Article first published as Book Review: Food and Nutrients in Disease Management, Edited by Ingrid Kohlstadt on Blogcritics.
In the Preface of “Food and Nutrients in Disease Management,” Ingrid Kohlstadt writes “Food and nutrients are the original medicine. They are the molecules of biochemistry, physiology, and immunology, and the shoulders on which modern medicine stands.” But, she also states “In recent decades food and medicine has taken divergent paths. Food has become bereft of nutrients, and modern medicine has sought to heal with technical advances and initially seem dazzlingly more powerful than food."” Given this concept, Kohlstadt compiled data from scientists and doctors to “help physicians reunite food and medicine in clinical practice.” The bottom line is to help the patient heal in the healthiest approach, which may not be using chemical-based drugs.
Areas covered in “Food and Nutrients in Disease Management” are in sections: Disorders of the Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat; Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Endocrine and Dermatologic Diseases; Renal Diseases, Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders; Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissues Disorders, Neoplasms; and, Reproductive Health. Each section has data presented by the experts plus a summary and references. As well, for example, the Gastrointestinal Diseases section covers gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and, food reactivates.
Considering gastroesophageal reflux disease is on the rise in our society, I was interested in knowing the adverse affects of drug treatment. As I suspected, “proton pump inhibitors [PPI] are currently the third top-selling drugs in American in a $252 billion drug market ... [and] ‘Over-the-counter antacids including Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox account for $1 billion annual sales.’ People want an easy fix rather than using food and nutrient treatments for the disease. According to Mark Hyman, M.D. PPIs may also increase the risk of gastric cancer...gastric polyps, community-acquired pneumonia, and pediatric pneumonia and gastroenteritis.” Hyman suggests elimination of dietary triggers and using a food allergy elimination diet.
Although “Food and Nutrients in Disease Management,” edited by Ingrid Kohlstadt, is geared toward the physician, this book would be of utmost importance for nutritionists and anyone working in the alternative health field. As well, for a patient of any of the diseases mentioned, this book would give clarity and direction of using food as a healing mechanism. Of course, self-diagnosis is discouraged but taking this book to your primary care physician or specialist in the field of your disease to have him or her concur with your decision would be advisable. This could be one of the most important books for your library.
Food and Nutrients in Disease Management
Edited by Ingrid Kohlstadt
CRC Press (2009)
ISBN 9781420067620
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (4/12)
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