Regenerate: Unlocking Your Body's Radical Resilience through the New Biology
Sayer Ji
- Genres Health Nonfiction Nutrition Science Self Help Food
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
About the author
Sayer Ji
11 books12 followersRatings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Community Reviews
Some highlights (from my 90 pages of notes):
- Plants have sentience and intelligence
- Disease symptoms are actually a blessing in disguise
- Humans can photosynthesize given the right raw materials
- Melanin is a potential key to human evolution and extremely powerful
- Food contains potent biological signaling molecules
- Implications of the microbiome on overall health
The moral of story is something we all know: live more in harmony with nature.
I created a won't read shelf so I never read this when reading other books on longevity. Pathetic that pseudo scientific crap shows up so frequently in popular health. This guy also lists selective research paper on his site to show supportive "evidence" for the quackery.
The first issue is the language the author uses--anything that is described as a "miracle" is instantly suspect. The language also seems to say that anyone can "regenerate" through the various practices listed in this book, but 1) many people are and they are not "regenerating" and 2) it is easier said than done to have access to clean food, air, and nature, and not have to work a sedentary job, etc.
The second is that the book depends upon the reader not being analytical about the way research is presented. Sorry, but "one research study says" does not cut it. Anyone can find a single research study that says what they want it to say. And there will be one or more studies that say the opposite.
And the book really does seem to pick and choose its research, such as using the outdated and debunked study that indicates HRT for menopausal women increases risks rather than reduces them. Peddling such information is irresponsible--newer, more rigorous studies indicate that HRT is neuroprotective and protects against bone loss, just to name two of its benefits. Continuing to scare women out of having all options on the table when it comes to making decisions about their peri-, post-, and menopausal health is the kind of patriarchical "science" that continues to make sure women are medically underserved or their symptoms and knowledge about their own bodies dismissed.
The world of science is brimming with evolving insights and revolutionary perspectives, and the boundaries of traditional understanding are continually pushed. Such is the case with ‘Regenerate’ by Sayer Ji, a book that seeks to transform our perception of health, ageing, and the intricate interplay between our genetic makeup, lifestyle choices, and the environment.
In this review, we embark on an exploration of ‘Regenerate’, delving into its revelations, strengths, and nuances, as it invites us to reevaluate our understanding of health and the body’s remarkable capacity for self-renewal.
Author’s background
Sayer Ji is the founder of GreenMedInfo, a leading open-access natural health database.
He holds roles as a reviewer for the International Journal of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, co-founder and CEO of Systome Biomed, a board member of the National Health Federation, and a steering committee member of the Global Non-GMO Foundation.
What is the book about?
‘Regenerate’ by Sayer Ji introduces a new way of thinking about health and ageing. It changes the way we understand the body’s ability to heal itself. The book explores how tiny RNA messages in our bodies affect our health, from getting older to heart health, cancer, brain decline, and metabolic problems. Ji challenges the idea that our genes are the only things that decide our health. Instead, he shows how our choices and the environment we live in also play a big role.
The book is split into three parts. Part I, ‘Your Body and the Miracle of Regeneration,’ explains how our bodies and plants are connected, how genes work, and how our choices affect our health. Ji talks about microRNAs, important messengers in our food, and telomeres, parts of our DNA that affect ageing.
Part II, ‘Rethinking Chronic Disease, Prevention, and Healing,’ discloses how the Western Pattern Diet is linked to chronic conditions and faster ageing. Ji also talks about how our feelings and thoughts can affect how our cells get damaged and how the medical system plays a role.
Part III, ‘Regenerate Rx,’ provides a plan for better health. The plan is revolving around the idea of detoxification from the Western Pattern Diet and eating like our ancestors did. The author also suggests engaging in intentional movements, sleeping better, and reducing stress to help our bodies fix problems and stop diseases.
Key takeaways from ‘Regenerate’
1. DNA is not a blueprint for our health, our choices are
The book challenges the conventional notion of DNA as a strict blueprint for our health and disease. In Western medicine, diseases were often blamed on our genes, but ancient medical systems and Eastern cultures say it is more about how our bodies, the environment, and our choices work together. This shift is about moving away from just genes controlling everything to a new field called epigenetics.
Epigenetics reveals that genes are not solely responsible for our health. Beyond genes, special proteins and processes on them also matter, and our environment can switch genes on or off. Our choices, such as diet, activity, stress management, and relationships, shape gene behaviour. This perspective shifts from genes being everything to acknowledging our control over health through lifestyle and environment, as various diseases related to gene use, not just the genes themselves.
2. To achieve health ourselves and ensure healthy offspring, we must embrace radical responsibility
The way genes work is getting a new twist with the discovery of microRNA/exosome genetic expression. Traditional beliefs centred on chromosomal inheritance through germline cells are being questioned as research indicates that traits influenced by lifestyle, experiences, and exposures can be transmitted across generations through somatic cells.
Things like pollution, heavy metals, pesticides, and things we do in our lives like smoking and feeling stressed can change how our genes work through epigenetics. But, we can fix this by using what nature gives us. Doing activities like exercise, being mindful, and eating healthy stuff from fruits and veggies can make our bodies stronger and more resistant.
Everything around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat and how we think, matters for generations. Taking charge of this helps us make choices for our health and the health of those who come next.
3. Microbiome plays a crucial role in all aspects of our health
‘Regenerate’ challenges the idea that microorganisms only cause disease and uncovers how the microbiome influences digestion, immunity, and well-being. The microbiome, composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea, is an intricate ecosystem that dwarfs human cells in terms of genetic material, with 99.9% of our genes residing within it. The microbiome has a strong impact, controlling digestion, nutrient absorption, detoxification, immune function, and even neurotransmitter production. Some friendly bacteria even help break down toxins, showing how crucial they are for our health.
The microbiome’s importance is evident since birth. Natural birth and breastfeeding are key for creating a diverse and balanced microbiome, strengthening immunity and overall health. On the other hand, practices like C-sections and formula feeding can disturb the balance of microbes, leading to problems. Breast milk, rich in nutrients and gene-regulating microRNAs, supports the variety of microbes, showing how closely nutrition and microbiome health are linked.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Challenges established scientific beliefs, offering a thought-provoking and eye-opening reading experience.
• Authoritative and knowledgeable, Sayer Ji’s expertise shines through, especially in areas like cancer treatment and energy sources.
• Accessible explanations of complex topics, although the vocabulary might be challenging for some readers.
• Profound dietary insights are presented in a digestible manner, allowing easy incorporation into daily routines.
Weaknesses:
• The selective use of research undermines the book’s credibility.
• The book’s premise is intriguing, but the dense use of technical terms in the first half may deter some readers.
Best quotes from ‘Regenerate’
“In fact, certain foods and lifestyle practices can unlock immense self-regenerative energetic resources within your cells, optimizing DNA expression and making them more important in affecting your health than any other single factor.”
“A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience demonstrated that while most forms of exercise slow down age-related decline, dancing has even more profound benefits. Considered a psychosocial intervention, dancing combines the mood-elevating effects of increased social interaction with improvements in brain function, cardiac fitness, and overall quality of life.”
“Also known as paleo-deficit disorder, evolutionary mismatch refers to the collective deficiency of ancestral influences in the modern, industrialized landscape. Paleo-deficit disorder runs the gamut from reduced opportunities for privacy and solitude to decreased tactile contact with a variety of natural vegetation to reduced exposure to birdsong, daylight, and phytoncides, the allelochemical, volatile organic compounds emitted by plants that give the forest its characteristic aroma.”
Final takeaway
‘Regenerate’ by Sayer Ji presents a transformative perspective on health and ageing, challenging traditional scientific beliefs. By unravelling the intricate connection between genetics, lifestyle, and the environment, the book advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach well-being.
‘Regenerate’ is a thought-provoking read that empowers individuals to take control of their health and embrace a holistic approach to wellness. Anyone interested in reshaping their understanding of health, genetics, and their impact on future generations should consider reading this insightful work.
Asked GR for adding the Dutch translation
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
. I ordered the edition monday and got it thursday (2022 1010-13).
p. 95
"Het Casimir effect en andere op nulpuntenergie gebaseerde processen zijn werkzaam op het niveau van de meest fundamentele bouwstenen van onze biologische architectuur."
p. 160
"Pas in de afgelopen jaren is ontdekt dat de hersenen zowel een lymfsysteem als een microbioom hebben, hetgeen betekent dat het immuunsysteem, de hersenen en de darmen rechtstreeks mer elkaar verbonden zijn."
Zie ook
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=ju... .
Delfos verwijst naar:
https://www.nature.com/articles/natur...
.
https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/tantali...
(from https://greenmedinfo.com/search/googl... )
-
.
Sayer Ji is the founder of a popular alternative medicine portal. He was identified in 2020 as one of the largest promoters of COVID-19 misinformation on social media.(wikimedia)
Some studies contradicted each other, for example, we have evidence that coffee is beneficial in some ways and detrimental in others. So, ultimately, it’s all about finding which of these superfoods and lifestyle techniques are right for your body, and still eliminating the horrendous foods found in a typical Western diet. The constant stress and toxic food have permeated through almost all areas of life in the US.
I’m excited to implement these techniques and see which optimize my body and heal my intestines.
Great book and a relatively easy read. Some may get a bit bogged down on the genetics but I found it well thought out and a real treat.
Like everything in our current world, things are changing at breakneck speed. This is certainly true for science and medicine and Sayer Ji's thoughtful and fact packed book is the perfect entry into The New Biology. Many authors state the problem but leave the solution up to others or the reader. Sayer Ji goes the extra mile and points out what the reader can do to make meaningful change.
Highly recommend.
some very eye-rolling and obvious problems with this one (and author) but overall, it makes me appreciate my body for being naturally capable and regenerative in the first place. s/o to my heart, mind and gut for keeping me going.
I learned quite a bit on a variety of subjects especially about EZ water and how we can get energy from the sun. (Being a SoCal kid I intuitively knew this lol)
His description of the Cancer treatment and industry is worth the books price on its own.
His dietary ideas are very profound and anyone can easily incorporate some of them immediately.
I loved the book!
I really appreciated the research in this book. It focuses heavy on the why for improving our health through food. It is less focused on the details of how, it does have a recommended plan to follow however, it had less detailed information than other books I've read. So as a first book on improving gut health I would suggest reading something that covers basics of what types of food do what and then read this one.
Narrated by Sayer Ji.
His constant monotone and stilted enunciation just made it too difficult to listen to.
Really needs to be re-recorded with a professional narrator.
Although I felt the information was good in this book, I don’t feel I found anything new from any other author covering similar topics. I feel it’s good for those first switching from a standard American diet to a more health-promoting diet.
Sayer Ji truly compiled fact checked medical knowledge in this book. Many times, he wrote above "my pay grade". But I learned so much from his work.
I watch his podcast interviews, I try to remain open on the different opinions of him and his guests.