If you’re looking for the best books about gut health, the gut microbiome, digestion, IBS or the gut-brain connection, this curated collection is a good place to start. We’ve selected books from gastroenterologists, nutrition experts, researchers and experienced health authors covering the science of the microbiome as well as practical ways to support digestive health.
From beginner-friendly introductions to more detailed guides on nutrition, fibre, IBS and the gut-brain connection, these books can help you understand how the digestive system works and why gut health matters.
A note on evidence: gut health is a rapidly evolving area of research. Some books take a conventional evidence-based approach, while others explore functional, nutritional or lifestyle perspectives. We recommend considering the quality of the evidence behind individual claims and speaking with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional about persistent or serious symptoms.
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Dr Will Bulsiewicz
Dr Bulsiewicz is a board-certified gastroenterologist. This book centred on the relationship between dietary fibre, plant foods and the gut microbiome. It explains the science behind the microbiome and takes a practical approach to increasing the variety of fibre-rich foods in your diet. It also includes a 28-day programme, menus and more than 65 recipes.
Why read it: A particularly accessible introduction to the gut microbiome and the role of dietary fibre.
Good for: Beginners · Microbiome · Fibre · Plant-based nutrition.
Robynne Chutkan
Explores how the trillions of micro-organisms living in our gut influence digestion, immunity, and overall health. It offers practical, evidence-informed advice for nurturing a healthier microbiome through diet and lifestyle, with an emphasis on restoring microbial diversity rather than simply treating symptoms.
Dr Will Cole
Dr Cole explores the relationship between physical and emotional health, with a particular focus on the connection between what we eat and how we feel. The book takes a functional-medicine perspective and explores how stress, emotions and eating habits may interact with digestive and overall wellbeing. It also includes a 21-day programme.
Why read it: A useful choice if you’re interested in the gut-brain connection and the emotional side of eating.
Good for: Gut-brain connection · Food and mood · Functional medicine
Dr Alan Desmond
Consultant gastroenterologist Desmond explores the relationship between diet, gut health and long-term health. The book combines explanations of nutrition science with a practical 28-day programme and 80 plant-based recipes. It is particularly relevant for readers interested in increasing the amount and variety of plant foods in their diet.
Why read it: A practical introduction to plant-based nutrition from a doctor specialising in gastroenterology.
Good for: Plant-based nutrition · Gut health · Healthy eating · Recipes
Giulia Enders
Takes readers on an entertaining tour of the digestive system, explaining digestion, nutrient absorption, the gut microbiome and the relationship between the gut and other aspects of health. Dr Enders is an MD specialising in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Her book is written for a general audience rather than as a technical medical textbook.
Why read it: One of the most accessible ways to get an overview of the digestive system and why the gut matters.
Good for: Beginners · Digestion · Gut microbiome · Popular science
Marilyn Glenville
Dr Glenville combines nutritional advice with discussion of stress, emotions, lifestyle and potential food triggers. The book also covers digestive symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea.
Why read it: A practical book aimed specifically at people looking for information about IBS and digestive symptoms.
Good for: IBS · Bloating · Constipation · Nutrition · Lifestyle
Patrick Holford
Different stages of digestion, absorption, protection and elimination, and digestive problems including bloating, indigestion, constipation and IBS. The book also explores food, gut bacteria, stress and practical approaches to supporting digestive health.
Why read it: A practical guide for readers who want to understand digestion and the factors that can affect it.
Good for: Digestion · Bloating · IBS · Gut bacteria
Dr Emily Leeming
A four-week guide to getting more fibre into your everyday diet, combining nutritional science with practical advice and more than 60 recipes. Written by researcher, registered dietitian and chef Dr Leeming, it focuses on simple, achievable ways to increase fibre and support gut health
Why read it: Simple, achievable ways to increase fibre and support gut health.
Best for: Fibre, gut health and practical nutrition
Dr Emily Leeming
The science connecting the gut, microbiome, food and the brain. Dr Leeming is a scientist, registered dietitian and gut microbiome researcher. The book combines scientific explanations with practical suggestions for what and how to eat, including 10 simple approaches designed to support mood, mental performance and wellbeing.
Why read it: Particularly appealing if you’re interested in the emerging science around the gut-brain connection.
Good for: Gut-brain connection · Microbiome · Nutrition · Mood
Alana & Lisa Macfarlane
An accessible, evidence-informed guide, written by gut-health advocates Lisa and Alana Macfarlane with contributions from gut-health experts. It covers the gut microbiome, immunity, brain health, stress, sleep, exercise, skin and hormones, as well as pre- and probiotics, fermented foods, fibre and gut-friendly eating. It also includes practical guidance for IBS and other digestive symptoms, myth-busting advice and recipes.
Dr Emeran Mayer
The two-way communication between the brain and digestive system, examining how the gut microbiome may influence mood, stress and overall wellbeing. Dr Mayer offers an accessible look at the complex relationship between the gut and the brain.
Good for: The gut-brain connection and microbiome
Dr Megan Rossi
Focused on increasing plant diversity and supporting gut health. It contains 80+ recipes, cooking tips, and three menu plans, built around the goal of 30 different plant foods per week.
Good for: Fibre, gut health and practical nutrition.
Dr Megan Rossi
Rossi’s first book, combining gut-friendly recipes with advice on IBS, constipation, bloating, food intolerances, sleep and exercise.
Good for: IBS · Digestion · Gut health · Practical nutrition
Scarlata/Riehl
A holistic, evidence-based approach to understanding and managing IBS, combining nutrition advice with gut-brain behavioural strategies, stress management and practical symptom-specific interventions. The book also explores the relationship between food, stress and digestive health, with recipes and guidance designed to help readers better manage IBS symptoms.
Good for: IBS, nutrition and the gut-brain connection
Chris Woollams
The role of the gut and microbiome and how digestive health may relate to wider of health. Chris approaches the subject from an integrative-health perspective and discusses conditions ranging from IBS and colitis to a range of other chronic health problems.
Why read it: A good choice for readers interested in a broad, integrative perspective on the gut microbiome.
Good for: Gut microbiome · Digestive health · Integrative health
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