Natural Solutions for Digestive Health

Naturopathic physician Teta and food educator and chef Bessinger team up for this comprehensive guide to improving digestive health. The modern world is rife with threats to our digestive systems, from too much soy in our diets, to environmental toxins, to chronic stress and, as a result, the rate of digestive illnesses is rising. The book offers an overview of the digestive process and the major organs' roles, with discussion of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's and colitis), and Celiac disease, along with conditions less commonly linked to digestion, such as arthritis and asthma. The centerpiece of the book is the "Gut Restoration Program"%E2%80%94a four-week regimen that eliminates gluten, dairy, soy, sugar and sugar alcohols, beans, and certain vegetables, while adding supplements, such as probiotics and digestive enzymes. Stress relief and regular sleep are also key components. The diet may sound punishing, but these recipes offer hope. What's more, the authors include a helpful roadmap for reintroducing "normal" food when the program ends. Readers who have suffered from these ailments will appreciate this approach. (May)