Includes bibliographical references (pages 221-229) and index.

We're accustomed to thinking of bacteria as bad -- and some are -- but most of the bacteria and microbes in our guts do amazing things, like working with our immune system to fight disease and helping our bodies digest food. Not only can't we live without them, but as their numbers and diversity increase, so too does our health. In this book, we look at all of the ways you can improve your own gut health, starting with the food you eat. My diet recommendations, meal plans, and recipes will help feed and protect your gut microbes. And we look at the many other steps you can take to support your beneficial bacteria, from avoiding unnecessary antibiotics to changing the way you think about dirt and germs.

Introduction: Your gut health/weight loss opportunity -- Part I: What's going on in your belly? -- Meet the microbes -- Your very busy buddies -- Microbiome balance and weight gain -- Better gut health, less disease -- Start repairing gut damage TODAY -- Part II: Foods that feed your gut -- Feed your buddies the food they love best -- Fill your belly with prebiotic superstars -- Pick plenty of plant protein -- Don't give up on grains! -- Get your buddies to go -- Ban bacteria bullies in food -- Part III: Other ways to boost gut health -- Avoid unnecessary antibiotics -- Strengthen your buddies with exercise -- Consider probiotic supplements -- Protect and support your family's buddies -- Get dirtier -- Part IV: The Lose Your Belly diet, meal plans, and weight loss maintenance guide -- The Lose Your Belly diet quizzes -- The Lose Your Belly diet guidelines -- The Lose Your Belly diet recipes guide.