The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health

Written by Emeran Mayer

Narrated by Tom Parks

Cutting-edge neuroscience combines with the latest discoveries on the human microbiome to inform this practical guide that proves once and for all the inextricable, biological link between mind and body.

We have all experienced the connection between our mind and our gut—the decision we made because it “felt right;” the butterflies in our stomach before a big meeting; the anxious stomach rumbling when we’re stressed out. While the dialogue between the gut and the brain has been recognized by ancient healing traditions, including Aryuvedic and Chinese medicine, Western medicine has failed to appreciate the complexity of how the brain, gut, and more recently, the microbiome—the microorganisms that live inside us—communicate with one another. In The Mind-Gut Connection, Dr. Emeran Mayer, Executive Director of the UCLA Center for Neurobiology of Stress, offers a revolutionary look at this developing science, teaching us how to harness the power of the mind-gut connection to take charge of our health.

The Mind-Gut Connection, shows how to keep the communication brain-gut communication clear and balanced to:

• Heal the gut by focusing on a plant-based diet

• Balance the microbiome by consuming fermented foods and probiotics, fasting, and cutting out sugar and processed foods

• Promote weight loss by detoxifying and creating a healthy digestion and maximum nutrient absorption

• Boost immunity and prevent the onset of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

• Generate a happier mindset and reduce fatigue, moodiness, anxiety, and depression

• Prevent and heal GI disorders such as leaky gut syndrome; food sensitivities and allergies; and IBS; as well as digestive discomfort such as heartburn and bloating

• And much more.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063215290

Emeran Mayer

Emeran Mayer, MD, has studied brain-body interactions for the last forty years. He is the executive director of the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience and the codirector of the Digestive Diseases Research Center at the University of California at Los Angeles. His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health for the past twenty-five years, and he is considered a pioneer and world leader in the area of brain-gut microbiome interactions. 

Reviews for The Mind-Gut Connection

[Julie Dresback · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredibly well researched and insightful. Practical tips and direct connections to outcomes. Def recommend!!!

[Anna Michalak · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely brilliant book! I’m going to listen to it again as there’s so many information that I didn’t manage to memorise on one go. Recommend to anyone intrigued by the connection between our brain, thinking processes and gut microbiome

[krishnanfromrgp · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Some interesting insights on gut microbes, its functioning, its relation with brain & also the overall health of an individual.

[brainannex · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Some really interesting connections between the health of the brain and the health of the belly. The science is accessible and not too intense.

[laurasreading · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I could write pages about this book but I will try to just give you an idea of why I found it so fascinating. It is extremely well written so that almost anyone can follow along with the ideas and understand the basic concepts. The language is straightforward and on task.The author's credentials are impressive. And his own example of following his gut instincts or mesages to further his life experience! He could as easily become a confectioner in the family business.I did not feel pressured to adhere to Dr. Mayer's conclusions and viewpoint, in particular regarding self awareness in dogs. Reagrdless of your viewpoint on various issues, I feel the information is here to explore and draw one's own interpretations. Much emphasis is placed on early, even prebirth, biological and environmental influence leaing trace evidence and predispositions in ones emotional makeup, thus afecting physical experience.The book is packed with statistical anecdotes and medical studies, even utilizing dream analysis. I was introduced to discussions of bidirectional communications connecting the gut (aka second brain) and brain and much explanation about the microbiome.If you have an interest in thorough medical discussions, ideas about treatments with less "collateral damage, " or suffer from any brain, emotional or gut area discomforts or illnesses, you will find valuable information in this book. It will give you a great basis for an interesting conversation with your medical professionals.I did receive this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.