As a Crohn's disease patient, I must tell others that the information in this book is very different from what you will read elsewhere. The "Natural Way" diet/lifestyle is Macrobiotic. I suggest you research what that is before you purchase this book. I was very dissapointed in the content of this book.

This is a compelling personal story of the author's battle with Crohn's disease, near-death experiences, and her triumph in finding a solution in macrobiotic food and lifestyle. While most of the painful and embarrassing experiences Harper shares are common to people suffering from IBD, I think it takes a lot to share this kind of personal information with unknown readers, and she deserves credit.

Harper finds health and happiness in a macrobiotic diet and a lifestyle that is less stressful. Most traditional doctors and specialists will say that 'diet has nothing to do with Crohn's'. I agree with Harper's point that "most people who suffer from some form of IBD know in their heart [gut!] that food is a trigger and a likely cause of their illness". I also agree that beyond simply taking prescribed pills, the patient needs to take a greater role in one's own healing. Harper points out the power of positive visualization, and the joy she felt when the healthy image she envisioned years earlier was actually achieved. Beyond the macrobiotic diet she espouses, other key points include: the importance of chewing your food completely to aid in digestion, eating smaller meals (but more often), and the importance of a caring support structure. To anyone critical of the time commitment involved in any sort of natural self healing: it is an investment of time to feel well versus time spent seeing doctors and feeling poorly.

My disappointments with the book stem from the broad title and where the book leaves off. The title suggests the possibility of the discussion or comparison of more than one natural solution to dealing with IBD. For example, I follow the SCDiet, and would consider that to be natural as well (albeit quite different from the macrobiotic diet). Also, I was left wondering if Harper would be able to sustain her diet and lifestyle changes, as she deviated off the regimen, which resulted in a few flares.

This is a must read for anyone with Crohn's disease. Virginia Haper tells her personal story of living with Crohn's Disease for most of her life. Her experiences will be familiar to anyone who has dealth with this illness. Through her story the reader will find out how she was able to overcome the disease and live virtually symptom free for over twenty years. Her story proves a change in eating and living habits can help this disease. Her story and triumph are truly inspirational and bring hope to all those who suffer with Crohn's Disease.