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Self Defence

A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health

Daniel M Davis

$55

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English
The Bodley Head Ltd
05 July 2025
See through the bogus claims for boosting immunity and understand what the science actually tells us

Is it true that orange juice can help ward off colds? How does age affect our immune system? Is mental health really connected to inflammation?

We are surrounded by bold claims and quick fixes for 'boosting' our immune health. But one thing the science is clear on is that everyone's immune system is completely unique - what is good for one person may not work well for another. So how do we separate the bogus claims from the useful advice? And given its sheer complexity, is there anything we can do to improve our immune system?

In this expert guide, world-leading immunologist Daniel M. Davis examines the effects of stress, diet, age, exercise, the microbiome and more on the immune system, punctures the key myths, sorts the fact from the fiction and equips us to make informed choices for ourselves.
By:  
Imprint:   The Bodley Head Ltd
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 240mm,  Width: 156mm,  Spine: 40mm
Weight:   750g
ISBN:   9781847927569
ISBN 10:   1847927564
Pages:   304
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  Professional and scholarly ,  College/higher education ,  ELT Advanced ,  Undergraduate
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming

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.

Reviews for Self Defence: A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health

A beautifully written overview of our immune system. But perhaps even more importantly, this book is an instruction manual which guides the reader through the blizzard of popular science and pseudoscience that obscures discussions about our health -- Brian Cox, world-renowned physicist Professor Davis unravels one of the most complex and vital elements of human biology: our immune system. Disentangling the science of immunity and addressing the key questions we all want answered, this book is a masterclass in science communication and essential reading for anybody who wants to understand their health -- Russell Foster, neuroscientist and author of Life Time A fascinating guide to the immune system, cutting through the myths with clear, evidence-based science. Daniel M. Davis empowers readers to make informed choices about their health in a world of so much misinformation -- Rhiannon Lambert, author of The Science of Nutrition and co-host of The Wellbeing Scoop Self Defence: A Myth-Busting Guide to Immune Health uncovers how curiosity-driven science can help you truly understand and optimize your immune system - free from hype, misconceptions, and the traps of mistaking coincidence for causation. From the surprising links between cytokines and mood to the effects of stress on immunity, this book reveals how our biology shapes us in unexpected ways. With stories like how a glowing jellyfish transformed medical research, it shows how simple discoveries can lead to profound insights. Dive in to see how thoughtful, evidence-based exploration can lead to better health, resilience, and self-awareness -- Roger Highfield, Science Director, Science Museum and co-author of The Dance of Life The body is complicated: you need a book, not a slogan, to unravel what helps keep it healthy. Fortunately, Davis has written an excellent and expert guide to navigate us through the minefield of theories and speculations about what might boost our immune system -- Marcus du Sautoy, Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at University of Oxford and author of Around the World in 80 Games Dan Davis' Self-Defence is a thought-provoking, insightful guide to the immune system's vital role in protecting our bodies and minds. With clarity and precision, Davis provides a compelling exploration of how we can harness this incredible system to stay well in our ever-evolving world. A must-read for anyone looking to empower themselves with the science of staying well -- Dr Jenna Macciochi, author of Immunity **PRAISE FOR DANIEL M. DAVIS' PREVIOUS BOOKS** A brilliant deep-dive into the latest discoveries of human health. An inspiration! -- Tim Spector on The Secret Body A perfect blend of cutting-edge science and compelling storytelling. Daniel Davis has a rare knack for making complex science comprehensible and thrilling -- Bill Bryson on The Secret Body As David Attenborough opens our goggling eyes to the natural world without, so Daniel Davis brings us face to face with the stunningly clever and, yes, beautiful world within ... One of those books that makes you look at everything human in a new, challenging and thrilling way -- Stephen Fry on The Beautiful Cure One of the best accounts I have yet come across of the nature of biological science and discovery -- Henry Marsh on The Beautiful Cure


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