One in five people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, or other functional bowel disorders. As a result, irritable bowel syndrome is the second leading cause of worker absenteeism. This book will help suffers by providing an effective eight step plan that includes learning about the causes of the disorders, the different types of disorders, looking at your family history, doing self-tests, identifying problems with your diet and establishing a personalized healing plan. Addressing mind-body connections, readers can control and limited distressing gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastroenterologist Salt approaches irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder that affects one out of five Americans, with an eight-week, 12-step program emphasizing a mind-body approach to the problem. To relieve such symptoms as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, indigestion, and gas, he suggests and explains conventional and holistic strategies that focus on the brain-gut link. Avoidance of jargon and a clear writing style geared to a general reading level make the information more accessible to a larger audience than is the case with most consumer health texts in this field (e.g., Henry D. Janowitz's Your Gut Feelings, LJ 9/1/87). Another plus is the frequent citing of sources and suggested other readings. Salt covers the subject thoroughly, yet his lively, illustrated text escapes the dullness of most works on this subject. Essential for most consumer health collections. [This is the first title in the publisher's "The Mind-Body Connection" series.?Ed.].?KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Auburn, Wash. -.?KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Auburn, Wash. Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. "Dr. Salt should be applauded for producing a book that offers a wealth of information and experience to the large numbers of individuals who suffer with IBS. His book offers those with this difficult condition a method to improve the quality of their lives. The emphasis on understanding mind-body interactions and IBS triggers in a positive light is particularly refreshing. We recommend this book to our patients." -- Michael P. Jones, M.D., F.A.C.P., Director, Center for Digestive Motility Disorders, University of Cincinnati "This is a wonderful resource for millions of people who suffer from some form of this disorder. It is clear, concise, and practical. I will recommend it to my patients." -- Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D. F.A.C.P., F.A.C.C., author of the bestseller, Dr. Rosenfeld's Guide to Alternative Medicine This 8-step program for modifying both mental and physical habits is directed to those who suffer from chronic indigestion and related disorders. Chapters focus on preventative care and a basic understanding of the medications and mental states which affect irritable bowel sufferers. -- Midwest Book Review "Irritable Bowel Syndrome & the Mind-Body/Brain-Gut Connection" is in its 6th printing, is a Featured Alternate Selection of Rodale Press Prevention Book Club, and is a Benjamin Franklin Award Finalist. It is the first book in our series entitled The MindBodySpirit Connection Series. The second book in the series is "Fibromyalgia and the MindBodySpirit Connection" by William B. Salt II, M.D., and Edwin H. Season, M.D., published March, 2000. Half of the patients in my gastroenterology practice suffer from IBS! Even though I knew that virtually all of them would benefit from the information and knowledge that I had gathered during my 23 years of experience with IBS, I was finding it impossible to fully discuss their condition within the time-limitations of a typical office visit. I therefore spent two years writing "Irritable Bowel Syndrome & the Mind-Body/Brain-Gut Connection" not only to help my patients, but patients everywhere. I am firmly convinced that the management of IBS and other functional syndromes (such as fibromyalgia) is centered in the understanding of the connection of the mind, body, and spirit, the best use of today's biomedical treatments and technology, and each patient's personal involvement in his/her own wellness and self-care. William B. Salt II, M.D., is board-certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology and earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1972. He is currently in private practice as the Senior Partner with Ohio Gastroenterology Group, Inc., and is a Clinical Associate Professor at The Ohio State University Medical Center. In addition, Dr. Salt is chairman of the Continuing Medical Education Committee and Educational Director of Gastroenterology at Mt. Carmel Hospitals in Columbus, Ohio. He is honored to be included in the fourth listing of The Best Doctors in America.