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The Whole-Body Microbiome: How to Harness Microbes—Inside and Out—for Lifelong Health
Science has made huge leaps in prolonging life through disease prevention and treatment, but microbiologist Brett Finlay and gerontologist Jessica Finlay offer a different―and truly revolutionary―approach to the quest for the fountain of youth. Microbes are the oldest and smallest forms of life on earth, and encompass bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and other microscopic organisms. While some bacteria and viruses can make us sick, normally we coexist peacefully with microbes. In fact, they are essential to our everyday health. Microbes help break down food in the digestive tract, support immune function and protect us from the pathogens we come into contact with on a daily basis. Our well-being is intimately tied to the microbes that surround us―on our cellphones, kitchen sponges, houseplants, pets and desks. In this groundbreaking volume, the authors present current and emerging research on microbial interventions for the full gamut of age-related conditions, from sun spots and wrinkles to Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteoporosis, menopause, chronic inflammation and more. The good news is that simple changes to nutrition and lifestyle can promote the right kind of microbial exposure, to improve health whether we’re eighteen or eighty. Incorporating interviews with leading microbiologists, scientific researchers and medical professionals, and with a compelling and proactive approach to cutting-edge science, The Whole-Body Microbiome will appeal to anyone looking to grow old as healthfully and gracefully as possible.
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2019
About the author
B. Brett Finlay
6 books20 followersDr. B. Brett Finlay is a Professor in the Michael Smith Laboratories, and the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. He obtained a B.Sc. (Honors) in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta, where he also did his Ph.D. (1986) in Biochemistry under Dr. William Paranchych, studying F-like plasmid conjugation. His post-doctoral studies were performed with Dr. Stanley Falkow at the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he studied Salmonella invasion into host cells. In 1989, he joined UBC as an Assistant Professor in the Biotechnology Laboratory. Dr. Finlay’s research interests are focussed on host-microbe interactions, at the molecular level. By combining cell biology with microbiology, he has been at the forefront of the field called Cellular Microbiology, making several fundamental discoveries in this area, and publishing over 460 papers (h index=110). His laboratory studies several pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli, and more recently microbiota. He is well recognized internationally for his work, and has won several prestigious awards including the E.W.R. Steacie Prize, the CSM Fisher Scientific Award, CSM Roche Award, a MRC Scientist, five Howard Hughes International Research Scholar Awards, a CIHR Distinguished Investigator, BC Biotech Innovation Award, the Michael Smith Health Research Prize, the IDSA Squibb award, the Jacob Biely Prize, the prestigious Canadian Killam Health Sciences Prize, the Flavelle Medal of the Royal Society, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Prix Galien, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, is a Member of the German National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Microbiology, Chair d'État, Collège de France and is the UBC Peter Wall Distinguished Professor. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia. He is a cofounder of Inimex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Microbiome Insights, scientific cofounder of Vedanta Pharmaceuticals and CommenSe, Director of the SARS Accelerated Vaccine Initiative, and Founding Director and Senior Fellow of CIFAR’s Microbes and Humans. He also serves on several editorial and advisory boards, and is a strong supporter of communicating science to the public.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 16, 2023
Fascinating stuff. I will be interested to see where science goes with the microbiome in the near future. Maybe it will bring a cure for my allergies! I have completely overhauled my diet to focus on my gut microbiome and would like to figure out options for skin care too. A star removed for a lack of resources or recommendations, though that might be unfair. I just wanted a bit more.
January 18, 2026
I am always drawn to a pretty cover!
As I have grown older, I have been more and more drawn to learning about how to keep myself healthy (physically and mentally) and this book choice was a helpful step in that direction.
Being printed in January 2019, I feel that a lot of the information was more known and common knowledge but still enjoyed learning the history and the way ahead for our bodies and biomes.
I also liked the different chapter headings/topics with myths and facts and helpful advice.
As I have grown older, I have been more and more drawn to learning about how to keep myself healthy (physically and mentally) and this book choice was a helpful step in that direction.
Being printed in January 2019, I feel that a lot of the information was more known and common knowledge but still enjoyed learning the history and the way ahead for our bodies and biomes.
I also liked the different chapter headings/topics with myths and facts and helpful advice.
July 26, 2025
2.5 ⭐️🎧 This book took me montthhssss to get through. Rounding up because I’m excited for the future of microbiome research and hope it continues to be a field that people study. However, this specific book shared no insights that were new to me.
January 7, 2021
For someone who is not a scientist nor has ever taking any science courses in college , except for those that were required to get the degree , this book was very easy to follow and had a significant impact on my thinking . i am not easily influenced by what i read because i read so much and , as a social scientist , the one thing that we are taught quite effectively is critical thinking and comparative analysis . this book does an excellent job of taking the lay person through the literature without getting bogged down by medical terminology , and when medical terms are employed , the authors are kind enough to add a parenthesis and to say something simple and practical about said terminology.
in a nutshell , what the book does this provide a history and also a contemporary analysis of recent discoveries and studies of the microbiome, and then it takes this analysis several steps forward by talking about recent applications where these technologies are being employed by companies and doctors . it also goes even further by giving practical tips about what foods have probiotics and that are beneficial for health and longevity.
one of the fascinating things about the book , amongst the many fascinating tidbits that the book offers , was the discussion about fecal matter transfers and how the chinese had been employed some of this microbe technology in the 4th century . the arguments that the authors made about fecal matter transfers are convincing and made me ponder the many possibilities of transferring the microbiota of someone's microbiome to that of a person whose microbiome was in need of a much healthier transplant .
in all, i would highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a fascinating read on current medical technologies , on the use and discovery of microbial technologies, and on some great ideas about what products and foods one should use in order to maintain healthy living and a healthy microbiome...
in a nutshell , what the book does this provide a history and also a contemporary analysis of recent discoveries and studies of the microbiome, and then it takes this analysis several steps forward by talking about recent applications where these technologies are being employed by companies and doctors . it also goes even further by giving practical tips about what foods have probiotics and that are beneficial for health and longevity.
one of the fascinating things about the book , amongst the many fascinating tidbits that the book offers , was the discussion about fecal matter transfers and how the chinese had been employed some of this microbe technology in the 4th century . the arguments that the authors made about fecal matter transfers are convincing and made me ponder the many possibilities of transferring the microbiota of someone's microbiome to that of a person whose microbiome was in need of a much healthier transplant .
in all, i would highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a fascinating read on current medical technologies , on the use and discovery of microbial technologies, and on some great ideas about what products and foods one should use in order to maintain healthy living and a healthy microbiome...
February 28, 2020
This book was quite an exercise. I read much of it out loud to whomever was sitting near me.
2 things to know about me:
1) I have some germophobic tendencies: I cannot eat lunch at the zoo. If we meet for lunch and you quickly pop into the bathroom with your to-go container before you head home, we cannot be friends anymore. If my toothbrush touches a hotel counter, I need a new one. I love essential oils, but I cannot find any combination as soothing and calming to me as chlorine bleach.
2) I roll my eyes at food fads. Whatever the social influencers are eating and drinking because it's so cute or fun or it's curing their inflammation-- I laugh at their reasons and ignore them.
After reading this book:
I'm re-thinking some of my cleaning supplies and habits. I'm allowing my dog to lick me. And I have my first batch of kombucha brewing. Because Science.
So yeah... I picked up what the authors were laying down.
2 things to know about me:
1) I have some germophobic tendencies: I cannot eat lunch at the zoo. If we meet for lunch and you quickly pop into the bathroom with your to-go container before you head home, we cannot be friends anymore. If my toothbrush touches a hotel counter, I need a new one. I love essential oils, but I cannot find any combination as soothing and calming to me as chlorine bleach.
2) I roll my eyes at food fads. Whatever the social influencers are eating and drinking because it's so cute or fun or it's curing their inflammation-- I laugh at their reasons and ignore them.
After reading this book:
I'm re-thinking some of my cleaning supplies and habits. I'm allowing my dog to lick me. And I have my first batch of kombucha brewing. Because Science.
So yeah... I picked up what the authors were laying down.
December 13, 2020
In between book. Explored interesting potential for application. But as someone who has already read up on this subject it didn't provide anything new. Eat well, exercise, have some prebiotic foods, maybe some probiotics, and don't be too clean. There were a few whole chapters exploring the microbiome in various organs but of which studies are limited.
Perhaps a good reminder/intro book for some.
Perhaps a good reminder/intro book for some.
January 25, 2026
I read this after hearing Brett Finlay on The Art of Manliness. If I were to summarise what I learned, it would be this: eat more fibre; eat more cultured foods; avoid processed foods; avoid antibiotics unless necessary; generally avoid alcohol, and if you do drink, moderate amounts of red wine appear preferable. Probiotics are not yet well supported by evidence, but there is also no evidence that they are harmful.
Beyond these takeaways, I found the book weighed down by excessive detail and minutiae. Finlay clearly knows his field and is deeply passionate about the microbiome, but he goes into a level of complexity and nuance that often left me confused rather than enlightened. Given his expertise, I wanted a clearer answer to the practical question: what should I actually do to support a healthy microbiome? The honest answer the book provides is, “it’s complex, and we don’t yet know very much.” More research is needed.
Finlay suggests that one promising way to accelerate microbiome research would be through elite athletes—using microbiome manipulation to improve performance and recovery, with insights that would then trickle down to the rest of us. That seems plausible, if a little optimistic.
A fun (and mildly unsettling) fact: from a bacterial perspective, your phone is dirtier than your toilet seat—by orders of magnitude. Phones are kept warm, close to us, and constantly supplied with nutrients. If you’re the sort of person who gets squeamish about public toilets, it’s worth remembering this next time you’re scrolling. Finlay also notes that “a fine line exists between being hygienic and over-sanitized” (p. 105). Perhaps our “dirty” phones are doing us some good after all.
One tension that runs quietly through the book is the gap between scientific humility and reader expectation. Despite the promise of a “master key,” Finlay is commendably cautious, repeatedly emphasising how complex, individual, and poorly understood the microbiome still is. This restraint is intellectually honest, but it also exposes the limits of current microbiome enthusiasm more broadly. There is a risk of treating the microbiome as a new monocausal explanation for health, replacing older simplifications with a more fashionable one. Finlay largely avoids this trap, yet the practical outcome remains the same: beyond a handful of sensible, low-risk habits, the science cannot yet support confident prescriptions. The book’s strength—its refusal to overclaim—is therefore also the source of the reader’s frustration.
Overall, this is an area where we seem to be only scratching the surface. There is clearly much more to learn. I’m interested in my own health and in supporting my microbes as best I can with the knowledge currently available: more fibre from fruits and vegetables; more yoghurt and other cultured foods; less beer and spirits, more red wine; and perhaps probiotics, acknowledging that their benefit remains uncertain.
For now, I’m content to press pause on this topic and let the science mature enough to offer clearer, more actionable guidance.
Beyond these takeaways, I found the book weighed down by excessive detail and minutiae. Finlay clearly knows his field and is deeply passionate about the microbiome, but he goes into a level of complexity and nuance that often left me confused rather than enlightened. Given his expertise, I wanted a clearer answer to the practical question: what should I actually do to support a healthy microbiome? The honest answer the book provides is, “it’s complex, and we don’t yet know very much.” More research is needed.
Finlay suggests that one promising way to accelerate microbiome research would be through elite athletes—using microbiome manipulation to improve performance and recovery, with insights that would then trickle down to the rest of us. That seems plausible, if a little optimistic.
A fun (and mildly unsettling) fact: from a bacterial perspective, your phone is dirtier than your toilet seat—by orders of magnitude. Phones are kept warm, close to us, and constantly supplied with nutrients. If you’re the sort of person who gets squeamish about public toilets, it’s worth remembering this next time you’re scrolling. Finlay also notes that “a fine line exists between being hygienic and over-sanitized” (p. 105). Perhaps our “dirty” phones are doing us some good after all.
One tension that runs quietly through the book is the gap between scientific humility and reader expectation. Despite the promise of a “master key,” Finlay is commendably cautious, repeatedly emphasising how complex, individual, and poorly understood the microbiome still is. This restraint is intellectually honest, but it also exposes the limits of current microbiome enthusiasm more broadly. There is a risk of treating the microbiome as a new monocausal explanation for health, replacing older simplifications with a more fashionable one. Finlay largely avoids this trap, yet the practical outcome remains the same: beyond a handful of sensible, low-risk habits, the science cannot yet support confident prescriptions. The book’s strength—its refusal to overclaim—is therefore also the source of the reader’s frustration.
Overall, this is an area where we seem to be only scratching the surface. There is clearly much more to learn. I’m interested in my own health and in supporting my microbes as best I can with the knowledge currently available: more fibre from fruits and vegetables; more yoghurt and other cultured foods; less beer and spirits, more red wine; and perhaps probiotics, acknowledging that their benefit remains uncertain.
For now, I’m content to press pause on this topic and let the science mature enough to offer clearer, more actionable guidance.
Read
November 27, 2025There are many books out there that advocate ways to live longer and better through some basic changes in your lifestyle. Some work, some don’t. It is obvious that with THE MICROBIOME MASTER KEY, we have the roadmap to live long and prosper to take the words of a famous character from the sixties.
The father and daughter team of Brett and Jessica Finlay, have laid out the basic principles to help incorporate the vast amount of microbes within our body, to create the path to living longer and have less stress and mess within your body. The book certainly talks to the level that people can understand, and find useful in their lives. The microbes within our body can help do so many positive things, and they are laid out brilliantly within the pages of the book.
It looks into the world of the microbiome, and the many studies that have been created because of it, studies that have shown countless benefits on so many fronts. The main thing is by employing microbes into our life and daily routines, will reap benefits of the highest order. It will give us not a new body, but a new outlook on life, by adding them to your diets and actions that we take.
Some of the advice is common sense and knowledge, but it doesn’t hurt to have them reinforced throughout the book, such as the dangers of smoking, getting the proper amount of rest, eating the right fats, adding probiotics to our diet, avoiding processed foods, keeping weight and intake of sugars under control, and well, so much more.
No matter what the age or lifestyle, we can do positive things in regards to our overall health and that will improve our outlook on life. Plus it will help as we face the potential for possible life-changing and life-ending diseases as Alzheimer’s, cancer, the flu, Covid-19, and many more. The ability to fight back and be more resilient can be achieved by following what is advocated in the pages of the book. This book is a game and life-changer, providing the opportunity to change everything about yourselves from the head down.
The father and daughter team of Brett and Jessica Finlay, have laid out the basic principles to help incorporate the vast amount of microbes within our body, to create the path to living longer and have less stress and mess within your body. The book certainly talks to the level that people can understand, and find useful in their lives. The microbes within our body can help do so many positive things, and they are laid out brilliantly within the pages of the book.
It looks into the world of the microbiome, and the many studies that have been created because of it, studies that have shown countless benefits on so many fronts. The main thing is by employing microbes into our life and daily routines, will reap benefits of the highest order. It will give us not a new body, but a new outlook on life, by adding them to your diets and actions that we take.
Some of the advice is common sense and knowledge, but it doesn’t hurt to have them reinforced throughout the book, such as the dangers of smoking, getting the proper amount of rest, eating the right fats, adding probiotics to our diet, avoiding processed foods, keeping weight and intake of sugars under control, and well, so much more.
No matter what the age or lifestyle, we can do positive things in regards to our overall health and that will improve our outlook on life. Plus it will help as we face the potential for possible life-changing and life-ending diseases as Alzheimer’s, cancer, the flu, Covid-19, and many more. The ability to fight back and be more resilient can be achieved by following what is advocated in the pages of the book. This book is a game and life-changer, providing the opportunity to change everything about yourselves from the head down.
May 5, 2026
I picked up The Microbiome Master Key at a time when I was trying to understand what was really going on with my body. There were phases of low energy, mood swings, and that constant confusion about whether I was stressed, tired, or just not feeling like myself. What drew me to this book was its simple but powerful idea that aging and overall vitality are deeply connected to the microbes living inside us. It helped me realize that what I eat, what I avoid, and how I live my daily life directly affects these microbes, and in turn, how I feel physically and mentally. That shift in thinking made me more conscious about making small but important changes.
The book is written in a very practical and easy way, with chapters focusing on different parts of the body like skin and gut. The section on the skin microbiome stood out to me because I actually noticed changes in my own skin when I started adjusting my diet. The chapter on belly bugs is especially insightful, explaining things like stomach pH, the effect of spicy and processed foods, and the role of different fats. It is filled with references, which makes it feel well researched and credible, but it still explains everything in a way that is easy to understand and apply in daily life.
What stayed with me the most is how the book changes your perspective. Instead of seeing microbes as harmful, you begin to understand how important and helpful they are. It talks about aging, long term health, and even suggests that the real fountain of youth lies in maintaining a healthy microbiome. For me, this book was not just informative but also motivating. It pushed me to rethink my eating habits and lifestyle, and I have genuinely seen positive changes. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand their body better and take simple steps toward better health and longevity.
The book is written in a very practical and easy way, with chapters focusing on different parts of the body like skin and gut. The section on the skin microbiome stood out to me because I actually noticed changes in my own skin when I started adjusting my diet. The chapter on belly bugs is especially insightful, explaining things like stomach pH, the effect of spicy and processed foods, and the role of different fats. It is filled with references, which makes it feel well researched and credible, but it still explains everything in a way that is easy to understand and apply in daily life.
What stayed with me the most is how the book changes your perspective. Instead of seeing microbes as harmful, you begin to understand how important and helpful they are. It talks about aging, long term health, and even suggests that the real fountain of youth lies in maintaining a healthy microbiome. For me, this book was not just informative but also motivating. It pushed me to rethink my eating habits and lifestyle, and I have genuinely seen positive changes. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand their body better and take simple steps toward better health and longevity.
February 22, 2019
This book provides a broad overview of research on the human microbiome and how it affects health and aging. It gets a bit technical at times, but is well organized, interesting, and easy to understand. I appreciated that the authors are clear about what we know, what we suspect, and what remains unknown.
Each chapter discusses the microbiome of a different organ or system, summarizing results from current research, discussing areas where future research might be most helpful, and providing helpful suggestions for how to make use of this knowledge. Each chapter ends with a section of quick tips summarizing their recommended actions and a list of selected references. There is an index at the end, which I have not had a chance to review.
Many of the health recommendations are going to sound familiar, but I appreciated getting a new understanding of why these recommendations are so important. For example, after reading about the oral microbiome, I am feeling a lot more urgency to brush and floss my teeth more often and to pay attention to what is in my toothpaste.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about medical research. If you don’t think you would enjoy reading about studies conducted on germ-free mice or learning about how bacteria influence the levels of cytokines that affect inflammation and the immune response, then this may not be the book for you.
I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting.
Each chapter discusses the microbiome of a different organ or system, summarizing results from current research, discussing areas where future research might be most helpful, and providing helpful suggestions for how to make use of this knowledge. Each chapter ends with a section of quick tips summarizing their recommended actions and a list of selected references. There is an index at the end, which I have not had a chance to review.
Many of the health recommendations are going to sound familiar, but I appreciated getting a new understanding of why these recommendations are so important. For example, after reading about the oral microbiome, I am feeling a lot more urgency to brush and floss my teeth more often and to pay attention to what is in my toothpaste.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about medical research. If you don’t think you would enjoy reading about studies conducted on germ-free mice or learning about how bacteria influence the levels of cytokines that affect inflammation and the immune response, then this may not be the book for you.
I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting.
March 6, 2026
In The Microbiome Master Key, father daughter team Brett Finlay (microbiologist) and Jessica Finlay (aging specialist) make a compelling case that better health comes not from fighting germs but from embracing the teeming world of microbes inside and around us.
The book translates cutting edge research into practical guidance. Our microbiomes impact everything sleep, cognition, mood, heart health, energy, and the likelihood of developing dementia, diabetes, and some cancers. The authors show how diet, hygiene, exercise, stress, environment, and even social life shape our microbial communities.
Specific insights are striking: microbe friendly diets can delay Parkinson's onset and lower dementia risk. Women face particular risks from over prescribed antibiotics. Many probiotic brands promoted by influencers simply don't work. COVID's disruption of microbial exposure has lasting implications.
For anyone seeking evidence based guidance on harnessing their microbiome for whole-body health, this book delivers. Clear, practical, and grounded in current research.
The book translates cutting edge research into practical guidance. Our microbiomes impact everything sleep, cognition, mood, heart health, energy, and the likelihood of developing dementia, diabetes, and some cancers. The authors show how diet, hygiene, exercise, stress, environment, and even social life shape our microbial communities.
Specific insights are striking: microbe friendly diets can delay Parkinson's onset and lower dementia risk. Women face particular risks from over prescribed antibiotics. Many probiotic brands promoted by influencers simply don't work. COVID's disruption of microbial exposure has lasting implications.
For anyone seeking evidence based guidance on harnessing their microbiome for whole-body health, this book delivers. Clear, practical, and grounded in current research.
December 19, 2025
I never realized how much the microbes inside and around me were shaping my health until I read The Microbiome Master Key. This book is a fascinating, science-backed journey into the tiny organisms that impact everything from sleep, energy, and mood to heart health and immunity.
The authors make complex science easy to understand and provide practical tips you can immediately apply to support your microbiome. From improving digestion to fighting “inflammaging” and even boosting mental clarity, this book is empowering.
Whether you’re a health enthusiast or just curious about how your body truly works, this book opens your eyes to the incredible power of microbes. I finished feeling motivated to make small, actionable changes that could transform my health for years to come.
A must-read for anyone looking to unlock their body’s full potential and take control of lifelong wellness!
The authors make complex science easy to understand and provide practical tips you can immediately apply to support your microbiome. From improving digestion to fighting “inflammaging” and even boosting mental clarity, this book is empowering.
Whether you’re a health enthusiast or just curious about how your body truly works, this book opens your eyes to the incredible power of microbes. I finished feeling motivated to make small, actionable changes that could transform my health for years to come.
A must-read for anyone looking to unlock their body’s full potential and take control of lifelong wellness!
September 4, 2023
This book taught me so much. I’m very interested in the gut and body connection and this book gave me everything I was looking for. There are definitely some technical (over my head) sections that dig into the biology and science, but I think the authors did a great job of breaking that down into layman’s terms. I did a GI Map test right before reading this book and I could connect so much to that test and felt like I understood my body better. They dig deep into the different bacteria living all over in your body (your mouth, your vagina, your brain, etc). For anyone that may not have a degree in health or science, but want to fill that void of not understanding your body, I would suggest reading it. It can be overwhelming, because you can’t possibly change everything, but it will absolutely enhance your knowledge in this area.
October 22, 2025
While this book is pretty long, it's well worth it. The amount of knowledge that is given by the author is simply amazing. There is so much to know, which isn't always easy to understand. Even though there is sciencey stuff in this book, it's definitely worth checking out. These are not things you learn in school or from your doctor or nutritionist/dietician shares w/ you. It's a wealth of information that everyone should know about. It's so important to see how not only is everything connected but how your body (gut) reacts to all the things you consume. Simply fascinating. I mean it's literally a whole ecosystem of microbes, like wow. How often do you even think about it, let alone have a conversation about it? This is the type of stuff people should learn about; they would maybe think twice about what they eat. Go read & share.
November 6, 2019
Very informative and full of referenced research.
Especially useful for me is page 136 entitled, "The Personalized Microbe Diet." Research went into determining specific gut composition of participants that included tracking ingested foods with their specific corresponding glucose spikes. Digestion problems and food reactions are like fingerprints; individuated. Once a person knows their flora composition, they can tailor a diet that best fits their specific digestion needs. The very best part of 136 is finding out the name of a company, DayTwo, that offers microbiome testing with corresponding dietary recommendations. Since the publishing of this book, probably even more are sprouting up.
Thorough and civilian friendly read.
Especially useful for me is page 136 entitled, "The Personalized Microbe Diet." Research went into determining specific gut composition of participants that included tracking ingested foods with their specific corresponding glucose spikes. Digestion problems and food reactions are like fingerprints; individuated. Once a person knows their flora composition, they can tailor a diet that best fits their specific digestion needs. The very best part of 136 is finding out the name of a company, DayTwo, that offers microbiome testing with corresponding dietary recommendations. Since the publishing of this book, probably even more are sprouting up.
Thorough and civilian friendly read.
June 30, 2025
This book explains how understanding your microbiome can contribute to lifelong health. Nurturing the microbes inside and around us can revolutionize physical and mental well-being, potentially preventing or reversing age-related diseases and boosting overall quality of life. The book is interesting, informative, and easy to understand.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 27, 2019
I got about half way through this audiobook and had to abandon it. It was dry and technical and didn't hold my interest. The information presented was consistent with what I've read in other books, so it just wasn't worth my time to continue reading. If anyone is looking to pick up a book on the subject, I found "The Microbiome Solution", by Robynne Chutkan to be a much better read.
December 29, 2021
This was a fascinating book--I've been reading a lot about the gut microbiome, but didn't understand that so many parts of the body have their own microbiomes, though all are related to the gut. This whole area makes the future of managing chronic disease seem more hopeful. There are so many new options on the horizon.
March 22, 2022
Interesting but based on preliminary research. There's still a lot of conjecture and unknowns about the science.
It was recommended by my PA. Not exactly earth shattering, but nicely layout the interconnectedness of our overall, full-body health with the composition and function of our gut microbes.
It was recommended by my PA. Not exactly earth shattering, but nicely layout the interconnectedness of our overall, full-body health with the composition and function of our gut microbes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2019
It was interesting to learn about the Microbiome and how it affects you, but it seemed a little too technical at times. I expected to get more useful information out of it than be sure to wash my hands. I found parts of it very good, but it did seem a bit redundant.
June 6, 2019
Great read on microbes, especially if you missed the recent big hits.
Lot of new information, well laid out
Sad part is: plenty of research on microbes is in early stages and pretty much inconclusive
Lot of new information, well laid out
Sad part is: plenty of research on microbes is in early stages and pretty much inconclusive
November 17, 2019
Only got half way through and had to return to library. It was very simplistic and not a lot of research has come forward just yet to prove a lot of the theories, but cool read if you don't know a whole lot about the microbiome (but I do, which is why it was kind of an eady read )
April 3, 2020
Found this to book to be informative to a certain extent. However, it became redundant in later chapters. The underlining message being to eat a more fibrous diet, exercise often, and limit alcohol consumption and smoking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2020
Eh, I'm shelving this. Wasn't what I expected. The whole thing is framed as "anti-aging" (which is fine, but not what I expected based on the cover/title). Prob would be more interesting if you're totally new to the microbiome scene and just want the basics. Made it to page 100 (of 300).
May 5, 2022
Not bad, but I am hoping for a follow up.
Much of the research in this book is very preliminary and only done on mice thus far.
Hoping for a second version in a few years when more research on the gut biome, FMT, and probiotics is complete.
Much of the research in this book is very preliminary and only done on mice thus far.
Hoping for a second version in a few years when more research on the gut biome, FMT, and probiotics is complete.
August 19, 2022
Lots of interesting information, but I ended up skimming a lot of chapters. The practical information just wasn't that helpful, beyond the general advice to eat a varied, plant-heavy diet and move your body regularly.
April 9, 2023
This book had a lot of good pieces of information, but some chapters were much more interesting than others. I really appreciated the "myth vs. fact" and "quick tip" elements included in each chapter as they really underlined the most important takeaways.
March 24, 2024
Informative read about the emerging research behind microbiomes and health benefits. Will be exciting to see if some of these recommendations become standard practices for optimal health and longevity over the next decade.
July 7, 2025
Some good information about the micro biome. I feel that some of it is already outdated because things are moving so quickly in this discipline. I think that if we focus on eating a whole foods plant-based diet we’re already 99% of the way there. Processed foods are poison.
January 5, 2021
Interesting and exciting how our microbiome effects our health and well being, and how it could change how medical conditions are perceived and treated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews