I wanted to compile a list of my top 3 favorite gut health books because these books helped me get started and the internet can be a confusing and overwhelming place.
For those of you who like to read, then this post is for you! Below are my top 3 favorite gut health reads and the reasons why I chose these books to help get you started.
Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Meyer
Why I like this book:
This book is AWESOME for someone looking to get to the basics of gut health. This was actually the first gut health book I read and it opened the doors for me into the world of the microbiome. This book provides tons of solid information and is very easy to read. The author does a great job at explaining mechanisms and reasoning. I really enjoyed reading this.
I would recommend this to anyone also looking for a good resource to refer back to. I highlighted the crap out of this book and put a bunch of sticky notes in it to refer back to if I need to.
You might want to read this book if you’re looking for:
- Information on the gut/brain axis
- Food additives that may be causing gut upset
- A general overview of how to optimize your gut health
- A look into “gut intuition”, which I also find incredibly interesting
What I don’t like about this book:
The only thing I don’t like about this book is the lack of depth. If you are looking for a more in-depth, scientific-based book then this might not be the read for you. At the end I found myself with some unanswered questions. There is not a lot of research discussed in this book, but some people like that! I, personally, like to see the facts from studies and research.
Fiber Fueled by Will Bulsuiewicz
Why I like this book:
Okay, I absolutely loved this book. I think it is so well written and he does a great job of explaining everything he says with research. Dr Bulsiewicz breaks down the essentials of nutrition as well. Not only do you get a good amount of in depth information related to gut health, but you also get a lot of solid helpful nutrition information.
When I think of a comprehensive gut health book, this is what I think of. I would highly recommend this to anyone. Sometimes doctors really dismiss nutrition as a vital component to health, but Dr. Bulsiewicz magnifies the importance of a plant-based diet. He is also well educated in the topic of nutrition and doesn’t mislead the reader with inappropriate facts to sell a product.
You might want to read this book if you’re looking for:
- A good understanding of foundational nutrition information
- A scientific-based research tool
- A roadmap to gut healing with meal plans included
- A stronger understanding of WHY you should eat more plant based
What I don’t like about this book:
There isn’t much I don’t like about this book. I would say there are few things that he mentions that are debatable in the nutrition field, but nothing that would stray me from recommending his expertise and knowledge. When I read nutrition-related books, I sometimes feel like there is a level of deception and bias, but he does a good job at presenting just the straight facts and reason behind them. Everything he recommends would be helpful to the reader and you will gain a lot from reading this.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Why I like this book:
THIS BOOK. One of my new favorites. I know, it has nothing to do with nutrition, but it really is a great read! James Clear talks about what shapes our habits and why we form habits, how to break them, and how to make small changes. This book is ESSENTIAL for anyone looking to make a dietary change or lifestyle change. Which I think is SO important for those of us looking to improve our health.
Most individuals seeking nutrition advice are looking for some sort of change, whether it big or small. And this is a great starting point for people who are looking to change their engrained habits. I absolutely love it and it has changed the way I counsel clients with their own behavior change. The whole premise of this book is to identify with WHO you want to become. If you want to become a person who likes to exercise, think like an athlete would. Start small and eventually your efforts will become a habit. He also talks about breaking bad habits by making them unpleasant or “hard” to work for. If you watch too much Netflix, unplug the television after each use. Then you have to work to get to Netflix.
You might want to read this book if you’re looking for:
- A way to break unwanted habits
- A way to foster good habits
- A step by step guide on how to achieve your desired habits
- An EASY way to approach lifestyle change
What I don’t like about this book:
I can’t say there is anything I don’t like! I recommend reading it by chapter and just digest what you read before moving on to the next. It’s really been a game changer for me.
Let me know if the comments below if you hav any good book recommendations related to gut health or any self improvement! I love receiving book recommendations!
