Searching for true wellness? Start with the gut. Though most of us rarely think about that organ, unless we're among the millions of people who have gastrointestinal problems each year, the gut is the source of many seemingly unrelated physical and mental disorders - such as kidney stones, asthma, a ruptured abdominal aorta and even cancer or a heart attack. Most people assume everything's fine until something hurts. But by then the trouble has been brewing a long time. To be really health savvy, we need to understand the role the gut plays in health, which goes far beyond digestion and begin taking care of it. Steven Lamm proposes a three-step plan he calls The Gut Solution that works in tandem with every other part of the body. The first step is the 'Gut-Smart Eating Plan' that focuses on natural foods like raw vegetables and whole grains, which contain live digestive enzymes that maximise absorption of nutrients and aid regularity. The second step is 'Detoxification,' which is sorely needed to cleanse the injurious effects of living in a highly polluted environment. Dr. Lamm shows readers how to purge the gut of toxins by drinking more water, cutting stress, exercising more, sleeping better, taking special supplements and eliminating addictive substances. The third step is Restoring the gut to full function by repopulating it with enzymes needed as the ageing process decreases our finite stores and with probiotics and prebiotics that supply essential bacteria. A gut-check questionnaire helps identify problem areas so you can customise each step of the plan to your specific needs. No matter when you make changes in your life, you can still reap the benefits of bolstering your gut, reinvigorating its digestive and immune capabilities, and boosting your overall health. As Dr. Lamm writes: "If you start caring for your gut right now.you'll not only avoid or reverse many debilitating and life-threatening conditions, but you'll also achieve your full vitality and vibrancy. In other words, you'll enjoy true wellness. Guaranteed."