Brain Maker presents a compelling argument that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in brain health, challenging conventional disease theories. While the book's sensational approach may undermine its scientific credibility, it successfully introduces a neglected topic to a broader audience.
Brain Maker by David Perlmutter argues that the gut microbiome, which contains nearly ten times the number of cells as the rest of the human body, is a vital organ system that significantly impacts brain health. The book suggests that an unhealthy microbiome is linked to various neurological diseases, including autism, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer's. Perlmutter's thesis is both interesting and surprising, as it defies conventional disease theories and is supported by numerous scientific studies. However, the book's sensational tone, which includes stories of dramatic recoveries through unconventional treatments, undermines its scientific credibility. Despite this, Brain Maker succeeds in its primary objective of introducing a new and important idea to the general consciousness, making it an intriguing introduction to a subject that has been overlooked by many physicians.
Quick quotes
Perlmutter’s basic argument is that the human microbiome — the universe of especially bacterial organisms that live symbiotically inside of all humans — is housed primarily in the gut, and should be properly considered an “organ system” all to itself.
The upshot is that it may be possible to prevent or treat many neurological diseases by nourishing our gut microbes.
The effect of this almost unrestrained enthusiasm is to charge the book with energy and excitement, but simultaneously undermines its scientific credibility.