Book review: 'Tell Me What To Eat If I Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease', by Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD, LD (New Page Books, December 2011)
Well the title certainly isn't glamorous, but then again neither are the debilitating symptoms caused by Crohn's Disease and Colitis - two common forms of IBD. For those afflicted with these diseases, every meal and snack presents an opportunity to make choices that could cause a great deal of intestinal and digestive discomfort.
The conditions can be confusing, especially if you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed. Author Kimberly A. Tessmer, a consulting dietician, breaks down these and other digestive conditions in a frame-by-frame manner: causes and symptoms, dietary guidelines and restrictions, lifestyle changes, medications and supplementing your diet for proper weight maintenance and nutrition. She helps those who suffer with these conditions make the right food choices to prevent symptoms and flare-ups.
Traveling and eating out can be especially challenging with IBD. Destination spas can be great vacation choices for those with dietary restrictions - the chefs are used to preparing healthy meals to suit a variety of nutritional requirements. To find a spa that can accommodate a guest with digestive disorders, go to www.destinationspagroup.com.
But it's not all about diet and nutrition. The most refreshing news comes in Chapter 7 in the form of alternative treatments, where the author suggests that Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches like herbal remedies, acupuncture and reiki might be beneficial for some sufferers. Chapter 8 features recipes for soups, entrees, desserts, side dishes, smoothies and shakes for hectic and busy lifestyles.
Tessmer's other books include Tell Me What To Eat If I am Trying To Conceive, Tell Me What To Eat If I Have Celiac Disease, The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Mediterranean Diet, The Everything Nutrition Book, and The Everything Pregnancy Nutrition Book. The books can be purchased online at Amazon.com.
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