Ulcerative Colitis Resources

Understanding & Living with Ulcerative Colitis:

The American Academy of Family Physicians provides educational information on many health topics, written in an easy-to-understand, reader-friendly language. It helps people with inflammatory bowel disease better understand their condition by providing detailed information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and offers additional information and support resources.

Colitis: The Experience of Illness by Michael P. Kelly, Routledge, (1992): Written by a person with ulcerative colitis, this book describes the disease and its challenges from a patient's perspective.

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America offers educational information about inflammatory bowel disease as well as a list of support groups available across the country.

A Delicate Balance: Living Successfully with Chronic Illness by Susan Wells, (1998): This book is a must-read for people with a chronic illness. It provides insights about living with a chronic illness through interviews with patients, families, and care providers. It includes information about all aspects of living with a chronic illness, from diagnosis to necessary workplace accommodations.

Gastro-Intestinal Sourcebook by M. Sara Rosenthal, (1998): This book provides a complete overview of the digestive system. Included is information on symptoms, treatments, and management techniques for everything from ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux to IBS and other upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders. Although not specific to ulcerative colitis, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the entire gastrointestinal system.

Going Abroad: The Bathroom Survival Guide, A Comprehensive Guide to Answering the Call of Nature Anywhere in the World by Eva Newman, Marlor Press, (1997): This is a comprehensive guide to toilets all around the world, from bidets to squat toilets. Written for travelers used to Western toilets, this guide includes practical information on using unfamiliar facilities, discusses related health issues, and provides anecdotes from fellow travelers.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Guide for Patients and Their Families by Stanley H. Stein, M.D., and Richard P. Rood, M.D., (1998): Available at CCFA Bookstore, this book is a complete resource for everyone affected by inflammatory bowel disease directly or indirectly. It provides practical and thorough information in an easy-to-understand, friendly tone. Some topics covered include pregnancy, diet and nutrition, emotional impact, and medical therapy.

The Physician Within: A Step-By-Step Guide to Living Well With Chronic Illness by Catherine Feste, (1995): This book confronts many issues associated with chronic illness by providing supportive messages and tips, including controlling stress, developing a positive self-image, and adapting to life's challenges.

Viahealth General Hospital, in Rochester, NY includes detailed information on inflammatory bowel disease. In addition to describing ulcerative colitis and its symptoms and possible causes, this site discusses treatment options, including medications.

My.WebMD.com is an independent service that provides valuable ideas and inspiration about wellness, health, and medicine. The gastrointestinal page was developed in association with the Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology.

Diet & Nutrition:

Be Good to Your Gut: Recipes and Tips for People with Digestive Problems by Pat Baird, C.N.C., Blackwell, (1995): A collection of nutritious and healthy recipes from a registered dietitian. This book also includes nutritional breakdowns for each recipe.

The Culinary Couple's Creative Colitis Cookbook by Ross and Denise Weale, Front Burner Publishing, (1995): A delight for cooking fans! This cookbook includes 100 low-fiber, non-dairy recipes and is created by a couple with ulcerative colitis. Both are culinary school graduates. Visit their web site at http://www.colitiscookbook.com.

Dairy-Free Cookbook, Fully Revised 2nd Edition: Over 250 Recipes for People with Lactose Intolerance or Milk Allergy by Jane Zukin, Prima Publishing, (1998): This book includes special chapters on eating out and information on tests to determine if one is lactose intolerant. Also featured is a list of manufacturers offering lactose-free products for those in pursuit of a dairy-free diet.

The IBD Nutrition Book by Jan K. Greenwood, John Wiley & Sons, (1992): This book offers a clinical dietitian/nutritionist's perspective on proper nutrition for people with IBD and encourages well-balanced nutrition for better health. In this dietary resource, you will find practical recipes and meal plans, in addition to nutritional guidance for people on specific diets.

The New Eating Right For A Bad Gut: The Complete Nutritional Guide to Ileitis, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease By James Scala, Ph.D. (2000): Dr. Scala, a certified nutritional specialist and author offers this revision to his book for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Highlights include the Dos and don'ts of eating with a sensitive gut; a personal testing program that helps people identify what foods work best with their body; information on stress reduction and overall fitness; meal planning and food preparation.

The Lactose-Free Cookbook by Sheri Updike, Warner Books, 1998.

Doctor / Patient Relationship:

The Intelligent Patient's Guide to the Doctor-Patient Relationship: Learning How to Talk so Your Doctor Will Listen by Barbara M. Korsch, M.D., and Caroline Harding, Oxford Press, (1997): This book teaches readers how to ask the right questions and understand the doctor's answers. This is an excellent resource for all people who are concerned about taking control of their health and getting the most out of doctor visits.

Positive Outlook:

Alive & Kicking by Rolf Benirschke and Mike Yorkey, The Firefly Press, (1996): An inspirational personal story of an NFL player who overcame the challenges of ulcerative colitis and returned to professional football for seven more seasons. You can visit Rolf Benirschke's Web site at http://www.greatcomebacks.com.

Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., Riverhead Books, (1997): The author has a background as a prominent physician, a professor of medicine, a therapist, and a long-term survivor of chronic illness. In the form of a collection of true stories, she presents examples from her practice and her own personal experiences.


Note: The books and Web sites provided in this section are for your general information and education only and should not be relied upon for personal diagnosis and treatment. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. This Web site does not sponsor or endorse any of these resources, nor does it guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in these resources.