"Utterly absorbing. Nearly every paragraph brings a revelation." -- Bill Bryson, author of "The Body"

“A beautifully written overview of the current state of the art in our understanding 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 inevitably obscures informed discussions about our health.” -- Brian Cox, world-renowned physicist, TV presenter, and author of Sunday Times–bestselling "Human Universe"

“This book is a masterclass in science communication. Davis unravels one of the most complex and vital elements of human biology, our immune system. Self-Defense disentangles the science of immunity and addresses some of the key questions we all want answered. Does orange juice really help us fight off colds, prevent us getting cancer, or combat HIV? Do increased infections in early childhood protect against allergies, and is it true that children who grow up on farms are less likely to have asthma and hay fever? How might our genes or gut bacteria alter our vulnerability to infection? What is the link between obesity, stress, and sleep with our ability to fight infection? And does our immune system affect our mental health and the aging process? This is essential reading for anybody who wants to understand their health.” -- Russell Foster, neuroscientist and author of Sunday Times–bestselling “Life Time”

“Self-Defense: 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 at the Science Museum Group (London) and coauthor "The Dance of Life"

“A fascinating guide to the immune system, cutting through the myths with clear, evidence-based science. Davis empowers readers to make informed choices about their health in a world of so much misinformation.” -- Rhiannon Lambert, award-winning nutritionist (@rhitrition), co-host of The Wellness Scoop with Deliciously Ella, and Sunday Times–bestselling author of “The Science of Nutrition”

“The body is hugely complicated: you need a book, not a slogan, to unravel what helps keep it healthy. Fortunately, Davis has written an excellent guide to navigate you through the minefield of theories and speculations about what might boost our immune system. The answer is not easy, which is why you want an expert like Davis as your pilot through this difficult terrain.” -- Marcus du Sautoy, professor for the public understanding of science at University of Oxford, award-winning mathematician, and author of "Around the World in 80 Games" and “Blueprints”

"'Read this book! Your immune system is notoriously confusing yet vital and thus worth understanding. Fortunately, this succinct, clear, insightful, and fascinating book from one of the world’s experts on immunology will answer your most important questions about how best to help your body defend itself and stay healthy." -- Daniel Lieberman, professor at Harvard University and author of "Exercised"