Reviewed by Norrie Sanders
It’s hard to disagree that good eating goes hand in hand with good health. And that, for many people, inflammation is the enemy of good health. Whether it’s arthritis, irritable bowel or asthma, inflammation seems to be the root cause of so many annoying and painful symptoms.
Lee Holmes’ latest book on health and nutrition starts by explaining the main causes of chronic inflammation and how our bodies are impacted. The second part identifies metabolic processes – particularly the gut-brain connections – that are prone to inflammation. The final (and longest) part is a Personal Protocol which is designed to reduce inflammation and restore your health [p 97]. This provides practical tools, including targeted nutrition, meal planning and 60…recipes [p 97].
Given the wealth of wellness influencers and self-help literature, it is easy to be sceptical of such claims. But it quickly becomes apparent that this book comes with a large dose of credibility. For a start, there is a focus on evidence-based science and an implicit understanding that complex problems don’t have simple solutions.
The science can be challenging, but Lee Holmes treats her readers as adults who are capable of understanding it. She assists us by the clever use of metaphors and similes to explain different metabolic pathways: Your gut lining (the epithelial barrier) is like a highly sophisticated security fence around your most valuable property…. The cells are held together by special proteins…that are like security gates, allowing in beneficial nutrients while keeping out harmful substances [p 46]
Continuing the security analogy: Beneficial gut bacteria are like expert security consultants for this internal protection team. They help train your immune system, fine-tuning its ability to distinguish between welcome guests and actual intruders [p46].
The text is peppered with exotic compounds such as Pyrrolquinoline Quinone, Nicotinamide riboside, Creatine, Carnitine, Fulvic humic concentrate, Berberine and Resveratrol. But Lee Holmes succinctly explains their role in a way that perusing a pharmacy shelf would not. By helping the reader to understand the metabolism and biochemistry of inflammation, she clarifies the roles that food and supplements can play, even if the precise combinations and dosages need to be individually tailored.
This reviewer is not in a position to know whether the claims made for certain supplements are scientifically proven, but the basic dietary advice (fresh fruit and vegetables, Omega-3, fibre etc) is well-established. And the science presented to help understand the causes of inflammation makes the choice of particular supplements and foods better targeted.
The book has a very clear structure, content and purpose and the occasional graphics make for an engaging read. Practicality stems from its application to many common ailments, such as indigestion, aching joints and headaches. It does not necessarily offer cures, but for someone prepared to try to improve their health, it offers many potential routes.
Lee Holmes is a yoga teacher, wholefoods chef and author of the bestselling Supercharged Food: Eat Your Way to Good Health and Supercharged Food: Eat Yourself Beautiful. Lee writes for Lifestyle Food (Yahoo) and Wellbeing Magazine, and her articles have appeared in Miranda Kerrs ‘Kora Organics’ blog as well as in The Times and The Daily Express in the UK. As well as being the author of 10 bestselling books in the wellbeing sector, Lee is a qualified wholefoods chef, qualified yoga and meditation teacher.
by Lee Holmes
(July 2026)
Rockpool Publishing (distributed by Simon & Schuster)
ISBN: 978 1 9224 6814 7
$34.99 (Paperback); 266pp