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Why We Get Sick: The Hidden Epidemic – A Book Review

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Table of Contents

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Important Lessons

From the book “Why We Get Sick”

 

1. Insulin resistance is widespread but often overlooked by mainstream medicine.

2. Excess insulin increases resistance, causing the body to produce even more insulin.

3. It’s a key factor in chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

4. Feeling fine doesn’t mean you’re healthy; insulin resistance can cause hidden damage.

5. Sugar and refined carbs, not fats, are the real culprits harming our health.

6. Lifestyle changes, not pills, are essential to reverse insulin resistance.

7. Cut carbs and consume more healthy fats and proteins to control insulin.

8, Stress raises cortisol, disrupting blood sugar and worsening insulin resistance.

9. A low-carb diet, exercise, and good sleep are your best defenses.

10. Understanding insulin resistance empowers you to make better health choices.

 

Book cover - Why we get sick

I recently read a book I enjoyed a great deal. It was about a topic highly relevant to my audience at regainyouredge.com and wanted to share. The book “Why We Get Sick” by Benjamin Bikman PHD is highly approachable for a book that discusses medical issues. It is also surprising that the insights he provides aren’t better known to the general public or to most doctors.

 

He breaks his book down into three parts:  

  • I, “The Problem: What Is Insulin Resistance and Why Does It Matter?”
  • II, “Causes: What Makes Us Insulin Resistant in the First Place?”
  • III, “The Solution: How Can We Fight Insulin Resistance?” 

 

Keep reading, you might be surprised by what you hear.

 

“In fact, insulin resistance is the most common health disorder worldwide, and it affects more people—adults and children—each year than any other. And yet most people are not familiar with the term “insulin resistance,” or if they are, they don’t understand it”

 

The Hidden Enemy: Truths About Modern Illness and Why We Get Sick

In the book “Why We Get Sick”, Bikman shows a little known issue that many people aren’t aware of – insulin resistance. He suggests that insulin resistance is the real reason underlying many common health issues. These include obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other medical issues. Bikman argues that rather than treating medical symptoms as the medical industry often does, insulin resistance is actually the root cause of many of these problems.

 

Our way of life today, especially the foods we eat, explains Bikman, are what has made insulin resistance more common and not just an issue for those who already have a disease. Therefore, it can quietly impact our health long before we notice symptoms. His message clearly states that if we are to stay healthy we need to understand and take action against insulin resistance early on.

 

What is great about this book is how Bikman makes complex ideas simple and understandable. He breaks down medical issues in ways for anyone to grasp, even those without a background in health. By the end of the book the average person begins to see modern illness in a new light, realizing many health issues share a root cause. That root is insulin resistance.

 

The opening chapters set the tone for the rest of the book where Bikman helps the reader understand how we can take control of our own health and affect real change for a healthier future.

 

“I began trying to find any evidence of insulin resistance in other diseases, and I learned that it was present in almost every chronic disease.”

 

The Science Behind Sickness: Bikman’s Groundbreaking Insights

This book doesn’t just tell us the problem but also shows us the science behind it. In this section Bikman explains how insulin works, how it affects our bodies, and what can go wrong. As he explains, insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar. However, we can eat too much sugar and processed food which causes our bodies to become resistant to it. This causes our cells to stop responding to insulin in the way they should, leading to a buildup of sugar in our blood.  

 

Bikman explains these complex processes in the simplest of terms, helping the reader to understand how insulin resistance begins and why it is so dangerous. He discusses how when our bodies don’t properly respond to insulin it can cause serious health problems such as weight gain, tiredness, and even brain issues such as memory loss.

 

The highlight of this section, however, is how Bikman outlines the connections between insulin resistance and many diseases we see today. His examples are clear as is his research to reinforce his claims, making the science easy to understand. The reader is not only given the problem but also given a clear understanding of how insulin resistance is key to preventing and managing many modern illnesses.

 

“The research that I rely on in this book has been performed and published by hundreds of different labs and hospitals all over the world that have studied this issue for a century. As an author and scientist, I find this history of evidence liberating—nothing I write in this book is based on my opinion, but rather published, peer-reviewed science.”

 

Rethinking Nutrition: How Our Diet Fuels Disease

Bikman covers probably the most important factors in our health in this section – our diet.  What we eat, he explains, has a direct impact on insulin resistance. Our insulin levels spike due to foods high in sugar and refined carbs. As time passes the constant demand put on our bodies because of our insulin level becomes harmful to our health. This, resultingly, triggers a host of other health issues

 

This book doesn’t just outline what’s wrong with our diets, it provides solutions. For example, Bikman recommends a diet low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein. This diet consequently, keeps insulin levels steady which can stop or reverse insulin resistance. By cutting out sugar and processed foods and instead eating whole, nutrient-dense choices, we can improve our health.

 

The reason this section provides a compelling case for change is that it provides practical advice on changing the way we eat. Bikman suggests that small, consistent changes can have a big impact. The reader is left with actionable steps on how to begin improving their health through better nutrition, reminding us all that what we eat actually matters a great deal.

 

Key Takeaways: Practical Wisdom for a Healthier Future

The final section takes the previous lessons and breaks them down into practical advice that anyone can follow. Benjamin Bikman’s book “Why We Get Sick” is clear in its message that understanding and addressing insulin resistance is the basis of keeping yourself healthy. The biggest lesson is that prevention is way more effective than trying to deal with diseases after they surface.

 

Being proactive about your health is clearly highlighted in this book. Bikman recommends readers keep track of their insulin levels and be aware of how different foods affect their bodies. He also provides suggestions on how to get your insulin tested. Getting regular exercise, quality sleep and managing your stress are also very important in keeping insulin resistance in check.

 

The best part of this section is how the author makes complex health concepts clear and understandable. He helps his readers understand how to control their health by suggesting habits to follow along with the right knowledge to live a longer, healthier life. The final part of the book provides a summary but also a call to action that leaves the readers with a plan to move forward. 

 

“I am a firm believer that changing the way we live can effectively cut our risk of developing insulin resistance and even remove it after we’ve developed the disorder.”

 

Final Thoughts: Taking Action Based From Why We Get Sick

Benjamin Bikman’s book provides a different perspective on the health issues people face today by putting insulin resistance directly at the center of discussions on health. The information he shares is eye-opening and helps readers to take steps to improve their health. In fact his main message throughout the book is that by understanding and addressing insulin resistance. By doing this the result is we can avoid many common diseases that currently plaque much of the world. This book helps us to rethink our eating habits and what is considered a healthy diet and lifestyle. This, therefore, makes this book a must-read for those serious about improving their health and regaining their edge.

 

“My hope is that by knowing that so many of our chronic disorders share a common origin of insulin resistance, you will feel empowered to make a simple lifestyle change that helps reduce the risk of all of them.”

 

For another great book review, check out Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art – A Book Review

 

Key Appendix: Healthy Fats According to “Why We Get Sick

At the end of the book the author provides an exhaustive listing of foods that minimally impact insulin levels. In fact, it is a great reference source for those who are concerned about their insulin levels (most of us?). As an example, here are some of the healthy fats Benjamin Bikman recommends:

  • Avocado: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health and overall well-being.
  • Olive Oil: A staple of the Mediterranean diet, high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
  • Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are easily digested and used for quick energy.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats along with fiber and essential nutrients.
  • Fatty Fish: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and support brain and heart health.
  • Butter and Ghee: Especially from grass-fed sources, these provide a good balance of saturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Full-Fat Dairy: When sourced from grass-fed animals, full-fat dairy like cheese and yogurt can be part of a healthy diet.

 

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