
What does our Founder recommend reading and watching?
I am sure many of you with an interest in health and wellness will have watched the recent documentary on Netflix – Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut. I enjoyed this informative insight into the digestive system and how the gut plays a key role in our overall health and wellbeing. I came across Guilia Enders, the host of the documentary, a few years ago when she published her book ‘GUT’. It was an informative and amusing read.
It’s encouraging to see the recent surge in information about gut health; things have certainly moved forward at a good pace in recent years. You only have to put ‘gut health’ into Google to see just how many books there are on the subject. And let’s not forget the increased coverage gut health gets on TV, across social media platforms and in the numerous podcasts that are dedicated to the subject. I remember when I first qualified as a naturopath over three decades ago, there was very little information on gut health, but of course this was before the internet and the accompanying explosion of information, some good and a lot bad.
With so much information at our fingertips, it can be a little overwhelming knowing where to begin when you want to broaden your knowledge. Let me share some of the gut health books and other sources of information that are pivotal in not only understanding why the gut holds the key to all aspects of our health, but also the ways in which we can make lifestyle choices that will enable us to lead a life that is vibrant and fulfilling, one in which we are empowered to manage our health and wellbeing because we have the required knowledge.
Whether you’re keen to extend your understanding of how the gut microbiome, an incredible community of bugs, impacts your health or are looking to be inspired with delicious and gut-friendly recipes, here are a few of the books that I recommend. I hope they will help you learn more about your gut health, the foods that can help nurture your digestive wellness, as well as how natural supplements and complementary health practices can be implemented so that you are less dependent on orthodox medicine (accepting that there is a place for it, but allowing it to work to its greatest effect only when it is necessary).
Gut by Guilia Enders
As I already mentioned, the host of the Netflix documentary first came to my attention when she published this book. It’s a fun, fascinating foray into all things gut-related, and explains everything from ‘How does pooping work?’ to how our microbes can play a role in obesity and allergies.
The Viva Mayr Diet
I couldn’t not include a resource from my favourite wellness clinic; I have talked at length about the Mayr Method in various blog posts, such as this one. The Mayr diet focuses on nurturing gut health and eating mindfully and healthfully.
The recipes are designed around limiting sugar and caffeine, loading up on healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats. There is a strong emphasis on slowing down and savouring meals, tuning into fullness cues, and avoiding late-night eating.
The book provides meal plans, recipes, and an extensive explanation of the guidelines so you reach your weight loss goals and can do the diet as long as you like, or simply make the meals for your health.
What you can eat and drink on the Mayr Method:
- Alkaline-high foods, such as ripe fruits, vegetables, legumes, and beans
- Cold-pressed oils, and plenty of them, drizzled on food, including extra-virgin olive oil, sesame oil, walnut oil, avocado oil
- Herbs
- Spices
- High-protein foods, such as tofu, edamame, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds
- Dairy products (unless lactose-intolerant)
- Eggs
- Raw foods including vegetables, fruits and salads before 4 pm, and cooked foods after that.
What you should try to avoid:
- Gluten
- Processed food
- Eating too many carbohydrates
- Eating big portions
- Feeling stressed
What Doctors Don’t Tell You
For over 20 years I’ve subscribed to this magazine, published 10 times a year, that includes the latest healthcare news, alongside information on complementary therapies and alternative medicines, with features and stories written by leading experts and regular contributors. It’s filled with advice on natural health including food and diet choices, gut health, the immune system, women’s health, men’s health and much more. At times, it’s a controversial read but the information provided about health therapies is backed by science.
The Doctor’s Kitchen by Rupy Aujila
Packed with delicious plant-based recipes, NHS doctor Rupy Aujila is passionate about using food as a tool to improve health. Containing more than 100 recipes, The Doctor’s Kitchen is an excellent book for anyone looking for a little culinary inspiration. And the recipes are easy to make! Dr Rupy shares lots of information about how the dishes are beneficial to your health, offset with some refreshing straight-talking about expectations and intentions – we all have days when we are simply too exhausted or just can’t be bothered to cook something from scratch, but there are dishes in this book that account for these days. A real win!
Just One Thing by Dr. Michael Mosley
Based on the popular BBC podcast of the same name, Just One Thing, this book brings to life the late Dr Mosley’s mission to unearth small, simple things you can introduce into your routine which will have a big impact on your mental and physical health. It’s actually a health book you can read without feeling guilty. Rather than suggest a radical change, Dr Mosley suggests small wins, like standing on one foot whilst brushing your teeth, or getting some sunlight on your skin as many days as you can. All the tips are not time-consuming as they usually require just 5-10 mins, ideal for people who are busy but still want to take care of their physical and mental health.