Self Defence

Brought to you by Penguin. We are surrounded by big claims for how to enhance our immunity. But the one thing the science is clear on is that everyone's immune system is entirely unique. So how do we tell the myths from the facts? And is there anything we can actually do to benefit our immune health? World-leading immunologist Daniel M. Davis has the answers in this truly authoritative and highly accessible, myth-busting guide to the effects of stress, age, exercise, weight, nutrition, sleep and mental health on our immune health. His book equips the reader to spot the bogus claims made for diets and supplements and make informed choices about everything from nutrition and exercise regimes to cancer therapies and the vaccines of the future. Above all Davis urges us to be wary of one-size-fits-all 'cures' and punctures some key misunderstandings. We learn how exercise, for example, has all sorts of different, even opposing, short- and long-term effects on our immune health. And while our gut microbes are vitally important, it's unlikely that yoghurt drinks are the answer. Nor will orange juice prevent that cold. But much is now known and genuine opportunities do now exist to enhance our immune health. Self Defence is the indispensable guide to navigating these opportunities as well as some astonishing possibilities for the future. © Daniel M Davis 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025