The Internal Flame has new insights into silent inflammation, longevity and the science of functional food from respected medical doctor, Dr Roderick Mulgan. A significant part of Dr Mulgan’s practice sees him providing care to residents in retirement homes, and through this work it has led to an interest in the effect of lifestyle choices on wellbeing and how functional food and supplements can assist long-term health.
Dr Mulgan argues that in the Western world, statistically, we are unlikely to die of infection, malnutrition or an accident – but as we age we will die of our immune system.
‘If you’re already leading a healthy lifestyle, there’s still more you can you do to fight sickness and disease. This is the story of inflammation and health—what goes wrong as we age, and what you can do about it,’ says Dr Mulgan.
The book is well-written and easy to digest. Dr Mulgan explains what inflammation is, and how there is a dark side to inflammation that can have a negative impact on our long-term health. From there, he goes into detail about functional food and specific foods and supplements that are proven to combat inflammation in the body. He discusses everything from turmeric and other herbs and spices to omega 3, grapes and seeds, olive oil, coffee, sugar, cereals and chocolate. Each chapter is comprehensive, with extensive footnotes, that hits the just the right note between complex medical information and making this information accessible for the general lay reader.
The Internal Flame is an insightful and practical book that anyone wanting longevity and good health for their life should read. It is packed with scientific information that has been diligently researched but written in a way that is engaging and relatable to real life, with advice that can be incorporated into a person’s lifestyle with relative ease.
The Internal Flame is an invaluable resource for both medical professionals and general readers wanting to live a long and healthy life.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Wild Side Publishing, RRP $39.99