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

The Mind-Gut Connection is a fascinating and accessible exploration of how our gut and brain communicate and influence each other. We’ve heard the rumors, but Dr. Emeran Mayer weaves neuroscience, microbiology, and personal insight to show how gut health impacts the entire person. It affects emotions, decision-making, and overall well-being. The book is scientific and practical, offering compelling research alongside actionable tips for improving gut health. If you enjoy learning and mental health is important to you-read this.

If you have digestive issues and there is nothing physically causing the problem (like a broken sphincter) this book could be very helpful. The mind-gut aspect of your health is a complicated, extraordinary situation and this book does a great job at explaining it to a non-medical person.It is well written and explains how various actions affect your body. I am a firm believer that if one understands how the problem is caused and how it affects different parts of the body then it is easier to understand what one needs to do to help themselves heal.It is not a miracle cure and is hard work, but it does work.

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!

Good

Synopsis - the bacteria in your digestive system play a large and underappreciated role in both your gut health and in your overall health; take care of them.While an enjoyable and colorful read, this book has several problems with it. First, the author draws many "conclusions" based upon the work of published animal studies even though in he also admits that the neurological systems of animals and humans are considerably different. Sometimes he admits that his conclusions are just hypotheticals but more commonly goes for the sensational claims to wow the layreader.Second, the books suffers from sloppy editing. A typical example is on page 208 where Mayer says, "This helps explain the fact that infants who are not breastfed have fewer bifidobacteria in their stool than formula-fed infants." Other editing errors are buried in the often contradictory science-speak - I'm sure a biochemist would have a field day here. His discussion of the neurotransmitter GABA on pages 141-142 is particularly wishy-washy.Third, the book is light on novel recommendations. The concluding remarks on page 284: maximize regular intake of naturally fermented foods and probiotics, cut down on animal fat, avoid processed food, eat smaller servings, be mindful of prenatal nutrition, reduce stress, avoid eating when sad or depressed, enjoy social aspects of food, and listen to your gut.Bottom line, a fun read but lots of book-selling science claims without many actionable recommendations.