Gut Health Books: Top Ten (2024)

The workings of your gut are fascinating and confusing in equal measure. Here are the gut health books which bring it to life, giving you practical tips along the way.

Contents

  1. BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT
  2. GUT
  3. THE DIET MYTH
  4. THE GUT MAKEOVER
  5. THE CLEVER GUTS DIET
  6. 10% HUMAN
  7. THE DIGESTIVE HEALTH SOLUTION
  8. HEALTHY GUT, HEALTHY YOU
  9. THE GOOD GUT
  10. THE HAPPY SKIN SOLUTION

1. BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT

Author: Eve Kalinik
Published by: Piatkus (September 2017)
Total Length: 288 pages

This is like a nutritional therapy session in a book. Not only does nutritional therapist Eve Kalinik motivate you to improve your gut health by explaining how your digestion influences your wellbeing, she also gives you 80 IBS-friendly recipes.

Best for: the foodie with a sensitive gut

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2. GUT

Author: Guilia Enders
Published by: Scribe UK (May 2015)
Total Length: 272

Giula Enders is a scientist—but this book reads nothing like an academic paper. Prepare to be swept away by Ender’s enthusiasm for our bodily functions. She takes you through every stage of your digestion, turning it into a story that’s funny and surprisingly page-turning.

Best for: the health aficionado seeking a holiday read
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3. THE DIET MYTH

Author: Tim Spector
Published by: W&N (May 2016)
Total Length: 336 pages

Professor Tim Spector is at the coalface of microbiome research, and he’s also a massive foodie. This book goes into the nitty-gritty of how our gut microbiomes affect our food preferences and our health. Expect a good dose of science with a side of personal anecdotes.

Best for: the budding scientist
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4. THE GUT MAKEOVER

Author: Jeanette Hyde
Published by: Quercus (December 2016)
Total Length: 256 pages

Nutritional therapist Jeannette Hyde works with many busy professionals, so she knows that eating well needs to be easy. In this book she’s created a simple, realistic four-week plan to improve your gut health using foods you’d find in your local supermarket. This book has sold consistently well since its release, and for good reason.

Best for: the time-strapped professional who wants to be healthy
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5. THE CLEVER GUTS DIET

Author: Dr Michael Mosley
Published by: Short Books Ltd (May 2017)
Total Length: 288 pages

Don’t be misled by the title: this book isn’t about eating less for weight loss, it’s about eating more to make your gut microbiome thrive. Michael Mosley, a trained doctor and celebrated medical journalist, explains why many of our microbiomes are in such bad shape—and shows us what to do via recipes, meal plans and more.

Best for: the gut health newbie
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6. 10% HUMAN

Author: Alanna Collen
Published by: William Collins (May 2016)
Total Length: 336 pages

Although the headline statistic has been debunked (new findings suggest we are roughly equal parts human and bacteria), there’s still much to enjoy in this book. Biologist Alanna Collen is a skilled writer, using images and metaphors to make this complex topic easy to understand. She’s also refreshingly honest about what science can’t yet answer.

Best for: the person who’s already read a few gut health books
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7. THE DIGESTIVE HEALTH SOLUTION

Author: Benjamin Brown
Published by: Exisle (April 2017)
Total Length: 272 pages

Naturopath and nutritionist Ben Brown is known for his rigorous analysis of scientific research. In this book, he gathers all the clinical pearls gleaned from academic studies to create a clear, practical guide to conquering IBS. We warn you: you’ll never look at kiwis the same way again.

Best for: the newly qualified nutritional therapist
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8. HEALTHY GUT, HEALTHY YOU

Author: Dr Michael Ruscio
Published by: The Ruscio Institute LLC (February 2018)
Total Length: 340 pages

Michael Ruscio is Functional Medicine Practitioner based in California, US. In this impressive, self-published tome, he presents a step-by-step guide to improving your gut health. No detail is left to chance—right down to how many pots of supplements you’ll need.

Best for: the IBS sufferer who wants a clear plan
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9. THE GOOD GUT

Authors: Justin Sonnenburg, Erica Sonnenberg
Published by: Penguin Books (May 2016)
Total Length: 320 pages

In the world of gut research, Justin and Erica Sonnenberg are a golden couple. Both researchers at prestigious Stanford University, they’ve distilled what they’ve learnt in this co-authored book. Along with a deep dive into the science, expect to learn about gut-loving foods, simple lifestyle tweaks and even safe alternatives to antibiotics.

Best for: the gut health explorer
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10. THE HAPPY SKIN SOLUTION

Author: Fiona Lawson
Published by: Amazon (September 2019)
Total Length: 90 pages

Your gut microbiome influences more than your digestion—it can also affect your skin. Nutritional therapist Fiona Lawson shows how improving your digestion can alleviate your acne, with advice that’s transferable to other skin conditions too. Expect step-by-step guidance and a realistic, gentle approach.

Best for: the person who wants good digestion and clear skin
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Learn more about your gut health. Talk to our experts.

BOOK CONSULTATION

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