Recommended gut-brain books as holiday gifts for you or a loved one

With one of the post Anxiety Summit: Gut-Brain objectives of sharing additional reading resources and with the holidays right around the corner this is perfect timing for my holiday book blog and all books gut-brain related. Read on below for book excerpts from these books, some of which have just published, some are older and a few have yet to be published.

• Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, 5th Edition By Elizabeth Lipski (publication date Nov 22, 2019). The first edition was published in 1995 and this 5th edition (which I hear involved a great deal of revision) makes it current. I have yet to read this one but I know Liz and the previous editions and this is a firm favorite for overall digestive health.
• The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More by Dr. Becky Campbell (publication date Dec 10, 2019). I have read this one and it’s excellent! It’s the only book that I am aware of that goes into so much depth on the topic of histamine intolerance.
• The Microbiome and the Brain, edited by David Perlmutter MD (publication date Dec 12, 2019). As Dr. Perlmutter shared in our Anxiety Summit interview, “it’s not just for clinicians, it’s also for researchers.” I can’t wait for my copy to arrive and will share more when it does.
• Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness by David Perlmutter MD and Austin Perlmutter MD (publication date Jan 14, 2020). Dr. Perlmutter shared this in our summit interview: “I think technology can be either our most wonderful servant or a really disastrous master. It’s all in how we mindfully use technology.” I can’t wait for my copy to arrive and will share more when it does.
• Healthy Gut, Healthy You by Dr. Michael Ruscio (publication date February 15, 2018). Misty Williams raved about this book in our interview and although I have yet to read it, I have attended one of Dr. Ruscio’s SIBO trainings, so I’m including it here too.
• Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?: More than 100 Delicious Recipes–Pegan, Vegan, Paleo, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and More – For Lifelong Health by Dr. Mark Hyman MD (publication date October 22, 2019). I reviewed this book a few months ago and am always a big fan of Dr. Hyman’s work so am including this one too.
• The Mediterranean Method: Your Complete Plan to Harness the Power of the Healthiest Diet on the Planet — Lose Weight, Prevent Heart Disease, and More! by Steven Masley M.D. (publication date December 31, 2019). We all like to be inspired by new recipes and I love that Dr. Masley is a heart doctor, nutritionist and chef so I’m including this one even though I have yet to get a copy.
• Hanger Management: Master Your Hunger and Improve Your Mood, Mind, and Relationships by Susan Albers PsyD (publication date December 24, 2019). Susan is a good friend and is well-recognized for her work on mindful eating, so I’m including this one too in order to round out this selection of books.
• The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings by Trudy Scott (publication date June 2, 2011). I’m including my book too. If you don’t yet have a copy I encourage you to get a copy as a great foundation to the work I do. If you already have a copy I know you can see the value in gifting a copy to a loved one or sharing with your practitioner – so this is a reminder for you.

Here are more details on each of the above books….

Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, 5th Edition By Elizabeth Lipski  (publication date Nov 22, 2019)

Optimize your overall health through digestive wellness!

Fewer antacids and less bloating aren’t the only benefits of good digestion. When your digestive system is healthy and balanced, you sleep better, have more energy, think more clearly, experience less pain, and combat disease more effectively.

Digestive Health shows how everything from migraines to skin disease to arthritis are connected to your digestive system. And now, this go-to guide has been updated with critical new research and developments, including late-breaking information on:

• Probiotics and Prebiotics
• Celiac Disease
• The Gut-Brain Connection
• Carbohydrates
• Leaky Gut Syndrome
• Auto-Immune Conditions
• Kidney and Bone Health
• Cancer Prevention
• Alzheimer’s Disease

You’ll find practical solutions to numerous conditions and disorders, along with expert guidance on the newest advances in testing and diagnosis, nutrition, and natural therapies.

A perfect balance of science and practical advice, Digestive Health explains how your digestive system works and what to do when it doesn’t function properly.

It provides everything you need to take control of your overall health through close, careful attention to your digestive system.

You can get your copy from Amazon here (my Amazon link).

 

The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More by Dr. Becky Campbell (publication date Dec 10, 2019)

Uncover the Root Cause of Your Health Issues and Heal Your Body for Life

Millions of people suffer from allergies, migraines, skin issues, sleep disturbances, digestive ailments or anxiety due to undiagnosed histamine intolerance.

Dr. Becky Campbell, who has years of experience in the field and who suffers from histamine intolerance herself, has created a revolutionary four-phase program to heal your body naturally. What makes her approach different―and more effective for lifelong results―is that it looks for root causes and offers a well-rounded, holistic treatment plan that addresses diet, environmental toxins, lifestyle and more.

To help you uncover why your body is not processing histamine correctly, Dr. Campbell explains the eight most common factors and how to address them. Then she gives you a plan that includes a low-histamine diet, liver care, gut support and direction on how to safely reintroduce the foods that were once making you sick. Along with her wealth of delicious recipes, she also includes information on supplements, ways to reduce stress and much more.

Invest in your health and use The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan to heal your body for good.

You can get your copy from Amazon here (my Amazon link).

 

The Microbiome and the Brain, edited by David Perlmutter MD (publication date Dec 12, 2019)

Brain related disorders are among the most challenging health issues of our time. The development of effective therapeutic and preventive strategies for these disorders relies on a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causative mechanisms. And, until recently, these mechanisms have remained somewhat elusive.

The newly discovered pivotal role of the intestinal microbiome in brain health, functionality, and resistance to disease is revolutionizing neuroscience. The Microbiome and the Brain, through the contributions of some of the most forward thinking researchers and clinicians in the field, comprehensively reveals the leading edge of our understanding of the fundamental role of gut microbes and their metabolites in a wide array of seemingly diverse brain issues including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, multiple sclerosis, and mood disorders. In addition, mechanisms defining these relationships are explored along with a presentation of the state-of-the-art as it relates to interpretation of relevant laboratory assessments. Finally, novel therapeutic opportunities, derived from this exciting science are presented.

Readers will learn:

• The highly validated relationship between alterations of gut microbes and their metabolites, and risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
• The important link between autism and intestinal dysbiosis.
• Appropriate interpretation of available laboratory assessments of the intestinal microbiome.
• The potential role of fecal microbial transplant in neurological diseases.
• The influence of diet and other lifestyle choices on the microbiome as it relates to brain health and functionality.

More information here

 

Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness by David Perlmutter MD and Austin Perlmutter MD (publication date Jan 14, 2020)

Dr. David Perlmutter, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Grain Brain, and Dr. Austin Perlmutter, his son, explore how modern culture threatens to rewire our brains and damage our health, offering a practical plan for healing.

Contemporary life provides us with infinite opportunities, along with endless temptations. We can eat whatever we want, whenever we want. We can immerse ourselves in the vast, enticing world of digital media. We can buy goods and services for rapid delivery with our fingertips or voice commands. But living in this 24/7 hyper-reality poses serious risks to our physical and mental states, our connections to others, and even to the world at large.

Brain Wash builds from a simple premise: Our brains are being gravely manipulated, resulting in behaviors that leave us more lonely, anxious, depressed, distrustful, illness-prone, and overweight than ever before.

Based on the latest science, the book identifies the mental hijacking that undermines each and every one of us, and presents the tools necessary to think more clearly, make better decisions, strengthen bonds with others, and develop healthier habits. Featuring a 10-day bootcamp program, including a meal plan and 40 delicious original recipes, Brain Wash is the key to cultivating a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

You can get your copy from Amazon here (my Amazon link).  More information and bonus pre-launch gifts are available here.

 

Healthy Gut, Healthy You by Dr. Michael Ruscio (publication date February 15, 2018)

Are you experiencing depression, fatigue, thyroid imbalances, joint pain, insomnia, brain fog, inflammation or autoimmunity? Did you know your symptoms could be caused by a problem in your gut? Even if you don’t have gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation you could greatly benefit from improving your health at the core, your gut.

In Healthy Gut, Healthy You, clinician and researcher Dr. Michael Ruscio shows how modern lifestyle changes and the widespread use of antibiotics have made our guts more vulnerable than ever before.

The good news is that almost any ailment can be healed. The key is not just managing the symptoms but treating the root cause; the gut. Restoring this crucial part of your overall health improves the performance of your whole body from the inside out – and it’s easier than you think to get started.

You don’t have to follow crazy diets or spend a fortune to get healthy. Instead, read Healthy Gut, Healthy You to discover:

• THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUT
• DIET FOR OPTIMUM GUT HEALTH
• LIFESTYLE AND ENVIRONMENT FOR OPTIMUM GUT HEALTH
• TOOLS FOR HEALING YOUR GUT
• THE GREAT-IN-8 ACTION PLAN

A vibrant, healthy you begins with your gut! Start healing your body today with Healthy Gut, Healthy You!

You can get your copy from Amazon here  (my Amazon link)

 

Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?: More than 100 Delicious Recipes–Pegan, Vegan, Paleo, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and More – For Lifelong Health by Dr. Mark Hyman MD (publication date October 22, 2019)

The companion cookbook to Dr. Hyman’s New York Times bestselling Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?, featuring more than 100 delicious and nutritious recipes for weight loss and lifelong health.

Dr. Mark Hyman’s Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? revolutionized the way we view food, busting long-held nutritional myths that have sabotaged our health and kept us away from delicious foods that are actually good for us. Now, in this companion cookbook, Dr. Hyman shares more than 100 delicious recipes to help you create a balanced diet for weight loss, longevity, and optimum health. Food is medicine, and medicine never tasted or felt so good.

The recipes in Food: What the Heck Should I Cook? highlight the benefits of good fats, fresh veggies, nuts, legumes, and responsibly harvested ingredients of all kinds. Whether you follow a vegan, Paleo, Pegan, grain-free, or dairy-free diet, you’ll find dozens of mouthwatering dishes, including:

• Mussels and Fennel in White Wine Broth
• Golden Cauliflower Caesar Salad
• Herbed Mini-Meatballs with Butternut Noodles
• Lemon Berry Rose Cream Cake
• and many more

With creative options and ideas for lifestyles and budgets of all kinds, Food: What the Heck Should I Cook? is a road map to a satisfying diet of real food that will keep you and your family fit, healthy, and happy for life.

You can get your copy from Amazon here (my Amazon link) and check out some sample recipes on my blog here.

 

The Mediterranean Method: Your Complete Plan to Harness the Power of the Healthiest Diet on the Planet — Lose Weight, Prevent Heart Disease, and More! by Steven Masley M.D. (publication date December 31, 2019)

A fresh approach to the Mediterranean diet that focuses on low-glycemic foods that benefit the heart, brain, gut, and microbiome.

From southern Italy, Sardinia, and France to Spain, Greece, and Northern Africa the Mediterranean region is synonymous with sparkling azure waters and clear blue skies. It’s also home to most of the world’s longest-lived and vibrantly healthy people. Now we know why! Repeatedly ranked the #1 diet by U.S. News and World Report, the Mediterranean eating style–abundant seafood, vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts; lots of olive oil; a wide variety of herbs and spices; and even dark chocolate and red wine–has been scientifically proven to maintain a healthy gut and healthy weight, thereby reducing your risk for heart disease, dementia, memory loss, and many cancers in the process.

Taking this famously healthy and life-enhancing “prescription” one step further, Dr. Steven Masley–renowned physician, nutritionist, bestselling author, and trained chef–offers all the flavors and benefits of the Mediterranean diet, but with a “skinny” twist: he focuses on delicious ingredients with a low-glycemic load. Including 50 recipes for food everyone at the table will love–from hearty breakfasts, crowd-pleasing appetizers, soups, and sides, to family-style salads, memorable main meals, and irresistible desserts–The Mediterranean Method is a revolutionary program for losing weight and maintaining the amazing health you regain. Slim down and protect your heart, your brain, and your healthy longevity–all while you enjoy the amazing bounty, variety, and joy of Mediterranean cooking!

You can get your copy from Amazon here (my Amazon link)

 

Hanger Management: Master Your Hunger and Improve Your Mood, Mind, and Relationships by Susan Albers PsyD (publication date December 24, 2019)

The complete program for mastering your “hanger,” from mindful-eating pioneer Dr. Susan Albers — with 45 tips to turn hanger into happiness.

It happens to all of us. One minute you’re happily going about your day, and a few seconds later you’re a snappy, illogical version of yourself. The culprit? Hanger.

We’re living busier lives than ever before, and when we forget to eat — or accidentally overeat — hunger can make us angry, unreasonable, and dull, with big impacts on our emotional and psychological well being. And hanger can become a cycle. When we get too hungry, we’re more likely to make food decisions we regret, which sets us up for another hanger crash later on.

The good news: when we make better decisions about food, we think more clearly, connect better in our relationships, and improve our performance. Hanger Management is the book that can help you break this cycle and create healthy habits that fuel and empower you.

In Hanger Management, New York Times bestselling author and clinical psychologist Susan Albers sheds light on the causes of hanger, and shares 45 of her best tips for managing it well. By learning to stay on top of your hunger cues, cultivating a better understanding of your appetite, and creating a better overall relationship with food, you’ll become happier — and healthier — for life.

You can get your copy from Amazon here (my Amazon link)

 

The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings by Trudy Scott (publication date June 2, 2011)

It’s remarkable how much the foods we eat can impact our brain chemistry and emotions. What and when we eat can make the difference between feeling anxious and staying calm and in control. But most of us don’t realize how much our diets influence our moods, thoughts, and feelings until we make a change.

In The Antianxiety Food Solution, you’ll find four unique antianxiety diets designed to help you address nutritional deficiencies that may be at the root of your anxiety and enjoy the many foods that foster increased emotional balance. This helpful guide allows you to choose the best plan for you and incorporates effective anxiety-busting foods and nutrients. You’ll soon be on the path to freeing yourself from anxiety—and enjoying an improved overall mood, better sleep, fewer cravings, and optimal health—the natural way! The book also includes an easy-to-use index.

In The Antianxiety Food Solution, you’ll discover:

• How to assess your diet for anxiety-causing and anxiety-calming foods and nutrients
• Foods and nutrients that balance your brain chemistry
• Which anxiety-triggering foods and drinks you may need to avoid
• Easy lifestyle changes that reduce anxiety and increase happiness

You can get your copy from Amazon here (my Amazon link)

I’ve provided my Amazon links for your convenience but if you’re not in the USA, Book depository is a great place to purchase books and offers free shipping worldwide.

I hope I’ve given you some wonderful gift ideas! Happy shopping! And happy reading if you decide to gift yourself one or more of these wonderful books.

Let us know which books you are excited about getting for yourself or a loved one or friend, and which ones you already have and love.