Books
B. Brett Finlay OC,Jessica M. Finlay

The Whole-Body Microbiome

From a microbiologist and gerontologist, “scientifically accurate consumer health information on the microbiome’s relationship to adult health and aging.” —Library Journal
Science has allowed us to prolong and improve life in astonishing ways, often by fending off germs and other invisible foes. But there’s no “immunity” to the inevitable signs of aging . . . or is there?
In The Whole-Body Microbiome, the father-daughter team of Dr. Brett Finlay, a microbiologist, and Dr. Jessica Finlay, a specialist on aging, offers a different—and truly revolutionary—take on the quest for the fountain of youth. While much has been written about bacteria in the gut, exciting new research shows that there are millions of microbes both inside our bodies—supporting our brain, teeth, heart, lungs, bones, immune system, and more—and on our bodies, coming from the air we breathe and the things we touch all day long: cell phones and kitchen sponges, pets and doorknobs, and even other humans. These microbial “lifelong companions” have an immense impact on our daily health—and, as groundbreaking research is showing, they have the potential to help prevent and reverse the most common age-related diseases.
This eye-opening new take on the significance of the microbiome offers empowering knowledge, counters common myths, and provides simple, effective daily tips to help you and your microbes live long—and prosper.
“[An] excitedly optimistic and research-grounded look at the microbiome’s implications for the health of the aging body . . . make[s] 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
394 printed pages
Original publication
2019
Publication year
2019
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Quotes

  • b5978711211has quoted4 years ago
    One study found that we share 68 percent of microbes between the left and right forearms, but only 17 percent between the left and right hands
  • b5978711211has quoted4 years ago
    Despite popular misconception, this layer of oil is normal. It’s a substance called sebum, which the body secretes out of hair follicles to keep the skin moist and supple. If sebum becomes trapped in a hair follicle it can lead to a buildup of the acne-causing C. acnes. Often the bane of teenage years, acne can unfortunately flare up again around menopause for women, due to changing hormone levels. Whether fifteen or fifty years old, the root cause is the same: changing hormone levels. As relative testosterone levels rise, the skin’s sebaceous glands can go into overdrive and produce excess sebum. But whereas things eventually level out once puberty ends, in older women the problem is exacerbated by slower cell regeneration and prolonged buildup of C. acnes. Frustrating acne blemishes can pop up near the chin, jawline, and, sometimes, upper neck. Unlike the superficial zits teens get on their T-zones, these blemishes are often more like cysts, smaller and more tender deep below the skin—hence their being more painful and difficult to remove
  • b5978711211has quoted4 years ago
    fascinating differences in microbial communities, especially associated with people’s ages. Describing this particular sampling, Dr. Hillebrand grew animated at the prospect of how we can use these microbial differences to enhance the appearance and health of aging skin.

    While gaining traction, he admits that the concept of embracing, rather than eradicating, bacteria on skin remains as foreign today as the discovery of groundbreaking topical skin products was thirty years ago. But he remains optimistic: “With the microbiome, we can actually do something. The challenge now is to figure out exactly how to leverage science into more effective skin products for real innovation.
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