If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chances are you've looked through the Health section at your local bookstore looking for something that will help. After reading and reviewing many books on IBS, I've put together my list of the best.
"Eating for IBS" is a comprehensive guide to help people with IBS change the way they think about the food they eat. This book will be a welcome addition to the library of many IBS sufferers who are committed to eliminating their symptoms from trigger foods.
In this book, author Gary Gitnick, M.D advocates using lifestyle changes to combat digestive disorders such as heartburn, gas, bloating and IBS. By taking the reader through several case studies, Dr. Gitnick illustrates important lifestyle changes that can alleviate symptoms.
The strategy of "The First Year: IBS" is true to its title - to take the newly diagnosed patient through the first year after diagnosis of IBS. This is no small task as there is a significant amount to learn about IBS, and each person responds differently. Focusing on only one topic each day week, or month also gives time for new information to register before moving on to the next idea.
In her book, Dr. Bolen presents several tools that people with IBS can utilize to gain control over their symptoms. She touches on often overlooked topics such as incontinence, emotional illness, and developing a working relationship with physicians. Using examples from her practice, she explains how to use positive thinking and self-talk to manage IBS flare-ups.
The book touches on concepts not normally covered such as meal portions, body mass index (BMI), and how much fiber to eat. A section on common tests includes even those less well known such as transit studies. This book is a good choice as a general 'how to' manual and troubleshooting guide for the digestive tract.
