Living with Crohn's & Colitis: A Comprehensive Naturopathic Guide for Complete Digestive Wellness [Paperback]

Jessica Black N.D. (Author), Dede Cummings (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 29, 2010 | Series: Living with

Approximately 1.5 million people in the United States alone are afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a category of illnesses that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and that number is steadily growing. Although there is not yet a cure for Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, patients can help reduce their symptoms and improve their overall wellbeing by following a comprehensive wellness plan such as those outlined in Living with Crohn’s & Colitis.
 
Living with Crohn’s & Colitis offers patient-focused, expert guidance on everything from the latest medical treatments, how to cope with a diagnosis, and tips for balancing diet with a busy lifestyle so you can form a personalized wellness plan.
 
Living with Crohn’s & Colitis also includes:
· Easy to understand information on the role of inflammation and the immune system on gut health
· Traditional and alternative treatment options for a broad, full-body approach to wellness
· A 3-month wellness plan adjustable to each individual’s health needs
· Over 25 delicious recipes designed for those with IBD
 
Learning to live with the myriad aspects of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis treatment, including dietary restrictions and medications, can seem overwhelming. Written by a naturopathic doctor and a Crohn’s patient, Living with Crohn’s & Colitis is a thoughtful, balanced resource to help you on your journey to wellness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This book is an essential resource for anyone diagnosed with Crohn’s or colitis. The authors do an excellent job of explaining what we currently understand about the complex interactions between the gut, our immune and nervous systems, and the microbial environment. The whole body approach to achieving wellness and the personal experiences of Dede Cummings make this book uniquely positive and offer the newly diagnosed patient the tools to help themselves on the path to balance and health.”
—Kimberly Allison, M.D., author of the forthcoming book, Red Sunshine, and director of Breast Pathology at the University of Washington in Seattle
 
“This book provides a comprehensive approach to helping individuals who have inflammatory-based GI disease. It takes an approach that is based on helping you get healthy, not just treat the symptoms. It is a must read for anyone who desires to improve their GI and overall health, and will help you create an underlying structure to support reaching your highest potential.”
—Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen, Medical Director of Medifast, Inc. and author of Dr. A’s Habits of Health: The Path to Permanent Weight Control and Optimal Health
 
“Living with Crohn’s and Colitis is wonderfully written and rich with natural healing solutions for these all-too-common illnesses.”
—Peter D’Adamo, N.D., author of Eat Right for Your Type
 
“I believe Dede’s success rests on the fact that she incorporated such a comprehensive approach to managing her health. Dede remained fully committed to her plan throughout the ups and downs of her disease. She never gave up. Her positive attitude and tenacity helped her stick to the plan even when it was difficult. When an individual carries a chronic disease diagnosis, they must make themselves and their health the highest priority. Her journey with Crohn’s will hopefully inspire others to make the difficult but rewarding choices to achieve health.”
—Renee Lang, N.D., Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Eastern Regional Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
“Dede is an amazing woman! In this book you will find not only helpful advice but real inspiration.”
—Julie Silver, M.D., assistant professor, Harvard Medical School, author of What Helped Get Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope
 
“As a naturopathic physician, I recognize the myriad reasons patients seek integrative care. Patients who chose complementary medicine as a first line approach to their health issues have decided to follow a direction they believe is appropriate for their situation . . . despite outside influences . . . which pressure them to remain only in the mainstream.
   Many individuals come to “alternative” medicine because conventional medical treatments are no longer working. They often arrive at the practitioner’s office in a depleted, exhausted and desperate state after many failed medical regimens and procedures. They may appear disempowered and hopeless, a state of mind extremely detrimental to their health. In addition, there is the patient group who feels that they can chose from the best of both worlds— traditional treatments if necessary and the wide range of proven and effective non-conventional models of care that are accessible. It would be ideal if this choice were available at the beginning of their healthcare journey. . . . This book is a great resource.”
—Samantha K. Eagle, N.D., Medical Director, Biologic Integrative Healthcare, Brattleboro, Vermont
 
 “This insightful and practical book is a must read for anyone suffering with these conditions as it will guide you toward healing and health.”
—Laura Alden Kamm, author of Intuitive Wellness: Using Your Body’s Inner Wisdom to Heal

About the Author

Jessica Black, N.D. graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine where she obtained her medical training. Dr. Black specializes in women's medicine including natural hormone balancing for menopause, childhood illnesses, and chronic asthma. She continues to study and research vaccinations, hormones, new treatment ideas, and cutting edge techniques used to improve health.

Dede Cummings has personal experience with Crohn's disease. After her most recent hospital stay and surgery for Crohn's disease in 2006, she began to hike Vermont’s 273-mile Long Trail in one week sections, beginning to realize a long-term goal that had been put off due to illness.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Hatherleigh Press; 1 edition (June 29, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578263417
• ISBN-13: 978-1578263417
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Abdominal

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Important Resource for Patients and Physicians August 18, 2010

By Kim Hapke, ND

Format:Paperback

This book is a wealth of information for both patients who suffer from Crohn's and colitis and their doctors as well. Dr. Black does a clear job of explaining both underlying imbalances and how to work with these as a clinician. Dede's story is so helpful in illustrating how a person finds a path back from chronic illness among the overwhelming options available to them and adds a very personal voice to the book. I liked the emphasis on stress and emotional connections and find that working with these in my own practice is extremely important in chronic disease. Dr. Black does a wonderful job of explaining why this element is so important for Crohn's and colitis patients.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Resource August 18, 2010

By luzmarina

Format:Paperback

Dr. Black and Dede Cummings guide readers through a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the factors contributing to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. From this deeper understanding, the logic of a holistic approach to Crohn's and colitis becomes clear. Dr. Black has provided information on an incredible number of healing modalities which can allow the patient to address the causes of these diseases, as well as build true wellness beyond the control of symptoms. Dede Cummings' personal experience provides readers with tangible examples of how these modalities can be applied in real life.

This excellent book offers help to anyone dealing with inflammatory conditions and gastrointestinal disorders. Within Dr. Black's explanations of the evolving inflammatory and auto-immune reactions, readers will also learn a great deal about the prevention of these conditions via health and lifestyle choices.

I have already recommended this book to one friend and one patient affected by Crohn's disease. The information is very accessible and extremely timely.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, Personal Guide for those with Crohn's and Colitits November 17, 2010

By Allison Becker, ND, LAc

Format:Paperback

Dr. Black and Dede Cummings' book offers a unique, balanced perspective for those living with Crohn's disease and/or colitis. Dr. Black succinctly and clearly teaches what is going on in the body on a cellular level that contributes to the development and persistance of Crohns disease. She explains what people can do to take care of their own digestive health by decreasing inflammation and restoring balance to their gastrointestinal systems. Dede Cummings, having lived with Crohn's disease for many years, shares her personal journey through her conventional and naturopathic medical treatment, and mental/emotional stress management. Dede demonstrates how empowered a person can become when they learn what they can do to be in the driver's seat of their healthcare. Her contribution in this book leaves Crohn's and colitis suffers inspired to take control of their own health. I recommend this book highly!