Publishers Weekly
05/17/2021
Gastroenterologist Mayer (The Mind-Gut Connection) pursues the connection between chronic disease and the microbiome in this informative if complex work. Rates of “seemingly unrelated chronic illnesses” such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver disease have been rising over the last 75 years, he writes, but by prioritizing gut health, it’s possible to “reverse this trend.” To that end, he describes how diet regulates the brain-gut-microbiome network (the gut wall contains more than 70% of the body’s immune cells) and reviews the effects of a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep on one’s microbiome: disruptions in the brain-body network, he writes, lead to chronic inflammation and increased risk of chronic disease. In the way of advice, he suggests “what to eat” (fiber, green tea, omega-3 fatty acids) and “when to eat” (exclusively in an eight-hour window) to keep the microbiome happy, and dishes out nearly 50 pages of recipes. Lay readers, though, may find the explanations overly scientific (“The production of H2 O2 by Lactobacillus may protect against the development of chronic stress-induced, depressionlike behavior”). The level of granularity is demanding, but readers willing to stay the course will be persuaded to pay more attention to their guts. (June)
From the Publisher
Dr. Mayer will not only open your eyes to the critical importance of the variety of microbes that inhabit our gut, but also to the broader picture of how food choices that support biodiversity can save lives, shield us from novel infections, and protect the planet. It is fascinating how choices to improve our personal health are connected to the preservation and creation of fertile soils, clean waterways and ultimately our mothership, Earth and our progeny." — Joel Fuhrman, M.D., seven-time New York Times bestselling author
“In Medicine, the ‘Holy Trinity’ means something different: the brain, the gut, and the immune system. Each contributes to health through its effects on the others. We’re lucky, because Emeran Mayer is an expert in each. And he knows the only way to fix all three at once is to fix the food.” — Robert Lustig, MD., author of Fat Chance and The Hacking of the American Mind
“Our entire world – the soil, the plants, even us humans – are bound together by networks of invisible microbes. In The Gut-Immune Connection, Dr. Emeran Mayer is a microbiome magician pulling back the veil on our interconnected world and then showing us how to harness nature’s healing energy. This is a life changing book by one of the great scientists of our generation. “ — Will Bulsiewicz, New York Times bestselling author of Fiber Fueled
“We live in an environment dominated by ultra-processed, fast food, which is fueling disease and hurting the planet. In The Gut-Immune Connection, Dr. Emeran Mayer, draws important connections between the gut microbiome and our immune system, describing how individuals can take action to harness this powerful force to promote well-being. It is a must read for those searching for a path to better human and planetary health.” — Erica Sonnenburg, PhD, co-author of The Good Gut
"Now more than ever we need to understand the critical connection between what we put in our body, and our resistance to disease. Focusing on the three foundational pillars of the gut endocrine system, immune system, and nervous system, Dr. Mayer breaks down the science and lays out a clear and attainable path to reclaim immunity, vitality, and health." — Robynne Chutkan, MD, FASG, author of Gutbliss, The Microbiome Solution & The Bloat Cure
“In his new book, Dr. Mayer beautifully points out the close interconnectedness between our own health, and the health of the soil and the environment, and the crucial role that the trillions of microbes play in this planetary network. The book is both a unique collection of information, as well as an urgent call to action for everybody concerned about the deteriorating state of our universal health. “ — Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia, Inc.
“Finally, a book that treats gut health, human health, and ecological health as one subject. A revelatory read from a doctor, writer and thinker we all need to hear from, now more than ever.” — Dan Barber, NYT Bestselling author of The Third Plate and chef of the 2 Michelin star restaurant Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns
“Dr. Mayer takes a fascinating deep dive into the microbial world that links the health of our bodies with the health of our environment, revealing the deep interconnections between the planet’s life support systems and our own.” — Liz Carlisle, PhD., author of Lentil Underground
Yvon Chouinard
In his new book, Dr. Mayer beautifully points out the close interconnectedness between our own health, and the health of the soil and the environment, and the crucial role that the trillions of microbes play in this planetary network. The book is both a unique collection of information, as well as an urgent call to action for everybody concerned about the deteriorating state of our universal health. “
Dan Barber
Finally, a book that treats gut health, human health, and ecological health as one subject. A revelatory read from a doctor, writer and thinker we all need to hear from, now more than ever.”
Joel Fuhrman
Dr. Mayer will not only open your eyes to the critical importance of the variety of microbes that inhabit our gut, but also to the broader picture of how food choices that support biodiversity can save lives, shield us from novel infections, and protect the planet. It is fascinating how choices to improve our personal health are connected to the preservation and creation of fertile soils, clean waterways and ultimately our mothership, Earth and our progeny."
Robert Lustig
In Medicine, the ‘Holy Trinity’ means something different: the brain, the gut, and the immune system. Each contributes to health through its effects on the others. We’re lucky, because Emeran Mayer is an expert in each. And he knows the only way to fix all three at once is to fix the food.
Will Bulsiewicz
Our entire world – the soil, the plants, even us humans – are bound together by networks of invisible microbes. In The Gut-Immune Connection, Dr. Emeran Mayer is a microbiome magician pulling back the veil on our interconnected world and then showing us how to harness nature’s healing energy. This is a life changing book by one of the great scientists of our generation. “
Erica Sonnenburg
We live in an environment dominated by ultra-processed, fast food, which is fueling disease and hurting the planet. In The Gut-Immune Connection, Dr. Emeran Mayer, draws important connections between the gut microbiome and our immune system, describing how individuals can take action to harness this powerful force to promote well-being. It is a must read for those searching for a path to better human and planetary health.
Liz Carlisle
Dr. Mayer takes a fascinating deep dive into the microbial world that links the health of our bodies with the health of our environment, revealing the deep interconnections between the planet’s life support systems and our own.”
Robynne Chutkan
"Now more than ever we need to understand the critical connection between what we put in our body, and our resistance to disease. Focusing on the three foundational pillars of the gut endocrine system, immune system, and nervous system, Dr. Mayer breaks down the science and lays out a clear and attainable path to reclaim immunity, vitality, and health."
