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  • Published: 4 April 2024
  • ISBN: 9781473598126
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 304

The Immune Mind

The new science of health





Delving into the recent discovery of the brain's immune system, this R4 Book of the Week reveals the extraordinary implications for our physical and mental health.

Until 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 arthritis drugs cure it? Can gut microbes shape your behaviour through the vagus nerve? 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 OCD?

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 immunopsychiatry, 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.

  • Published: 4 April 2024
  • ISBN: 9781473598126
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 304

About the author

Monty Lyman

Dr Monty Lyman travelled the globe to research The Remarkable Life of the Skin, including Africa, South Asia and Australasia. He studied at the universities of Oxford, Birmingham and Imperial College London. He has worked in a world-leading dermatology laboratory, been the national head of undergraduate and junior doctor dermatology in the UK, has won several national prizes in dermatology and medical writing and has given many talks at national conferences. In 2017 he won the Wilfred Thesiger Travel Writing Award for his report on a dermatological research trip to Tanzania. He lives in Oxford, England.

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Praise for The Immune Mind

Dr Lyman takes the complicated science of neuroimmunology and turns it into an exciting wargame complete with defensive battalions, special forces, reconnaissance ships and friendly fire. While technical and bang up-to-date, the narrative never loses sight of the potential victims, and illnesses both physical and mental. Indeed, The Immune Mind is not so much about biological science or cognitive science but the inseparability of the two and ultimately, what it is to be human.

Professor Anthony David, author of <i>Into the Abyss: a neuropsychiatrist’s notes on troubled minds</i>

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 view health.

Dr Joseph Jebelli, author of <i>How the Mind Changed</i>

It is very common for scientists to specialise in one subject, gradually developing a deep but narrow understanding of their field. In my work developing vaccines against pathogens that have the potential to cause outbreaks and pandemics, I need to work with colleagues from many different disciplines in order to be effective. In this book Dr Lyman makes a fascinating connection that is new to me, delving into interactions between the immune system and the conscious mind. A thoroughly thought-provoking read.

Dame Sarah Gilbert, author of <i>Vaxxers</i>

Superbly written with excellent insights into the connection between our immune system and mental wellbeing. Highly recommended, and one of the best non-fiction books I've read!

Dr Rupy Aujla, MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, <i>The Doctor's Kitchen</i>

Rich, playful and illuminating... a breezy and delightful read... I highly recommend for its comprehensive, eye-opening overview of the interplay between the immune system, mind and gut microbiome.

Grace Wade, New Scientist
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