“A very easy to read guide about probiotics. A very useful book for both sufferers and carers, Peter Cartwright has managed to pull together all of the information on Probiotics and put it into English for the layman to read and understand. This book answers a lot of questions - I read it cover to cover twice during the first week of purchasing and I would highly recommend it - as I have done several times.”

Aileen Cowdrill, Birmingham, England.  

“First, let me declare an interest - I am a long-time sufferer of ulcerative colitis and one of the front-of-chapter quotes in this book is mine and I’d already discovered the benefits of a probiotic diet for myself. However, I recommend Peter Cartwright’s book to anyone with an interest in learning more about the subject. Using fascinating examples from world-wide scientific research into the subject, Cartwright discusses clearly and unambiguously the cases for and against the use of probiotics. He also explains the different types of probiotic available to the consumer and describes what food to eat to help maximise their effectiveness (these foods are know as prebiotics).

There are no ‘miracle cure’ claims in this factual account, but if your bowels sometimes feel like a warzone then at least you will learn how to send in some ‘friendly’ reinforcements to help win the battle”

Bob Davies, Cardiff, Wales.  

“I found the book informative, well written and jargon free – a very necessary point for a non-medical person such as myself. Whilst informing the reader of the possible effects of probiotics it is unbiased in its approach to the subject.

Having now read Mr Cartwright’s book I feel I now understand the disease more fully and also the options I may be able to take to improve my situation, as opposed to following advice from various factions blindly!

This book should be on the bookshelf of all gastroenterologists and then maybe we can avoid some of the drug treatments and also some of the very nasty side effects.”

Aileen Aldred, Manchester, England.

“Peter Cartwright’s informative book manages to be accessible but not patronizing. Neither is it intimidating, and yet it will enable the keen reader to have an informed discussion with their consultant about whether probiotics are for them.

The presentation of the book complements this style; the detailed index allows for cross-referencing, and the use of bullet points and chapter summaries help the reader who prefers to dip, rather than read cover to cover. Scientific terminology is helpfully explained, not merely replaced with lay words: an invaluable but rarely seen feature of such literature.

But in writing for patients, Peter Cartwright has not compromised on scientific rigour. Evidence from published research is described, with indicators as to how robust the evidence might be. The book is impressively referenced, although I don’t know why anyone would want to look at these impenetrable sources. Peter has digested and summarised these scientific papers in a balanced and readable way, so that we don’t have to. The appendices on ‘The Body’s Defence Systems’ and ‘Safety of Probiotics’ should really be chapters in their own right, especially as the latter topic may be one that many readers feel is of the utmost importance.

Overall I feel that too much information was provided for my purposes, although the summaries helped me out and it is reassuring that the information is there, should I wish to revisit it later. Even if the reader decides probiotics are not for them, they will come away with a better understanding of their inflammatory bowel disease. You may feel the book is a little expensive but it is worth every penny, and if your doctor is sceptical, lend them your copy!”

Stephanie Brewster, Birmingham, England.  

“I read this book with great interest as it focussed on probiotics which from my experience has helped my son a great deal with his Crohn's. It has been written in easy to understand language and also contains information of other probiotics and where to get them. As IBD is a very complicated disease, I believe not everyone will benefit, but the majority do, and it is something that is worth trying. I would certainly recommend this book.”

Clara Steels, Leeds, England.  

“At last I have found a book that explains clearly and simply about advances in the treatment of Crohn's and colitis. The book is written in an informal way yet clearly states the research basis supporting its contents. There are no false claims - just an honest assessment of the current state of knowledge about probiotics. This has helped me understand how probiotics work and opened my eyes to the potential of prebiotics. An excellent information source for non-medical people.”

Ian from S.E. London  

“Having read Probitoics for Crohn's and Colitis I am of the opinion that this book is a 'must read' for all those who suffer from IBD and IBS. The book is written in a clear and concise manner, exceptionally easy to read and to absorb the technical date which is written in a simple and straightforward way so that any lay person can easily understand the information and recommendations put forward. 

Although there is still much to learn about the cause and treatment of both IBD and IBS there seems to be little doubt that the health of the intestinal tract and the state of its bacterial flora are of great importance both to the health and treatment of these diseases.

Also the summary given after each chapter is extremely helpful both in consolidating the information given in the chapter itself and as an indispensable quick reference source.

Finally I believe that this book provides a unique and complete review of the significance of the use of probiotics etc in relation to IBS and IBD and is essential reading for both sufferers of these conditions as well as those wishing to maintain a healthy bowel.”

Michael W. Leigh, West Sussex, England.

“This is probably the first book to be written for the layman on the subject of Probiotics. It is clearly written, very informative and easy to understand. It offers an insight into how people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease may be able to improve their quality of life and therefore bring some relief to those distressed by this illness. A book you can dip into.

The scientific research and specifics of the probiotic strains named are both thoroughly and honestly presented. It offers ibd sufferers and their families the information they need to make a rational judgement about this potential treatment. Probiotics are classified as food or food supplements and so do not have the disadvantageous side effects of drugs. First hand comments from patients, plus the question and answer chapter, answers practically every question one would want to ask.

This book is a must for those sufferers of IBD who want to try an alternative to conventional treatment. Bacteria are shown in a very different light!”