Food Allergy News - Better Digestion

Title	Guide to Better Digestion (American Dietetic Association)
Date of Publication	2003
Date Review was published on website	August 2003
Author	Leslie Bonci
Author's Background	Registered Dietitian, Masters of Public Health
Credibility of Information	The information is supported by scientific literature and is very accurate.
Target Audience	Guide to Better Digestion provides a basic overview of the digestive system and the most common gastrointestinal disorders. There is a good summary of the medical nutrition therapy for each disorder. The book was written for the general public. However, it would also make an excellent professional reference.
Contents	Understanding Your Digestive System How Your Gut Works Survival Skills for Self-Managing Your Digestive Condition Getting Started Moving Toward Better Digestion Food-borne Illness and Prevention Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Ulcers Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diverticular Diseases Celiac Disease Lactose Intolerance Gas and Bloating Nausea and Vomiting Diarrhea Constipation The Supporting Cast: Disorders of the Liver, Pancreas, and Gallbladder Each chapter provides helpful information on the particular condition, including: § Brief description of the condition § Symptoms § Diagnosis § Common mistakes that people make when self treating § Medical, pharmaceutical and surgical treatment options § Herbal medications that may exacerbate symptoms § Herbal medications that may help symptoms § The impact of diet § Nutrition solutions § Summary (bottom line) to reinforce important concepts

Weakness

The information in the book is fairly standard, and most dietitians that counsel in this area will be familiar with the information. For a more complete understanding of medical nutrition therapy for digestive disorders, it may be helpful to read about the following topics:

§ Probiotics were mentioned in association with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, but there is research indicating benefits in many conditions including lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

§ General carbohydrate maldigestion (intolerance). Information on lactose, fructose and sugar alcohols was included, but maldigestion of different carbohydrates should be reviewed.

§ Diagnostic tests for food allergy

A client may not want to buy the entire book, if only a small portion applies to their particular condition. Also, since each chapter is very brief many “well-researched” clients, would likely be familiar with the information.

Strengths	The information is very practical and straightforward. The individual nature of digestive conditions is well highlighted throughout the book. The reader learns that there is no one single diet that will work for everyone with a particular condition. It emphasis the importance of a balanced diet and encourages as much variety as tolerated. How an individual eats (i.e. mealtime patterns and behaviors) is given as much importance as what is eaten. The book provides information and tools to empower the individual to make informed decisions about their health. It contains excellent tips for completing a food and symptom diary which helps the individual determine which foods or eating patterns exacerbate their symptoms. The book provides an excellent overview of the most common digestive disorders, and would make a great quick reference for dietetic practice. In addition, this book would be an excellent addition to a nutrition lending library.
Number of Pages/Size	8 ½ x 5 inches, 249 pages
Publisher	John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ISBN	0-471-44223-2
Price	$14.95 USA ; $23.50 CAN
Where to purchase	American Dietetic Association Website www.eatright.org Click on “Product Catalogue” on the menu at the top of the page Click on “Consumer Titles” on the left menu