Michael Pollan's widely discussed New York Times article, "Some of My Best Friends Are Germs," was just the tip of the iceberg. The microbiome-the collective name for the trillions of bacteria that live in our gut-is today's hottest medical news topic. Synthesizing the latest findings, Dr. Robynne Chutkan explains how the standard Western diet and lifestyle are starving our microbiome, depleting the "good bugs" that keep us healthy and encouraging overgrowth of exactly the wrong type of bacteria. The resulting imbalance makes us more prone to disease and obesity and negatively affects our metabolism, our hormones, our cravings, our immunity, and even our genes.But beyond the science, what sets this book apart is Dr. Chutkan's powerful three-level program for optimizing your gut bacteria for good health. In The Microbiome Solution, Dr. Chutkan shares why hand-sanitizing gels and antibiotics are stripping our bodies of their natural protective systems; recipes with ingredients that replenish the microbiome for each rehab level; cutting-edge research on the connection between the microbiome and the brain; and much more.