Uncovering the Truth, Page by Page: Books to Read

Whether you're newly diagnosed with Crohn's or IBD, I highly recommend reading as much as you can get your hands on!  From brochures in the doctor's office to books to blogs and research reports online.  Link up with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (CCFA) as well.  CCFA has a wealth of resources, along with a handy, user-friendly search box.  You must become your best advocate and the quickest way to do so is to become as educated as possible about your disease, treatment options, including natural/homeopathic, dietary choices, and lifestyle changes that can help manage your health.

I'm a big fan of GoodReads, where you can catalog books you've read, flag books you want to read (very handy for browsing bookstores and creating wish lists!), and write book reviews.  There's also a social media component, where you can connect with friends and share reviews.  Be sure to "friend" me on there!

• 100 Q&A About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Lahey Clinic Guide  
  byAndrew S. Warner, Amy E. Barto
  - This is a great brief overview, helpful for those newly diagnosed with lots of questions, as well as for the loved one of someone newly diagnosed, so they can understand more about what to expect.
  
  
  
  
• Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet
  byElaine Gottschall 
  - If you are interested in finding out what this whole SCD (Simple Carbohydrate Diet) lifestyle/diet is about, this is the original, go-to book that started it all.  And PS - do NOT miss the carrot soup recipe!! Yummers!!!  I once drove 2 and a half hours through an ice storm to get home from a work event and came home to this delectable soup, thanks to my loving hubby!  That soup made it all worth it :)
  
  
  
  
•   The Yeast Connection and Women's Health
  byWilliam G. Crook
  
  Or   The Yeast Connection Handbook
  byWilliam G. Crook
  
  
  - Dr. Crook wrote groundbreaking books for his time, regarding the link between yeast overgrowth and our dietary choices (carbs/sugar) that feed the yeast, contributing to an array of complications of various health disorders, including Crohn's disease. In my opinion, this book is a must-read hand-in-hand with Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet.  Then, make your own decisions in the overlap.
• Will Yoga and Meditation Really Change My Life?: Personal Stories from 25 of North America's Leading Teachers
  
  The contributors speak of their experiences as real people living in our complex world, complete with spouses, children, aging parents, financial demands, illnesses, injuries, and all of the ordinary aggravations of everyday life.  Their stories ask the questions: What is possible for me, in my life, right now? How can my practice of yoga and meditation help me lead a more satisfying life?

• Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
  byElizabeth Lesser
  
  In a beautifully crafted blend of moving stories, humorous insights, practical guidance, and personal memoir, she offers tools to help us make the choice we all face in times of challenge: Will we be broken down and defeated, or broken open and transformed?
  
  
  
•  Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness
  By Pratt, Maureen
  - A beautifully written memoir by Pratt, who has Lupus.  Her story of finding peace in the storm translates across any and all health challenges we face.
  
  

  

  
  
  More to come soon!  Tell me, what is YOUR favorite book that has helped you with Crohn's/IBD, or gotten you through tough times?