Author: Giulia Enders
If you want to have your mind blown and have a good laugh while learning about your gut, then this is your next read. The way Giulia Enders writes is not only hilarious, but it is also addictive. I could not put it down when I read it a few years ago. And I have re-read it since then, and it just never gets old. While reading this book, you’re taken on a journey through your gut. Every step is thoroughly explained for easy digestion. I loved learning about all of the bacteria, organs, and functions in my gut. It’s like discovering a new planet or getting to know yourself even better.
Get to know your Gut!
Giulia Enders gives some pretty detailed biology in this book. She explains different parts of the digestive system, their roles, and what happens if they aren’t playing fair. But she does all this in an incredibly fun, down-to-earth way. There are even some fun drawings to help you get some visuals! Reading this book will also give you a lot of insight into different gastrointestinal issues that are out there. Who knows, maybe it will help you find out more about what might be plaguing you?
Gut-Brain Connection
I especially loved that Giulia Enders repeatedly acknowledges how strong the gut-mind connection is. She emphasizes how our emotions and nerves are closely linked to our gut. I can definitely relate to this, as my gut issues caused severe anxiety in the past. And surely, my anxiety has also caused gut issues. She made me realize that I am not crazy and that this is common and has a very logical explanation.
What I learned from Gut
This book is full of amazing lessons and insights. And they don’t just pop up here or there. You’ll have your mind blown about every 2-3 pages! No kidding, my copy of this book is so full of highlights. So I just picked a few points that were mind-blowing to me:
- All fat that we eat goes straight into the heart! Yup, no kidding! So whether you’re eating healthy fats or complete garbage fats, the heart gets them full force. There’s no first stop to detoxify town or anything. So choose your fats wisely cause your heart takes the heat.
- Fructose intolerance is the most common food intolerance in the western hemisphere. Fructose Intolerance is when people have trouble digesting fruit sugars. This affects about 40% of the population. I was blown away by this, as it took me so long to figure out that fructose was my biggest tummy problem source. For years I’d been seeking medical advice, and none of the doctors even told me about fructose intolerance, which affects 40% of the western population!
- 1/3 of the solid mass of your poop is bacteria. I could not believe this. That shows how many gut flora (bacteria) live in your gut. The ones you’re parting ways with have retired from their jobs and are moving on.
- The grumbling you hear in your tummy isn’t it saying that you’re hungry or that it’s time to eat. It’s your small intestine doing its final ‘clean up job’ after a meal. Surprisingly this can be several hours after you last ate. So constant snacking prevents this ‘clean up’ from happening, which is why some believe it is best to leave at least 5 hours between meals.
I’d recommend this to…
Truly anyone who has ever suffered (or has a loved one who’d suffering) from digestive issues. This book breaks down the barriers of feeling embarrassed, alone, and terrified. After reading it, I felt empowered by the knowledge I had just learned, and I also felt relieved. I was able to see my digestion in a new light, and this newfound understanding even helped me figure out more of my digestive puzzle to improve my health. Also, be sure to check out my thoughts on In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan, the Complete Low FODMAP Diet by Sue Shepherd and Peter Gibson, and Farmacology Daphne Miller.
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