13 Life-Changing Health and Wellness Books Recommended by a Naturopath
As a naturopath, I believe that small, mindful choices we make each day have a powerful impact on our overall health and vitality. When it comes to healing, growth, and long-term wellness, knowledge is truly power. As a naturopath, I’m always reading and learning - and I have found some incredible books that continue to inspire both me and my patients.
Whether you are looking to improve your health or simply feel more connected to your body, these books are powerful tools to have on your shelf.
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books and products I genuinely trust and have personally read or reviewed.
1.Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn't Food... and Why Can't We Stop? by Dr. Chris van Tulleken
Why I Love It:
Ultra-Processed People sheds important light on the hidden dangers of ultra-processed foods and how they impact our health, habits, and wellbeing. Dr. Chris van Tulleken explains why these foods are so addictive and offers practical advice for making mindful, healthier choices. It’s a crucial read for anyone wanting to understand and improve their diet in today’s processed food environment.
2. Food for Life by Tim Spector
Why I love it:
Food is our greatest ally for good health, but the question of what to eat has never seemed so complicated. In this book, Tim Spector creates a unique, thorough, evidence-based guide to the real science of eating.
3. Ferment: The Life-Changing Power of Microbes by Tim Spector
Why I Love It:
Ferment is a fascinating exploration of the essential role microbes play in our gut and overall health. Tim Spector explains the science behind fermentation and the microbiome in a way that's both approachable and inspiring. It’s a great read for anyone wanting to improve digestion, immunity, and mood naturally through food and lifestyle.
4. Glucose Revolution: The life-changing power of balancing your blood sugar by Jessie Inchauspé
Why I love it:
Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé is one of the best books on blood sugar balance I’ve read. It breaks down the science in a simple, practical way and offers real-life tips to reduce glucose spikes naturally. No extreme diets or supplements needed. Perfect for anyone looking to improve energy, mood, and metabolic health.
5. Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden
Why I love it:
Period Repair Manual is a fantastic go-to for anyone wanting to understand how the female body truly works. It offers clear, practical insights into hormones, cycles, and natural approaches to period problems. While it’s a great starting point, I always recommend working with a qualified naturopath, especially when it comes to botanical medicine and nutraceutical supplementation which should be tailored to your individual needs.
6. Hormone Repair Manual: Every woman's guide to healthy hormones after 40 by Lara Briden
Why I love it:
Hormone Repair Manual is an empowering and informative guide for women navigating perimenopause and beyond. Lara Briden breaks down complex hormonal changes with clarity and compassion, offering natural, practical strategies for this important life stage. It’s an excellent resource, but I always recommend consulting a qualified naturopath for individualised advice, especially when considering herbal medicine and targeted supplements.
7. The Metabolism Reset by Lara Briden
Why I love it:
The Metabolism Reset is an insightful guide to understanding how metabolism shifts, especially for women in midlife, and what can be done to support it naturally. Lara Briden offers practical, science-based strategies for improving metabolic health through diet, lifestyle, and gentle hormonal support. As always, I recommend speaking with a qualified naturopath for personalised guidance, particularly when it comes to herbal and nutritional supplementation.
8. The Vagus Nerve Reset: Train your body to heal stress, trauma and anxiety by Anna Ferguson
Why I love it:
The Vagus Nerve Reset is a gentle yet powerful introduction to how we can support the body’s ability to heal from stress, trauma, and anxiety. Anna Ferguson offers accessible explanations and practical techniques to regulate the nervous system and restore balance. It’s a valuable resource, but for deeper support or chronic concerns, I recommend working with a qualified naturopath or integrative practitioner to guide your healing journey.
9. Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism by Stanley Rosenberg
Why I love it:
Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve is a foundational book for understanding the vital connection between the nervous system and overall wellbeing. Stanley Rosenberg offers practical, body-based exercises to help regulate stress, support emotional health, and promote healing from conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma. It’s an excellent resource to explore, and I recommend working with a qualified practitioner to integrate these tools safely and effectively into your personal health plan.
10. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
Why I Love It:
Why We Sleep is a powerful reminder that quality sleep is foundational to every aspect of health and wellbeing. Neuroscientist Matthew Walker explains the science behind sleep, how it affects the brain and body, and what we can do to improve it. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to support hormonal balance, cognitive health, and natural healing through better rest.
11. Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
Why I Love It:
Outlive is an insightful and empowering guide to living not just longer, but healthier. Dr. Peter Attia breaks down the science of longevity in a way that’s both practical and engaging, covering everything from metabolic health and movement to mindset and nutrition. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to take proactive steps toward long-term wellness and disease prevention.
12. Greenlights: Raucous stories and outlaw wisdom Matthew McConaughey
Why I love it:
Greenlights is a refreshingly honest and entertaining read that blends humour, life lessons, and raw storytelling. Matthew McConaughey shares his journey with a sense of freedom, resilience, and self-reflection that’s both grounding and inspiring. While not a health book in the traditional sense, it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of mindset, meaning, and living in alignment with your values…all of which are central to holistic wellbeing
13. If you are working on habit-building, gratitude, or simply want to track your wellness journey, I also recommend a beautiful, intentional wellness journal.
Books have the power to transform our understanding of our health and inspire meaningful wellness actions. I hope you find one (or more!) of these recommendations helpful and inspiring on your health and wellness journey. If you are looking for more personalised support or want to take a deeper dive into your health concerns, I invite you to book a naturopathic consultation. Together, we can explore a holistic, root-cause approach to help you feel your best - body, mind, and lifestyle.
Yours in health,
Clinical, Certified & Accredited Naturopath
Daniela