More than 60 million Americans suffer from digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome. In TheInside Tract, a comprehensive plan for overcoming these common digestive ailments, you’ll learn how a simple regimen of dietary changes, supplements, and a 7-step lifestyle modification program can help heal intestinal problems and get you on track to vibrant health!
I'm pretty sure my 4-year-old doesn't have the psychological/stress/lifestyle markers for digestive problems. But, A lot of the dietary stuff makes sense. Altering a 4-year-old's diet sounds difficult, but it may be worth it.
My dietician suggested that I read this book for a more complete understanding of the digestive system and how my diet (based on track 3) will help minimize inflammation and get me on the path to healing.
The personal introduction to the book sets the stage quickly: this doctor knows first-hand the challenges and frustrations of medicine, particularly when it comes to practitioners treating the smoke, not the fire. The biology section covering the gastrointestinal superhighway made for an interesting read. The next two sections talk about nutrition and improving the quality of life (stress reduction included here)along with specific meal plans and recipes.
My only disappointed is the lack of specifics on certain products used in the recipes (such as vegetable powder, protein powder and 3-6-9 liquid in the smoothie). I also wish tract 3 had more recipe suggestions and some with imagination, but then, it's the most basic of all the tracks and not as inspiring. I'm working on it, however.
I have made the vegetable broth and used it as a base in the carrot/butternut soup for Thanksgiving which turned out excellent.
Overall, I recommend this book for a good place to understand the intricacies of the gastrointestinal system and some tools for its management.
Everyone should at least read Dr. Mullin's personal medical nightmare told at the onset of the book. These were not small-town or second rate practitioners. They were his friends, colleagues, and some of the best medical minds practicing today.
I'm using this book to help me take responsibility for my own health. I was delighted, after reading and rating my own digestive maladies, to see that I'm not really in very bad shape for my age.
I'm going to work on bolstering my immune system, mindful cooking and eating, and eliminating the foods that distress my inner tract. I'm looking forward to throwing out the Prilosec!
Often, I've distrusted Dr. Weil, Dr. Furman, and (Yes!Even and especially) darling Dr. Oz because they've become such media moguls. Dr. Mullin, like them, is preaching the same gospel. In my case, I love his plan of action!
5 stars for the great info about the digestive tract at the beginning of the book. Easy to “digest”. Ahem. 4 stars for figuring out which food track you should be on and how to navigate that. This is explained well but is too brief. More attention could have been placed on the actual diet plans with more recipes. I also have a problem, since this is essentially an elimination diet, that nightshades and citrus are not eliminated through any of the plans.
I have yet to try out the recipes - will update once I do. But, at a glance I can say that The Elimination Diet by Tom Malterre is a great book for going through the whole process of elimination with detailed info on what and when to introduce along with many delicious recipes.
This book, in contrast, presents more detailed info about our “inside tract” which is helpful and needed, but lacks in the actual diet portion.
If you're having gut problems, get this book! The authors, Kathie Madonna Swift, MS, RD, a nationally-renowned integrative and functional medicine dietitian, and Gerard Mullin, MD, Director of Integrative GI Services at Johns Hopkins, cover the topic of healing the gut with thoroughness and compassion. The steps for healing are clearly laid out, from assessment to prescriptions for improving diet, reducing stress, and reviving connections with family and spiritual practice. The many case studies provide both information and hope. The food charts and recipes simplify the process and pave the way to success in the kitchen. Especially for people who have struggled with chronic digestive issues, this book is a blessing.
Excellent book! highly recommend for anyone with any sort of gut issues or chronic illness. I have long been into natural health, eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle. Despite reading a lot of health books over the years, I discovered that I really didn't know a lot about gut health. This book remedied that. Its a must have for my library....amazon.com here I come!
Will update once I try out the tracks, but I’m pretty optimistic. Very easy to understand and lots of suggestions other than simply dietary. Fingers crossed.
This book is a must-read, right up there with Why We Sleep. It offers a clear and easy-to-understand look at the digestive system. After sleep, diet is probably the biggest influence on how we feel, and this book helps you really understand why.
A great overview of how your digestive system works. This book offers solutions for those suffering from reflux, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Swift and Mullin offer a great deal of science in an easy-to-read format.
4.5 stars. My only issue with this book is the recommendation to use soy products. Otherwise this is a great book for anyone who needs to heal their gut. I will recommend this to my nutrition clients.
heavy on anecdotes and light on science. but seems free of ideology or commercial motive. skip all the stories and a quick read of the material can be of real help in understanding gut issues.