cover image The Digestive Health Solution: Your Personalized Five-Step Plan for Inside-Out Digestive Wellness

The Digestive Health Solution: Your Personalized Five-Step Plan for Inside-Out Digestive Wellness

Benjamin I. Brown. Exisle Publishing (Quarto, dist.), $24.95 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-1-921966-68-2

First-time author and naturopath Brown takes an intensely focused look at the causes, effects, and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in this in-depth primer on a disease that has become a global epidemic. Kicking off with a straightforward dissection of the many medical myths surrounding IBS, including the dismissive idea that it exists largely in the minds of sufferers, Brown then offers tips on diagnosing IBS, identifying its symptoms and what can cause them%E2%80%94stress, sleep deprivation, food intolerances, past acute gastrointestinal infections%E2%80%94before discussing ways in which one can combat symptoms. A neatly laid-out five-week plan provides a comprehensive pick-and-choose arsenal of tools to control IBS, such as supplements, pre- and probiotics, diet, and stress management techniques. The book is exhaustive and at times slightly repetitious, but Brown's knowledge of IBS is undeniably vast and his statements are backed by well-documented research. Those who suffer from IBS will appreciate and benefit from his guidance. (Apr.)