The Immune Mind: The Hidden Dialogue Between Your Brain and Immune System

"Dr. Lyman makes a fascinating connection that is new to me, delving into interactions between the immune system and the conscious mind." —Dame Sarah Gilbert, developer of the Oxford Covid-19 vaccineUntil a decade ago, we misunderstood a fundamental aspect of human health. Although the brain and the body have always been viewed as separate entities—treated in separate hospitals—science now shows that they are intimately linked. Startlingly, we now know that our immune system is in constant communication with our brain and can directly alter our mental health.This has opened up a new frontier in medicine. Could inflammation cause depression, and could arthritis drugs cure it? Can gut microbes alter your mood? Can something as simple as brushing your teeth properly reduce your risk of dementia? Could childhood infections lie behind neurological and psychiatric disorders such as tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder?In The Immune Mind, Dr. Monty Lyman explores the fascinating connection between the mind, immune system, and microbiome. A specialist in the cutting-edge field of immuno-psychiatry, Lyman argues that we need to change the way we treat disease and the way we see ourselves. For the first time, we have a new approach to medicine that treats the whole human being."A thrilling exploration of how our immune system governs our mental health, all interwoven with Dr. Lyman's practical advice on safeguarding your well-being. As someone with depression and dementia in the family, I found every page to contain an observation that was invaluable. This absorbing and beautifully written book changes the way we need to view health." —Dr. Joseph Jebelli, neuroscientist and author of In Pursuit of Memory Read more