Review by Library Journal Review
What do seemingly unrelated diseases such as lupus, arthritis, atherosclerosis, asthma, and Alzheimer's all have in common? According to Meggs (toxicology, Brody Sch. of Medicine, East Carolina Univ.), uncontrolled inflammation is a component of these and many other ailments. In Part 1 of this readable, scientifically sound, and well-referenced title, he explains the inflammation process, which is designed to repair damage caused by injury or invasion by bacteria or other foreign bodies. When there is severe, chronic, or inappropriate inflammation in the body, other problems occur. He then discusses the role of inflammation in aging and disease and includes a quiz for readers to assess their own risk factors. In the final section, Meggs offers recommendations for reducing inflammation, most of which will sound familiar: quit smoking, exercise, eat more veggies and less meat, and avoid pollutants, toxins, and allergens. While Jack Challem's The Inflammation Syndrome covers similar ground, his approach leans toward the faddish and sensationalist, while Meggs takes a more levelheaded approach, weaving the latest research on various diseases into a broad picture. Recommended for public libraries and health collections. (Index not seen.)-Eris Weaver, Redwood Health Lib., Petaluma, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
