Plant Powered Plus: Activate the Power of Your Gut to Tame Inflammation and Reclaim Your Health

Improving one’s gut health is key to alleviating chronic inflammation, according to this comprehensive guide from gastroenterologist Bulsiewicz (Fiber Fueled). He frames inflammation, the body’s immune response to irritants, as the root of more than 130 conditions, from autoimmune disorders to cardiovascular disease, and argues that healing requires nurturing the body’s three layers of defense: gut microbes, the gut barrier, and the immune system. Drawing lessons from global dietary traditions, like the Mediterranean Diet, he identifies four pillars of an anti-inflammatory diet—fiber, polyphenols (compounds found in fruits and vegetables), healthy fat, and fermented foods—and emphasizes that food is only part of the equation. For instance, he notes that proper sleep is crucial to immune repair and that research shows that social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking cigarettes. He even points to the importance of cultivating a sense of awe, or finding wonder in everyday experiences, as a way to reduce stress. The book’s centerpiece is the Plant Powered Plus Protocol, an outline for improving gut-immune health that includes weekly meal plans and 52 recipes, such as Citrus-Kissed Cannellini Stew, Sweet Potato Lentil Curry, and Crunchy Tempeh Tacos. Accessible and inspiring, this meticulous guide makes a persuasive case for a gut-centered approach to wellness. It’s a welcome resource for those seeking relief from an array of health issues. (Jan.)