The Care & Feeding of the Irritable Bowel
by De Lamar Gibbons M.D

There are two points to consider when reading this book. The first is that Crohn's disease; ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are all grouped together and termed by the author as being 'irritable bowel diseases'. The second is that his findings are based on a questionnaire sent out with his diet.

From responses he received he drew the conclusions that are presented in this book. It was in his capacity as a research director with a US newspaper that he distributed his diet and questionnaire to 30,000 individuals, of which 2600 responded. Of these, it is claimed that 91% experienced improvement in their condition.

The reasoning is based on people with 'irritable bowel diseases' having an intolerance to fructose (fruit sugar), some artificial sweeteners, and possibly lactose (milk sugar). These individuals are unable to break down these substances and they ferment in the bowel, causing irritation, breakdown of the lining, and thus causing these diseases.

The author provides an outline of his diet, which excludes fruit, milk and the artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, sorbitol and mannitol. He also explains why this helps. Chapters are included on a number of other conditions, such as gallstones and diverticulitis. The diet may relieve symptoms, but caution must be advised against the belief that it is a cure for all 'irritable bowel diseases'.

This edition was published in Australia by Phyllis Eyres and includes an insert outlining her modifications to the diet.