Book Review: Zapped by Anne Louise Gittleman
4:26 PM Posted by Mommy Is Green
I usually go through my day without thinking too much about the electronics that surround me. I care about electronic usage and reducing our energy bill. So I unplug my toaster and make sure unnecessary lights are turned off. But is there more than that to consider? The answer is YES! That's what the book ZAPPED: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution by Anne Louise Gittleman is all about.
How many electronic innovations have you dialed, watched, surfed, charged, listed to, booted up, commuted on, cooked with, and plugged in today? We are constantly being exposed to an unprecedented number of electromagnetic fields: our bodies are being zapped. Compelling research shows that these fields are creating energy disturbances within the body that can result in fatigue, irritability, weakness, and even illness.
But we don’t have to surrender. Renowned health expert, Ann Louise Gittleman brings forth the latest research to create this life-altering guide that can heal and protect our bodies from this constant stream of electropollution. While Gittleman never asks us to give up the gadgets that make modern life modern, she has constructed a master plan for outsmarting the damaging effects of constant exposure.
Zapped empowers readers with crucial awareness of the greatest risks to their health today--then arms them with the tools, big and small, for fortifying their bodies, detoxifying their homes, and protecting themselves and their families.
But we don’t have to surrender. Renowned health expert, Ann Louise Gittleman brings forth the latest research to create this life-altering guide that can heal and protect our bodies from this constant stream of electropollution. While Gittleman never asks us to give up the gadgets that make modern life modern, she has constructed a master plan for outsmarting the damaging effects of constant exposure.
Zapped empowers readers with crucial awareness of the greatest risks to their health today--then arms them with the tools, big and small, for fortifying their bodies, detoxifying their homes, and protecting themselves and their families.
When I first heard about the book I wondered if I could handle another thing to worry about/avoid. Still, I was intrigued and had to learn more. If there were things out there that could be hurting us, why wouldn't I want to know about them? I avoid toxic chemicals in the bath products I use, the food I eat, and the air I breath. What about what I don't see and isn't that a part of going green as well? And why don't I want to use my cell phone as my alarm clock? That I had to find out.
I've never been good at understanding science. "The grass is green and that's all I need to know" used to be my philosophy. Mostly because I was very confused by scientific terms and what they meant. Sometimes I still have to think a lot for science to click in my head. But this book did a great job of spelling out the science behind electromagnetic fields (EMF's) in words I could easily understand. I didn't feel like I was drowning in the language of science. Instead I learned about how our bodies interact with electricity. These invisible interactions can affect our health. And some of us are more sensitive to EMF's than others.
This book let me know about the dangers of EMF's but also how to lower my exposure. It's full of tips on how to change your lifestyle without doing away with your electronics. It is very hard to give up the things we are used to. I learned that I don't have to as long as I take caution. This book is both educational and interactive. There's even a section that helps you to evaluate your risk by asking you questions. You answer with a simple yes, no, or I don't know. With each question it also explains why that question is important. At the end, you total up your points and see how much you are at risk for serious exposure.
What really captured my attention was the section on how to protect your children. Gittleman even gives tips on how to avoid EMF's during pregnancy. Since children are more susceptible than adults to so many things, it's very important to pay attention to their surroundings. One easy thing I learned was to keep night lights six feet away from a sleeping child. There's so much more detail than that but that's an easy step to take.
If you are into food you will love the chapter on Zap-Proof Superfoods and Seasonings. You can fight the harmful effects of EMF's by eating foods high in antioxidants. Looking for good recipes? Those are in there too. Check out the Coffee Smoothie or the Grilled Wild Salmon with Mango-Pomegranate Salsa!
Overall, I really liked this book. It's educational as well as interactive. It's more than just telling us what's wrong. It's about working to get a reasonable solution while still living the lives we're used to.
About the Author
Ann Lou
ise Gittleman, PhD., C.N.S., is the author of more than a dozen health books, including the bestselling Fat Flush Plan. Her books have sold over 3 million copies. Ann Louise has been named one of the country’s Top Ten Nutritionists by Self Magazine and has also been named a Pioneer in the 21st Century Approach to Optimum Health by Total Health for Longevity Magazine. She maintains a private practice, consults for medical establishments, contributes regularly to national magazine features, and is a popular guest on television and radio.
I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with the book mentioned above at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.
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October 28, 2010 9:02 AM
It seems like a good book. I have minimized the exposure to electronics for my children. We do eat a diet high in antioxidants already but I still think it is wise to avoid/minimize wireless technology, microwaves, cell phones etc in young children.
Not just for the EMF exposure, but children need to learn to use their imagination in free play and not sit and play Wii, surf on the net, or play hand held devices. Free play is so important for their intelligence.
Thanks for sharing..A great review, especially since it is impossible to avoid all EMF we need to know how to protect ourselves..
October 28, 2010 12:40 PM
Thanks for this review. Sounds like a very interesting and helpful book (resource). We try to be careful with electronics around our son but I know there's a whole more I can do and so much more I need to know about. Sadly, I do use my cell as my alarm clock! I'm trying to keep it away from my body more and I definitely keep it away from kids.
Interestingly, my word verification is safeade. Safe Aid.
October 28, 2010 4:52 PM
There are definitely far too many scary things out in the world to worry about and try to avoid. Sounds like an interesting book... just don't try to make me spend less time in front of my computer! ;)
October 30, 2010 9:20 PM
This book really does sound fascinating - thanks for the great review!
Now to go find a real alarm clock, since I've been using my phone for months ...
October 31, 2010 9:19 PM
Since I'm pregnant, the parts about how to protect your kids resonates with me. It makes sense that a baby and children would be more susceptible to these types of things.
Great review!
December 29, 2010 4:55 AM
Interesting. I guess this should become a reference book in homes the same as a First Aid book. These things should probably be taught in schools too.