The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health

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.

What brought me to this book? Multiple anxiety & panic attacks that led to vomiting and then diarrhea for days, as well as an inability to eat for days. This has happened five times in three months. This is the first time this has happened to me, and I am 35 years old. I also had gallbladder surgery last year (fall of 2024) because my gallbladder decided to quit its job and die (like I once wished I could do, however a discovery of bipolar disorder and getting this diagnosis [in summer of 2024] has helped to discourage such dire thoughts. I've had an interesting, exciting, what-the-heck-is-going-on last two years... Anyways, somehow all of that led me to this book. I am a beginner in this sort of study. I started learning about the digestive system after my surgery mentioned above. There are a lot of reviews on this book and they suggest that if you're already well-informed on this topic, you might want to look elsewhere. However, since I am a beginner, I found this book to be informative and helpful in learning more about my body, my digestive system, and how it communicates with the brain. I think the author did a good job simplifying information, though it was still sometimes a lot to take in. There are a lot of words that I didn't know, and now I do. (The wonders of reading! but I did have to look them up sometimes.) He also used a lot of analogies that helped me to understand how things work in a more simplified way. I did quite a bit of highlighting and note taking in case I want to refer back to this source. Speaking of sources, after reading some reviews, it's correct that he does not include footnotes or such, which could be incredibly beneficial to some who are wanting to know where he got his details. Since I am just beginning this kind of study, I have to admit I didn't care as much. I do plan to take simple steps (probiotics, kombucha, yogurt, veggies, etc.) that are recommended in this book (to diversify my microbiome basically) and see if it helps. I'm my own experiment. Wish me luck!

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!

AWESOME, what a guide!

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.

I would highly recommend this book with many answers especially for people having digestive issues

Important info for everyone. Better gut health helps keep better health.

leading a more healthy lifestyle.

本書の内容は「自閉症、アルツハイマー病、パーキンソン病、統合失調症（いわゆる精神分裂症）、喘息その他の自己免疫疾患、うつ病、肥満、ある種の糖尿病は、実は腸の病気？」という驚くべきものであるが、記載は非常に中立かつ慎重で、「胎教」、「内臓病は心の病気」等の民間知見を丁寧に科学的に跡付けたものである。著者は、精神と身体の関係を追求すべく、スイスの田舎の老舗菓子店の息子という安定した地位を捨てて、当時、当該学問の聖地であったカルフォルニアに移住した高名な研究者である。 特に重要な指摘は、いわゆる「胎教」の科学的説明の部分であり、「母親の精神状態が荒廃していると、胎児は生れ出る世界は荒廃した世界で有害な病原体や油断できない競争者に満ちていると解釈し、それに備えて、体と心を鎧で包んで生まれてくるのである」すなわち、免疫系はピリピリ、精神はイガイガ、周りは全部敵ばかりという具合である。 また、パーキンソン病の初期症状は、発症の２０年も前に腸に現れるのである。 さらに、腸の細菌叢は柔軟で「数か月以内にダイエットシュガーを一般の糖に分解する能力を獲得する」という主張は、驚くべきもので、言い換えると「長期的に言うと、ダイエットシュガーは体の中で、普通の糖分よりも多くの糖分に分解される」のである。そうするとダイエットシュガーて、いったい何でしょうか？ということになりますね。

Spannendes und informatives Buch über den Darm mit auch gut fundierten Quellenangaben

Fascinating, enlightening read and a window into the yet to be fully understood world of microbes and their role and impact on human health and well-being. Published in 2016, yet it's narrative still resonates today with ongoing research affirming much of what Emeran Mayer posits.

I really felt the need to write a review after seeing the comments posted by one of the other rather poorly supported opinionistic revieres. Ok so firstly NO this book isn't full of anecdotal information whatsoever most of the comments are grounded in factual research and if you have any kind of knowledge of this particular subject you will quickly find yourself at home with the subject matter that is covered. My main gripe with this book is that the information although factual does not pull from the newest research available nor is the work referenced (which can be frustrating if your interested in further reading). Opinions are given throughout the book but are formulated intelligently and given plentry of scientific grounding. Will you be blown away with the latest research in this book... probably not! However, will you gain a very unique perspective offered by the author surrounding most of the viable research that is available out there... most definitely! Would I recommend reading this book? If your interested in the subject of how our microbiota affects our psyche, then yes it's really worth a read.