Bugs, Bowels, and Behavior: The Groundbreaking Story of the Gut-Brain Connection

We share our body with trillions of guests—bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These microorganisms outnumber human cells by a ratio of about 10:1. Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract alone teems with an estimated 500 different species of bacteria. Research increasingly suggests a complex connection between the GI system, the microbial bugs that reside there, and the brain. When this link is out of sync or symbiosis is disrupted by diet, toxins, or medications, chronic illness can result. In this multiauthor book, which is compelling but a tad too technical, contributors make the case that human behavior is influenced by the ecology of the gut. Much of the discussion involves speculation that autism (and possibly other neurological and psychiatric symptoms) is associated with an unhealthy bowel and the status of the microbiome. Readers may be repulsed or intrigued by descriptions of fecal transplantation to rectify diarrhea or drinking porcine whipworm eggs as a research treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Even when the digestive system sounds disgusting, it is never dull. –Tony Miksanek

Teri Arranga

is the executive director of AutismOne and has served as the editor-in-chief of Autism Science Digest. Teri has also been an annual contributor to Skyhorse Publishing’s Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism. She is a radio host and serves as the vice president of the Global Autism Collaboration. Teri lives in Fullerton, California.

Claire I. Viadro, MPH, PhD, is a professional writer and editor with two advanced degrees in public health. Her writing focuses primarily on women’s and children’s health. Claire currently serves as the editor of Autism Science Digest.

Lauren Underwood, PhD, received her doctorate from Tulane University and is currently working for NASA. Dr. Underwood coauthored several chapters in Understanding Autism for Dummies and has served as the scientific consultant for Autism Science Digest.

Martha Herbert, PhD, MD, is a pediatric neurologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard-MIT HST Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Her TRANSCEND Research Program uses advanced brain imaging techniques and biomarkers to look at the relationship of metabolism, perfusion, and brain function.