The rigorous study of the gastrointestinal or digestive system--known collectively as the "gut"--shows that its health is crucial to the control of appetite, metabolism and long-term weight loss; without an optimally performing digestive system, those stubborn extra pounds will be resistant to even the most stringent diet and exercise programs. Scientists are now also proving a connection between gut imbalance and chronic annoyances like skin breakouts, foggy thinking, insomnia and many allergies. Furthermore, we're learning that poor gut health has a role in serious and sometimes fatal illnesses-- from Alzheimer's, heart disease and cancer to autoimmune diseases, depression, and diabetes. There is no health without gut health. A unique, easy-to-follow 21-day plan that has worked for hundreds of Dr. Bhatia's own patients, The 21-Day Belly Fix combines the best of Chinese, Ayurvedic and western medicine, helping to restore chemical balance and digestive efficiency through four gentle rest and reset eating phases, leaving us slimmer, more energetic and on the path to optimal wellness. A leading integrative physician shares a groundbreaking 21-day eating plan to shed pounds, accelerate metabolism, balance your digestive system, improve gut function, and feel better every day-without dieting! There are one hundred trillion reasons losing weight and staying healthy are so hard- That's the number of bacteria living in your digestive system-good bugs and bad that influence everything from how much fat you store to whether or not you'll get arthritis, diabetes, or Alzheimer's. As medical director of the Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine, Tasneem Bhatia, M.D., is an expert in unlocking the mystery of the gut and probiotic health. Combining the latest research and cutting-edge science with proven alternative nutritional remedies, Dr. Taz has developed a simple plan-one that has worked for thousands of her own patients-that aims to reprogram your digestive system, help fight disease, and strip away pounds in just 21 days! The Belly Fix accelerates metabolism, increases energy, and jump-starts weight loss immediately. Once "fixed," you'll continue to feel the benefits. Drop pounds on the 21-Day Belly Fix plan, with more to come, as you continue to follow the program designed to balance your digestive bacteria and put you on the path to long-term health and vitality. Speed up your metabolism with the help of research that proves a direct link between your gut bacteria and how quickly you burn fat. Reduce inflammation and rebalance your body to help fight diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's, skin disorders, and more. Find focus and clarity with the help of simple and delicious foods that feed the healthy microorganisms in your gut-and fight the bad ones! The 21-DayBelly Fix is the final word on what researchers call your "second brain" and the simple ways that fixing your diet-instead of committing to a long-term food-banishing plan-can get your gut out of the gutter and help you to start feeling great. With delicious recipes and easy swaps, The 21-DayBelly Fix is the ultimate weight-loss plan! Praise for The 21-Day Belly Fix "If you are tired of feeling bloated and blah, let The 21-Day Belly Fix be your guide to good gut health and a slim waistline. This splendid book is truly a treasure, and Dr. Taz is one the of the nation's leading experts on integrative medicine."-Gerard E. Mullin, M.D., associate professor of medicine, Johns Hopkins, and author of The Inside Tract and Integrative Gastroenterology