Book Review: Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Wellness by Dr. Lindsay D. H. Turner
When I first stumbled upon Good Energy by Dr. Lindsay D. H. Turner, I felt an intriguing pull. The title hinted at an exploration of wellness through the lens of metabolism, a topic that’s both relevant and crucial in today’s health conversations. I had high hopes: perhaps this would unravel the complexities of metabolism with rich, evidence-based insights. Unfortunately, what I found left me disappointed—and frankly, quite anxious.
From the outset, I felt the tone of the book betrayed its premise. Turner, with her credentials as a former ENT surgeon, intended to provide a guide to better health; instead, much of her advice felt alarmingly rigid and downright anxiety-inducing. For example, she suggests a complete ban on sugar and grains, painting them as detrimental to one’s "energy." Statements like these seem simplistic, dangerously oversimplifying the complexities of nutrition. As someone who has never battled an eating disorder, I found myself on edge, considering the implications of her recommendations. For readers with past food-related concerns, this book could be genuinely triggering.
The central concept of “Good Energy” versus “Bad Energy” seemed gimmicky, reminiscent of wellness phrases that lack scientific backing. Instead of delving into metabolic nuances with rigor, Turner presents sweeping claims that echo the wellness influencers she claims to critique. This contradiction made me cringe: reading her critiques of the healthcare system—a system she ostensibly left behind to become a tech entrepreneur—felt disingenuous. It’s fascinating that she highlights crucial issues, like conflicts of interest in research, while not being transparent about her own financial ties to the products she promotes within her pages.
Perhaps most jarring was her dismissive attitude towards conventional medical advice. While I agree that there are significant gaps in medical training, particularly concerning nutrition, promoting distrust in healthcare professionals is not the answer. Suggesting readers choose her services or products over their doctors comes across as a thinly veiled marketing ploy rather than genuine empowerment.
In terms of writing style, while Turner is articulate, the pacing sways erratically from a passionate rant about healthcare flaws to oddly prescriptive dietary rules. At one point, she even suggests—no kidding—that if your pet disturbs your sleep, you might consider rehoming it. This level of “advice,” delivered with a straight face, felt absurd.
That said, I did appreciate the few glimmers of sense amid the chaos—like her comments on systemic issues plaguing healthcare or the need for genuine nutritional studies. However, they’re overshadowed by a heavy reliance on anecdotal evidence and a lack of reputable citations. One must approach this book with caution, as its credibility feels tenuous at best.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking genuine, scientifically robust insights about metabolism, I urge you to look elsewhere—perhaps to the likes of How Not to Die by Michael Greger or Outlive by Peter Attia. Dr. Turner’s book could resonate with those already entrenched in the wellness world, but for readers who value balanced perspectives backed by evidence, it may serve more as a cautionary tale than a helpful guide.
All in all, I didn’t just critique a book; I found myself battling more doubts and questions than I started with. So, in defiance of her recommendations, tonight I might even enjoy a hearty bowl of whole wheat pasta, just because I can.
Discover more about Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metaboli… on GoodReads >>