Don't let your gut bacteria starve! Whether we are sick or healthy, thin or overweight, positive or negative, largely depends on our gut bacteria. Unfortunately, these tiny organisms are significantly affected by our lifestyle. Poor nutrition, antibiotics, and excessive hygiene disrupt the balance of our gut flora and may be linked to various modern diseases—from allergies and autoimmune disorders to depression and cancer. Dr. Justin and Dr. Erica Sonnenburg make the current state of microbiome research accessible to a broad audience in this book and demonstrate how to apply the newly acquired knowledge in everyday life. In addition to fascinating information about the development of gut flora in newborns, the microbiome in old age, and stool transplants, there are practical dietary and lifestyle tips.