Clean Gut: The Breakthrough Plan for Eliminating the Root Cause of Disease and Revolutionizing Your Health

by Alejandro Junger

In Clean Gut, Alejandro Junger, M.D, New York Times bestselling author of Clean and creator of the world-famous Clean Program, delivers a complete toolkit for reversing disease and sustaining life-long health. Inside these pages, Junger offers a groundbreaking new program that attacks the root causes of illness and helps us to restore our own amazing healing capabilities.

With a few simple steps, you can repair and restore your gut health, and watch symptoms both minor and major disappear. This groundbreaking new protocol grew out of Dr. Junger's experience helping many people jump-start their way back to wellness. Dr. Junger also presents a set of guiding principles to keep you healthy for the long term. True health is about more than just what you put into your mouth: it's also about community and the people and things you surround yourself with; it's about how to know what your body loves, craves, and needs versus what assaults it. In Clean Gut, Dr. Junger gives us everything we need to discover what it means to be truly healthy.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Nutrition, Food, Self Help, Audiobook, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2013

About the author

Dr. Alejandro Junger was born in Uruguay. He graduated from medical school there in 1990 and moved to New York City for his postgraduate training. He completed three years of training in Internal Medicine at NYU Downtown Hospital and three more years of fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases at Lenox Hill Hospital.

His drastic change in lifestyle and diet from his move to New York City soon reflected as irritable bowel syndrome and depression. Becoming a patient of the system he was practicing was such a shock, that it started a journey to search for an alternative solution to his health problems.

His findings are the subject of his first book, Clean. In it, Dr. Junger describes how he became aware of the toxicity of our planet. He also explains how detoxification and cleansing have been around for thousands of years, but knowledge about them has been lost at at time when it is more important than ever before. Most importantly, Clean is a manual for readers to learn how to turn our detoxification systems on full speed, while supporting our bodies to maximize their effectiveness.

He lives in Los Angeles with his three children.

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: I read this book a few years ago --(my review is 'dated') --- but this book is helpful --useful --to those who want to read (ha) about colon health. -- I've listen to Junger speak several times --read 'all' his books. Truth is there is a wide variety of diseases related to the colon --and within the colon -- This book is not 'THE' answer to 'all' issues --but its one of the best mainstream books --easy to read --giving a basic understanding about the value of colon health.

This is a $1.99 Kindle special today --Well worth reading!


I read this book as 'ongoing' information as a guide ....
I'm already seeing a Functional Medicine doctor...(getting support -instructions -tests -follow-ups -etc.)
I have a rare disease of the colon called Hirschsprung's Disease. (which was never mentioned in this book) -- yet --to be honest --its pretty damn hard to find many adults living with this.

I also have Hashimoto's disease and Intestinal Permeability.

Healing 'years' of a damaged colon is a challenge --
Major Food and lifestyle restriction is also a challenge --

Dr. Alejandro suggests a makes many suggestions in his book --yet --he also says 'best your best judge'.
He suggests seeing a Functional Medicine doctor if you know you are having many health issues: (constipation, headaches, digestion problems, depression, joint & back problems --etc.)

I happen to agree: The Functional Medicine doctor I'm seeing 'is' helping ---yet --I'm STILL suffering --(its NOT a perfect science) --I can't say I've had a complete turn around by any means...
And I AM doing the work (my part anyway) ---

Overall: This book is NOT sexy ---
This book is NOT about being the PERFECT solution to 'ALL GUT Problems'....
BUT....it comes DAMN close. This author is making a huge contribution in writing this book. Its easy to read. Its pretty easy to understand. He gives readers other resources ---
He is 'opening' up people's eyes --- in that its NO JOKE that the relationship between our COLON *is* a strong connection to the many other physical -mental -and spiritual problems people live with.

Dr. Junger is a strong leader in the field of 'colon health'. Other doctors are catching on to the relationship 'with' depression --- 'with' food allergies ---with the dangers of 'gluten' for many people. .....

People who are NOT suffering....'wonderful'. This may be the last book on earth you want to read.
Its not a book for everyone!

It was a book for me! MOST of the time, I prefer 'fiction' reading: ('stories')....but even in THIS non-fiction book, the doctor shares HIS STORY also! His story is 'real' and feels 'honest'.
Never 'once' did I feel the author was Preaching information at me --- rather -- a gem-of-a- human being ---aware of the challenges he faces every day, also ---trying to live a clean life ---(within a culture that does not feel supporting).

So---Alejandro talks about building our own- healthy-communities! (trusting & loving friends supporting each others well-being). I agree!

[Bonnie Brzozowski · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's very little research cited in this book and I felt like he was just going off anecdote much of the time. The information was poorly organized and repetitive and at least 1/4 of the book was really just personal memoir (how he came to understand why proper gut function is essential to overall health).

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Junger's book, "Clean Gut," makes a lot of sense. His study of the gut has shown that most ailments and diseases originate there and cause problems in various parts of the body, such as asthma, allergies, and heart disease. I have found that to be true in my own life. I started experiencing gut problems when I was 14 and since then have experienced all sorts of problems- chronic fatigue, random pains in my body, breakouts, severe sickness, the list goes on.

Despite the fact that I really did like this book, the detox he presents did not work for me. The amount of supplements he asks you to take (about 6 supplements, three times a day) along with the high fiber fruits and minimal carbs were really bad for me. I felt like there was no way my body could absorb all of the "vitamins and supplements" he requires you to take in one day. For the three days I did it, I had a massive headache the entire time (I don't normally get headaches), and some of my symptoms worsened. I decided to stop and resume my normal diet of whole, unprocessed foods.

All in all, I would recommend it to those who are looking for deeper insight into some of their chronic problems. However, I would proceed with caution for the detox.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book.

The first half of the book is about why clean eating and digestion is soooooo important. I didn't even know that "leaky gut" existed lol so gross! XD

It's crazy how most of the diseases and sickness' our bodies can get are caused by bad gut health... I never knew it was THAT important. But if you think about it the only inputs our bodies get from the external world is through skin (which most things don't come in), and our lungs (which is just air), but most importantly our digestion system are completely exposed to the external world.

I never even looked into gluten free foods but I guess everyone is different and if you're unhealthy you get more and more allergies and intolerance's and then only way to get rid of them is to omit them from your diet and clean out.

The second half is more practical about what you can do to improve your gut health. Combination meals, cleanse then slowly bring back dairy or meat or gluten to see how your body reacts to it. You may be intolerant to certain food groups without knowing.

[Sue Bergman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I disagree completely with the spiritual beliefs in this book. That being said his premise on our gut being our second brain made a lot of sense. He points out that 90 percent of seratonin is made in the gut. Inflammation all over the body (systemic) leads to disease. I will not do the diet but it just reaffirmed that the natural supplements that I've been on for a couple months are helping my leaky gut heal that is a result of not knowing I had Celiac Disease for ten years. My chiropractor told me recently that I have much less inflammation than I did a couple months ago. Better nutrition equals clean gut equals less inflammation in the body which equals less disease:)

[Ariadna73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a little bit difficult to use in a pragmatic way. The science described might be very true, but it is impossible to live in a world where we would not be exposed to dirt. I think that it is a little edgy to state that if you go to the pool for a while, then your gut will be poisoned with chloride, that you must avoid any contact with plastic, and so on. Come on! we must be pragmatic too! This is the world we live in and no amount of knowledge about how toxic it is will make us abandon all contact with filthy stuff.


Not all of us will be thrilled to live as bubble boy.

If you feel like viewing more of the books I read, you are welcome to visit my blog: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com

[Alison Whiteman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book I already knew the root of all disease begins in the gut. I did not know this includes depression. Serotonin is partly produced in the digestive tract.

I appreciate the analogy between a person's "gut" and gardening. A good gardener doesn't tend only to the leaves of a plant or tree, but the roots. Why then wouldn't a person tend to the root of disease, the gut?

I was diagnosed with MS in 1998 and had a series of colonic therapy. I did go into remission shortly thereafter. Now, in 2015 I have developed all sorts of reactions to not only pollen, but foods. My MS is remissive but my body is obviously suffering from inflammation.

Colonic therapy is an option, but in the end, the diet is crucial to preventing the inflammation in our digestive tract that can lead to many diseases. Lastly, this made me think carefully about our increasingly genetically modified food supply.

I think the cost of treating disease far surpasses prevention and so I do think there will be a shift back to and demand for the removal of GMO and pesticide laden foods making so many human beings ill.

[Surfacin9 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like his story, how he came to practice functional medicine. I haven't heard of functional medicine before. The concept makes sense. I hate doctors who give you a bag of antibiotics to deal with a dysfunction. There are so many things that go into why we get sick in the first place. Prescription medicine is not the only solution to our health problems.
However his 20 day "diet" into a Clean Gut is not very practical, especially for those of us living in Third World countries. There's a long list of supplements you need to take with this diet that I wouldn't be able to get hold of. Also, it would be very hard to avoid his entire "Don't Eat" list, which includes gluten, dairy, processed sugar, alcohol, caffeine, beans, rice, soy, potatoes, corn, and "almost all fruits," even if it is for just 20 days. I wouldn't want to cut my daily breakfasts, which usually include fruits, dates, oats, barley, rye, and greek yogurt, only to substitute it with "A green shake plus supplements."
I definitely learned something new with this book. But I don't think I'll want to follow it 100%.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same claims as paleo, but less scientifically explained (if you really dig into paleo stuff) and even more restrictive. I agree with his main premise; toxic diet, root of all health evils, inflammation bad, etc. I just can't do the diet.

[ZaBeth Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

just not my cup of tea

[Mintti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mielenkiintoinen kirja vatsaongelmista kärsiville. Vaikea sanoa kuinka hyvin tämän tyypin mainostama ruokaremontti voisi toimia, mutta ei kai olisi haittaa kokeillakaan. Kirjailija on lääkäri joka on myös perehtynyt ns. vaihtoehtomenetelmiin, joskin hän itse kutsuu sitä kokonaisvaltaiseksi tai funktionaaliseksi lähestymistavaksi, minkä on tietty hyvä asia. Hyvät perustelut ja omat kokemukset vielä lisänä, voisi hyvin kokeilla kolmen viikon puhdistusta mitä tässä suositellaan ja mukana on myös ruokaohjeita ja hyviä vinkkejä ja linkkejä.

[Carola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todos deberían leer este libro.

Intestino sano, vida saludable.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I think other books have explained some of the "whys" better of why you should do an elimination diet (as well as why you're eliminating what you're eliminating, besides "these are inflammatory--avoid"), but I thought it was fairly straightforward. It might have been a little TOO simplified, but this is from someone who has read a ton of paleo books/cookbooks in the last year.

These elimination diet books are generally the same: most of our food is toxic, the gut is a good indicator of your general health, and most health issues can be seen in the gut; eliminate a lot of inflammatory foods for x-number days and you'll probably start to feel better; rinse-repeat. I really do believe all this stuff, it's just the mental resistance is worse than the actual diet. Eating this way as a social single person is incredibly difficult--I can't pretend otherwise. But it's either committing to this way of eating for the next few months or going on some drastic drugs, and I'd rather not do that if I haven't at least committed to this way of eating to see how I feel. The excuses are getting increasingly lame.

The book does include recipes in the back, but I haven't tried them so I can't attest to their tastiness. But there is a blog with information on recipes, supplements, and a community, which I thought was pretty cool (and they try to sell you a cleansing system, but I just ignored that.)

[Ladonna Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the science in this book. The details about what is going on with neurotransmitters in our digestive tract I thought were very interesting and made perfect sense. The problem I have with this book is that he tells us the way to fix this is to eat a difficult to master diet. I found his diet suggestions to be too difficult to follow. In addition, the best way to follow his diet suggestion is to buy his products. He has a website at which you can purchase the necessary items to do what he is suggesting, however the cost is of course prohibitive for most people.
I wish he would give a more practical guide for the average person, and also for people who are lower income. It is a shame that the only people who get to be healthy are the people who can afford it financially. Another side effect of the growing distance between the haves and the have nots in our country.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alejandro Junger does it again! Packed with a wealth of information on how to eliminate the root cause of illness, but done in terms that are easy for anyone to understand. Junger's passion for health and helping others is evident throughout the book. His positive attitude shine through and inspire! Great recipes and resources as offer the support needed to change your lifestyle.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have his other book, Clean, and we've followed his cleanse once a year for the past few years. This is a newer cleanse he came up with so we tried it this fall. I actually like this one better because you can eat a salad for dinner instead of just a juice. There are also some great recipes that we'll definitely make when not on the cleanse.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe in the idea that disease comes from within but not mentally at a place to cut out so much. Easy to read and thankfully not to technical. Wanted more recipes and suggestions on smaller ways to incorporate this process.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and believable book. Now, what to do with the information.

[Eugenia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read this book because my brother's doctor strongly suggested it to him. It is completely evidence-free and I will suggest to me brother he changes doctors!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Junger is a frequent guest on a podcast I enjoy. I really like his comprehensive approach to health. But I found the research in this (especially when he talks about specific diseases) really sparse. Intuitively what he says makes TONS of sense and a more mindful, balanced diet it always good, of course, but I bristle at the claims of “scientific evidence.”

[Alexis Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read and interesting takes, going to take some of this info with a grain of salt but it’s great to know that I’ve done a lot of these tips prior to reading this book that have been very helpful

[Genesis Arellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipes are yummy and healthy

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be on everyone's bookshelves, kindle app, etc. This book is fabulous! It explains where disease originates, how to overcome it and live an optimum life free of disease.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new here and no empirical data, just anecdotes. Eat whole foods and exercise. Avoid foods that make you feel sick. Not exactly revolutionary.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Gut reactions**

Talk about having a gut reaction.

According to _Clean Gut’s_ author Dr. Junger, the most common diseases and chronic health problems of today—including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, allergies, autoimmune diseases, back pain, infertility, and gluten sensitivity—have their origins in gut dysfunction. In a nutshell (or would that be gutshell?), modern life is not so gut-friendly, and we’re constantly being bombarded with toxins, triggers, and other stressors that wreak havoc on our guts (specifically the intestinal wall and flora):
“The weakest point in our biology in general is the gut, which is why I call it the body’s Achilles’ Heel. It is the part of the body that suffers the most damage from the unnatural way of life we have created. You can be sure that if you currently live in a modern city, you have some level of gut damage, which causes a degree of gut dysfunction and can lead to a whole spectrum of symptoms and diseases. Even if you are not currently experiencing any symptoms, gut damage today is what breeds diseases in the future.” (p. 88)

(Not to scare you, or anything.)

In an effort to repair itself, the gut’s immune system becomes (hyper)activated, leading to systemic inflammation and chronic health problems:
“Most of the symptoms and diseases that manifest in different parts of the body—from the heart to the joints—are really just complex consequences, or elaborate disguises, of one common problem: gut dysfunction...We are all walking around with damaged guts and, to different degrees, suffering the consequences in our day-to-day and long-term health. Without an optimally functioning gut, we simply don’t have a chance of achieving true long-lasting health. When we repair the gut and eliminate the root of disease, however, major and minor symptoms disappear, and we discover what it means to be truly healthy." (pp. 66,8)

So, how do we go about repairing and restoring the gut? Enter the Clean Gut plan and promise:
“_Clean Gut_ will help your body repair your gut. No matter your current state of health, you will benefit from this program. Based on the four Rs of functional medicine—Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, and Repair—the Clean Gut program...is a comprehensive program that can easily be integrated into your daily life and has the potential to heal and restore the area in your body that is most taxed by everyday life: your gut...Restore your gut’s health and stop disease from the get-go—or more accurately, from the gut-go!”
(pp. 8,10)

Although the Clean Gut program is not a panacea for perfect health, I think it addresses the roots of our chronic health problems in a way that the traditional medical model of treating symptoms and prescribing “a pill for every ill” does not. Even if the program is not for everyone, its basic nutritional approach is likely beneficial for anyone: eat whole foods minus those that trigger you. (How can you go wrong with that?) Plus, it provides some pretty full-proof holistic health guidelines that can amp up your quality of life beyond just improved gut health.

I’m glad I followed my gut reaction to read _Clean Gut_.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

That most if not all ailments start in the gut makes a lot of sense. I plan to do the cleanse and change some nasty habits I have, but I wonder who has time to make shakes every morning for 21 days unless they do not work or have a personal chef! I know I am always rushing out the door in the morning, and the hardest commitment of all for me to make is to get up even 20 minutes earlier (I promise myself to try!). I also don't want to give up my gluten-free oatmeal altogether since I believe that helps keep my cholesterol down. It is also a great source of fiber for me.

I don't necessarily recommend getting all the supplements Dr. Junger requires. That is where I start to wonder if he is getting some sort of kickback from the supplement companies. I bought the trycycline with berberine, but you can get any kind of probiotic and b-complex. I don't think you need to be completely religious on this point.

I would also recommend easing into the cleanse by changing your eating habits a little and then start the supplements.

I appreciate that Dr. Junger is not preachy and obviously aims to help his readers, and his book does not read like a boring text. The explanation of the digestive system is probably a bit tedious for some, but for someone like me, who has allergies, digestive issues and bouts of moodiness, who does not want to take meds all her life and support Pfizer, yet knows very little about the digestive system, the careful explanation is great.

The recipes are a great help and are worth trying whether you decide to do the cleanse or not.

Good luck!!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Junger claims that most diagnosed ailments from chronic pain, heart disease, digestion issues, depression, extra weight, allergies, inflammation, etc. can be traced back to an injured and irritated gut. He does a good job of explaining how the gut works and how it gets ill or compromised. It does make sense and is believeable, even though I may have gotten a bit lost in the biological explanations here and there. He then has a 21 day eating plan with supplements that if followed, will clean the gut and in so many cases, will eliminate the problems mentioned above. He's got lots of patients who've been healed in this way.

It may seem impossible to eat this way indefinetely. I think it is possible with a lot of hard work and planning. It does take a lot more time to prepare healthy meals at home, when it would be easier to buy packaged and processed foods for convenience. For busy people with families and full time jobs, this can be a challenge.

It was affirming for me to read this book because it lines up with many other health professionals and what they are saying about food and health and illnesses. No matter what the current state of your health is, I think one can benefit from this program. We are all walking around with damaged guts to different degrees and suffering the consequences in our day to day and long term health. Why would one not at least try this plan in looking to feel better or possibly eliminate a particular problem.

[Katy Compton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the book and started the diet. Doing this for medical reasons because I have stomach issues, not to lose a couple pounds (but I won't be sad if that happens!) I do have issues with the diet, especially if people decide to do this indefinitely because unless you're allergic or sensitive I don't think you should ever have to cut something completely out of your diet. Everything in moderation. But I am going to review the book:

It was a somewhat easy, fast read. Not too long. I do wish he would have explained the diet a bit better. For example right away in the morning I am supposed to drink a glass of water with a half squeeze lemon in it. But why? What does this help with?

He does a great job of explaining his journey and the medical part of the "gut" I just wanted a little more on why I should or shouldn't eat certain food (besides the big stomach irrigators).

Also the recipes are not good. I have tries 3 and only one was worth while, the other 2 were total busts (throwing out part of the food busts, which I HATE to do!) He should get a chef to create some easy, tasty meal for this diet to help the average reader along.

If you want some helpful hints to ease stomach issues pick up this book. If you are looking to lose a few pounds there are much easier diets out there.

[Þór Hauksson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate diet books. Not because they're all useless or necessarily unhelpful, but because most of them are an over-hyped, prententious and scientifically shaky sales pitch. Someone is always selling you something and making money in the process from their breakthrough never-before-discovered secret that promises instant fatloss and blissful health.

Then why do I keep reading them? Because I firmly believe that a sensible diet is at the core of sustainable health and each year I try to fish at least one book from the overwhealming sea of diet literature that will add something sensible to my quest.

I was therefore pleasently surprised by Junger's book on the Clean Gut diet, in more ways than one. The program and principles presented in the book make good sense and are backed up by scientific resources. I also found Junger's own account of his personal quest for improved health engaging and interesting. Being a M.D. of cardiology, shcooled in is home country of Uruguay and in the United States, Junger explaines openly how his view of health broadened to a more holistic approach.

Based on what I have taken in so far and found useful (e.g. Pollan's book on Food Rules and Mosley's books on the 5:2 fasting diet), Junger's approach, program and principles made good sense to me.

I can thus recommend the book, but have yet to put it's principles into full practice.