Gut Feelings: Your Microbiota’s Massive Impact on Both Physical and Mental Health is a start-to-finish look at the human microbiota.

‘Gut Feelings’ is jam-packed with helpful information which covers an in-depth look at everything you need to know about the gut microbiota right through to the latest scientific research by gastroenterologists, neuroscientists, immunologists, and even psychiatrists along with the latest discoveries about the huge role your microbiota plays in both physical health and mental health.

This book is also a practical guide – identifying which foods feed the star performers of the gut bacteria, a complete rundown on the foods with the ‘biggest bang for your buck’ in supporting a healthy gut population of microorganisms.

• Learn which foods are prebiotics and how to use those foods to supercharge your gut.
• A run down on probiotics including how to make your own fermented foods – nature’s probiotics.
• AND INCLUDES 70 DELICIOUS RECIPES, created to be super-easy to whip up, that maximize your intake of prebiotics that not only feed you – but feed the trillions of helpers in your gut.
• Looks at the new area of psychobiotics and explains which foods to eat to pump up these mental health champions.
• Learn how the gut microbiota plays a major role in hormone regulation.
• Learn how the author completely cured a paralyzing panic disorder by using prebiotics.
• Learn how this particular gut microbe can prevent kidney stones.
• Learn which vitamin boosts the level of this powerlifter of a bacteria.
• Why psychologists might be in danger of losing their jobs to psychobiotics.
• Learn which gut bacteria is implicated in autism spectrum disorder.

While the brain, with its billions of neurons, is acknowledged as the command center, the gut, too, boasts an astonishing 500 million neurons. This vast network doesn’t remain silent; it’s in continuous dialogue, shaping our feelings, intuitions, and health in ways we’re only starting to understand.

You’ve likely heard of the phrase “gut feeling.” It’s that inexplicable sense that something is right or wrong, even when we don’t consciously know why.

This isn’t mere folklore; it’s rooted in the fascinating science of the gut-brain relationship. This connection isn’t just about fleeting feelings; it involves a complex interplay of hormones, signaling chemicals, the vagus nerve, and a myriad of other connections.

The other player on the stage that until recently remained in the shadows: our gut microbiota.

This vast ecosystem, comprising around 100 trillion bacteria, is a tropical rainforest in its diversity and functionality.
These microbes take charge of vital functions: from digestion and nutrient absorption to regulating our immune response.
Yet, their most profound influence might just be on our brain health and behavior. In fact, a staggering 95% of our serotonin—a neurotransmitter pivotal for mood regulation—is produced right in our gut.

Recently, scientists have unveiled another marvel: the HPA Axis, which connects the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands – is astonishingly influenced by our gut bacteria.

This system is our body’s stress command center and the kinds of bacteria residing in our gut can mean the difference between facing stress with grace or crumbling under its weight.

As you journey through this book, we’ll explore the profound relationship between our gut bacteria, mental wellbeing, and overall health—and more importantly, how you can ensure the gut is a thriving ecosystem of health-promoting bacteria that not only digests food but also keeps your mental wellbeing in check.