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  • The Human Superorganism

  • How the Microbiome Is Revolutionizing the Pursuit of a Healthy Life
  • By: Rodney Dietert PhD
  • Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
  • Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (140 ratings)
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The Human Superorganism

By: Rodney Dietert PhD
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
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Summary

"Eyeopening... Fascinating... may presage a paradigm shift in medicine.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"Teeming with information and big ideas... Outstanding.” (Booklist, starred review)

The origin of asthma, autism, Alzheimer's, allergies, cancer, heart disease, obesity, and even some kinds of depression is now clear. Award-winning researcher on the microbiome, professor Rodney Dietert presents a new paradigm in human biology that has emerged in the midst of the ongoing global epidemic of noncommunicable diseases.     

The Human Superorganism makes a sweeping, paradigm-shifting argument. It demolishes two fundamental beliefs that have blinkered all medical thinking until very recently: 1) Humans are better off as pure organisms free of foreign microbes; and 2) the human genome is the key to future medical advances. The microorganisms that we have sought to eliminate have been there for centuries supporting our ancestors. 

They comprise as much as 90 percent of the cells in and on our bodies - a staggering percentage! More than 1,000 species of them live inside us, on our skin, and on our very eyelashes. Yet we have now significantly reduced their power and in doing so have sparked an epidemic of noncommunicable diseases - which now account for 63 percent of all human deaths.       

Ultimately, this book is not just about microbes; it is about a different way to view humans. The story that Dietert tells of where the new biology comes from, how it works, and the ways in which it affects your life is fascinating, authoritative, and revolutionary. Dietert identifies foods that best serve you, the superorganism; not new fad foods but ancient foods that have made sense for millennia. He explains protective measures against unsafe chemicals and drugs. He offers an empowering self-care guide and the blueprint for a revolution in public health. We are not what we have been taught. Each of us is a superorganism. The best path to a healthy life is through recognizing that profound truth.

©2016 Rodney Dietert (P)2016 Pernguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Dietert makes the cogent and eye-opening argument that the microbiome - the collection of microbes that lives in our bodies and on our skin - is the arbiter of immune system homeostasis.... A book in which the author's fascinating, well-researched ideas regarding holistic health may presage a paradigm shift in medicine.” (Kirkus Reviews starred review)

"Teeming with information and big ideas about our tiny co-partner species, this is an outstanding introduction to the universe of little lives that dwell within us.” (Booklist starred review)

“Dietert makes a fascinating case for an exciting, emerging field that offers a new way of thinking about the human body and health.” (Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about The Human Superorganism

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Excellent stuff, this!

I have read up a bit on the gut recently and this book is the latest one to teach me more about it and how my body works in general: in brief, an excellently accessible read to the point that I look forward to a follow - up in a few years time when the 'new biology' has had the opportunity to become more mainstream and people take on the logic of it all.
They should be teaching this in school from age eleven to give each generation the opportunity to make informed life decisions.

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10 people found this helpful

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Brilliant!

This is the third book I have listened to on the gut microbiome, it is such exciting and life changing information, an absolute must read. I loved 'gut' and 'the diet myth' and this is definitely as good.
Some chapters are quite intense, but make an effort to listen through to the end, you won't regret it.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thorough book on the microbiome.

As previous rater said, i have read a few books on the microbiome and this one has new information. Would recomend this book if you want to know about your microbiome...this one is the best!

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Cutting edge stuff. The content is excellent.<br />

The microbiome is introduced as the most important and neglected part of our body. The author uses his knowledge to draw the reader in so that they can start to change their own lives for the better!!

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Hj
  • 24-09-17

Wishful Thinking

Would you try another book written by Rodney Dietert, PhD or narrated by Jonathan Todd Ross?

Narration Yes - Writting NO

Has The Human Superorganism put you off other books in this genre?

No

How could the performance have been better?

A logical storyline and some more supporting data

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Human Superorganism?

Repetition and hype

Any additional comments?

There might be some good information in the book but presented so badly to be hidden.

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2 people found this helpful

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Fascinating.

We all need to know about this. Fascinating, shocking yet empowering. Prepare to be amazed.

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1 person found this helpful

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Quite a good book

Good overall, but it would be better if it went into more specifics on fixing, rather than blanket coverage

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Microbiome Analysis Anyone?

Informative and shocking, this book shows the need for fermented foods and a rethink of the food manufacturing industry.

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Pseudoscientific undertones

Pseudoscientific statements masked as contrarian. Worth checking out the author’s Twitter account before purchase to verify his credibility.

Human microbe is fascinating but this book is terrible.

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Very informative and palatable 😊

Very informative and listenable , I devoured it with intent.
Get through the beginning to the chunky stuff.

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