The Lies We’ve Been Told About Health
When I first read Lies My Doctor Told Me by Dr. Ken Berry, it felt like someone had finally said out loud what many of us have quietly questioned for years. Dr. Berry, a board-certified family physician, takes on the myths that have shaped modern healthcare, exposing how many of them are not only wrong but harmful.
I’ve always believed that knowledge is power. The more you understand, the better choices you make for yourself and your family. Dr. Berry’s book reminds us that we can no longer rely on outdated “truths” passed down through guidelines built on weak science and corporate influence. His honesty about what he once taught as a practicing doctor, and how his views changed, is what makes this book so valuable.
I remember being a young mom, confused by nutrition advice that seemed to change every month. One expert said “low-fat everything.” Another said “avoid red meat.” I tried to follow the rules and still gained weight, felt tired, and watched my health decline. Nothing made sense. I wish I had known then what I know now.
Today, I’m grateful to be part of a growing community of people questioning what we’ve been told. Real change happens when we talk about our experiences, share what we learn, and help each other find better answers.
Now let’s talk about what Dr. Berry exposes in his book and why it matters.
Eating Fat Will Make You Fat
For decades, we were told to fear fat. Grocery aisles filled with “low-fat” products that were loaded with sugar. The truth is, natural fats never made us fat. Sugar and processed carbohydrates did. Healthy fats from meat, eggs, butter, and olive oil are critical for hormones, brain health, and satiety. When fat was stripped from our diets, our metabolism and hormones paid the price.
Truth: Healthy fats are essential. Sugar and ultra-processed carbs are the real problem.
Red Meat Is Dangerous
We were told red meat causes heart disease and cancer. But these claims came from weak observational studies, not solid science. Dr. Berry explains that red meat is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Grass-fed beef, liver, and eggs provide iron, zinc, and B vitamins that our bodies need to thrive.
Truth: Unprocessed red meat from healthy animals is nourishing, not harmful.
Whole Grains Are the Healthiest Carbs
“Eat your whole grains” was drilled into us by the food pyramid. But modern wheat is not what our grandparents ate. It’s been hybridized and processed to the point that it spikes blood sugar and triggers inflammation. Many people find their digestion, skin, and energy improve when they reduce or remove grains.
Truth: Grains are not essential. Many people feel better without them.
Milk Is Necessary for Strong Bones
The dairy industry taught us that milk equals strong bones. But bone health depends more on vitamin D, magnesium, protein, and resistance training than milk alone. Many adults don’t digest dairy well, and there are better ways to support bone strength.
Truth: Bone health is about nutrient balance, not gallons of milk.
Salt Causes High Blood Pressure
“Cut the salt” was the mantra for years. But sodium is an essential electrolyte, vital for muscle function and hydration. The real culprit in hypertension isn’t salt, it’s processed food, refined carbs, and poor metabolic health.
Truth: Natural salt supports health. Processed food destroys it.
The Food Pyramid Is the Gold Standard
Dr. Berry exposes how the food pyramid was built on politics and lobbying, not nutrition science. Grains and dairy were prioritized to promote industry, not public health. The result has been decades of obesity, diabetes, and confusion.
Truth: Real food doesn’t need a pyramid. Eat what your great-grandparents would recognize as food.
Sun Exposure Is Dangerous
Yes, overexposure can cause skin damage, but complete avoidance of sunlight has caused widespread vitamin D deficiency. Moderate sun exposure is essential for immune function, hormone balance, and mood.
Truth: Responsible sun exposure is healthy and necessary.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Too Risky
Women have long been told to avoid hormone therapy during menopause. Dr. Berry explains how this fear was based on outdated data and poor interpretation of studies. When managed correctly, hormone therapy can be safe and life-changing.
Truth: Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Individualized care matters.
This book isn’t about fear. It’s about freedom from myths that keep us sick and tired. Freedom from the idea that our doctors always have all the answers. And freedom to ask better questions.
Dr. Berry’s willingness to admit he once gave bad advice is what gives his message weight. Real integrity is being willing to change your mind when the evidence demands it.
If you’ve ever been confused by conflicting health advice, Lies My Doctor Told Me will bring clarity. If you’ve struggled with weight, fatigue, or chronic illness, it will give you a reason to question old beliefs. And if you’ve ever felt dismissed by your doctor, it will remind you that you’re not imagining things, you were simply misinformed.
The book goes far beyond the myths I’ve shared here. It covers statins, thyroid health, insulin resistance, gallbladder removal, and more. Each chapter challenges what we think we know and replaces it with evidence and common sense.
Every woman deserves to understand her body, her hormones, and her health without confusion. Lies My Doctor Told Me gives you the foundation to do that.
Read it. Highlight it. Talk about it. Because the more we share knowledge, the more power we take back over our health.
If this resonated with you, share it with someone you care about. That’s how real change begins, one honest conversation at a time.
Disclaimer: The content shared here is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be taken as medical advice.
In writing this blog post, my goal is to distill research findings into a clear, approachable format that encourages critical thinking and empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
