The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health Hardcover – Illustrated, July 5, 2016

There is sure no shortage of trade books on the microbiome and the list of books is bound to proliferate given the popularity of the topic. This book separates itself from the pack in a number of ways. First, Dr Mayer is one of the select group of scientists worldwide whose work has helped fuel research into what we know about the microbiome and its importance to our health. While other scientists saw painful medical disorders like irritable bowel syndrome as a “psychiatric disorder” Dr Mayer was conducting research showing that the brain has a far more powerful and complex role in tipping the balance between health and illness than just governing our mental wellbeing. Because he knows what he is talking about, the reader can feel confident that the material is accurate, trust worthy, and backed by evidence tested in rigorous laboratory settings. This is no small feat among the growing number of books chock full of half-truths, exaggerations, and outright inaccuracies that make it hard for the reader to separate fact from fiction. Second, Dr Mayer emphasizes the importance not only of how our mood, behaviors like our activity level and what we eat and drink, and mindset can impact the collection of microbes that colonize the human body but how our microbiome can in turn impact the brain. There is no other book available that covers so much terrain with such expertise and precision. Third, the book is an easy read, written in such an engaging and non-technical manner that even the person whose last science book was in 10th grade bio class will find this book a pleasure to read, making it far and away the best microbiome book out there for general audience. Finally, as a gifted clinician, Dr Mayer concludes the book with some “nuts and bolts” strategies for how to make simple lifestyle changes that put in practice what microbiome research tells us about how to optimize our health. A+: Recommend wholeheartedly-- Dr Jeffrey Lackner, Behavioral Medicine Clinic, University at Buffalo, SUNY

i wish everyone would read this, even if they're not currently suffering from digestive problems, the issues with our food production, modern stressors, and the connection to our gut microbiome is so important and enlightening and really does affect all of us in ways modern medicine is barely recognizing as valid, in recent years. this book is well-written by an actual doctor that knows even pharmaceuticals aren't also the solution, but without being overly preachy/judgmental about the choices we all face to improve our gut health and life. it's science-driven with a good set of resources but written in a way that makes the content engaging for everyone with even the slightest interest in the intricate way our mind and body interact with our food and external environment. highly recommend!

Do you love miso soup, fermented foods, olive oil, turmeric, fish and mostly a plant-based diet, then you may enjoy this book. Emeran Mayer believes that if we can understand the gut and the brain and how they communicate we can lower healthcare costs because we will find the root of illness. Therefore he thinks we can promote whole-body wellness and I think he is right.Some of the questions this book answers include:Why are the gut microbiota so important?Do gut problems reflect an emotional state?Do you really have taste receptors in your gut?Does your childhood really determine your adult gut health?How does stress and anxiety affect gut health?Emeran Mayer does spend a good amount of time discussing antibiotics and explains a little about how to increase gut health. The book is mostly an intellectual exercise, but there are a few practical tips and many insights that may helps you figure out how to maximize your gut health and help the gut function normally. His patient examples are great and show what is really going on.The author does believe in evolution but doesn't talk about it obsessively. If you don't believe, you can ignore those comments. The discussion about current trends in diet were far more informative and useful.So I'd recommend this book to anyone experiencing difficulties with gut health like IBS. Anyone who is looking to keep their gut health in the future will also enjoy this book.~The Rebecca Review

I just love reading this book, it really helped me out with my stomach problems. My own G I doctor said I was mentally making my self physically sick with stomach problems. Thank you so very much for your help 🙏 bless you.I didn't finish it yet ,I wait for a nice relaxing time to enjoy the day knowing as long as I keep myself calm and enjoy my life 😊 all is good 👍 I feel so much better 😊 thank you !!

Very informative and interesting. Easy to understand.