4 out of 4 stars
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We are constantly bombarded with advertising by pharmaceutical companies that have seemingly miraculous cures for every ailment. While the catchy pitches may sound enticing, they do not admit that many of these drugs are only masking symptoms and are not fixing the real underlying issue. In his book, Optimal Dose, Judson Somerville, M.D. offers medical advice and reveals to his readers the powerful benefits that can manifest when Vitamin D3 is taken in the proper dose.
This book begins with the author's history of taking supplements during his childhood at his mother's direction to maintain optimal health, his education and an explanation of his credentials in the medical field. As he struggled with weight gain, difficulty sleeping, and repetitive illness, he found healing properties in Vitamin D3, and he shares his personal success story along with the testimonies of his patients who are forever changed by incorporating this into their lives.
While all of this seems fantastic, he explains that this nutrient has been largely ignored and is generally only given a slight mention regarding negative health issues. The need for Vitamin D3 and the lack of it came to the public's attention during the 1930s when scientists found it could cure rickets, a bone disease that children were prone to acquire. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) was set from that cure and has not changed since. He has found at higher doses remarkable restoration properties that have yet to be made known on a wide scale. He desires to educate the public to help people put an end to needless suffering.
I liked how this book was organized into eight concise chapters. At the end of each one, the author included a recap and a slight introduction to what was coming up next. Medical reading material can often be dry and dull, but this one is not. It made me wonder about my health and put me in the mindset to pursue a physician that will do a blood test and discuss with me the benefits and safe dosage of this supplement.
Also, I enjoyed the information I learned about what he deemed as 'winter syndrome' when our bodies are denied sunlight which is the primary way to manufacture Vitamin D naturally. Who knew that a lack of this essential substance could slow down metabolism and cause weight gain even if a calorie restrictive diet and exercise regime is followed? This revelation, to me, was astounding and gives great insight into the obesity problem we have in our society. He goes on to explain that Vitamin D is not a vitamin at all but a hormone. That section of the reading was fascinating and eye-opening.
There wasn't a single thing about this book that I didn't like. I read mainly non-fiction with much of the content centering around health and fitness. By far, this book has become one of my favorites in this genre for its simple explanations and easy to follow instructions for better living. For those who like books about nutrition and alternative medical advice, I highly recommend this one to you. For readers who do not prefer non-fiction or books that deal with health, you may want to skip this one.
I am awarding this a 4 out of 4 stars for its superior quality as a medical resource and its excellent information. I only found three slight editing issues that the author can easily fix. I believe this physician's work could be the catalyst for change in how our society views this supplement and how to use it to its highest advantage so that many of our common diseases become non-existent.
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The Optimal Dose
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