Mind Over Meds: Know When Drugs Are Necessary, When Alternatives Are Better - and When to Let Your Body Heal on Its Own

by Andrew Weil

Overview

Bestselling author Dr. Andrew Weil explores the dangers of overmedication and outlines lifestyle changes and alternative treatments for common ailments.

Too many Americans are taking too many drugs and it's costing us our health, happiness, and lives. While modern drugs can be lifesaving for many people, and certain illnesses require the use of them, they also come with painful side effects, risk of dependency, and the potential for adverse reactions.

In Mind Over Meds, bestselling author Dr. Andrew Weil alerts readers to the problem of overmedication, and outlines when medicine is necessary, and when it is not. Dr. Weil examines how we came to be overmedicated, and presents science that proves medicine isn't always the best option. With case histories, easy-to-digest takeaways such as "take this, not that" sections, and input from other leading physicians, Mind Over Meds is the go-to resource for anyone who is sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316352970
Publisher:	Little, Brown and Company
Publication date:	04/25/2017
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Andrew Weil, MD, is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. He is the author of many bestselling books, including True Food, Spontaneous Happiness, and Spontaneous Healing. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Hometown:

Tucson, Arizona

Date of Birth:

June 8, 1942

Place of Birth:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Education:

B.A. in Biology, Harvard University, 1964; M.D., Harvard Medical School, 1968

Website:

http://www.drweil.com

Editorial Reviews

03/15/2017
Weil's (Univ. of Arizona; Spontaneous Happiness, Healthy Aging) revolutionary book casts a critical eye on modern medicine, examining the very serious risks that medicine can carry. He looks at why they are used (and their histories), questions the role that modern medicine has in our society, raises concerns about the overprescribing of drugs (looking at both the immediate side effects and the long-term impacts of overprescribing), and shares anecdotes that illustrate the potential dangers. In each section, he reveals possible natural alternatives (including food as medicine, breathwork, essential oils, Chinese medicine, massage, and herbs). Each chapter ends with a "Bottom Line," a great summary, recommendations, tips, and alternatives. VERDICT This very user-friendly text is suitable for those with no medical background but will also be of interest to medical professionals. Those who seek to understand the ramifications of overmedicating, are interested in the impact of modern medicine, or want to learn alternative therapies and how to take an active role in their health care will appreciate this book. [See Prepub Alert, 10/31/16.]—Cheryl Yanek, Brooklyn

Library Journal

"Dr. Andrew Weil continues his multi-decade journey to educate the American public as to the importance of natural health and healing. This book should be required reading for all health practitioners and all people interested in optimal health."—Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, seventeenth Surgeon General of the United States

"Weil's revolutionary book casts a critical eye on modern medicine, examining the very serious risks that medicine can carry....Those who seek to understand the ramifications of overmedicating, are interested in the impact of modern medicine, or want to learn alternative therapies and how to take an active role in their health care will appreciate this book."—Library Journal

"Weil, who may be the nation's foremost advocate for integrative medicine...meticulously explains why the multitude of medicines prescribed in America is problematic....In all, a sensible approach to reducing what Weil correctly identifies as our 'excessive reliance on medication.'"—Booklist

Praise for Spontaneous Happiness


"A comprehensive roadmap for the prized path to true happiness...Weil provides sensible, accessible advice...Immensely beneficial information for those seeking a self-galvanized life lift."—Kirkus Reviews

"Weil's program aims for 'positive emotionality'-a far better destination than the roller-coaster ride between bliss and despair. This is more than a New Age prescription for contentment. Weil's revelations and insights from his own lifelong battle with depression lift this guide from a hip and clinical 'how to' to a generous and heartfelt 'here's how.'"—Publishers Weekly

"If you use this book as a tool to help you change your life, you might be surprised by what it can do for you."—Yahoo! Voices

"Spontaneous Happiness spells out some amazing guidelines on becoming a healthy individual."—Seattle Post Intelligencer

"Like all of his books, Spontaneous Happiness is a refreshing combination of clarity, science and practical wisdom. But it's also warm and, indeed, personal."—iVillage

"Weil...offers a new approach to thinking about happiness. The case studies and practical guidance here can help readers make life-changing decisions."—Library Journal

From the Publisher