Overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Jonathan Berkowitz, M.D.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a mysterious illness in which the large intestine fails to function normally. Its causes are not fully understood and treatments have often been ineffective. Now, Jonathan M. Berkowitz, M.D., uses cutting-edge research to provide a compelling and effective approach to treat this complex illness. Using the best of conventional and natural therapies, Dr. Berkowitz shows how an individualized program, one that treats all of the underlying causes,is the best way to heal IBS.

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Inc.
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Phone: 1–888–964–2001 or 414–964–1799
Fax: 414–964–7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org

IFFGD addresses the issues surrounding life with gastrointestinal, functional, and motility disorders and increases the awareness about these disorders among the general public, researchers, regulators, and the clinical care community.

An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Heather Van Vorous

Although IBS studies are currently underway, sufferers in the past found themselves either ignored or stigmatized. Because Van Vorous had to work out her own strategy for dealing with IBS, she is a "patient-expert" in other words, she's well qualified to write this informative and reassuring guide. She advises those suffering from IBS symptoms abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, for example to first obtain an accurate diagnosis. Once other illnesses are ruled out and the syndrome has been properly diagnosed, a patient with IBS can lead a normal life by maintaining proper eating habits, learning to manage stress, using prescription medication and dietary supplements when necessary, and even utilizing alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Van Vorous draws on medical research, her own experience with IBS, and other patient anecdotes to support her suggestions. Accessible and clearly written, with recipes for colon-kind foods and advice for parents who have children with IBS, this is an excellent resource for people learning how to live with the syndrome. (Publisher’s Weekly)

The NDDIC has a fact sheet on IBS. You can get a printed copy by contacting:
NDDIC
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3570
Phone: 1–800–891–5389
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.niddk.nih.gov
The mission of the NDDIC is to increase knowledge and understanding about digestive diseases among people with these conditions and their families, health care professionals, and the general public. To carry out this mission, NDDIC works closely with a coordinating panel of representatives from Federal agencies, voluntary organizations on the national level, and professional groups to identify and respond to informational needs about digestive diseases.