Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome

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In this ground-breaking book, surgeon and expert on the microbiome, James Kinross, takes us on a guided tour of our extraordinary inner universe, showing how our relationship with microbes may hold the key to why we are increasingly succumbing to diseases and conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's, autoimmune conditions and allergies. He highlights how hyperglobalization and our addiction to antibiotics has transformed our internal ecosystems and why this matters so much to our future health and happiness. In summary, "Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome" is an enlightening and invaluable resource that I would highly recommend. Whether you're a health professional, a young parent, or simply someone interested in the future of healthcare, this book is a must-read.

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The “gut microbiome” is the name we have used to describe not only the wildly diverse collection of microbes that live there, but also what happens when they interact with each other and with our bodies. In other words, it’s an ecosystem made up of trillions of microbial life forms going about their business inside us, as we go about ours. Here, Dr Kinross shares how he looks after his gut every day (as much as he can) and the things he would never do. Do enjoy a bit of red wine, don’t go for spirits or beer Eat more fibre Most of us eat only half the recommended 30g a day. But start slowly – our guts don’t like rapid change But a healthy gut doesn’t just reduce the risk of cancer, it has wide-ranging benefits. “We have to think of the gut as this big sensory organ which has lots of lovely bacteria in it,” says Dr James Kinross, a consultant colorectal surgeon at Imperial College London. “That bacteria interacts with your environment, which then in turn communicates with your immune system.” In his new book Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome, Dr James Kinross lays bare the mind-boggling world of what lies in our guts: the delicate ecosystem of trillions of microbial life forms that live within us all. Without us even realising, our gut’s unique ecosystem is the missing link in modern medicine and what’s more, is heavily influenced by our environment.Spector hopes his tests – which don’t just test for microbes, but also assess blood fat and blood glucose responses to specific foods – will change this. “We’re just starting to get to the point where we can suggest individualised foods. This is not just isolated microbiome testing,” he says. “We have trials in place to quantify this, but the initial results are exciting, with nearly everyone reporting weight loss and improved energy levels without any calorie counting or traditional weight loss methods. Previous microbiome tests have been sub-optimal [but the] ZOE approach is completely different: using state of the art sequencing allows us to detect species and strains and find strong associations between these microbes and both foods and health.” A fountain of knowledge and sense in an overwhelming world of science. * Rhiannon Lambert, Registered Nutritionist and Sunday Times Bestselling Author * In this mindblowing book, scientist and surgeon James Kinross explains how the organisms that live within us have helped us evolve, shaped our biology and defined the success of our species. But just as we have discovered this delicate and complex ecosystem within us, it is being irrevocably destroyed through antibiotic addition, industrial food production, the globalisation of our diets and lifestyles, and the destruction of our environment.

Unlocking the ‘gut microbiome’ – and its massive significance Unlocking the ‘gut microbiome’ – and its massive significance

We are a nation that is essentially drunk all the time,” says Dr Kinross. “We consume way too much alcohol. The consumption of alcohol over a chronic period of time is so bad for gut function.” Engaging ... [ Dark Matter] stands out in revealing the microbiome through the eyes of a clinician who sees each patient not just as a human, but as a human entwined with a complex, dynamic ecosystem New Scientist Lifestyle Myths about antibiotics debunked - from how long to take them for to impact on your gut health Read More Don’t underestimate the link between gut health and mental healthDr Kinross advises eating around 30g of fibre a day. “Fibre is broken down by bugs in your gut. We don’t metabolise fibre, the bugs do that on our behalf. This helps grow those molecular goodies, that promote health. Fibre also absorbs toxins in the gut.” I try to reduce the amount of meat that I eat. In fact, I almost never eat meat unless someone else is cooking,” he says. Instead, Dr Kinross focuses on eating a range of vegetables. “I try to have at least 30 different fruits and vegetables a week and I try to make sure that every meal I have is vegetable-based. We have a lot of salads in my house, and we love our polyphenols.” An urgent investigation into a brave new world in science - the microbiome - and how it could save our health.