Science has made huge leaps in prolonging life through disease prevention and treatment, but microbiologist Brett Finlay and gerontologist Jessica Finlay offer a different—and truly revolutionary—approach to the quest for the fountain of youth.

Microbes are the oldest and smallest forms of life on earth, and encompass bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and other microscopic organisms. While some bacteria and viruses can make us sick, normally we coexist peacefully with microbes. In fact, they are essential to our everyday health. Microbes help break down food in the digestive tract, support immune function and protect us from the pathogens we come into contact with on a daily basis. Our well-being is intimately tied to the microbes that surround us—on our cellphones, kitchen sponges, houseplants, pets and desks.

In this groundbreaking volume, the authors present current and emerging research on microbial interventions for the full gamut of age-related conditions, from sun spots and wrinkles to Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteoporosis, menopause, chronic inflammation and more. The good news is that simple changes to nutrition and lifestyle can promote the right kind of microbial exposure, to improve health whether we’re eighteen or eighty.

Incorporating interviews with leading microbiologists, scientific researchers and medical professionals, and with a compelling and proactive approach to cutting-edge science, The Whole-Body Microbiome will appeal to anyone looking to grow old as healthfully and gracefully as possible.