Damien Hirst’s Sculpture ‘Hymn’ Reveals the Layers of Our Organs
Chris Cooper Smith/Alamy
Organ Speak
Julia Enders
(Illustration: Jill Enders, Translation: Jamie Bulloch), Hachette (UK), HarperCollins (USA)
Amid the drama of daily life—work, family dynamics, politics, and celebrity news—lies a compelling story inside our bodies that operates 24/7.
Our organs perform crucial functions, providing the oxygen, energy, and resilience necessary to enjoy life and navigate challenges.
In her thought-provoking book, Julia Enders encourages us to delve deeper into our bodies to uncover insights for healthier, more meaningful living. Organ Speak: What Does It Mean to Listen to Our Bodies?
As a physician specializing in digestive health, Enders gained fame for her bestselling book, Intestine, offering humorous insights into the complexities of our digestive system.
In this new work, she explores five additional vital systems: lungs, immune system, skin, muscles, and brain. This book continues her legacy by elucidating complex biological concepts with clarity and humor, advocating for increased attention to our internal systems.
Enders passionately discusses how to maintain organ health. Each chapter draws from contemporary scientific findings and intertwines personal anecdotes. For instance, she likens her grandmother’s best friend to a humanoid immune system, always there to support others.
“Our organs significantly shape our identities, raising questions about our needs, responses to threats, and our treatment of one another,” she observes. “Understanding our bodies’ signals can lead to a more harmonious life.”
She begins with the lungs, vital organs that inflate and deflate about 20,000 times daily, adapting to our physical needs. However, incoming air often lacks ideal temperature and contains pollutants that stress our lungs.
Furthermore, she discusses troublesome breathing patterns like “email apnea,” which leads to discomfort, alongside effective strategies to enhance lung function.
Next, the immune system takes center stage. Enders outlines its protective role against pathogens while humorously rebranding a runny nose as “nasal diarrhea,” a necessary response for flushing out illness.
She highlights ways to bolster immune health through optimal sleep, nutrition, exercise, and vaccinations, especially to stave off illnesses like the flu and COVID-19.
When discussing skin, Enders unveils its complexities and delves into the science behind aging and the significance of touch in healing.
To combat skin aging, she suggests using night creams with vitamin C and daytime creams with vitamin A, always paired with sunscreen to fend off harmful radicals.
In her analysis of muscles, she presents startling facts about muscle degradation when inactive, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental health.
Finally, Enders explores brain health, discussing sleep deprivation, addiction, and effective napping strategies.
While Organ Speak may not unveil entirely new health insights to seasoned readers, it certainly offers valuable tips for self-care that many may find refreshing. The narrative can sometimes indulge in metaphorical musings about the wisdom of organs, which may not resonate with everyone.
Minor digressions, like the evolution of the atmosphere, might distract from the primary focus on organ function.
Nevertheless, for those intrigued by the workings of the human body, Organ Speak is a worthwhile read that might inspire better self-care practices.
Next time you feel overwhelmed, remember to take a deep breath.
Three More Must-Read Books on the Human Body
Irreplaceable You
By Mary Roach
When body parts age or malfunction, innovative medical solutions emerge. Mary Roach investigates bold self-experiments for repair and enhancement.
Self-Defense: Busting Myths About Immune Health
By Daniel Davis
In an age filled with wellness advice, Daniel Davis critically examines the effectiveness of common immune health claims, from vitamin C to turmeric.
A Man Who Tasted Words
By Guy Leschziner
Neurologist Guy Leschziner shares intriguing real-life stories exploring how our senses shape our perception, including a man who “tastes” words and another who feels no pain.
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Source: www.newscientist.com