The Microbiome Master Key

“Praise for the First Edition “Brett and Jessica Finlay offer extraordinary new insight into the significance of the microbiome in any number of age-related conditions—from cancer to oral health, Alzheimer’s to heart and lung function. The takeaway is that we need to look beyond gut bacteria.” – Foreword Reviews“Chapters address the function of microbes in various conditions and body systems, with health strategies and lifestyle tips intended to be widely applicable to adults of all ages… . Recommended for readers seeking scientifically accurate consumer health information on the microbiome’s relationship to adult health and aging.” – Library Journal”[An] excitedly optimistic and research-grounded look at the microbiome’s implications for the health of the aging body… . [The Finlays] make a strong case for the microbiome as an exciting new frontier in health research, with myriad possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.” – Publishers Weekly“With its upbeat approach and valuable diet and lifestyle recommendations, [The Microbiome Master Key] will empower readers to invest in the lifelong process of aging well.” – Shelf Awareness“According to the authors, the beneficial and diverse residents of the human microbiome—the trillions of specific microbes that are associated with different parts of the body, including but not limited to the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and lungs—may eventually be harnessed to delay aging and to prevent and treat disease… . Recommended. All levels.” – Choice“Whether you are seeking to address a specific health concern, such as IBS, or just want to decelerate the aging process, this book is filled with tips and actionable lifestyle advice. The fountain of youth, it turns out, may actually be burbling with microbes.” – Spirituality & Health“A fascinating must-read, this well-researched book presents a groundbreaking new perspective to living long and living well through our microbes. Trailblazing microbiology and gerontology researchers Brett and Jessica Finlay insightfully present the latest science on microbes behind health and longevity, and offer easy-to-follow principles and strategies to age better. Who knew, the fountain of youth is full of microbes!” – Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, National Geographic fellow, and founder of Blue Zones“Revolutionary … The Finlays offer practical, thorough, and sometimes shocking solutions that all of us can implement today, no matter what our age… . By helping our microbes flourish inside our bodies and in our environments, we can find preventative and curative care all in one.” – Dr. Mark Hyman, author of The UltraMind Solution and Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?“An excellent, expert guide to how your microbes can prevent common diseases.” – Tim Spector, best-selling author of Food for Life

B. Brett Finlay, PhD, studies how microbes cause disease in people and how we can fight infections, as well as the role the microbiota plays in human health and disease, including asthma, Parkinson’s, and malnutrition. He is the coauthor of the book Let Them Eat Dirt and the author of over 600 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a jazz sax player, skier, and beekeeper in his spare time.

Jessica Finlay, PhD, is a University of Colorado Boulder assistant professor who specializes in environmental gerontology and health geography. With degrees from Queen’s University and the University of Minnesota, she has won awards for her work and authored publications in leading health, geography, and gerontology journals.