Great book for GERD sufferers

This book has it all; concise explanations of the etiology of each gastroenterologic problem and simple practical solutions. Generally, the doctor proposes a high fiber, low fat diet but each patient has to tailor their diet to their own specific needs as clearly there are certain foods that are fine for some, an irritant for others. I would note that contrary to one reviewer, I have made a number of the recipes. They are fairly simple, mostly typical ingredients and have been delicious.
The one problem I have with the book is the contradictory advice with respect to some specific food items. For example, if you suspect that your LES valve muscle is the culprit, the recipes in the 2 week plan contain a good deal of ingredients (citrus fruits, cocoa) which may irritate that condition. The doctor has not provided alternatives to substitute for these ingredients. Generally though, I think the implied message is you have got to get to know your body well as you lower the fat and increase the fiber in your diet.

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Informative; not bogged down with technical language

If you could purchase one book on GI issues, this should be it. My copy is filled with notes and highights and I have recommended it to many of my friends. I found the technical jargon to be quite easy to comprehend (yes, I know I am also a Dr., but trust me -- we appreciate the simplified lanauge as well). The author also integrates a nutritional aspect, although some of the info can be quite contradictory (check out the cooking section...). Overall, I LOVE this book and I have brought it on many a Dr's visit. Its quite impressive.

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Gastrointestinal Health by Peikin MD

This book is very useful for a wide constituency of physicians
and patients . It is helpful for gastrointestinal, neurologic
and rhematological problems. The author treats the nutritional
dimension of our health. For instance, milk may harm ulcers
and exacerbate other problems in the GI tract. Spicy foods may
aggravate inflammations. The author explains that the small
intestine digests proteins and splits amino acids and enzymes.
The digestive system interacts with the circulatory system.
Nutrients travel to the liver which secretes bile and removes
toxins from injested foods. With the exception of fats, all
nutrients enter the bloodstream via the liver. Undigested
fiber evacuates. White bread, chocolate and pastas clog the
digestive system. Spasms aggravate existing digestive disorders.
These spasms may take the form of abdomenal discomfort,
IBS, Crohns Disease and diverticulosis. Pancreatitis is a
steady increase in abdomenal discomfort aggravated by alcohol.

Sandostatin treats pancreatitis. Certain foods contain gluten.
The gluten can aggravate existing gastrointestinal conditions.
Eliminating wheat, rye and sweets helps to alleviate symptoms.
Stress is an aggravating factor with regard to the GI tract.
An increase in fiber helps the tract operate better. In addition,
the GI tract needs micronutrients and vitamins to aid in
the digestive process. This book is excellent as a health
maintenance tool.

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