World-renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Steven Gundry knows all too well that everyone thinks they want to live forever—until they hit middle age and witness the suffering of their parents and even their peers. How do we resolve the paradox of wanting to live to a ripe old age—while continuing to enjoy the benefits of youth?

This groundbreaking book holds the answer. Working with thousands of patients, Dr. Gundry has discovered that the “diseases of aging” we most fear are not simply a function of age; rather, they are a by-product of the way we have lived our lives. In The Longevity Paradox, he maps out a new approach to aging well—one that is based on supporting the health of the “oldest” parts of us: the microorganisms that live within our bodies.

Our gut microbes—the bacteria that make up the microbiome—largely determine our health over the years. These bugs are in the driver’s seat, playing a role in everything from our weight and the appearance of our skin to whether we develop common ailments like arthritis or more serious diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

The good news is, it’s never too late to support these microbes and give them what they need so that they—and you—can thrive. In The Longevity Paradox, Dr. Gundry outlines a lifestyle plan to improve gut health and help you keep you brimming with vitality for decades to come. With actionable advice on everything from diet to cognitive health to skin care to fitness, he arms readers with the tools to prevent and reverse disease as well as simple hacks anyone can use to look and feel younger. A progressive take on the new science of aging, The Longevity Paradox uncovers the secrets to living a happy, healthy, long, and vital life.