“This book redefines what it means to be healthy.” —David Perlmutter, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Grain Brain and Brain Maker

Neuroscience meets the latest discoveries on the human microbiome in this revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of the health classic—a practical guide with the most cutting-edge information that proves once and for all the inextricable, biological link between mind and body.

Most people have noticed the connection between the brain and the gut. If you’ve ever felt queasy walking into an uncomfortable situation or based a life decision on a “gut feeling,” then you know that sometimes our bodies react faster than our minds. Most of us have also experienced the same phenomenon in reverse, where our mental state has affected our digestive system—like butterflies in our stomach before an important meeting or a first date. But while the dialogue between the mind and the gut has been recognized by ancient healing traditions, scientists today are just starting to understand how powerful and far-reaching that connection is.

The Mind-Gut Connection shows us the full impact of how the brain, gut, and microbiome—the community of microorganisms inside the digestive tract—communicate. When this communication system is out of balance, a wide range of major health problems can arise, including digestive disorders, obesity, depression, anxiety, food sensitivities, allergies, and fatigue. With simple changes to our diet and lifestyle, we can enjoy a happier mind-set, enhanced immunity, decrease the risk of developing neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and even lose weight. Following a simple, holistic model of health and wellbeing, drawn from decades of clinical practice and the latest research, Dr. Emeran Mayer shows how paying attention to the mind-gut balance is the key to unlocking vibrant health.

The Mind-Gut Connection includes eleven images throughout.