The Gut Wellness Guide: The Power of Breath, Touch, and Awareness to Reduce Stress, Aid Digestion, and Reclaim Whole-Body Health

by Allison Post, Stephen Cavaliere, Sara Gottfried (Foreword)

A holistic, step-by-step gut health guide—for anyone grappling with chronic pain, fatigue, gas, bloating, and other common disorders associated with the gut Addressing a wide range of conditions—including digestive problems, anxiety, and depression—this easy-to-use guide presents simple ways to relieve the stress related to some of today’s most pressing health problems. Authors Allison Post and Stephen Cavaliere explain the devastating impact that imbalances of gut microbiota and the microbiome can have on digestion, and they demonstrate proven techniques to reconnect with our bodies and reclaim our health. The book also teaches  • new information about the gut microbiome• how to hold onto health goals while navigating mainstream medicine/alternative health programs• why the gut is critical in hormonal and immune function• how to treat a variety of digestive ailments like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and food sensitivities• self-help techniques for increasing metabolism and cellular energy and revitalizing the natural healing powers of the body Previously published as Unwinding the Belly, The Gut Wellness Guide expands on the original book and re-introduces the method of Unwinding—a clear, accessible way to connect the “gut brain" to the “main brain” and to relax, tune in to your body, and create a customized action plan to heal.

Genres: Nonfiction

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2018

Reviews

[HP CRAFFORD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and practical read, about the power of breath, touch an intuition to reduce stress, improve digestion and improve your health. This is a great guide I personally believe to activate the polyvagal nerve to reduce stress and anxiety and enhance happiness.

[Katie Bromm · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really disappointed by this book. First, I find the title to be misleading. I picked up this book with the intention of learning more about changes I could make to my lifestyle and diet to improve my gut health, but really this book focuses on breathing techniques for over 80% of the book. I appreciate that I am walking away with a new realization on the importance of deep breathing, but besides that it is tough to say anything else positive.

I feel like the author made big claims throughout the book without the data to back it up. In addition, I dislike her stance on medication (she is pretty against it in most instances). Why do we have to give up science and medical recommendations in order to be more spiritual to improve our health? Would we not see the best outcomes if we were to combine medical recommendations and spiritual/holistic medicine into one? I also strongly disliked when the author implies that lack of deep breathing can cause autoimmune diseases... I believe our bodies are so incredible but this does not mean that they are perfect and disease is not always the direct effect of our own actions.

[Eula C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting past the introduction, foreword, and the first two chapters is quite a task. It’s not until you get to chapter 3, but the author even begins to introduce actual techniques. Even then, there are chapters in chapters where there seems to be a lot of commentary and general information. It is also hard to tell which author is speaking. There’s not enough congruence in how the information is laid out. Halfway through the book, someone else’s journey begins. The information provided, when you get to it here and there, is good information.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book boils down to deep breathing can help digestion and overall health. I agree with that, but it got redundant and too new-agey for me. Goodreads rating: 2 stars (it was ok)

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read and wonderfully practical in helping one’s gut health. Sometimes the anatomy gets a little long but it’s really just trying to give some perspective to why a body part works the way it does. I took it out from the library but it’s so useful, I will get my own copy.