Now that Christmas is over for another year, it seems like an appropriate time to write about Gut by Giulia Enders. January is typically when people try to balance out the gluttony of December by eating more healthily and there’s so much conflicting advice about how to do that. Gut goes back to the basics and explains how the digestive system works.

Enders gives a simple and often humorous account of the journey food takes through your system. Her chatty manner immediately puts even the most easily embarrassed reader at ease, even when reading the section titled “a few facts about faeces – components, colour, consistency“. And if her charming enthusiasm doesn’t pull you in, the illustrations by Jill Enders (Giulia’s sister) will be sure to put a smile on your face.

Not only does Enders guide you through how food is digested, she also discusses how the gut affects the rest of the body. I found the research linking the gut to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression particularly interesting, as this was something I had not been aware of before. Enders also touches on why we have allergies and intolerances, explains why a healthy gut is important for a healthy immune system and summarises probiotics and prebiotics. My favourite part, however, is probably when Enders describes the best position for sitting on the toilet (“…just incline your upper body forward slightly and place your feet on a low footrest…”) and if you are having real trouble, try “the rocking squat technique”, as illustrated below.

I wouldn’t usually go out of my way to read a science related book but Gut is very approachable and informative, without being too technical. I would recommend it to any non-experts out there that would like to learn more about the inner workings of the body.

On a non book related note, if you want a healthier digestive system I would also recommend one of my favourite workouts by Yoga with Adriene. It’s quick, easy and great for the festive season!

If you would like to learn more about “our body’s most under-rated organ”, you can get a copy by clicking on the picture below!