Page 73 - Summer 2019 Journal

All Thumbs Book Reviews
Often, the popular wisdom is not only wrong but doing a lot of damage. In the U.S., we have some very wrong ideas about how to build a strong body. One thing we do is overfocus on throwing speed, for example, but ignore control and proper form. Another big mistake is concen- trating on building muscles. We have athletes with huge “guns” that look very impressive, but they haven’t given the same attention to tendons, ligaments and bones. Big muscles require strong support and when they don’t have it, the athlete will tear himself apart sooner or later. I have known a number of muscular bodybuilders who comment that they are almost constantly in pain. They think that is just the way it has to be.
Many pages in this book emphasize the importance of nutrition. If you don’t get that right, forget about any athletic career that is more physically challenging than chess. Good advice includes avoiding anything that has a longer shelf life than you do. Good fats are es- sential and grass-fed butter is one of his first recommendations, along with coconut oil, ba- con, lard, real meat (not meat-like substances) and bone broth. Fruit and vegetable drinks do not make the “good” list, nor do sports drinks. In fact, sports drinks erode teeth more than soda. After studying the research, he goes against the crowd on the subject of water. Too much water dehydrates. At best, only a small percentage of pure water gets to where it needs to go, and the rest goes right through you. Hydration from food—including whole fruits and veggies, not
just the juice—is more effective. Kombucha is on his recommended list. While most of Dr. John’s nutritional advice is very good, not every detail hits a home run when compared with a Wise Traditions diet. His views on milk differ from what you will find on the WAPF website or realmilk.com. He does recognize that raw cow milk is preferable to pasteurized milk. He recommends cod liver oil, but I would look on the WAPF cod liver oil web page for more details on which one to take. I get a kick out of punching holes in popular paradigms, so I will mention a few more details. “Everyone knows you should put ice on every booboo and injury.” Wrong. Ice does not help and slows down the healing process in many cases. “Everyone knows you should stretch before you work out or compete.” Wrong. “Long-distance running is a good way to warm up.” Wrong. “Long-distance running is a good thing to do after a workout to reduce soreness.” Wrong. “Long-distance running is good conditioning for sports in general.” Wrong, unless your sport is track or some aerobic sport. Most sports, baseball in particular, are anaerobic. “Endurance training is good for you.” Wrong. It increases cortisol (which can degrade muscle), reduces bone density and lowers testosterone. If you are pronating or making other incorrect muscle movements, you are tearing down those joints. If you are going to do a lot of running, you really need to know what you are doing. If you don’t know, get this book. People have some funny ideas about how much to exercise. I remem- ber one coworker talking about a “run till you barf” contest. Why would you do that? Does it impress the ladies? I have occasionally brought that up in casual conversation which, OK, tells you something about my con- versational skills. Be that as it may, I have not encountered any women who were impressed by that. Endless, obsessive exercise is not the path
to good health or any other benefit.
If you are a parent of an aspiring athlete, or physically active yourself
or thinking of bending at the waist, I have not seen a better book than this to keep you out of the emergency room. The thumb is UP.
Review by Tim Boyd
SUPPORT AND SYMPATHY
Please join us in an expression of support and sympathy for George Diaz, husband of longtime chapter leader and exhibit coordinator Maureen Diaz. George recently suffered a heart attack. He is healing remarkably well, but he and Maureen will be unable to work for a period during his healing journey. Many of you remember George helping out on countless occasions at our conferences and his support of Maureen who helped plan conference menus and partnered with hotel staff to execute delicious conference meals.
Donations for medical expenses are gratefully accepted at www.gofundme.com/1nx832hi6o?utm.
SUMMER 2019
Wise Traditions 71