Book review: Gut Check
We may believe that we are the masters of our fates, but in reality, that’s the job of the trillions of single-celled organisms that exert control over every aspect of how our minds and bodily functions. Diverse species of microbes living in our guts, mouths, and skin work together synergistically to communicate with each other and with every system in our bodies.
In Gut Check, Dr. Steven Gundry reveals the emerging science proving that Hippocrates was right - all disease begins in the gut. When our microbiomes are out of balance, it affects our immune systems, our hormone levels, our mental health, our longevity, and our risk of developing autoimmunity, heart, and neurodegenerative disease, as well as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Yet, not all hope is lost: disease can also be healed in the gut if we choose to treat our microbes right.
You are your microbiome's home, and it wants to take care of you, but first you have to protect it.
The author discusses the impact of modern diets, which are often high in processed foods and sugars. He argues that these foods can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to negative health outcomes.
The author advocates for a diet rich in whole foods, particularly those that promote healthy gut flora, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats.
He also discusses how specific probiotics have been shown to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and how gut bacteria influence metabolic processes.
Dr. Gundry provides actionable steps that readers can take to improve their gut health. The book includes detailed dietary guidelines, meal plans, and recipes that align with his recommendations as well as the importance of incorporating fermented foods into one’s diet, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, which are rich in probiotics. He also recommends prebiotic foods—those that feed beneficial gut bacteria—like garlic, onions, and bananas.
Throughout the book, Dr. Gundry includes quizzes and checklists to help readers assess their current gut health and identify areas for improvement. These tools make the information accessible and encourage readers to take ownership of their health journeys.
Beyond diet, the author emphasises the impact of stress, sleep, and physical activity on the gut microbiome. He offers tips for reducing stress through mindfulness and meditation, as well as recommendations for getting quality sleep and incorporating movement into daily routines.
By addressing both dietary and lifestyle elements, Dr. Gundry presents a holistic approach to gut health, empowering each of us to make positive changes in our lives.
