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

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

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

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

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

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

A very thought provoking and well researched book, looking in depth at how micro organisms play a pivotal role and contribution toward human health.I personally feel as though the research presented, though thorough, is still vastly in it's infancy, and no long term research has been conducted on whether the consumption of probiotics orally present any benefits in relation to cognition and treating brain related disorders.What hasn't been implemented in this body of work is the link between oral probiotics and the releasing of histamine, which for some individuals can prove to be problematic and counter productive.However, I commend the author for the range of topics covered, which for me, has served as a stepping stone into the realm of micro organisms and health.

This book was recommended to me by three friends. We're in the same age group, late 70s. They got a lot of good advice from it about eating healthier, and easy exercise for seniors. I'm in good healh now and don't want to get dimentia. Really want to keep my brain working.

Ik had al een analyse laten doen van de bacterien in mijn darmen. Behandeling met een persoonlijk voor mij gemaakt mengsel van probiotische bacterien verbeterden mijn voedselvertering en algehele gezondheid. Dit boek geeft een uitstekende verklaring waarom het werkt. Volgens mij wetenschappelijk redelijk goed onderbouwd.

Muy buen libro b

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

Great book. I'm reading it for the second time its so good. I sent one to my daughter. We have both read the Grain Brain book and have incorporated the information into our eating habits and lives. This book takes all that information a step further. If anyone could improve their long term health just by watching what they put into their bodies, why wouldn't you do it? Dr. David Perlmutter makes it easy to do. Its refreshing to have a doctor focusing on the cause of a disease and giving you the information to help prevent it from happening in your own life. Its an easy read, well written, full of facts and studies. I would highly recommend it for anyone concerned about aging well and remaining healthy.