Probiotics for Crohn's and Colitis [Paperback]

'..a valuable source of information for both IBD patients and medical professionals..' - NACC member, Carol Ross Gower

'Patients, the general public, nurses and doctors can all benefit from reading this book..' - Professor Subrata Ghosh

'..a clear, well-referenced patient book...Dietitians can confidently recommend this book to patients with IBD..' - Kevin Whelan

Probiotics are products containing beneficial bacteria and are used to create a better mixture of bacteria in the human intestine. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are diseases of the intestines in which the resident bacteria play an important part. Probiotics for Crohn's and Colitis describes, in straightforward English, the scientific evidence for probiotics reducing the severity of these diseases. Prebiotics, types of soluble dietary fibre that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, are also described. Guidance is given on selecting probiotics and reassurance is given on safety. Probiotics are a 'hot topic' among people with Crohn's and UC, and for the first time all the evidence has been gathered to help patients be fully informed on the options available.

Having addressed more than 1,000 people in different parts of the UK on the subject of ‘Probiotics for Crohn’s and Colitis’ I know that it strikes a chord with people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Knowledge that billions of bacteria live in each person’s lower intestine and affect our ability to resist disease opens up a new and optimistic area for the listener or reader. The idea of manipulating those gut bacteria (the microflora) so that there is a higher proportion of beneficial microbes is attractive. When it is clear that the microflora are essential for the continuation of IBD and that there are fewer beneficial bacteria in people with Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis it makes sense to consider probiotic supplements. With growing evidence that these supplements reduce the severity of IBD there is much to be gained from reading my clearly-written book.

Peter Cartwright is the former Assistant Director of the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (NACC), the largest patients' association in Europe for these diseases. He has spoken on probiotics to more than 40 local NACC groups. Peter has an MSc in Microbiology, and has given more than 40 lectures on probiotics to doctors in 13 countries. He is also author of 'Coping Successfully with Ulcerative Colitis', 'Coping with Diverticulitis', and 'Probiotic Allies: How to maximise the health benefits of your microflora'.