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Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Josh AxeEnglish | 2016 | ISBN: 0062433644, 1509820957 | 352 pages | EPUB | 1,8 MBDoctor of Natural Medicine and wellness authority Dr. Josh Axe delivers a groundbreaking, indispensable guide for understanding, diagnosing, and treating one of the most discussed yet little-understood health conditions: leaky gut syndrome.Do you have a leaky gut? For 80% of the population the answer is “yes”—and most people don’t even realize it. Leaky gut syndrome is the root cause of a litany of ailments, including: chronic inflammation, allergies, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, diabetes, and even arthritis.To keep us in good health, our gut relies on maintaining a symbiotic relationship with trillions of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract. When our digestive system is out of whack, serious health problems can manifest and our intestinal walls can develop microscopic holes, allowing undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins to seep into the bloodstream. This condition is known as leaky gut syndrome.In Eat Dirt, Dr. Josh Axe explains that what we regard as modern “improvements” to our food supply—including refrigeration, sanitation, and modified grains—have damaged our intestinal health. In fact, the same organisms in soil that allow plants and animals to flourish are the ones we need for gut health. In Eat Dirt, Dr. Axe explains that it’s essential to get a little “dirty” in our daily lives in order to support our gut bacteria and prevent leaky gut syndrome. Dr. Axe offers simple ways to get these needed microbes, from incorporating local honey and bee pollen into your diet to forgoing hand sanitizers and even ingesting a little probiotic-rich soil.Because leaky gut manifests differently in every individual, Dr. Axe also identifies the five main “gut types” and offers customizable plans—including diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations—to dramatically improve gut health in just thirty days. With a simple diet plan, recipes, and practical advice, Eat Dirt will help readers restore gut health and eliminate leaky gut for good.Editorial Reviews“Our understanding of what really threatens human health is undergoing a revolution, and Eat Dirt magnificently describes this paradigm shift. Dr. Axe’s guidance, centered on reestablishing healthy gut bacteria, is in line with our most respected and forward-thinking medical research. Read this book and open doors to lifelong health.” (David Perlmutter, MD, author, #1 New York Times Bestseller, Grain Brain )“Eat Dirt is a proven way to address the root cause of all disease. The first step to healing yourself is healing your gut. If you’re ready to learn some cutting edge concepts and take back your health, this book is for you.” (Mark Hyman, MD, author of The Blood Sugar Solution)“If you’re struggling with a chronic illness like digestive problems, autoimmune disease or adrenal and thyroid conditions, this book can change your life. Dr. Axe lays out an easy-to-follow plan for addressing the root cause of disease where it starts in the gut. ” (Sara Gottfried MD, author of The Hormone Reset Diet and The Hormone Cure)“There is a beautiful course correction afoot… In Eat Dirt, Dr. Axe deconstructs the myth behind our war against germs, sheds light on why and how we are sick, and honors the ancient wisdom of healing that starts with the gut.” (Kelly Brogan, MD ABIHM, author of A Mind of Your Own)“Dr. Axe combines cutting-edge science and the ancient practice of natural immunization into a 5-step plan that taps the body’s innate defenses to reduce inflammation and chronic pain, lose weight, and increase energy and vitality. You’ll love this fun, counterintuitive strategy to achieve optimal health: Get dirty!” (JJ Virgin, author of The Sugar Impact Diet)From the Back CoverIn recent decades, modern “improvements” to our lifestyle and food supply have come with a cost: our health. From pesticides in our soil to the refrigeration and pasteurization of our food to an overreliance on antibiotics and a preoccupation with sanitizing everything in sight, our desire to be clean is actually putting us at risk for a host of chronic illnesses.That’s because as we’ve shifted our focus to living a germ-free life, our bodies—specifically, our digestive systems—have taken a hit. Starved of actual nutrition, fed toxic levels of processed foods, and overtaxed by chemicals, stress, and excessive antimicrobial use, we’ve developed microscopic tears in our intestinal walls, leading to the widespread inflammation and weakened immunity that characterize a condition known as “leaky gut syndrome.”In Eat Dirt, functional medicine practitioner Dr. Josh Axe explains the hidden causes and widespread effects of leaky gut syndrome, a condition that is thought to be ground zero for many of the country’s most confounding health crises—including allergies, asthma, food sensitivities, diabetes, digestive diseases, arthritis, thyroid conditions, and even frustratingly difficult-to-treat conditions such as chronic fatigue and autism.Dr. Axe explains that 70 percent of our immune system is located in the gut—when it’s under attack, our health suffers. In leaky gut syndrome, a number of factors—including insufficient exposure to“dirt”—leads to the breakdown of the intestinal wall, allowing food, bacteria, and toxins to seep into the bloodstream. In Eat Dirt, Dr. Axe reveals that the solution, while counterintuitive, is almost effortless: we just need to welcome a little more “dirt” back into our lives.From ditching hand sanitizers, using essential oils for personal products, reducing antibiotic use, and consuming local honey to spending more time outside, eating seasonally, managing stress, and incorporating probiotic-rich foods into our diets, Dr. Axe provides specific guidance to help everyone get a little “dirty.”Advance Praise for Eat Dirt“Our understanding of what really threatens human health is undergoing a revolution, and Eat Dirt magnificently describes this paradigm shift. Dr. Axe’s compassionate guidance, centered on reestablishing healthy gut bacteria, is in line with our most respected and forward-thinking medical research. Read this book and open the door to lifelong health.”—David Perlmutter, MD, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Grain Brain“Eat Dirt is a proven way to address the root cause of all disease. The first step to healing yourself is healing your gut. Using the science of ‘microexposures,’ Dr. Axe gives us a simple-to-follow guide on the five steps to repair a damaged gut and overcome a range of issues, from autoimmune disease to chronic inflammation. If you’re ready to learn some cutting-edge concepts and take back your health, this book is for you.”—Mark Hyman, MD, bestselling author of The Blood Sugar Solution“If you’re struggling with a chronic illness like digestive problems, autoimmune disease, or adrenal and thyroid conditions, this book can change your life. Dr. Axe lays out an easy-to-follow plan for addressing the root cause of disease where it starts—in the gut. His natural prescriptions using plant-based medicine, a gut-friendly diet, and exposing yourself to good microbes to build your microbiome are cutting-edge techniques that can help you experience a health breakthrough.”—Sara Gottfried, MD, bestselling author of The Hormone Reset Diet and The Hormone Cure“There is a beautiful course correction afoot—scientific research is reminding us of our inner and outer ecology and our inextricable union with the natural world. In Eat Dirt, Dr. Axe deconstructs the myth behind our war against germs, sheds light on why and how we are sick, and honors the ancient wisdom of healing that starts with the gut.”—Kelly Brogan, MD, ABIHM, author of A Mind of Your Own“Years of oversanitation have left us vulnerable to the modern world’s most dangerous infections. In this practical guide, Dr. Axe helps us see the direct links between our nation’s obsession with cleanliness and the epidemics of leaky gut and autoimmune conditions. Dr. Axe combines cutting-edge science and the ancient practice of natural immunization into a plan that reduces inflammation and chronic pain, promotes weight loss, and increases energy and vitality. You’ll love this fun, counterintuitive strategy to achieve optimal health: Get dirty!”—JJ Virgin, bestselling author of The Sugar Impact DietAmazon Reviews5.0 out of 5 stars I Failed the “Leaky Gut Questionnaire”By Bassocantor TOP 50 REVIEWER on March 17, 2016At first, I thought this book was only mildly interesting. Then, I decided to take the “Leaky Gut” test. The author uses these simple questions to check the likelihood that the “good” microbes in your gut have been harmed. To my astonishment, I had many of the leaky gut symptoms noted in the test (and which my current physician has not resolved.)Okay, at this point, I got a LOT more interested in what Dr. Axe had to say.Dr. Axe’s main point is that we need to get back to the bacterial DIVERSITY that we used to have: “Bacterial diversity keeps the whole system in balance.” The idea is, this balance requires lots of different bacteria. This used to happen naturally in our environment and diet, but when we started to use tons of chemicals, and changed our food composition, we began to reduce the types of bacteria in our gut.EAT DIRT contains a pretty detailed technical discussion about how our digestive system works, and the important layers in our gut. The doctor explains that these layers protect our body from dangerous pathogens. The health of this barrier is affected by certain chemicals. Research shows that these chemicals are released by the over-consumption of gluten. When the protective wall thins, this leads to the “leaky gut” syndrome, with all the nasty symptoms.The author cites quite a bit of scientific studies, but he admits that the field is changing, and that tons of research is ongoing. In fact, he notes that there have been over a thousand new research studies in the last year alone. There are lots of interesting studies cited that seem to support the author’s ideas. Perhaps the most intriguing, for me, was one study that linked bacterial diversity to lower body weight and lower fat.The author recounts the experiences from different patients in his medical practice. He is careful to note that one patient’s experience–no matter how impressive, should not be generalized to everyone. He cautions the reader to not jump to broad conclusions based on just a few anecdotal cases. I thought this was wise counsel.EAT DIRT has links to “replacement foods” so that you can switch-out your current menu items for more healthy choices. Besides these links, the doctor also discusses alternatives for common foods. For example, instead of drinking the usual milk, he discusses the advantages of coconut and almond milk, as well as more unusual alternatives.I never understood the fuss about wheat and gluten. After all, I thought, how can something so natural really be harmful? Well, the author explains that it’s not the SAME wheat, and it’s prevalence is not the same as it used to be–its use is far more widespread now. Okay–I appreciate this information. I admit I did not know that.I found EAT DIRT to be a serious work that will require serious study. There is a LOT to absorb in this book. The author makes many good points, and he does a good job of supporting his theories. The appendices contain lots of notes and further research information.I have decided to follow the author’s advice, and make some changes in my diet and lifestyle. I will especially to try to get more diverse bacteria by making some simple dietary changes. Fortunately, many of Dr. Axe’s food recommendations are tasty. I like Kefir, and I’m buying more.Advance Reading Copy courtesy of Edelweiss Book Distributors5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Will Help Heal AmericaBy lmz120 on March 23, 2016So many of my friends and family members are dealing with mysterious symptoms–aches, pains, digestive problems, food allergies, rashes–the list goes on. And the one thing they all have in common is that doctors want to treat their symptoms with meds–not get to the actual root of their problems (which is often leaky gut).The science nut in me loves how Dr. Axe breaks down the latest research in an easy-to-understand way to show how over-sterilizing our food and environment is leading to a major health crisis. About 50 million Americans alone suffer from auto-immune diseases, and many of them are the result of an unbalanced microbiome. This book doesn’t just talk about science, though, but provides a questionnaire to help people figure out if they may be unnecessarily suffering from symptoms related to 5 different unhealthy gut types. Then, he gives a detailed outline of how you can rebuild your gut health using dietary changes, proven supplements, essential oils, and other lifestyle changes. If you or someone you love is dealing with allergies, auto-immune disease, or just not feeling well, this book is a must-read.5.0 out of 5 stars Eat Dirt? Who Knew??By Lynette Mccoll on March 29, 2016Format: HardcoverHaving battled autoimmune disease, I thought I knew all about Leaky Gut. Well, surprise, surprise, I feel like I knew nothing. Dr. Axe is amazing and this is one of the most thorough and profound books I have read on the subject. And he advocates dirt!! Dirt is not our enemy and he advocates welcoming more “dirt” back into our lives.I had learned that hand sanitizers weren’t the best and had stopped them long ago. As my doctor has said, soap and water is still the best. Dr. Axe’s solutions are very simple and surprisingly easy and is a great supporter of essential oils for personal products. From going outside, managing stress, eating local honey, eating seasonally (which is a new idea for myself), reducing antibiotic use and incorporating pro biotic-rich foods into your diet, this book is a wealth of information! I seriously don’t think you would need another book on this subject.After reading it through once, (and failing the test miserably) I am setting out to incorporate these things into my life. I don’t think one would be disappointed in reading this book and incorporating his solutions for yourself!5.0 out of 5 stars Play in the Dirt!By Melissa Simpson on March 29, 2016This is a must read for everyone that has health concerns. From mental health issues, to digestive issues to even an autoimmune disorder; Dr. Axe spells out a clear and helpful plan to help your body repair itself. Food is Medicine and your body is an amazing creation that can actually reverse disease. Your diagnoses is not the end and it doesn’t have to define you. You can change your health!As a homeschooling mother of 4, I have battled adrenal fatigue for years. Once I started implementing probiotics, kefir and bone broth to my diet, my symptoms have started disappearing. One of my daughter’s has battled with eczema for years and the simple process of removing casin and gluten from her diet cleared it up in just 3 days. I also love that when I let my kids play in the dirt and with our animals, they are enhancing their microbiome and actually getting healthier! Sunshine, dirt and whole foods are the best plan of action to have healthy, happy and thriving kids, and it’s not a bad idea for the parents either!5.0 out of 5 stars Empowered from MOM to SUPERMOMBy KWitty on March 29, 2016Finally, a book that puts together science, sense, and steps. By that, I mean I understood what they were saying, understood where the info came from, and could put it into action! As I went deeper and deeper into the book I saw ailments in my friends, my family, myself!- that could be helped with simple lifestyle changes. What it’s like to go from accepting a chronic condition to believing you can be freed from it is indescribable. I have followed Dr Axe for years on social media and already reaped so many benefits from him, I trust his advice and perspective. But this takes things to a whole new level. I feel empowered! I made a chart for my 4 kids, much like their chore charts, that include daily food tasks I read in this book that will benefit their health. For example, a kefir smoothie for breakfast, cut up vegetables of their choice in their lunch, a cup of bone broth a day, a Tbs or raw honey….more of those kinds of things. I will make sure all these things are available and have an incentive program in place, but I have to tell you, the thought that I could be shaping their guts, their health and even their moods is so much more important to me that a similar system we use to get the housework done. This has really shifted priorities for me and now, I am putting my efforts into our microbiomes! It’s not enough to simply feed my family, I need to heal and nourish them! Thanks Dr Axe for giving me tools to make real change which is what a Mother is ultimately after. I can’t say thank you enough!