Ashok Ogra
“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” (Arabian Proverb)
Is life worth living? It all depends on the liver. This phrase, often said in jest, carries profound medical and philosophical weight. The liver, one of the most resilient organs in the human body, has been revered across cultures. Greek mythology tells us of Prometheus, whose liver was eternally pecked out by an eagle, only to regenerate each night. The Romans described it as “inexhaustible,” and in Ayurveda, it is called Yakrut, associated with the Pitta dosha, symbolizing metabolism, digestion, and energy.
Yet, despite its significance, the liver and overall health are often neglected. With modern lifestyles plagued by stress, poor diet, sedentary habits, and overmedication, conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease are on the rise. Recognizing this, Padma Bhusan awardee and recipient of the prestigious Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, Dr. Shiv K. Sarin, an acclaimed gastroenterologist and hepatologist, brings decades of medical expertise into a book that aims to change how we view our health.
His book, OWN YOUR BODY, published by Bloomsbury India, is a compelling guide to taking charge of our well-being. Written in an engaging and accessible style, it combines scientific knowledge, personal anecdotes, and practical tips to emphasize that health is not something to be outsourced to doctors-it is a personal responsibility.
A ROADMAP TO BETTER HEALTH
The book is structured into various sections, each breaking down essential aspects of health with concrete examples. Dr.Sarin simplifies complex medical concepts and urges readers to become chartered accountants of their own health, carefully managing their body’s “income” (nutrition) and “expenditure” (exercise).
At the heart of his philosophy is the liver -the unsung hero of human health. The book explains how the liver impacts not just digestion but also blood sugar regulation, immunity, skin health, metabolism, and overall longevity. Despite being capable of regeneration, the liver can only withstand so much abuse before it fails, making its care essential for long-term well-being.
THE BOSS OF THE BODY
Dr. Sarin who is credited with founding the reputed Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences in New Delhi, provides crucial insights into how lifestyle choices impact the liver. A major focus is fatty liver disease, a silent epidemic affecting millions, often going unnoticed until irreversible damage sets in.
One of the most eye-opening sections explains the connection between fatty liver and diabetes. While many believe diabetes is purely linked to sugar intake, he reveals how excess liver fat prevents insulin from being absorbed effectively, forcing the pancreas to overproduce insulin until it becomes exhausted. This process, in turn, leads to diabetes.
“Diabetes doesn’t need another disease to accompany it – It brings all others with it,” warns Dr. Sarin.
He explains that while the liver can tolerate up to 5% fat, anything beyond that is a warning sign. Once 10% of the liver’s weight is fat, an individual is at high risk for chronic conditions, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, strokes, and heart disease.
Dr. Sarin also challenges the common misconception that only alcoholics suffer from liver damage, highlighting the dangers of junk food, sugary drinks, and processed oils, which can lead to liver failure even in non-drinkers.
DANGERS OF OVERMEDICATION
One of the book’s most impactful revelations is the harmful effects of overmedication. Dr. Sarin highlights paracetamol poisoning as a leading cause of liver failure in countries like the US and the UK.Post-COVID, paracetamol has become one of the most commonly used medications. However, consuming more than 2-3 tablets per day can damage the liver irreversibly.
“Every medicine you take passes through the liver. Overburden it, and you’re signing your own health’s death warrant.”
The book also cautions against self-medication, explaining that overuse of antibiotics, painkillers, and even herbal supplements can strain the liver, reducing its ability to filter toxins naturally.
PREVENTIVE HEALTH YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
The author urges readers to shift from reactive healthcare (treating diseases after they appear) to preventive healthcare (stopping diseases before they develop). He introduces the idea of a Gene-Patri-a health blueprint akin to a Janm-Patri (astrological birth chart). By tracking family medical histories, individuals can predict and prevent hereditary illnesses.
DIFFERENT LANES OF HEALTH
To simplify genetic risks, the author categorizes people into three health lanes:
Red Lane: Both parents have chronic illnesses, making the child highly susceptible.
Yellow Lane: One parent has a chronic disease, meaning the child is at moderate risk.
Green Lane: Both parents are healthy, but vigilance is still needed to maintain this state.
The goal? Move from red to yellow, from yellow to green, and keep future generations in the green zone.
FOUR LIFELINES TO LONGIVITY
The author introduces four lifelines for maintaining good health:
Stay Slim and Fit: The ideal weight for men should be height (cm) minus 100.For women, height minus 105 due to higher natural fat storage.
Eat Smart: Follow time-restricted eating and prioritize whole, natural foods.After 40, adopt “Ekahaari”-one balanced meal a day.
Restorative Sleep: At least seven hours of quality sleep is essential for metabolism and mental clarity.
Medication Only as a Last Resort: If diet, exercise, and sleep don’t work, then and only then should medication be considered.
IMPACT OF OWN YOUR BODY:
The book has received praise from various experts and celebrities.
In his foreword, Bharat Ratna C.N.Rao describes the book ‘remarkable and timely masterpiece’. He continues :”The book offers pragmatic and achievable remedies to prevent the onset of and overcome existing challenges posed by fatty liver, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancers and a myriad of other metabolic ailments looming over millions of individuals worldwide.”
While OWN YOUR BODY is a brilliantly insightful and accessible book, a few areas could be enhanced:
i. A Structured Health Plan: The book offers many valuable tips, but a structured 30-day or 90-day health roadmap could make implementation easier.
ii. More Success Stories: While real-life anecdotes are included, adding before-and-after transformations would make the impact even more tangible.
Dr. Karna Singh while complimenting Dr. Sareen for writing a very useful book tailored for the layman, hopes that the book will surely become one of the best seller.”Through case studies and important tips, he illuminates the vulnerabilities of different facets of our anatomy,” Dr. Singh notes.
Mukesh Ambani is his brief praise for the book, makes a valid point that “good health is not as much as function of one’s genetic makeup as it is of one’s life style. A must read for everyone who vales and realizes the importance of good health.”
Dr. Sarin’s OWN YOUR BODY is more than just a health book-it’s a wake-up call. It challenges readers to take control of their well-being before disease takes control of them. With a mix of medical wisdom, actionable tips, and real-life examples, this book is an essential guide for anyone seeking longevity, vitality, and control over their health.
The book is reasonably priced and, therefore, for the sake of living a healthier and holistic life, and to save one’s health, do read the book.
(The author works as Advisor for reputed Apeejay Education, New Delhi)
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