A Woman's Guide to a Healthy Stomach: Taking Control of Your Digestive Health

Conventional/Traditional Medical Opinion not a Natural/Holistic Opinion

A Woman's Guide to a Healthy Stomach: Taking Control of Your Digestive Health by Jacqueline L. Wolf, MD

If I had known that this book was mostly conventional medical opinion verses a more natural holistic approach, I would have never bothered with it. Also, it doesn't really offer the reader an actual solution to their digestive problems; unless you count taking various prescription medications or over the counter drugs like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. My problem with this is that taking a drug merely covers up a problem; it is not a cure. Aside from that, the author even lists all the possible side effects from taking these drugs. Some drugs she mentions are no longer available to the public - probably pulled for safety issues. I know it is just my opinion, but I want to find out what causes individual digestive problems and make the necessary changes to get better. I am not interested in loading up my body with drugs that will cause a whole host of brand new health problems.

To my surprise the author does mention the SCD aka Specific Carbohydrate Diet, as well as recommending enteric coated peppermint oil capsules. Note, that for some, peppermint oil can cause additional problems.

I know that everything cannot be solved the holistic way. For these issues where surgery or extreme measures are likely the only solution, I feel that this book touches on topics to give the reader a general idea of what to expect when they go to the doctor for treatment.

Most of the book is based on the authors experiences with her patients conditions and what she did to treat the patient. What she usually did was listen (rare for a Doctor), and then prescribe something to see how it goes. If it didn't work she would prescribe something else, repeat. She would also recommend particular tests depending on what her patient described. Is it a food allergy? Celiac? Crones? Helicobacter pylori((H. pylori)? the bacteria responsible for most ulcers and stomach inflammation.) causing acid reflux?  Stress? Endometriosis? Some patients had life improvements from surgery and prescriptions combinations. I say improvements, they are not 100%, just better than they were. This is hardly a success in my mind. Some patients were a bit easier to treat. Example: if they have Celiac and the correct diet is followed they don't suffer anymore.

The author also listed various foods that we humans don't digest well. What causes gas, what to eat to help constipation, what doctors believe causes excess acid in the stomach. I don't fully agree.. and no, I am  not a doctor. However, doctor's don't know everything.

Overall I would say that this book is okay. It does have some helpful information that I feel wont cause harm.  It can be useful if you have unexplored digestive issues and you are looking for some answers. I strongly suggest looking into a holistic approach to improving your health before you start popping drugs. For those of you who think I'm crazy and drugs are the answer, then you will probably love this book. Those looking for a more natural approach you should look elsewhere.

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