The Mind-Gut Connection

This book could have been really great, and I was very excited about it, as it is written by a doctor with extensive experience in studying bacteria and the body. Unfortunately, he veers into the territory of the unknown too often, ending most sections and chapters with statements such as “well we don't know this yet and haven't confirmed it yet, but there's good reason to believe this should work.” In a book written by a medical physician with research experience, I am looking for firm science and evidence-based recommendations.

There are better books on the microbiome. If/when I read one I'll update this review. UPDATE: I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong is fantastic - start there.

This book felt meandering, with a lot of postulating about implications of small studies. What little actionable information you get in the last chapter is exactly what you'd expect. There's no clear goal beyond general education and interesting theories.

Overall I don't feel like I got any value out of this, with the exception of his computer vs machine gut explanation in the intro, and realizing how short the window of influence during pregnancy/first 3 years of life is in developing a healthy gut flora.