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

Publisher's 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)

Good info, a bit cryptic

It's a good listen, but there are times when I feel the author is out to impress the reader with his knowledge of bacteria / microbe names. I mean, ok so you know the names and maybe they're important for layman-me to know them too, but I'm feeling like the main story is the fact that we are Super organisms, what that means and how it all works. The names are pointless in my opinion, especially since there are really no specific recommendations and understandably that's because we are all unique.

And I personally really hate read lists in an audio book. Hate them.

In any case, regardless of these criticism, I enjoyed the book because it introduced new ideas in personal health that are nothing short of revolutionary.... Although in reality they are actually a core part of our natural evolution, disrupted by our modern life.

Excellent. Should be required reading for all.

Tremendous book. This was a fascinating look at the body and what's really going on in there. No joke, it should be studied by all parents, teachers & students, and be kept in every kitchen as a reminder of what we're sinn to ourselves with every food decision we make. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

A Critical Read for Holistic Health

Would you listen to The Human Superorganism again? Why?

Yes, to significantly book mark. Dietert clearly explains a critical but complex theory of human health and eating habits and provides well-reasoned recommendations I want to access easily.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Human Superorganism?

The fact that our personal biome is larger than our cellular mass and equally influential; that it is ancestrially endowed and/or corrupted at birth by handlers; modified, damaged, and cultivated by dietary choices and chemicals; and it exerts an unrealized influence over health and behavior, both psychological and physical—it is an unsuspected other half of the human organism, a recent discovery largely unrealized by medical practitioners and the general public.

What about Jonathan Todd Ross’s performance did you like?

He avoids the monotone characteristic of many science readers and uses tone and emphasis to convey Dietert’s argument that this research forewarns and forearms us against falling prey to destructive microbes and the NCD’s they perpetrate.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The microbiome can directly influence the brain’s process of decision making, and thus exert control over our behavior and create cravings for the foods particular microbes need to prosper; however, some of these are highly destructive to their host (you) when largely populated.

Any additional comments?

This research explains a lot of discrepancies in current theories of dietary function by providing a more complete and comprehensive theory that explains failures to modify eating behaviors and resist cravings, the triggers of NCD’s, and why we should improve our personal microbiome. From this theory, Dietert extrapolates principles and practices we can use to significantly improve our microbiome, and thus our health and well-being, without encuring unintended consequences. I will be buying and annotating hard copies for all my loved ones!

it was totally worth reading it

this is the real deal. from all the books on the microbiome this one is the best.

Microbially Magnificent

Another wonderful testimonial to the vital importance of our microbiome. An empowering and inspiring book about understanding our microbial warriors and how we can heal with their help. Here's to more research towards a renewal of wellness on our planet.

A major paradigm shift in Human Biology.

Fantastic audiobook. The narrator has an easy listenable voice. The content concerning the microbial floral of the human body is well researched, presented and discusses absolutely stunningly revolutionary approaches to treating NCDs. Our partner microbiome is finally being thoroughly researched. Kudos to all the researchers of this emerging field of scientific discovery that is sure to change the field of individualized medicine forever. The FDA should follow the path of Health Canada and develop thoroughly researched
protocols for probiotics. Gift a copy of this book to your primary care physician.

Rethink what you think you know about allergies.

I will definitely be exploring the science laid down in this book. Eye opening for sure!

Another Reason to Love Microbiology

I work in a medical microbiology lab and have, in the past few years, become very interested in the process of determining what ails someone with a bacterial infection. Although I've known for some time that our microbiome affects our health, I didn't quite comprehend the extent. Having this new insight is particularly exciting if the future of medicine is, as the author puts it, going to focus on the "superorganism" and not just the mammalian portion. I can't recommend this book enough, but as always, encourage healthy skepticism.

Essentiall health info.

There was a lot to take in but this was a great start on a journey to understanding our current health crisis. A must read in my opinion.

I'm Sold on the microbiome

If you are looking to be convinced of the importance and impact of the microbiome on our health, this is your book. I was convinced that "we" are not just a body but are a Superorganism.