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Super Gut: A Four-Week Plan to Reprogram Your Microbiome, Restore Health, and Lose Weight
The bestselling author of the Wheat Belly books brings his next big, game-changing idea—how the human microbiome is evolving, and potentially wrecking, our health, and how we can fix it.
Because of our highly processed diet, pesticides, and overuse of antibiotics, our guts are now missing so many of the good bacteria that we require to be healthy. As a result, many of us have lost control over our health, weight, mood, and even behavior.
The ancient bacteria that keep our digestion moving have been dying, replaced by harmful microbes that don’t keep us physically and mentally fit. With cutting-edge research, Dr. Davis connects the dots between gut health and modern ailments. There are entire species of microbes that have disappeared, which creates health issues that were uncommon one hundred, or even fifty, years ago. The result is SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), a silent and profound epidemic, which affects one out of three people and is responsible for an astounding range of human health conditions.
Super Gut shows us how to eliminate bad bacteria and bring back the “good” bacteria with a four-week plan to reprogram your microbiome. This not only gets to the root of many diseases, but also improves levels of oxytocin (the bonding/happy hormone), brain health, anti-aging, weight loss, mental clarity, and restful sleep. Also included are more than forty recipes, a diet plan, and resources so you can pinpoint your gut issues, correct them, and maintain your long-term health and well-being.
Because of our highly processed diet, pesticides, and overuse of antibiotics, our guts are now missing so many of the good bacteria that we require to be healthy. As a result, many of us have lost control over our health, weight, mood, and even behavior.
The ancient bacteria that keep our digestion moving have been dying, replaced by harmful microbes that don’t keep us physically and mentally fit. With cutting-edge research, Dr. Davis connects the dots between gut health and modern ailments. There are entire species of microbes that have disappeared, which creates health issues that were uncommon one hundred, or even fifty, years ago. The result is SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), a silent and profound epidemic, which affects one out of three people and is responsible for an astounding range of human health conditions.
Super Gut shows us how to eliminate bad bacteria and bring back the “good” bacteria with a four-week plan to reprogram your microbiome. This not only gets to the root of many diseases, but also improves levels of oxytocin (the bonding/happy hormone), brain health, anti-aging, weight loss, mental clarity, and restful sleep. Also included are more than forty recipes, a diet plan, and resources so you can pinpoint your gut issues, correct them, and maintain your long-term health and well-being.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
February 4, 2022
This is Nonfiction Health. I had a love-hate reaction with this one. The gut biome has been getting more and more attention in recent years. This book covers the importance of having a good gut biome for overall health. So for those who are new to this information, then you might find this helpful.
Now there were a few turn offs here. He spends some time pointing fingers at others and their research and assumptions. But then he'd also make statements (that sounded an awful lot like assumptions) that came across as huge blanket statements because there were no references mentioned. That was annoying.
The last thing is that the "four-week plan" lacked organization. Just when he was speaking with passion and urgency, it ended. I would have liked to have had more of that throughout. So...2 or 3 stars? I'll go with 2.
Now there were a few turn offs here. He spends some time pointing fingers at others and their research and assumptions. But then he'd also make statements (that sounded an awful lot like assumptions) that came across as huge blanket statements because there were no references mentioned. That was annoying.
The last thing is that the "four-week plan" lacked organization. Just when he was speaking with passion and urgency, it ended. I would have liked to have had more of that throughout. So...2 or 3 stars? I'll go with 2.
January 30, 2022
Ten years ago, the author of Super Gut published Wheat Belly. The book, which advocated restricting wheat, was a hit! I even followed its plan for years. So, I was excited to see he had written a new book.
Unfortunately, Super Gut is a disappointment. The new diet incorporates the Wheat Belly diet but is even more restrictive. Hard-to-source, expensive foods and supplements are suggested. I recommend skipping Super Gut and reading Wheat Belly instead. 2 stars.
Thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, Super Gut is a disappointment. The new diet incorporates the Wheat Belly diet but is even more restrictive. Hard-to-source, expensive foods and supplements are suggested. I recommend skipping Super Gut and reading Wheat Belly instead. 2 stars.
Thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 12, 2022
This book is for people with SIBO or gut dysbiosis that have tried everything else. It will change your life and bring immense relief. I didn’t find anything hard to find in it like another reviewer said. I started small and just did what I could but the introduction of the l. Rheuteri was life changing within 2 days. Very interesting and easy to read.
January 28, 2022
Another good resource from the author of Wheat Belly. Common-sense advice for those of us who have digestion and gut issues. Davis incorporates science, fascinating information on how the evolution of food has impacted our health, steps to safely get back to having a healthy gut and a bonus of including recipes. A few simple takeaways I plan to adopt is to focus on shopping the perimeter of a grocery store and sticking to whole foods, probiotics and organics in order to strengthen my microbiome. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 21, 2022
I could write a 3000 word diatribe on why I hate this book, but I will stick to the basics:
The author cherry picks his data to justify his suggestions, which are both classist and sexist. He completely lost all credibility when he suggested that c-sections and formula feeding lead to poor health outcomes for babies. Not only does that blame women for things out of their control, he then blames the mothers gut health for passing on poor gut health to their children.
Now if the solution were simple, this book may have given a couple tips for the reader to use. However, the author argues the only way to achieve gut health is to never use any OTC or prescription medication, never eat anything processed or with additives, and take high cost supplements. This is obviously not a sustainable way of life for the majority of the population due to cost alone, never mind the insane amount of restriction and lifestyle change required.
But I digress… this book was terrible, don’t waste your time.
The author cherry picks his data to justify his suggestions, which are both classist and sexist. He completely lost all credibility when he suggested that c-sections and formula feeding lead to poor health outcomes for babies. Not only does that blame women for things out of their control, he then blames the mothers gut health for passing on poor gut health to their children.
Now if the solution were simple, this book may have given a couple tips for the reader to use. However, the author argues the only way to achieve gut health is to never use any OTC or prescription medication, never eat anything processed or with additives, and take high cost supplements. This is obviously not a sustainable way of life for the majority of the population due to cost alone, never mind the insane amount of restriction and lifestyle change required.
But I digress… this book was terrible, don’t waste your time.
March 15, 2022
While I’m the ideal audience for this book—someone already bought in to the importance of the microbiome, avoiding processed food, and game to make my own yogurt—I found the tone overly fearmongering and claims seemed like overstatements of the existing science. The author’s premise is that the majority of people have undiagnosed SIBO and they should pay for an expensive device or tests to identify it and then make yogurt with specific brands of probiotics to address it. He’s right that most people have metabolic syndrome and that conventional healthcare systems rarely address the root cause. And research into specific strains of bacteria and their impact on health outcomes is early, so interpretation of the research is somewhat of an art. But the “follow my protocol or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life” tone was a turn-off. On the plus side, if you do want to try his yogurt recipes (in which you ferment specific strains for 36 hours to make far more CFUs than in store-bought yogurt), he makes it easy to find those strains on Amazon.
February 21, 2022
Rather than provide a generic review, I’m going to make this personal.
I have (a whole lot of) autoimmune and neurological issues, mostly due to untreated Lyme disease. I’ve had digestive problems my entire adult life, but things got especially bad over the past five years, to the point where I’d go days without eating because the pain was so bad when I did eat. In that time, I saw three different primary doctors and had every test imaginable done by a gastroenterologist. Every doctor dismissed me without any answers, much less treatment.
My fourth primary doctor, rather than tune me out, listened and asked one simple question: “Have you tried the autoimmune diet?”
Magic! That was about six months before I read this book. The difference was immediate and life-changing. The AIP (autoimmune protocol) diet is almost exactly what the author of this book recommends as one of the first and most important lifestyle changes, and I can tell you unequivocally, it works.
I didn’t understand why the diet changes worked until I read this book. This isn’t just for people with digestive issues, either. Your entire body is affected by what goes on in your gut. The information here is presented in easy-to-understand language that might just change your life.
If you have any sort of chronic condition, whether it be relatively mild digestive issues like occasional reflux or full-blown autoimmune disease like diabetes, you should read this book.
*I received an ARC from Hachette Go.*
I have (a whole lot of) autoimmune and neurological issues, mostly due to untreated Lyme disease. I’ve had digestive problems my entire adult life, but things got especially bad over the past five years, to the point where I’d go days without eating because the pain was so bad when I did eat. In that time, I saw three different primary doctors and had every test imaginable done by a gastroenterologist. Every doctor dismissed me without any answers, much less treatment.
My fourth primary doctor, rather than tune me out, listened and asked one simple question: “Have you tried the autoimmune diet?”
Magic! That was about six months before I read this book. The difference was immediate and life-changing. The AIP (autoimmune protocol) diet is almost exactly what the author of this book recommends as one of the first and most important lifestyle changes, and I can tell you unequivocally, it works.
I didn’t understand why the diet changes worked until I read this book. This isn’t just for people with digestive issues, either. Your entire body is affected by what goes on in your gut. The information here is presented in easy-to-understand language that might just change your life.
If you have any sort of chronic condition, whether it be relatively mild digestive issues like occasional reflux or full-blown autoimmune disease like diabetes, you should read this book.
*I received an ARC from Hachette Go.*
February 7, 2022
In Super Gut, Dr. William Davis (of Wheat Belly fame) offers an interesting discussion of gut dysbiosis, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO). He writes in a lively manner that is easy to understand, although I thought the text was needlessly repetitive. I appreciated all of the peer-reviewed studies he cites, although I think he overstates his case at times.
He presents a four-week plan to heal your gut, as well as protocols to eliminate SIBO, SIFO, and H. pylori. He recommends a low-carb/high-fat (ketogenic) diet, which I don’t think is safe for everyone, so you should probably check with your personal doctor before attempting this program.
The book includes over 40 recipes, including yogurts made from specific strains of bacteria chosen for specific health benefits, other ferments, beverages, main dishes, and desserts. I haven’t had the chance to try any of his yogurts yet, but I am very curious to try them. I did try the Clove Green Tea, Matcha Strawberry Key Lime Smoothie, Yakisoba Noodles, and One-Minute Strawberry Ice Cream, which were all delicious. There are no photographs accompanying the recipes (at least not in the ARC I received), and no nutrition information is provided, which is frustrating if you are trying to track your carbs. TIP: I use a nutrition tracking app called Cronometer that gives me good estimates of carbohydrates and other nutritional content of my meals and beverages—it makes life much easier!
The back matter includes resources, healing protocols, and references.
While I’m not sold on all of Dr. Davis’s recommendations, I do think this book is a valuable contribution to the literature on gut health, and it’s worth checking out if you would like to improve your health.
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
He presents a four-week plan to heal your gut, as well as protocols to eliminate SIBO, SIFO, and H. pylori. He recommends a low-carb/high-fat (ketogenic) diet, which I don’t think is safe for everyone, so you should probably check with your personal doctor before attempting this program.
The book includes over 40 recipes, including yogurts made from specific strains of bacteria chosen for specific health benefits, other ferments, beverages, main dishes, and desserts. I haven’t had the chance to try any of his yogurts yet, but I am very curious to try them. I did try the Clove Green Tea, Matcha Strawberry Key Lime Smoothie, Yakisoba Noodles, and One-Minute Strawberry Ice Cream, which were all delicious. There are no photographs accompanying the recipes (at least not in the ARC I received), and no nutrition information is provided, which is frustrating if you are trying to track your carbs. TIP: I use a nutrition tracking app called Cronometer that gives me good estimates of carbohydrates and other nutritional content of my meals and beverages—it makes life much easier!
The back matter includes resources, healing protocols, and references.
While I’m not sold on all of Dr. Davis’s recommendations, I do think this book is a valuable contribution to the literature on gut health, and it’s worth checking out if you would like to improve your health.
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
October 29, 2022
Great book. I feel like I could actually get my children, and some of my, chronic issues under control.
August 5, 2022
An interesting book and a worthwhile read (it continues the conversations from other books such Dr Ruscio's Healthy Gut Healthy You amongst others). Some highlights:
1. I enjoyed learning more about probiotics. I think they are fasciniating and while there is a lot of mixed science around them having some additional information was appealing
2. I tried and enjoyed a few of the receipes. I made the 3 probiotic combo yogurt and can vouch that after 4 weeks it helped with a gut issue I am experiencing (didnt solve it, but helped). The yogurt is also really nice/tasty/smooth though it did take a few tries to progressively get right. I also make the clove tea almost every morning though I spruce it up with some powdered ginger.
3. I appreciate the resources and where to find things (in the USA everything was on Amazon - including the speciality probiotics)
4. I appreciated the additional and continuing validation gut science is getting in the near mainstream. I personally feel we are only scratching the surface of the importance of the micro-biome and agree with Dr Davis on a bright future to come
The not so Hots:
1. Scattered and too summarized action plans. Alternatives like Berberine are mentioned but not carried forward to the action plan - I couldnt figure out for essential oils (where you are recommended to add in another oil type) whether this is an additional set of drops a day or included in the first - capsules (ie. Peppermint capsules) are mentioned fleetingly but not thoroughly as an alternative --- I could go on, but disappointing to be offering advice in such a seemingly flippant way. It also does not speak on whats next if the program did not work - do you revisit, try something else, etc.
2. The continued emphasis on "check out the evolving conversation on my website" which you go to and find you have a very limited number of free articles before you have to pay. You can also pay to join an elite group that gets additional health advice (and Im looking out for branded supplements and probiotics next). Im all for people making $$$ but when you are pushing unproven curatives and emplore folks to check back for more - feels like a bit of a bait and switch
3. Lots of declarative statements without much in the way of references. Theres def. quite a bit, but less than I'd expect given Dr Davis background.
4. Finally, certain receipes (ie. 36 hr yogurt) are seemingly sold as a cure all. I can vouch they did help a decent amount - but when I read the testimonials that are in the book, my BS sensors go way up and with good reason - Im still waiting for my wrinkles to disappear, pump more iron, etc etc. Dr Davis noted a few times that he was exploring a clinical study of the yogurt but I havent seen any updates on this.
Anyways, I appreciated the majority of the book. A better editor, a more thoughtful approach on the offered protocol and potentially more time to truly test out the theories (yogurt) would have all helped alot here.
1. I enjoyed learning more about probiotics. I think they are fasciniating and while there is a lot of mixed science around them having some additional information was appealing
2. I tried and enjoyed a few of the receipes. I made the 3 probiotic combo yogurt and can vouch that after 4 weeks it helped with a gut issue I am experiencing (didnt solve it, but helped). The yogurt is also really nice/tasty/smooth though it did take a few tries to progressively get right. I also make the clove tea almost every morning though I spruce it up with some powdered ginger.
3. I appreciate the resources and where to find things (in the USA everything was on Amazon - including the speciality probiotics)
4. I appreciated the additional and continuing validation gut science is getting in the near mainstream. I personally feel we are only scratching the surface of the importance of the micro-biome and agree with Dr Davis on a bright future to come
The not so Hots:
1. Scattered and too summarized action plans. Alternatives like Berberine are mentioned but not carried forward to the action plan - I couldnt figure out for essential oils (where you are recommended to add in another oil type) whether this is an additional set of drops a day or included in the first - capsules (ie. Peppermint capsules) are mentioned fleetingly but not thoroughly as an alternative --- I could go on, but disappointing to be offering advice in such a seemingly flippant way. It also does not speak on whats next if the program did not work - do you revisit, try something else, etc.
2. The continued emphasis on "check out the evolving conversation on my website" which you go to and find you have a very limited number of free articles before you have to pay. You can also pay to join an elite group that gets additional health advice (and Im looking out for branded supplements and probiotics next). Im all for people making $$$ but when you are pushing unproven curatives and emplore folks to check back for more - feels like a bit of a bait and switch
3. Lots of declarative statements without much in the way of references. Theres def. quite a bit, but less than I'd expect given Dr Davis background.
4. Finally, certain receipes (ie. 36 hr yogurt) are seemingly sold as a cure all. I can vouch they did help a decent amount - but when I read the testimonials that are in the book, my BS sensors go way up and with good reason - Im still waiting for my wrinkles to disappear, pump more iron, etc etc. Dr Davis noted a few times that he was exploring a clinical study of the yogurt but I havent seen any updates on this.
Anyways, I appreciated the majority of the book. A better editor, a more thoughtful approach on the offered protocol and potentially more time to truly test out the theories (yogurt) would have all helped alot here.
August 27, 2023
To be fair, I skimmed a lot of the sections of this book because this isn’t my first rodeo with books discussing gut health and it’s importance, as well as factors that can negatively affect digestion. What I loved was that he recognizes the supreme importance of a good microbiome and provides actual, concrete solutions to return the microbiome to health. I have read so many books that tell you it’s important and tell you to “take a probiotic” but really don’t discuss specific strains, dosing, or how the strains impact specific symptoms. I’ve been dealing with IBS/SIBO for 7 years now and it’s been treatment after treatment after treatment to try to resolve it. While I have found some small improvements and relief in a variety of therapies, nothing has fully resolved my issues. I made his Super SIBO Yogurt and found a lot of relief from the bloating and digestive churning I experienced daily. While it hasn’t been the whole solution, my gut is much more at peace when I make my yogurt than when I don’t. I have long believed that restoring my gut microbiome was the key to restoring my health but so few practitioners have a specific plan for how to go about that; this book lays out that specific plan with actionable, achievable steps that a regular human being can both complete and afford. Bravo!
January 26, 2025
Super Gut: A Four-Week Plan to Reprogram Your Microbiome, Restore Health, and Lose Weight is a great read! I loved every minute of this book.
Gut microbiome is so incredibly fascinating and the awareness that the modern diet can send a potentially healthy digestive system into dysbiosis has me paranoid--BUT--at the same time ready to repair any damage my bad diet may have caused.
I’ve ordered a yogurt maker, and a bunch of the recommended probiotics, and soon I will begin the process of making Super Yogurt. I also purchased a fermentation kit and I’m trying to decide what I’m going to ferment first. I’ll be ordering a kefir making kit from Amazon soon.
I’m sipping on a cup of the clove tea Dr. Davis recommends everyone drink daily to protect and nourish the mucosal lining of their intestines as I write this.
I am thrilled I finally understand prebiotic fiber. I didn’t know the difference between the types of fiber before and now I feel like I have more of a grasp on the matter. While it’s still true that I’m no expert, I am confident that I have enough knowledge to select the correct fruits, veggies, and supplements to nurture my microbiome.
I am so excited. I never knew making fermented foods was the hobby for me but here I am ready to start the process.
Gut microbiome is so incredibly fascinating and the awareness that the modern diet can send a potentially healthy digestive system into dysbiosis has me paranoid--BUT--at the same time ready to repair any damage my bad diet may have caused.
I’ve ordered a yogurt maker, and a bunch of the recommended probiotics, and soon I will begin the process of making Super Yogurt. I also purchased a fermentation kit and I’m trying to decide what I’m going to ferment first. I’ll be ordering a kefir making kit from Amazon soon.
I’m sipping on a cup of the clove tea Dr. Davis recommends everyone drink daily to protect and nourish the mucosal lining of their intestines as I write this.
I am thrilled I finally understand prebiotic fiber. I didn’t know the difference between the types of fiber before and now I feel like I have more of a grasp on the matter. While it’s still true that I’m no expert, I am confident that I have enough knowledge to select the correct fruits, veggies, and supplements to nurture my microbiome.
I am so excited. I never knew making fermented foods was the hobby for me but here I am ready to start the process.
December 29, 2021
Thank you Libro.FM for the ALC. my rating may be skewed because I listened to the audiobook and therefore didn't see citations/references etc.
As someone with on-going gut issues, I wanted to like this, but it seemed to fall mostly into the same advice that the author criticizes others for: scrap grains and sugar and you'll be "slender" and have good skin. Sure, he goes into specific gut components that he suggests need to be balanced (make his yogurt...where on earth do you find the strains he mentions?), but the evidence sounded almost exclusively anecdotal. It's also pretty laughable that he doesn't think his diet is restrictive! Not just gluten-free, but GRAIN free--you can't even have rice! Or you can, but the examples he gives are for major occasions so like "it's my birthday! I can have ONE slice of pizza." It also talked a lot about supplements....which are money makers just like prescription drugs...not to mention their regulation varies dramatically. Ugh. Disappointed.
As someone with on-going gut issues, I wanted to like this, but it seemed to fall mostly into the same advice that the author criticizes others for: scrap grains and sugar and you'll be "slender" and have good skin. Sure, he goes into specific gut components that he suggests need to be balanced (make his yogurt...where on earth do you find the strains he mentions?), but the evidence sounded almost exclusively anecdotal. It's also pretty laughable that he doesn't think his diet is restrictive! Not just gluten-free, but GRAIN free--you can't even have rice! Or you can, but the examples he gives are for major occasions so like "it's my birthday! I can have ONE slice of pizza." It also talked a lot about supplements....which are money makers just like prescription drugs...not to mention their regulation varies dramatically. Ugh. Disappointed.
January 11, 2022
This book was just okay. I had high hopes for it but the 4-week plan was unclear and needed to have a better execution. Furthermore, living in Canada prevents us from getting a lot of ingredients listed to make your own yogurt, etc. and it’s an expensive journey. Worth it? Possibly. But I’m not willing to fork out the cash for all the equipment and hard-to-find ingredients. Not to mention, time consuming. There are some elements I will incorporate, including the Clove Green Tea, though. And I do love the recipe ideas at the end.
I want to thank NetGalley and Hachette for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I want to thank NetGalley and Hachette for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2021
Fantastic! William Davis takes so many of the missing puzzle pieces relating to a healthy gut microbiome and fits them neatly into a plan of action that seems relatively simple to implement. Everything he brought out makes so much sense, and I look forward to trying numerous things from this book. Highly recommended for anyone with autoimmunity, inflammation, ‘mystery’ chronic illness, as well as common diseases and disorders.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 10, 2022
This book lost me at flouride in water being the source of all modern ailments
December 17, 2022
For such an important topic, the book has a disappointing presentation. It displays a dire need for editing since the material is overly, overly repetitive even within a single section. It seems like a bunch of independent columns which were haphazardly put together. It also lacks adequate scientific references - just testimonials of what is perceived to happen, without physiological or scientific hypothesis. It all sounds too good to be true. Just because something is repeated a hundred times it doesn't make it any more factual.
February 21, 2023
This book has some solid ground to start off, but quite quickly drifts into some shady parts of self-diagnosing, "natural antibiotics", and "miraculous testimonies". It is a shame because gut health and microbiome research are quite interesting and fruitful without unscientific trials and testimonials, and this book has some good insights. This book is pseudoscientific, and ungrounded, with some correct and solid parts, but not due to direct research from this book.
March 29, 2023
DNF @ 60 percent because anyone who promotes an MLM like doterra as part of medical advice loses all credibility for me. Also, the unbearable smugness of "you'll know more than doctors!" and the repeated conflation of Victor Frankenstein and his creation were just too much in combination.
May 17, 2022
I hoped to love it, but only liked it in part. It has some interesting information I felt was worthwhile, but it does have a very, very one direction and focus specific approach to healing and sickness that does not touch on some things I have read from other sources may be helpful for gut healing such as fasting... it did not even mention fasting. It was very much of the same mentality that it claims causes alot of issues... this one thing is almost the only or main thing that is causing all illness (yes it has causes that are various) and this is the only way to healing that issue... one example is it's advice that all people take this certain pharmaceutical and then take this very specific brand of blended herbs and then another very particular brand of something else... not sure I buy the only way to healing it is selling... just an example of why I was disappointed, other reviews give the same thoughts more specifically. I am glad for having read it in part, with a few grains of salt.
February 1, 2024
This was way above my level of knowledge for my first gut book. Feel like it was packed with great information and things I want to try but definitely will need to revisit once I learn more of the basics
October 4, 2022
Dr William Davis' book Super Gut is a detailed explanation of what goes wrong with the gut microbiota and how to fix it. There was a lot of good information in it but the focus was too much on SIBO and SIFO, and that wasn't clear until I started to red it. Great if you have one or both, not so great if you don't.
October 8, 2024
A recommendation that came across my desk after a discussion on the influence of GI bacteria on mood and mental health.
I am usually pretty skeptical about the grand claims made in popular nutritional science books. I admittedly went into this with caution and was quite critical of Davis' thesis, but although there were some salient points that I agreed with (i.e. that the importance of gut health has been and continues to be under emphasized), I found his hyperbolic writing style and nostalgia for the ancient world to be incredibly off-putting. (Yeah, eating berries and bison was cool, but it's so problematic to sing the praises of the fantasy world people have created of the past few thousand years. There were prevalent, driving forces behind why people worked so hard to create effective analgesics, vaccines and antibiotics - not that these therapeutics are without flaws, but they have revolutionized sickness and death in ways our ancestors used to dream of).
Davis did include lists of studies at the end of this book to demonstrate how well-researched his claims were, but while reading I felt like I was transported to the height of the Black Plague listening to a preacher screech about how these are the end times and we need to change our ways. It was giving flagellant sect vibes. His arguments were repetitive and he was pretty grandiose in his claims about how his special yogurt was a panacea - you'll be young and full of vigor as long as you eat it every day for the rest of your life. Just also avoid grains, sugars, antibiotics, common over-the-counter pain killers (NSAIDs), PPIs and H2 blockers, ripe bananas, cooked potatoes, fast food, commercial yogurt, and any product with emulsifiers in them (peanut butter, ice cream, etc.) and you should be good to go. Maybe it's true (it's most likely true), but is it a feasible way for everyone to live their life?
Anyway, some of the recipes looked good, but I don't think I really enjoyed this. It wasn't very illuminating and was rather monotonous to read through. I am clearly in the minority based on ratings, but I like my nonfiction with more fact and less sensationalized fear-mongering.
I am usually pretty skeptical about the grand claims made in popular nutritional science books. I admittedly went into this with caution and was quite critical of Davis' thesis, but although there were some salient points that I agreed with (i.e. that the importance of gut health has been and continues to be under emphasized), I found his hyperbolic writing style and nostalgia for the ancient world to be incredibly off-putting. (Yeah, eating berries and bison was cool, but it's so problematic to sing the praises of the fantasy world people have created of the past few thousand years. There were prevalent, driving forces behind why people worked so hard to create effective analgesics, vaccines and antibiotics - not that these therapeutics are without flaws, but they have revolutionized sickness and death in ways our ancestors used to dream of).
Davis did include lists of studies at the end of this book to demonstrate how well-researched his claims were, but while reading I felt like I was transported to the height of the Black Plague listening to a preacher screech about how these are the end times and we need to change our ways. It was giving flagellant sect vibes. His arguments were repetitive and he was pretty grandiose in his claims about how his special yogurt was a panacea - you'll be young and full of vigor as long as you eat it every day for the rest of your life. Just also avoid grains, sugars, antibiotics, common over-the-counter pain killers (NSAIDs), PPIs and H2 blockers, ripe bananas, cooked potatoes, fast food, commercial yogurt, and any product with emulsifiers in them (peanut butter, ice cream, etc.) and you should be good to go. Maybe it's true (it's most likely true), but is it a feasible way for everyone to live their life?
Anyway, some of the recipes looked good, but I don't think I really enjoyed this. It wasn't very illuminating and was rather monotonous to read through. I am clearly in the minority based on ratings, but I like my nonfiction with more fact and less sensationalized fear-mongering.
November 5, 2023
In my opinion this book is a must read for anyone struggling with IBS or SIBO. If I could have read this book 5-6 years ago I could have saved myself from literal years of unfruitful independent research and paint. This is chock full of some of the most cutting edge research on the microbiome and its varied and extremely consequential effects on the entire body AND mind.
The reason I give this a 4/5 is because while there is lots of good research and citations, the auther sometimes delves into speculation. At times this can be thought provoking, but as the reader you must pay attention to when he is doing this. He does a fairly good job of saying when he is speculating, but it is just something you have to keep in mind... He also somewhat vilifies wheat and all grains. I can understand the wheat angle, but I'm not so sure about other grains especially when in their whole grain forms. I do think there is something here with wheat and grains but it is hard to have a serious conversation when such a large percentage of the world consumes grains. I think there's probably some middle ground here of limiting wheat/grain intake and simplay having a balanced diet.
The reason I give this a 4/5 is because while there is lots of good research and citations, the auther sometimes delves into speculation. At times this can be thought provoking, but as the reader you must pay attention to when he is doing this. He does a fairly good job of saying when he is speculating, but it is just something you have to keep in mind... He also somewhat vilifies wheat and all grains. I can understand the wheat angle, but I'm not so sure about other grains especially when in their whole grain forms. I do think there is something here with wheat and grains but it is hard to have a serious conversation when such a large percentage of the world consumes grains. I think there's probably some middle ground here of limiting wheat/grain intake and simplay having a balanced diet.
February 27, 2025
Lost my interest
I made it through the first paragraph which is where the author quickly blames changes in our gut microbes on climate change and not the dwindling food varieties brought on by big AG or insecticides and herbicides, genetic modifications of our foods, artificial ingredients, and unnecessary chemicals. Sorry, if you still believe in climate change, you’ve lost all credibility.
I made it through the first paragraph which is where the author quickly blames changes in our gut microbes on climate change and not the dwindling food varieties brought on by big AG or insecticides and herbicides, genetic modifications of our foods, artificial ingredients, and unnecessary chemicals. Sorry, if you still believe in climate change, you’ve lost all credibility.
October 19, 2022
The book I've been waiting for!
This book covers such essential topics and theories. It has helped me drastically dealing with SIBO and SIFO which such unique remedies that anyone can inexpensively follow. A top read for anyone who wants to learn more about a high quality diet and how bacteria can affect our gut!
This book covers such essential topics and theories. It has helped me drastically dealing with SIBO and SIFO which such unique remedies that anyone can inexpensively follow. A top read for anyone who wants to learn more about a high quality diet and how bacteria can affect our gut!
January 26, 2025
There’s some really really good stuff in here!! Info about glyphosate, emulsifiers, etc. I just cannot get over stylistically his propensity to repeat himself. If you were to delete every sentence alluding to the benefits of bacteria (“increased libido, smoother skin” etc etc) this book would be 1/3 the length. The recipes are very interesting though! Def learned something
January 16, 2024
Dr. William Davis thoroughly explains the issues facing many Americans today with their gut microbiomes. The overuse of antibiotics, increasing reliance on GMO laced wheat products, and heavy use of emulsifers and chemical additives in processed foods has destroyed most American's gut flora, causing a cascade of medical issues.
I was fascinated by his depth of knowledge and explanations of the importance of various microorganisms and their very specific role in our health. He gives several recipes in the back of the book that help improve our flora with pre and probiotics found in natural products. I've made the L. Reuteri yogurt with phenomenal results. This yogurt must be incubated for 36 hours to proliferate the L. reuteri strain of probiotic to the billions of CFU's instead of the common millions in conventional yogurt. He claims this specific and rare strain can: accelerate healing of skin wounds, accelerate hair growth, increase blood levels of oxytocin by 300% thus improving mood and sense of well being, restore muscle tone, increase testosterone and growth hormones, and decrease appetite. I haven't taken it long enough to explore all of these benefits b/c everyone in my family devours it and now even craves it- and it does take a while to make this yogurt. I've also added the clove green tea to my diet to improve the mucosal lining of my stomach.
I appreciate Dr. William's holistic approach to radically improving our intestinal microbiome and overall health. I believe this will be a ground breaking new form of medicine in the future. Our current reliance on Big Pharma has only made us sick and dependent. We need a paradigm shift in our thinking, and this book is a great catalyst towards a much needed change.
I was fascinated by his depth of knowledge and explanations of the importance of various microorganisms and their very specific role in our health. He gives several recipes in the back of the book that help improve our flora with pre and probiotics found in natural products. I've made the L. Reuteri yogurt with phenomenal results. This yogurt must be incubated for 36 hours to proliferate the L. reuteri strain of probiotic to the billions of CFU's instead of the common millions in conventional yogurt. He claims this specific and rare strain can: accelerate healing of skin wounds, accelerate hair growth, increase blood levels of oxytocin by 300% thus improving mood and sense of well being, restore muscle tone, increase testosterone and growth hormones, and decrease appetite. I haven't taken it long enough to explore all of these benefits b/c everyone in my family devours it and now even craves it- and it does take a while to make this yogurt. I've also added the clove green tea to my diet to improve the mucosal lining of my stomach.
I appreciate Dr. William's holistic approach to radically improving our intestinal microbiome and overall health. I believe this will be a ground breaking new form of medicine in the future. Our current reliance on Big Pharma has only made us sick and dependent. We need a paradigm shift in our thinking, and this book is a great catalyst towards a much needed change.
July 3, 2025
Supergut is a must-read for anyone experiencing health complications. It offers fascinating insights into the gut microbiome and how modern processed foods have damaged what was once a healthy internal ecosystem. The book effectively illustrates how this disruption allows harmful bacteria to flourish, potentially leading to a wide range of health issues and chronic diseases.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the detailed explanation of hydrogen-dominant SIBO. The author not only outlines how this condition occurs, but also provides alternatives to rifaximin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic with limited efficacy. This was especially valuable, given that many healthcare providers, including the NHS, are still largely unaware of SIBO. As such, many individuals are left to navigate diagnosis and treatment on their own, and this book serves as a practical and informative guide for doing so.
Another strength of Supergut is its evidence-based approach. The author frequently references scientific studies, which to me is important when seeking health advice or guidance. It’s clear that the content is both well-researched and credible.
Overall, this book is insightful, informative, and empowering. It highlights the crucial role of gut health in our overall health and wellbeing and offers actionable steps for those looking to restore balance. I’ll definitely be applying many of its recommendations to my own health journey, including the herbal approach to treating SIBO.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the detailed explanation of hydrogen-dominant SIBO. The author not only outlines how this condition occurs, but also provides alternatives to rifaximin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic with limited efficacy. This was especially valuable, given that many healthcare providers, including the NHS, are still largely unaware of SIBO. As such, many individuals are left to navigate diagnosis and treatment on their own, and this book serves as a practical and informative guide for doing so.
Another strength of Supergut is its evidence-based approach. The author frequently references scientific studies, which to me is important when seeking health advice or guidance. It’s clear that the content is both well-researched and credible.
Overall, this book is insightful, informative, and empowering. It highlights the crucial role of gut health in our overall health and wellbeing and offers actionable steps for those looking to restore balance. I’ll definitely be applying many of its recommendations to my own health journey, including the herbal approach to treating SIBO.
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