Gut Reactions: A Radical New 4-Step Program for Treating Chronic Stomach Distress and Unlocking the Secret to Total Body Wellness

Dr. Kellman MD tries to deal with overall health maintenance and well-being in this work. There are many theories about colorectal and gastro-intestinal health. In fact, there is a book out entitled "Death Begins in the Colon". Dr. Kellman MD outlines some basic strategies for health maintenance. The control of stress is a cornerstone of his 4-step process to overall health. Concurrent with this goal are the diagnostic dimensions of acute illness, the bio-ecological diet and the proper supplements i.e. Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin B 12 etc. The bio-ecological diet deals with eating a balanced menu, eliminating sugar and gluten, identifying lactose intolerance and eliminating chemical preservatives from the daily diet regimen. The most obvious place to treat overall health is in the gut. Consuming a high quality acidophilus can introduce good bacteria into the gut in order to balance the bad bacteria. In addition, elimination of oral contraceptives, elimination of toxins, elimination of sugary foods, refined food elimination and gut stress control are hallmarks on the way to good health. The authors make a gut/arthritis linkage which involves "leaky gut" syndrome, gut toxins and gluten intolerance as general irritants and detractors to optimal gut functioning. The book documents a heart/gut link, a brain/gut link, an allergy-gut link, a hormone-gut link and a general cooperative functioning of the various bodily systems . He describes a plethora of diagnostic tests which deal with identification of critical disease processes. For instance, the colonoscopy identifies dysbiosis, diverticulitis and other problems in the colorectal area. A gastroscopy, digestive stool analysis, the adrenal saliva test and stool test are employed for gastritis. A gut permeability test may be employed for leaky gut syndrome. Control of parasitic infections helps to deal with abdominal pain, diarrhea, fowl-smelling stools, chills, fever , fatigue and chronic joint pain. A highly sensitive TRH Stimulation test may be employed for thyroid function. The Great Smokies (CDSA) stool analysis is the gold standard for: o triglycerides and long-chain fatty acids o markers of digestive enzymes o short-chain fatty acids o vegetable and meat fibers o microorganisms and low levels of friendly bacteria i.e. lactobacilli and bifidobacteria The author provides some important tips on purchasing quality produce at the grocery store. i.e. o buy in season o wrap fresh greens in brown paper towels o don't peel fruits and veggies o eat a variety of colorful produce o lightly steam raw fruits/veggies Avoid simple carbs, eat more nuts, seeds and antibiotic-free meat, fish and poultry. The author has an entire section on model foods to eat; such as , banana, kiwi, strawberries, baked tofu, almonds, raisins, natural flank steak, cod, Greek salad, spinach and dried apricots. When you are in pain, the author indicates that fresh vegetable juices and juice bars provide highly digestible nutri

This book is great. In addition to helpful advice for improving digestive issues with healthy nutrition and supplements, the author delves into the "mind-gut" connection. His perspective is perceptive, progressive, and refreshing. To quote the author, "Writing a prescription for a drug or giving a patient a supplement regimen or even changing how a patient eats are, to me, all stopgap measures that are at best temporary solutions. But when you help patients develop a new philosophy of life, when you give them true insight into why they do what they do, you are in effect empowering them to change their lives and heal at the deepest level. The results can be both profound and permanent." Bravo.This is the best book I've found on digestive issues. I've read other books that approach digestive health naturally (nutrition, supplements, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, etc), but this book is more holistic. It's my "new favorite"!

This book explains the workings of the digestive system, it's problems, and a holistic solution as outlined by Dr. Kellman. Material is presented in a format that is easily understood by chronic sufferers with no medical background. References to sources are clearly noted. Of special interest is the section on plans for various digestive disorders.. . that is a supplement and dietary plan, as well as suggested testing. There is even a sample diet plan to follow. It has encouraged me to work with my doctor to eliminate prescription drugs for treatment and to take a very active role in my own "natural" management. A worthwhile read for anyone with chronic stomach problems