We asked our resident Gastroenterology Dietitian, Dr Sammie Gill, for the 10 books she recommends reading to swot up on the complex world of the gut microbiome.
Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
A fascinating book focusing on the importance and centrality of sleep for optimal health and wellbeing, and the consequences of not getting enough. Dr Walker offers thorough explanations of the science surrounding sleep to date in an engaging way, including practical advice for maintaining good quality and quantity of sleep.
Take a look
Immunity: The Science of Staying Well by Dr Jenna Macciochi
A comprehensive guide to the science of staying well, Dr Macciochi explains the intricacies of the immune system in a clear and concise way. Offering accessible advice on the importance of caring for your immune system and the factors that can influence it, including nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health.
Brain Changer: How diet can save your mental health – cutting-edge science from an expert by Professor Felice Jacka
Professor Jacka perfectly summarises one of the most cutting-edge and evolving areas of nutritional science, focusing on how what we eat can impact our gut and mental health. With easily digestible content, this practical book (which includes recipes and meal plans) guides the reader towards adapting your diet to improve brain health.
Professor Jacka also wrote There’s a Zoo in my Poo an educational and fun children’s book that delves into how to keep our gut microbes happy.
The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection by Scott C Anderson, John F. Cryan Ph.D, and Ted Dinan M.D. Ph.D
An information-rich book summarising the revolutionary new science of ‘psychobiotics’ (strains of bacteria that can positively influence brain health) and the intimate connection between the gut microbiome and psychological wellbeing. For an interesting read in an area of science with potential for mental health, it’s worth a look!
Take a look
How to Build a Healthy Brain: Reduce stress, anxiety and depression and future-proof your brain by Kimberley Wilson
A ground-breaking guide to help nourish your brain and empower you to look after your physical and mental wellbeing. Written by Chartered Psychologist Kimberley Wilson, you will be taken on a journey of evidence-based research alongside practical holistic advice to support you to protect your brain through simple, implementable lifestyle choices.
Take a look
The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health by Emeran Mayer
A fascinating book which explores the intrinsic link between the mind and body, and extensively summarises how the gut and brain communicate and how to optimise the gut-brain interaction through diet. This scientifically sound read will equip you with a balanced and pragmatic view on the latest research to date on neuroscience and the gut microbiome.
Take a look
Gut by Giulia Enders
A scientifically sound book that focuses on the mystery and inner workings of the gut, Giulia breaks the poo taboo and reveals the latest science on just how important our gut is to our overall health. An entertaining, humorous and informative read that unravels the complexities of the role of our microbes in health conditions.
Take a look
Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
An incredibly insightful, witty and accessible book that equips the reader with in-depth understanding of why human beings are forever wrongly predicting what will make them happy. Combining the latest scientific research in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy and behavioural economics, this book is certainly not a ‘how-to guide on happiness’. With thought provoking content on some of the most fascinating psychological studies ever conducted, it’s well worth a read!
Take a look
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert M Sapolsky
Providing a deep dive into human nature, this game-changing book focuses on the science of human behaviour and harvests the latest cutting-edge research to provide a balanced and objective perspective on why we do the things we do. Accessible and witty, Sapolsky takes us one step closer to understanding the complicated world of why humans behave in certain ways.
Take a look
The Way We're Working Isn't Working by Tony Schwartz, Catherine McCarthy Ph.D., and Jean Gomes
This highly practical and engaging book summarises the powerful evidence surrounding our current way of working – that it isn’t working. Schwartz and colleagues argue that for us to perform at our best, key changes are required in our work lives. A must-read that offers a refreshing perspective on the world of work, and what strategies employers and employees can adopt to improve performance.
Happy reading.
