Dr Smith is not shy to recommend optimal dosages of supplements (I hate over-cautious nutritionists) and he's a militant Vegan which limits his appeal somewhat, I guess.

But I do think he's right in most respects. I also love his witty, engaging writing style, for example drawing analogies between the Great Wall of China and the cell membrane!

He introduces concepts such as the New Four Food Groups and provides excellent advice on diet, dietary supplements, exercise and how to avoid toxins.

In this book I have found the clearest description of free radicals and their nemesis, the anti-oxidants, as well as the most informative info on anti-aging hormones and the latest neuronutrients.

The only flaw is that Renewal neglects the amino acids. Besides that, the book is highly readable and highly recommended, and includes recipes, meal ideas, a menu plan, thorough index and extensive bibliography....END

22 of 24 found the following review helpful:


Interesting, Sensational, Misleading  Sep 28, 2004 By Chan Joon Yee "Dr Chan"
This book is readable and interesting, with some expected advice and a few surprising ones. Especially interesting are his arguments against consuming all forms of animal-derived food including milk and his case against red wine.

However, anyone who knows anything about traditional Chinese medicine will see that Dr Smith can't be a serious practitioner or even a believer of TCM. Most TCM tonics contain animal parts. One of the most highly prized Chinese/Tibetan "herb" is cordyceps sinensis.

Medicinal wines are also a very important part of Chinese medicine. Chinese physicians believe that alcohol clears the body's channels and moves the qi. Delivered with certain herb combinations, alcohol enhances the therapeutic effects.

Ginseng is not a miracle herb. For the wrong body type, it can cause more harm than good. Osteoporosis is not well-documented in China. It doesn't mean it does not exist. In fact, rickets used to be quite common until school children were encouraged to drink milk.

There are a lot of other debatable points. Suffice to say that while this book makes an interesting read, one shouldn't take it too seriously.

A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs

The New Anti-Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock for a Younger, Sexier, Happier You

Whole-Body Dentistry: Discover The Missing Piece To Better Health

Gary Null's Ultimate Anti-Aging Program

Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils

22 of 24 found the following review helpful:


Good info, but too extreme for most people  Jul 11, 2001 By Nathaniel T. Parsons "ntucker@earthlink.net"
The idea is simple enough. Aging is caused by free radical damage, so minimize exposure by eating an organic vegan diet (no animal products of any kind), and fight free radical damage by exercising daily and taking a boatload of supplements including hormones, herbs, vitamins and other stuff.

The problem I had is that his diet recomendations are too extreme. I know people who've had two heart attacks who can't keep their fat intake to 10% of calories on the Pritikin program, and they have a major incentive. Personally, getting to a vegan diet at all would be a minor miracle, but for Smith that's not good enough, you still have to make sure not to eat too much olive oil, avacado, and sugar. Throughout the book is very good info, but the program itself is too radical (no pun intended) to be useful for 95% of us. ...

18 of 19 found the following review helpful:


Excellent - Covers all aspects of Life Extension  Jan 06, 2000
I have read many books on Life Extension, starting with Durk Pearson & Sandy Shaw's book in 1983. This new book, "Renewal the Anti-Aging Revolution" covers all the aspects that I have encountered in books, magazines and on the web. It is totally comprehensive. This is the ONE to get.

16 of 17 found the following review helpful:


This book has had a significant impact on my health.  Aug 26, 1999
In his book Dr. Smith put together essential information in one place at one time that influenced a complete dietary lifestyle change for myself and my husband. The mystery of complicated cellular chemistry is made simple and easy to understand. Further, I now understand what free radicals are and how they attack the body and what to do about them. The steps to good health choices outlined by Dr. Smith are do-able; we have done them and are already reaping the rewards. This book makes you stop, think and act. It is very readable and will be an ongoing reference in our home for years and years to come. This is not a diet book, it is a lifestyle choice that makes ulitmate sense and provides almost immediate positive benefits. The recipes that get you started on the lifestyle changes are great and provide encouragement for further vegan creativity. Thank you, Dr. Smith!

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