Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain - for Life

With a span of 30 feet from mouth to anus, the gastrointestinal tract (gut) is a veritable subject for its disorders and hence research. With the absorptive exposure to ingested material the size of a football field, it is not surprising that the gut is considered an organ in its own right with inflammatory conditions breaching the gut to blood barrier and beyond. The author, a neurologist, has reviewed the scientific evidence that breaches of this immune protection in the intestine (Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue), accounting for up to 80% of our immune system, probably lead to major and widespread medical problems. His expertise is in 'brain-related' disorders including autism, hyperactive disorders, depression, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's, migraine but also mentioned are related conditions, asthma, eczema, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also more widespread problems of obesity and associated conditions including diabetes are reviewed. Dr Perlmutter's findings implicate that an imbalance between the health-providing microbes, (bacteria), that live in our gut are disturbed by substances, including food, (especially sugar and gluten), infection, ( e.g.Clostridium Welchii, where faecal microbial transplantation definitely works and has other therapeutic implications), antibiotics and stress that may lead to the gut gatekeepers of inflammatory threats to be beaten. The other major, unexplored factor in health is the role of the vagus nerve that has an extensive gut supply and direct connection with the brain. This is the longest and most complicated of the cranial, (brain), nerves. His explanations are clearly explained and his description of the inflammatory response through blood cell lymphocytes and factors that affect health when wrongly challenged are solid. His advice is founded on his evidence based research. In essence it is to return the gut microflora, (bacteria) into a more healthy state. His dietary recommendations are fundamental; a low-carbohydrate, sugar free, zero refined foods along with healthier fats, pre and post biotic foods and high protein content. Foods to be avoided and those to be encouraged with examples of meals are included. His book is not only based on current peer-reviewed research (evidence-based with references), but also on his own extensive medical practice experience. As a medical practioner involved with some of these problems that asked more questions than gave answers in the past, I endorse the author's scientific findings and recommendations. An excellent read that has a scientific basis and deserves a widespread readership, particularly if personally affected or by family or friend that may benefit from dietary modification, rather than drug and biological therapies with their own side-effects. Thought-provoking and incisive reading.

This book by Dr Perlmutter was a thoroughly absorbing read, and in language simple enough for a layperson to understand clearly and methodically explains and shows with evidence the clear link between a sick gut and a whole list of modern ailments including, but not exclusively, Coeliac disease, Irritable Bowel disorders, Autism, MS, Dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and a whole host of other autoimmune and Neurological disorders. He fairly gives praise to the value of Antibiotics in curing some of the worlds most serious bacterial diseases but then explains why their over use and prescribing for ailments that anti biotics were never intended for, and are ineffective for, have created a level of resistance that could threaten our future health. The relatively simple restoration of the gut micro biome by the use of natural foods and the removing of potential toxins like gluten from your diet, but that include foods with natural probiotics and pro biotics is straightforward enough to guide you to restore your own damaged gut flora and restore your health. The practice of FMT ( foecal matter transplantation) might be a bit hard to stomach, no pun intended, but this is clearly where the medical breakthroughs in treating a whole range of modern disorders particularly gastro-intestinal but also neurological is likely to be headed. Dr Perlmutter I am deeply indebted to you for your phenomenal book, and your desire to see people cured without the need for intrusive medication that may be largely un-necessary. Thank you.

Read The Diet Myth and felt disappointed, felt like I needed to know more. This book did the trick. I suspect that the whole microbial flora thing will take off soon. If there was drug money in it I guess we would have more happening now. It has prompted me to modify my eating habits. Pluses... For me I want the science stuff and his opinionation. Minuses... His blurring of association with causation at times worried me as did the feeling he may have been cherry picking his evidence. Overall though I think he is right. Oh, and I get exasperated when US writers on diet always seem to end up advising shed loads of supplements. If primal and African diets are so fab, how come they don't need them? Overall, again, a very interesting and worthwhile read. Will be sharing/discussing some parts with a neuropharmacist friend of mind and with my midwife daughter,

I have read many books on good health and spent a year revamping my diet through a health practitioner. This book is the best of the best. Backed up by the latest research, it makes a compelling and fascinating case for making looking after your gut. The best part is that it is so easy and science has shown your gut can heal rapidly if you look after it. There are recipes and meal suggestions. I have finished reading feeling empowered with knowledge about how to give my body the best chance of wellness through diet. A triumph.

This book is a real eye opener and full of self help information for restoring your gut bacteria. Although hard going in places especially going through the various bacteria that reside in the gut, the author has done a great job in keeping it interesting to the layman. The proposed 7 day diet and recipes are straightforward and not over the top which is definitely more appealing to somebody starting to incorporate this advice into their lifestyle.

Informative and thought provoking, this is a much more biomedically technical book that was less approachable. That said, I thought it worth reading

For anyone interested in health - this is a very interesting & informative read! The importance of the gut micro biome on overall health cannot be stressed enough.

This book peels the onion so to speak! It asks the question 'why?" to behavioural and mood disorders and many more conditions. Among other things, the health of our brain it suggests is dictated by the state of our microbiome. It explains how nurturing our gut health can alter our brains and boost mental clarity and improve on some mental states as well as digestive tract issues. Brilliant book; thoroughly recommend reading.

Il libro è di estremo interesse. La ricerca è solo agli inizi ma è indubitabile che il microbioma è responsabile di un grandissimo numero di patologie. Consiglio l'acquisto.

Dr. Perlmutter scores again with a great book, this time about the profound impact of gut flora on our health. As patients and people we have been taught that having a propensity to get fat, dementia or cancer is “genetic” and we are mostly helpless to change that. Yet, the research shows that our second genome, that of our gut population, could be a much more relevant and powerful factor than our own human genome. David Perlmutter enjoys a privileged position of being a physician, therefore people listen to him. This information is well cited, based on research and brings it to the masses with his approachable, conversational style as well as his unabashed enthusiasm for the potential of treatments and cures for his patients. He starts with the research that makes foundational concepts: sterile mice implanted with gut flora from slender mice stay lean, mice implanted with obese mice get fat when given the same diet and environment. Then he expands to the more abstract information like the detrimental effects of antibiotics and the study that showed women who have undergone the most days on antibiotics have twice the rate of breast cancer. He shows how poor gut health causes high blood sugar, inflammation, decreased resilience to stress, sleep and cognitive difficulties and more. The angle that is original in this book is the relationship of gut dysbiosis and brain diseases and practical application of gut healing. People suffering from major depression, Alzheimer’s and autism have high rates of gut dysbiosis. In his practice, when he corrects the gut imbalance in people with these and other neurological diseases, symptoms often decrease or sometimes disappear. These are diseases with no accepted “cure”. He peppered his book with anecdotal reports of his patients having mind blowing transformations like these after taking very intentional steps such as diet modification, eating fermented foods and even probiotic enemas. Hopefully there will be some real research in this area someday. His epilogue seems optimistic that sufficient research will happen. I doubt this field is getting the true attention it deserves. He shows no criticism towards the “system” at the fact that fecal transplants are only approved for C.diff patients yet people with IBS and other diseases get radically great results from them. He matter of factly tells us sends his patients that need a fecal transplant overseas. Well good for those who have the luxury of seeing the celebrity doctor then jet set to Europe to get their treatment. What about the rest of people suffering? I think this book is great in the way it shows the whole picture of the gut flora from the negative effects of cesarean birth, rounds of antibiotics, chemical exposure and a western diet. He clearly outlines a path to reversing a damaged gut. The one criticism I have is that he recommends a high fiber diet heavy with fermented foods and includes a week long diet plan. He also give instruction on how to ferment to make this lifestyle affordable and accessible to all. However, adding 3 servings a day of billions of bacteria a day can cause digestive distress to most people accustomed to the standard American diet. I would recommend a gradual introduction instead. Overall, it’s a great book. It’s well cited, clearly organized. He quotes top scientists and researchers that all share his enthusiasm for this frontier of healing and understanding the human body. It’s not dumbed down yet it’s understandable enough for the common reader. This book will be groundbreaking in increasing awareness of this emerging field that affects us all.

Muy buen libro b

I recommend reading this book. It explains the important connections between the gut and the brain and the implications of this for good health and then goes on to dietary recommendations.

Excellent!! Very useful information. For your life! Everyone should had the chance to read it! Also a good gift, for sure!