by B. Brett Finlay, Jessica M. Finlay

Learn the secret to total, lifelong health: the teeming world of microbes inside and all around us

Modern-day science has allowed us to prolong and improve life in astonishing ways, often by fending off germs and other invisible foes. But there’s no “immunity” to the inevitable signs of aging . . . or is there?

In The Whole-Body Microbiome, the father-daughter team of Dr. Brett Finlay (a microbiologist) and Dr. Jessica Finlay (a specialist on aging) offers a different—and truly revolutionary—solution to the quest for the fountain of youth. While much has been written about bacteria in the gut, exciting new research shows that there are millions of microbes both inside our bodies—supporting our brain, teeth, heart, lungs, bones, immune system, and more; plus the microbes on our bodies, coming from the air we breathe and the things we touch all day long—cell phones and kitchen sponges, pets and doorknobs, and even other humans. These microbial “lifelong companions” have an immense impact on our daily health—and, as groundbreaking research is showing, they have the power to help prevent and reverse the most common age-related diseases.

In this eye-opening new take on the significance of the microbiome, the Finlays offer empowering knowledge, surprising myth-busters, and simple yet effective daily tips that prove “dirty” is the new clean. Whether it’s by changing your diet, enjoying a glass of wine, getting more exercise, trading your antibacterial gel for good old soap and water, or spending more time outdoors, you can change your life today; so that you and your microbes live long—and prosper.

“Brett and Jessica Finlay offer extraordinary new insight into the significance of the microbiome in any number of age-related conditions—from cancer to oral health, Alzheimer’s to heart and lung function. The takeaway is that we need to look beyond gut bacteria.”—Foreword Reviews

“Chapters address the function of microbes in various conditions and body systems, with health strategies and lifestyle tips intended to be widely applicable to adults of all ages. . . .Recommended for readers seeking scientifically accurate consumer health information on the microbiome’s relationship to adult health and aging.”—Library Journal

“[An] excitedly optimistic and research-grounded look at the microbiome’s implications for the health of the aging body. . . . The Finlays . . . make a strong case for the microbiome as an exciting new frontier in health research, with myriad possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.” —Publishers Weekly

“With its upbeat approach and valuable diet and lifestyle recommendations, The Whole-Body Microbiome will empower readers to invest in the lifelong process of aging well.”—Shelf Awareness

“According to the authors, the beneficial and diverse residents of the human microbiome—the trillions of specific microbes that are associated with different parts of the body, including but not limited to the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and lungs—may eventually be harnessed to delay aging and to prevent and treat disease. . . . Recommended. All levels.”—Choice

“Whether you are seeking to address a specific health concern, such as IBS, or just want to decelerate the aging process, this book is filled with tips and actionable lifestyle advice. The fountain of youth, it turns out, may actually be burbling with microbes.”—Spirituality & Health

“A fascinating must-read, this well-researched book presents a groundbreaking new perspective to living long and living well through our microbes. Trailblazing microbiology and gerontology researchers Brett and Jessica Finlay insightfully present the latest science on microbes behind health and longevity, and offer easy-to-follow principles and strategies to age better. Who knew, the fountain of youth is full of microbes!”—Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, National Geographic fellow, and founder of Blue Zones

“Revolutionary . . . The Finlays offer practical, thorough, and sometimes shocking solutions that all of us can implement today, no matter what our age. . . . By helping our microbes flourish inside our bodies and in our environments, we can find preventative and curative care all in one.”—Dr. Mark Hyman, author of The UltraMind Solution and Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?