Self Defence - A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health

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.

About the author

Daniel M. Davis is Head of Life Sciences and Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London. His previous books include The Beautiful Cure, which was shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize, and The Secret Body, which was described variously as ‘an inspiration’ by Tim Spector, ‘beautifully rendered’ by Brian Cox and ‘masterful’ by Alice Roberts. Davis has published over 150 research papers and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. In 2025, he was awarded an MBE for services to science communication.

Product details

• Authors: Daniel M Davis
• Publisher: Bodley Head Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 05.06.2025
• EAN: 9781847927569
• ISBN: 978-1-84792-756-9
• No. of pages: 304
• Dimensions: 162 mm x 241 mm x 28 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Health; Humanities, art, music > Art > General, dictionaries; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); Immunology, popular science, MEDICAL / Immunology, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Biology, HEALTH & FITNESS / Diet & Nutrition / Diets, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industries / Food Industry, Popular medicine & health, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Agriculture & Food, Diets & dieting, Food & society, Diets and dieting, nutrition, Popular medicine and health, Cultural studies: food and society