Crohn's disease can cause pain and major changes in lifestyle and sometimes leads to the surgical removal of large sections of bowel. Traditional therapies in the United States include drugs, nutritional supplements, and surgery, all of which can have major adverse effects. Medical writer Oppenheimer explains how enteral nutrition, a method of receiving one's daily nutritional requirements through a liquid diet, may be a safe alternative with outcomes that can be just as good as other therapies. She explains what enteral nutrition is, provides information on more traditional treatments for Crohn's, and uses research to show how enteral nutrition compares with those treatments. Types of formulas and methods of administration are discussed, along with benefits and drawbacks. Oppenheimer examines the special needs of children with Crohn's as well as other types of diets, such as low-carb, food-exclusion, and lactose-free approaches. The appendixes include a glossary, children's growth charts, and sources of enteral nutrition formulas, as well as an extensive bibliography. While providing no medical credentials, Oppenheimer offers a readable, well-documented book that will be of value in consumer-health collections.
Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa --Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Library Journal
The book is easy to read and is detailed, accurate and well researched.It is a must read for all professionals involved in treating Crohn's disease.
Hazel Duncan, Paediatric Dietitian, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital --Dietetics Today
Beat Crohn's! Getting to Remission with Enteral Nutrition is skillfully written by Margaret A. Oppenheimer, an expert in enteral nutrition. For anybody who may be considering this treatment option, it will be an invaluable guide to implementing the diet and comparing it to other treatment options. --Take Charge (Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America)
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
My 7 year old has primarily small bowel Crohn's Disease and we were trying to make the very painful choice of a biologic medication or enteral nutrition for his next treatment. He was steroid dependant and that kept him from growing. He was also taking an immunosuppressant that was not working to keep him in remission.
I had searched the internet for medical publications, and even met with a specialist who is considered one of the top rated in the US for pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease for a second opinion on treatment. The enteral nutrition was recommended but not exactly embraced.
When I quite literally stumbled upon this book, it was much needed affirmation and refreshing validation that we were making the right choice for my son. It blessed the treatment by compiling years of published research and international data in an easy to read, layperson friendly format.
The question becomes, why would you choose a 'big-gun' treatment or surgery before trying a much safer method, that allows children to grow and mature normally?
My son began this treatment on April 8, 2010 and is now in remission from Crohn's Disease. I brought this book to the hospital with us to share with medical students and residents since no one had any experience with this treatment. Ben is now gaining weight and off all medications (after only 4 weeks). The treatment is easy and well tolerated by my son. Every parent with a child with Crohn's Disease should be given this book at the time of diagnosis. Some day, this treatment will be the first line choice for Pediatric Crohn's Disease in the US as it is in Europe, Japan and Canada.
