The Whole-Body Microbiome by B. Brett Finlay; Jessica M. Finlay

The Whole-Body Microbiome by B. Brett Finlay & Jessica M. Finlay ISBN-13: 9781615194810 Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: The Experiment Released: Jan. 2, 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Biochemist Brett Finlay and gerontology expert Jessica Finlay have discovered that microbes play a crucial role in how we age. In this book, they explore the unique composition of all the microbiomes in the human body, not just in the gut. They present current and emerging research on microbial interventions for the full spectrum of age-related conditions, from sun spots to Alzheimer’s, cancer, and more.


My Review:
The Whole-Body Microbiome is about what scientists have learned about mice microbiomes. Almost every study described in this book was a study done on mice rather than humans. This can give us an idea of what might work in humans, but mice aren't humans. The other studies tended to be population studies, so the cause and effect are not as certain. Beyond suggesting some changes in diet and avoiding antibiotics unless really needed, there was not a lot of practical advice for right now. Mostly, they talked about areas of future study and things that may be available in the future. The overall format of the book was to focus on a part of the body (not just the gut), briefly describe what we know about the human microbiome in that area, and describe various common chronic conditions and diseases where changes in the microbiota might help (mostly based on findings from studies on mice).


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.