The Hundred-Year Lie
How to Protect Yourself from the Chemicals That Are Destroying Your Health
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3.0 • 1 Rating
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
In a devastating exposé in the tradition of Silent Spring and Fast Food Nation, investigative journalist Randall Fitzgerald warns how thousands of man-made chemicals in our food, water, medicine, and environment are making humans the most polluted species on the planet. A century ago, when Congress enacted the Pure Food and Drug Act, Americans were promised “better living through chemistry.” Fitzgerald provides overwhelming evidence to shatter this myth, and many others perpetrated by the chemical, pharmaceutical, and processed foods industries.
Consider this:
· The average American carries a "body burden" of 700 synthetic chemicals;
· Chemicals in tap water can cause reproductive abnormalities and hermaphroditic birth;
· One study of lactating women found perchlorate (a toxic component of rocket fuel) in practically every mother's breast milk.
In the face of this national health crisis, Fitzgerald presents informed and practical suggestions for what we can do to turn the tide and live healthier lives.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This provocative and frightening look at the synthetic chemicals used by the processed foods, pharmaceutical and chemical industries delivers an excellent, up-to-date summary of "what is really in our food, water, vitamins, prescription drugs, childhood vaccines, cosmetics, and in our homes." Former Wall Street Journal investigative journalist Fitzgerald (Mugged by the State) takes aim at the belief that "lab-created synthetics are as benign as and more effective than naturally occurring foods and medicines." The "hundred-year lie" dates from 1906, the year Congress enacted the Pure Food and Drug Act. Utilizing a range of articles from science journals and government reports, along with interviews with scientists and environmentalists, Fitzgerald looks at synthetic chemicals from artificial sweeteners to antidepressants that are diminishing our health. Throughout, Fitzgerald explodes various myths such as that one right dose of a particular drug works for everyone and that all food additives have been tested for safety. Still, Fitzgerald's faith in Eastern and other natural healing processes will not convince everyone. The author concludes with practical steps for "choosing a diet of pure foods and a lifestyle free of synthetics."
Customer Reviews
OK, but dwells on the obvious
I like the premise of the book. It’s a good reminder to all of us to be mindful of what we consume, and to always look out for and take responsibility for your own well being. However, after a few chapters, the book got repetitive.
Not only is our food wrong, it’s also our drugs, and the homes we live in, and on and on. The book made some good suggestions on how to move away from the things that may make us sick, but I would’ve loved to see more of that. How do I stop consuming potentially harmful things? Where can I read more about what is percieved to be harmful, and what isn’t? These are just two of the questions I had after reading the book, and it would’ve been nice if the book provided some help in that area.