Crohn's and Colitis Diet Guide

[Review for previous edition:] A valuable resource to dietitians and other health professionals who care for patients with IBD. -- Cathy Alberda, MSc, RD * Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada *
[Review for previous edition:] Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Colitis is also inflammation but is inflammation of the large intestine. Both can be debilitating and very painful. One effective way of treatment is through diet. The authors, experts in gastrointestinal issues at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada, offer patients and families ways to cope with the dreaded disease in Crohn's and Colitis Diet Guide. Their explanation and diagrams are thorough and well researched. As well, the information is presented in lay terms so that anyone can understand it. The recipes include gentle ingredients as well as explanations why a specific ingredient is used. For example, the recipe for Turkey Apple Meatloaf calls for oat bran. The reason it is used is because oat bran's "gelling" properties help to form loose stool. Because of this desirable effect, many low-residue diets include oats and oat products despite the increased fiber content. Each recipe also comes with a nutrient table covering calories, fat, fiber, protein and carbohydrates. I believe that Crohn's and Colitis Diet Guide would be well worth having by anyone that is stricken with these diseases or for anyone that has to cook for a victim. The recipes are simple and the ingredients could be found in any pantry or local grocery store. But, more so the authors' information is an added resource for those already with some knowledge. -- Irene Watson * Reader Views *