poorly implemented by "most doctors," when a lot systematic reviews of literature found major methodological issues, conflicts of interest, or no positive associations in studies of efficacy of something like Rhodalia rosea as a mood supplement or using gut flora testing routinely. Despite this being annoying, being annoyed by how information was presented actually did lead me to learning more about some of the supplements and things she mentions, so I guess there's that. Also, onyl tangentially related, but the weird flex/name drop about her connection to Dr. Oz did not come off to me as the credibility boost I think she was hoping it would be, especially these days.
2. The chapters about exercise and psychedelics/meditation/energy work were actually pleasantly balanced, though didn't contain very much new information for me. She does a good job of staying focused on the benefits to mood and mental health rather than the typical veer off into weight loss or panacea-cure-all rhetoric you often see in similar books. Defintiely a couple places where "evidence" seemed weak or overblown, but overall fine. I also agree re:alternative therapies, that western medicine does have a tendency toward overmedicating especially for mental health. Same overall "eh okay" feeling with the screen time chapter. That research actually does check out, but also...the information she shares and steps to mitigate screen time are pretty widely publicized nowadays, so it was just kind of repetitive and boring to read.
3. Though I felt fine about the above chapters, even in those and definitely in all the others, Berzin repeatedly and egregiously cannot stop doing the tropey self-help book thing where she unequivocally catastrophizes the negative outcomes of every aspect of "how most of us live." She then continues this trope by habitually going on to word vomit the "evidence-based" solutions and cures (yes, she actually says multiple times that some of her recommended supplements and solutions CURE mild depression) that she believes can help (using as many science-y sounding words as humanly possible in the process), but then backtracking and inserting so many caveats about who they may not work for, how rigorously they need to be implemented (i.e. only pure, only 1 hour, etc.), and how no one thing works alone, that I was left to wonder if the proposed solution even really works for anyone at all. In no section was this more true than the supplements - barely made it through that. Ugh.
Overall, it didn't offer anything new to me that was genuine and scientifically sound. I have a healthy skepticism about our healthcare system, but the "THE ONE TRICK MOST DOCTORS WON'T TELL YOU" way she kept presenting information bothered me a lot. Absolutely ready to read something ELSE for a while. yikes.
#nowatnpl
September 4, 2023
TLDR- this book is for people who like hearing all the options and are willing to try one thing at a time to see how it works for them. I can definitely see it overwhelming others, since there are so many things to try, and not everyone has the time or money to do yoga, meditate, get massage, and take $100s of supplements.
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Most of the reviews I’ve read about this book speak on the writer’s privilege and the fact that her methods are inaccessible. And while I think she definitely calls out some more expensive options, she is actually providing some proprietary tools that can be hugely helpful if people take the time to fit them into their lives.
I do go to Parsley health and I have had to sacrifice other things to pay for it, but I have had a number of doctors tell me that I couldn’t be fixed, and since starting at Parsley, my health has drastically changed for the better. A lot of the comments talk about her plugs for Parsley, but I don’t see an issue with it. She gives a lot of the same advice through the book that I get from my health coach at Parsley. Also, this is her main experience as a functional doctor. She needs to be able to talk through that experience and use patient case studies to walk through her points.
I’m grateful that she talks a bit about psychedelics and energy work, as these are things I am not used to Doctors talking about. And it will be leading to some conversations with my own doctor. I also really appreciate how in depth she goes into food. I generally meal prep for the week and this has made me make some changes to our meals.
Overall, a very helpful guide on how to work with my own ADHD and depressive tendencies. I’m not going to go change my entire life, but there were certainly a few things I am grabbing onto from this and I’ll see how it affects me on the whole.
—
Most of the reviews I’ve read about this book speak on the writer’s privilege and the fact that her methods are inaccessible. And while I think she definitely calls out some more expensive options, she is actually providing some proprietary tools that can be hugely helpful if people take the time to fit them into their lives.
I do go to Parsley health and I have had to sacrifice other things to pay for it, but I have had a number of doctors tell me that I couldn’t be fixed, and since starting at Parsley, my health has drastically changed for the better. A lot of the comments talk about her plugs for Parsley, but I don’t see an issue with it. She gives a lot of the same advice through the book that I get from my health coach at Parsley. Also, this is her main experience as a functional doctor. She needs to be able to talk through that experience and use patient case studies to walk through her points.
I’m grateful that she talks a bit about psychedelics and energy work, as these are things I am not used to Doctors talking about. And it will be leading to some conversations with my own doctor. I also really appreciate how in depth she goes into food. I generally meal prep for the week and this has made me make some changes to our meals.
Overall, a very helpful guide on how to work with my own ADHD and depressive tendencies. I’m not going to go change my entire life, but there were certainly a few things I am grabbing onto from this and I’ll see how it affects me on the whole.
January 15, 2022
This book was a plethora of useful information for someone like me that not only suffers from one condition but multiple conditions such as chronic illnesses, degenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases that has led me to live a life confined inside; alone.
I’m immunocompromised and I have mental health issues and a type of anemia so bad that I need transfusions and infusions. This read was a spark of hope that I may be able to reclaim parts of my life that I haven’t been able to do by taking 20 pills 2x a day. Yes…actually prescribed by my team of Doctors. They haven’t helped, it’s time to try the Author’s plan in using my own body to shift the imbalance within myself with the right diet, using supplements and see about my treatment plan using prescription drugs and having it reduced to achieve more clarity, energy, focus and optimism. If you read the label on just one prescription it says may cause drowsiness, do not drive while taking…. So can you imagine 20 - 2 x a day? Maybe I’m overly medicated and in need of looking at the foods I’m putting in my body. Could I have a gluten allergy that could be causing one of my many autoimmune diseases? I know the pills are not helping my chronic liver failure. It’s time to seek transformation since every year I’ve only been getting sicker. And while reading this book I’m hopeful again that I have a say over my health and that I can possibly help my body recover from poisons that have had me mentally and physically dependent. I’ve learned so much about myself and my body, things my Doctors never spent the time telling me, that I’m so grateful the Author has written this book.
I’m immunocompromised and I have mental health issues and a type of anemia so bad that I need transfusions and infusions. This read was a spark of hope that I may be able to reclaim parts of my life that I haven’t been able to do by taking 20 pills 2x a day. Yes…actually prescribed by my team of Doctors. They haven’t helped, it’s time to try the Author’s plan in using my own body to shift the imbalance within myself with the right diet, using supplements and see about my treatment plan using prescription drugs and having it reduced to achieve more clarity, energy, focus and optimism. If you read the label on just one prescription it says may cause drowsiness, do not drive while taking…. So can you imagine 20 - 2 x a day? Maybe I’m overly medicated and in need of looking at the foods I’m putting in my body. Could I have a gluten allergy that could be causing one of my many autoimmune diseases? I know the pills are not helping my chronic liver failure. It’s time to seek transformation since every year I’ve only been getting sicker. And while reading this book I’m hopeful again that I have a say over my health and that I can possibly help my body recover from poisons that have had me mentally and physically dependent. I’ve learned so much about myself and my body, things my Doctors never spent the time telling me, that I’m so grateful the Author has written this book.
August 26, 2022
1.5 rating...
I think there are some great truths Berzin is pulling out and making well-known to the general public about how interelated a persons mental state is by bio-social factors; nevertheless, it's difficult reading this and also seeing her advertise her holistic medicine treatment company. That's what this book is: PR. I do like Berzin's approach to gut health but what the hell is she thinking wanting to pander psychodelics and "just exercise more" to middle-aged women--her target population for her company Parsley Health. I think for how well-informed the health components of this book are, it completely alienates the actual purpose of treating mental health. I shudder to think about the audience she's promoting this too and how Berzin is misinforming potential families about ADHD and depression. Does she want middle-aged mothers to give their children vitamins and more veggies instead of seeking mental health treatments? There are better books out there that are actually mental-health informed and this is just not worth the time.
I think there are some great truths Berzin is pulling out and making well-known to the general public about how interelated a persons mental state is by bio-social factors; nevertheless, it's difficult reading this and also seeing her advertise her holistic medicine treatment company. That's what this book is: PR. I do like Berzin's approach to gut health but what the hell is she thinking wanting to pander psychodelics and "just exercise more" to middle-aged women--her target population for her company Parsley Health. I think for how well-informed the health components of this book are, it completely alienates the actual purpose of treating mental health. I shudder to think about the audience she's promoting this too and how Berzin is misinforming potential families about ADHD and depression. Does she want middle-aged mothers to give their children vitamins and more veggies instead of seeking mental health treatments? There are better books out there that are actually mental-health informed and this is just not worth the time.
September 12, 2022
I have now read this book, cover to cover, TWICE! This is my healthcare bible and has no doubt changed my life in a lasting way.
The book reads like a thriller for anyone who cares to learn about making a significant baseline elevation in their life when it comes to physical and mental health.
State Change is not a diet or weightloss fad. It explains simply how various behaviors of modern life affect the body and mind. It is an education and empowers individuals to improve their own wellbeing, including tactile advice.
I appreciate Robin’s tone. She is a relatable storyteller and trusted advisor. Her optimism makes me excited to embark on new healthy choices which could, with a different tone, be seen as not exciting or even restrictive (though they shouldn’t be!).
Robin’s final statements have absolutely been my personal State Change experience: “Start with the body, and heal your mind. Change your physiology to change your psychology. And once you change your psychology, you can change your entire life.”
The book reads like a thriller for anyone who cares to learn about making a significant baseline elevation in their life when it comes to physical and mental health.
State Change is not a diet or weightloss fad. It explains simply how various behaviors of modern life affect the body and mind. It is an education and empowers individuals to improve their own wellbeing, including tactile advice.
I appreciate Robin’s tone. She is a relatable storyteller and trusted advisor. Her optimism makes me excited to embark on new healthy choices which could, with a different tone, be seen as not exciting or even restrictive (though they shouldn’t be!).
Robin’s final statements have absolutely been my personal State Change experience: “Start with the body, and heal your mind. Change your physiology to change your psychology. And once you change your psychology, you can change your entire life.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
Thanks to Simon Element publishing for sending me this book to read and review. I learned a lot from this book. It made me wish there was a better way to meld both functional medicine (what the author practices) and Western medicine, which was how I myself was trained as a nurse practitioner. I think people's healthcare would work better with this dual approach. I appreciated her insight in regard to ways in which we can make changes in our daily lives to improve both our physical and mental health. I couldn't get on board with her recommendation of psychedelics. I also think, personally, I would really struggle with her 30 day plan- specifically the food/diet component. I wonder how many people follow through with the plan and actually maintain that lifestyle: eliminate the following food groups (which cause inflammatory issues)- processed foods, anything with added sugar, gluten and dairy.
January 24, 2026
nothing groundbreaking here but goes through the science behind why you should exercise, eat minimal sugar. find out if you have food sensitivities. consider intermittent fasting. increase your fat and protein while decreasing your carbohydrate consumption. eat leafy greens and other vegetables , consider a few supplements such as d and magnesium of which many people are deficient etc. she suggests
you do cardio, weightlifting and other movement activities such as yoga or Tai Chi. incorporate at least 5 minutes of meditation a day. decrease use of your smartphone (haha as I type this from a smartphone), limit your social media and news consumption as it can cause many people anxiety and go to bed by 10:00 to avoid the cortisol Spike at midnight that can give you a second boost of energy and prevent you from sleeping soundly. again, none of this was groundbreaking but it's presented in an easy to follow and understand format with sensible suggestions. nothing too kooky.
you do cardio, weightlifting and other movement activities such as yoga or Tai Chi. incorporate at least 5 minutes of meditation a day. decrease use of your smartphone (haha as I type this from a smartphone), limit your social media and news consumption as it can cause many people anxiety and go to bed by 10:00 to avoid the cortisol Spike at midnight that can give you a second boost of energy and prevent you from sleeping soundly. again, none of this was groundbreaking but it's presented in an easy to follow and understand format with sensible suggestions. nothing too kooky.
February 20, 2022
Most of the advice in this book is fine. Eat mostly non-refined plants, exercise and meditate regularly, reduce screen time. If you have chronic issues with anxiety or fatigue get tested for some common issues.
The author uses the term "plant-based paleo" for the ideal diet, but doesn't adhere to the idea that we should eat like our paleolithic ancestors (which I believe is the point of the paleo diet?). Maybe the term "mediterranean diet" isn't cool anymore. Although the mediterranean diet allows for whole wheat bread and pasta, which Berzin does not.
I'm aware of the benefits of fasting, but I'm not sold on the benefits of 1-week "keto sprints" or the skipping breakfast school of intermittent fasting.
These are just a few of the many things that irked me about this book. I think there are better sources for health and diet information.
The author uses the term "plant-based paleo" for the ideal diet, but doesn't adhere to the idea that we should eat like our paleolithic ancestors (which I believe is the point of the paleo diet?). Maybe the term "mediterranean diet" isn't cool anymore. Although the mediterranean diet allows for whole wheat bread and pasta, which Berzin does not.
I'm aware of the benefits of fasting, but I'm not sold on the benefits of 1-week "keto sprints" or the skipping breakfast school of intermittent fasting.
These are just a few of the many things that irked me about this book. I think there are better sources for health and diet information.
Read
July 5, 2025I listened to this as an audiobook after it was recommended to me by my Pilates teacher. I certainly agree with a lot of what this doctor recommends, and I think that most people would benefit from a 30 day no dairy, no gluten, no processed food, and no added sugar diet. I wish that I had more power to convince my family to take a day off their devices every week, and that I could commit myself to that as well. I’m not sure how I feel about all of the supplements she recommends, but I know she is running a business and she sells supplements as part of that. Of course, I believe in the daily movement practice, combining cardiovascular exercise, movement meditation, and strength training. Unfortunately, most people who would need to make these changes probably don’t have the ability or the time and money to make it happen.
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