Summary of How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

How Not to Die is a groundbreaking book from Dr. Michael Greger, the physician behind the widely popular NutritionFacts.org website. With a focus on the science-backed evidence surrounding diet and its role in preventing and even reversing many of the leading causes of disease-related death, Dr. Greger offers life-changing insights into how we can dramatically improve our health.

In How Not to Die, Dr. Greger examines the fifteen top causes of premature death in the United States, including heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and high blood pressure. He explains how, in many cases, nutritional and lifestyle interventions can be more effective than pharmaceutical drugs and surgical treatments in preventing and even reversing these conditions. This book challenges the common approach of treating diseases after they occur, instead offering a preventative approach to living longer, healthier lives.

The truth, as Dr. Greger points out, is that while doctors are skilled at treating acute illnesses, they are often less equipped to prevent chronic disease. The fifteen leading causes of death account for 1.6 million American deaths each year—but this doesn’t have to be the case. By following Dr. Greger's scientifically backed advice, you’ll discover the foods to eat and the lifestyle changes to make in order to live a longer, more vibrant life.

Have a history of prostate cancer in your family? Swap out milk for flaxseeds in your diet. Struggling with high blood pressure? Hibiscus tea can be more effective than many common medications—without the side effects. Fighting liver disease? Drinking coffee may help reduce liver inflammation. Dealing with breast cancer? Studies show that consuming soy can increase survival rates. Concerned about heart disease, the leading killer in the United States? Switching to a whole-food, plant-based diet can not only prevent it, but in many cases, stop it in its tracks.

In addition to showing you what to eat to address the top causes of death, How Not to Die includes Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen—his essential checklist of twelve foods to consume every day to optimize your health. Packed with practical advice, cutting-edge nutritional science, and actionable steps, this book offers a roadmap to living a longer, healthier life.