The Oldest Cure in the World: Adventures in the Art and Science of Fasting

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A journalist takes readers into the science and history of intermittent fasting, an ancient practice in the middle of a red-hot resurgence, exploring the body's power to heal itselfOne in ten American adults tried intermittent fasting last year, and they may be on to something. The latest research shows that fasting repairs cellular damage, improves the outcomes for chemotherapy patients, and helps with keeping a healthy weightleading to fasting's resurgence in recent years.Journalist Steve Hendrickss The Oldest Cure in the World tells the history of fastingfrom the ancient world (Jesus treated an epileptic with fasting) to its rediscovery centuries later, thanks in part to a heartbroken doctor who resolved to starve himself to death only to find renewed vigor and become a media celebrity in the process. Hendricks introduces us to the people who are reviving this long-lost remedy, including open-minded doctors who have explored and practiced fasting despite the medical establishment's resistance over the centuries and everyday people eager for a cure to what ails them.The Oldest Cure in the World is a smart, narrative look at a very hot topic, offering a fascinating look at the science behind the counterintuitive concept of going without food for our health, and chronicling the authors own illuminating and entertaining forays into fasting.

Reviews

An illuminating exploration of the rich and varied historyand myriad health benefitsof fasting . . . Mr. Hendricks, a freelance reporter, is a deft stylist . . . and he excels at describing the experience of going without food . . . * The Wall Street Journal *
[A] thought-provoking survey . . . The author weaves a fascinating personal narrative . . . with a comprehensive history of the practice, from prehistoric humans who fasted from necessity up to modern-day clinics that use it. While enthusiastic, Hendricks is careful not to oversell fastings benefits . . . and he pulls no punches when highlighting flaws in research, as with studies that emphasize profit rather than health. His levelheaded, irreverent approach and sharp reporting set the book apart. The result is a winning mix of captivating storytelling and fascinating science. * Publishers Weekly *
Hendrickss book is a remarkable blend of authoritative history, illuminating science, and endearing storytelling. In The Oldest Cure in the World, Hendricks gives us the wonders of fastingtoo long neglected by doctors and scientists, too often misunderstood by most of us, yet so potent a therapywith marvelous clarity, page-turning crispness, and appealing humanity. * Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of The Emperor of All Maladies *
Steve Hendricks set himself the Herculean task of weaving together the long history and deep science of fasting with his own revealing self-experimentsand has succeeded brilliantly in turning out a captivating tale. The Oldest Cure in the World is an engrossing tour de force and offers a bona fide strategy for slowing the aging process. * Dan Buettner, New York Timesbestselling author of The Blue Zones *
Few people know that science has shown fasting is a key that unlocks ancient restorative systems and mobilizes some of the bodys most powerful regenerative mechanisms. In The Oldest Cure in the World, Steve Hendricks proves to be a master of explaining the multitude of benefits that various kinds of fasting can unleash. Fasting is a core part of my integrative cardiology practice. This book is a must-read for those looking for a long healthspan. * Dr. Joel Kahn, author of Your Whole Heart Solution *
A smart, narrative look at a very hot topic, offering a fascinating look at the science behind the counterintuitive concept of going without food for our health. * The Next Big Idea Club *
I was blown away by this book. . . . There is so much information in this book that I had never even remotely, possibly, even briefly heard of. Its honestly mind blowing [and] a page turner. There were literally times my mouth dropped open. . . . Get the book, read it, read all of it. * Melanie Avalon, The Intermittent Fasting Podcast *
A literary gem, with fantastic lines scattered like laugh-bombs throughout its pages. . . . Whats especially joyful about this book is Steves insistence on getting the science right. He argues against unsupported claims no matter where they come from: vegans, keto promoters, you name it. He doesnt overstate the power of fasting, noting that hype is one of the enemies of widespread acceptance by the scientific community. . . . Steve Hendricks is at least three things: a tenacious reporter, a brilliant and hilarious writer, and a truly good dude. * Howard Jacobson, Plant Yourself Podcast *
Fascinating . . . an important book. * Boulder Daily Camera *

Author Bio

Steve Hendricks is a freelance reporter and the author of two previous books, one of which, The Unquiet Grave: The FBI and the Struggle for the Soul of Indian Country, made several best-of-the-year lists. He has written for Harpers, Outside, Slate, and the Washington Post and lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife, a professor of family law, and his dog, a border collie cross.