‘Completely fascinating‘ Heston Blumenthal

‘Addictive and illuminating’ Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed

From a world-leading microbiome scientist and surgeon with over two decades of experience comes Dark Matter – the definitive book on the science of the microbiome and how unlocking its potential can protect our health, our immunity and our planet.

Why are we living longer, but not happier?

The microbiome – our inner ecosystem of viruses, bacteria and other microbes – is critically important to our health and wellbeing. It is given to us by our mothers at birth, adapts with us as we age, influences our moods, determines how fast we run and even who we choose as a partner.

Yet it is only now, as we are beginning to discover the microbiome’s enormous potential, that we are realising it is in grave danger, being irrevocably destroyed through the globalisation of our diets, the war on bugs and the industrialised world.

But we can look to reverse this damage. Drawing on cutting-edge research and years of clinical experience, Kinross shows how to unpack the microbiome’s secrets, explaining that if we work with, not against, our microbes, we can live better, healthier lives.

‘Forest bathing’ or shinrin-yoku is a way of walking in the woods that was developed in Japan in the 1980s. It brings together ancient ways and wisdom with cutting edge environmental health science.

Simply put, forest bathing is the practice of walking slowly through the woods, in no hurry, for a morning, an afternoon or a day. It is a practice that involves all the senses and as you gently walk and breathe deeply, the essential oils of the trees are absorbed by your body and have an extraordinary effect on positive feelings, stress hormone levels, parasympathetic nervous activity, sympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure, heart rate and brain activity.

In this wonderful book, by the leading expert in the field, science meets nature, as we are encouraged to bathe in the trees and become observers of both the environment around us and the goings on of our own minds.

In this beautiful and inspiring guide, author Charlie Ryrie explores the many strands of water’s journey as healer and regulator, and shares her knowledge about how we can use water to maintain and improve our health, both at home and in the environment.

By discovering the benefits of taking spa waters for aches and pains, receiving ‘floatation therapy’ to relieve stress and anxiety and importance of water in our world, this book will be your guide to connecting with of the healing power of water.