IBD and the Gut-Brain Connection: a patient and carer's guide to taming Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

by Antonina Mikocka-Walus

As a health scientist and ‘expert patient’ who has spent more than 20 years researching IBD and whose work has changed the way IBD is managed in clinics worldwide, Dr Mikocka-Walnus is ideally placed to bring all the latest research findings and clinical experience together in a truly up-to-date, evidence-based guide for people with an IBD diagnosis and their families, friends and carers. As well as general considerations including what science tells us the condition is and how it is currently treated, she addresses issues in relation to age (there is an epidemic now among children and teenagers) and circumstances (sexuality and fertility). Most importantly she looks at the gut-brain connection and with it, mental health in IBD, the two-way relationship with stress, and the pros and cons of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and antidepressants.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2018

Reviews

[Catherine Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonina uses her experience as a researcher and her voice as a patient to translate all of the confusing literature about how to best manage IBD in a way patients can understand and connect to. The book covers very important topics such as pregnancy and IBD and the importance of preserving psychological health. Her anecdotes and personal experiences help readers connect to the scientific aspects of her writing, and really shows that she’s not trying to profit off vulnerable patients, but help those who understand her own personal journey. Highly informative and I recommend it to every fellow IBD patient I know.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate that the author of this book is both an IBD researcher and patient, so she understands many sides of the IBD world. This guide to IBD is accessible and well-rounded and will make a good addition to the collection at my public library.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Simon Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent easy to read and book written by someone who lives with IBD and who is a recognized as a world expert in the field of promoting optimal health in IBD.

[Janice Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely useful and informative. Having ulcerative colitis for 40 years, myself, I was able to obtain new, detailed risk factors and solid recent information. The section regarding the diseases by age group is of particular importance. This is the first book on the subject (that I am aware of) that gives the patient such an incredible amount of useful information ! I strongly recommend for any patient, caregiver, or family member of anyone with IBD.


Many thanks to Hammersmith Publications and NetGalley for a wealth of knowledge !!!

[Daniel Cuomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent concise summary on a wide range of topics related to IBD, a good focus on the mental side of things, written by a medical professional who is also an IBD patient.

Everything is backed by references to well run medical studies where necessary. Also an incredible list of resources at the end which I'll be utilizing.

[Emma Dresser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book to learn more about gut health and the IBD connections. Practical and helpful guidance provided for someone who suffers with gut issues. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.