Huffnagle's "Probiotics Revolution" is written by a reputable scholar and scientist in an approachable but not overly simplified manner. The book is organized in 3 sections:
Part 1: The Promise of Probiotics (4 chapters) gives the scientific background for by the book by describing immune system functioning, the effects of antibiotics, and the relationship between immune system functioning and inflammation, which is at the basis of so many diseases. A key idea is that, for optimal functioning, we need to populate our gut with "good bacteria" to crowd out and make life inhospitable for "bad bacteria."
Part 2: Preventing and Treating Disease (5 chapters) deals with particular diseases that are benefitted by the use of probiotics, particularly digestive and urogenital diseases and allergic responses, plus discussion of the general use of probiotics for health and more speculative discussion of the potential for probiotic benefits for other inflammation-based disorders such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Part 3: Promoting Microbial Blanace: What You Can Do (7 chapters) discusses food and supplement sources of probiotics and "prebiotics" (foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains) that provide nutritional support for the probiotics. (Although there is no separate chapter, another key term from the book is "metabiotics," the metabolic products of probiotics, which provide some benefit even when the bacteria themselves have died--this is why cooked foods such as pasteurized yogurt or sourdough bread can still show some benefit.) Detailed charts discussing the particular species content of different supplements and indicating which species have been scientifically demonstrated to benefit which disorders are included. The book concludes with a general food plan, a discussion of how to get kids to eat more healthfully (illustrated with amusing anecdotes with his own children), and some recipes, focused mostly on recipes for those with a busy lifestyle who do not want to spend a lot of time on food preparation.
I highly recommend the book for its scientific basis and accessible presentation. My one criticism is that I thought that the recipes section was a little paltry, particularly with regards to its selection of main dishes (only two, one of which was nachos, not something I normally think of as a main dish). Overall, an excellent and practical resource.
I have read many books on the topic of probiotics. This was the best one by far. It tells you the latest studies on the subject and discusses all it can do for you. It includes diet as well as supplements. It was enjoyable learning about this topic. It doesn't claim things that are not proven yet. The best part was the wonderful recipes at the end.
After several courses of antibiotics, my health had deteriorated and no longer responded well to more antibiotics: infections would get better for a week or so and then get worse again just as I thought I had gotten better. I turned to probiotics as a last resort and now wish I had turned to these 'good bacteria' long before. Huffnagle & Wernick's book not only explains how these good bacteria work inside our bodies, it also has a list of probiotic products that have been tested and shown to be effective. I took the book with me when I went to my local health food store and used the product list. For that alone, this book is a great resource. If you have recurring UTI or impetigo, give probiotics a try!
I bought this book in conjunction with purchasing a home yogurt-maker. It's written in an easy-to-understand style and makes a great argument for including probiotics in your daily diet. With all of the antibiotics in our medicine, food and soap, it's important to know how to replenish the good bacteria in our bodies.
I have read this book all in the same day I picked it up from the library. It is well written and does not condescend to the reader yet thoroughly explains the science behind probiotics, and how to apply this knowledge. I intend to read more and thoroughly revamp my diet.
The anecdotal bits and the studies cited were enough to convince me of a connection between probiotics and many major health issues. I intend to conduct my own study using my, and my family's health!
Thanks!
From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!
Book Review: The Probiotics Revolution by Gary Huffnagle and Sarah Wernick
Probiotics are the good microbes found in many foods. In short, they keep your gut bacteria in check, helping to prevent gum disease, ulcers, and other diseases by enhancing the immune system. Dr. Gary Huffnagle, author of The Probiotics Revolution and Professor of Internal Medicine, Microbiology, and Immunology (University of Michigan Medical Center) researches probiotics. He states that probiotics should be "one of our essential food groups because they provide nutrients just as important to our health as vitamins and minerals." Practicing what he preaches, Dr. Huffnagle has his family eating probiotics daily.
Most of us have heard of yogurt containing these beneficial bacteria, but few know about kefir--a fermented milk drink. Found in health food stores and larger supermarkets, it like yogurt is available both plain, lowfat, fruit flavored, and organic. Kefir is prepared by mixing milk with a starter called "kefir grains," and then allowing it to ferment. This optimizes the probiotic content. Dr. Huffnagle explains that the amount of probiotic content in kefir is inferior when compared with yogurt, but the variety of good bacteria is better. In fact, the bottle of kefir in my refrigerator contains ten varieties of live cultures, whereas my yogurt has three. For better digestive and immune system health, eat both yogurt and kefir. Incorporated into a healthy diet, Dr. Huffnagle recommends one to three, 8 ounce servings of fermented dairy daily.
5 Stars - Kefir - Ibs - Healthy Living - Alternative Health Books'
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