OUT OF SYNC

Why are our bodies are out of sync with today's environment and how can we correct this--and save our health?

The key protective traits that ensured the survival of the human species are now the leading causes of illness and death. OUT OF SYNC shows that because of technological, medical, and other changes over the last 200 years, our bodies are now seriously out of sync with the modern environment. Our ability to store food, for example, helped us during periods of scarcity; but now, that same tendency to eat more than our bodies need explains why so many people are obese and at higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In addition, our need for water and salt contributes to high blood pressure; our fight-or-flight response causes more depression and anxiety; and our ability to form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding results in more heart attacks and strokes.

A compelling narrative about evolutionary biology, OUT OF SYNC also offers practical and essential advice on how to evaluate, manage, and take charge of our health in a way that is in sync with the modern world.

Dr. Lee Goldman is the Executive Vice President for Health and Biomedical Sciences, and Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine at Columbia University.