17 Best Books For Crohn’s Disease & IBD Relief
When I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I felt lost and overwhelmed. I had so many questions, but few clear answers. Doctors provided me with medical advice and prescriptions, but I needed more—I needed to understand my condition, how it worked, and what I could do beyond just taking medication. That’s when I turned to books. Reading about Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) gave me the knowledge and confidence to take control of my health. I discovered new treatments, alternative healing methods, and personal stories that reassured me I wasn’t alone in this journey.
Books about Crohn’s Disease became my lifeline. I devoured everything from medical guides written by leading gastroenterologists to personal memoirs of those who had battled IBD and come out stronger. I learned how diet, stress management, and lifestyle changes could significantly impact my symptoms. Through books, I found hope—stories of people who had achieved remission, experts who challenged conventional wisdom, and practical strategies that helped me make informed decisions about my own care. Each book brought me a new perspective and, most importantly, a sense of empowerment.
This list of the top 20 books for Crohn’s disease and IBD includes the very resources that helped me on my path to healing. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, struggling to manage symptoms, or simply looking for more information, these books can be a guiding light. From scientific insights to real-life experiences, these reads will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to navigate life with IBD. No matter where you are in your journey, the right book can make all the difference.
1.) How I Stopped Flare-Ups & Achieved Remission – Colin Wells
How I Stopped Flare-ups and Achieved Remission is the #1 book that helped me and I consider it an essential read for anyone dealing with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Unlike traditional medical guides, this book takes a deep dive into natural healing approaches that have helped countless individuals achieve remission and regain control of their health. It provides a comprehensive look at diet, supplementation, stress management, and lifestyle changes that can support gut health.
What sets this book apart is its real-life success stories, providing hope and encouragement to those who feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis. The author shares their personal experience with healing Crohn’s naturally, making the book not only informative but deeply relatable. By integrating a holistic approach with practical advice, this book empowers readers to take charge of their health in a way that aligns with their body’s needs.
If you’re looking for a transformative guide that goes beyond medication and surgery, this book is a must-read. It offers practical steps that anyone with IBD can incorporate into their daily routine, helping them move toward long-term healing and improved quality of life.
2.) Crohn’s and Colitis For Dummies – Tauseef Ali, MD
This book is part of the well-known “For Dummies” series, making complex medical information accessible to everyone. Written by Dr. Tauseef Ali, a gastroenterologist specializing in IBD, this book breaks down everything from symptoms to treatment options in an easy-to-understand way. It covers the latest advancements in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis treatments, including biologics, dietary interventions, and surgical options.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to simplify medical jargon while providing actionable advice. Readers will appreciate the clear explanations of how IBD affects the digestive system, what triggers flare-ups, and how to develop a long-term management plan. The book also includes a section on emotional well-being, addressing the psychological impact of living with a chronic illness.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been dealing with Crohn’s for years, this book is an excellent resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the condition. It provides readers with the tools they need to work effectively with their healthcare team and make informed decisions about their treatment.
3.) Crohn’s and Colitis: Understanding and Managing IBD – Dr. A. Hillary Steinhart
Dr. A. Hillary Steinhart, a renowned gastroenterologist specializing in inflammatory bowel disease, provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This book blends expert medical insights with practical advice, helping patients and caregivers navigate the complexities of IBD.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including symptom management, medication options, dietary considerations, and emerging treatment approaches. It also explores the psychological impact of IBD, offering guidance on stress reduction, mental well-being, and coping strategies for those living with a chronic illness.
For anyone looking for a reliable and well-researched resource on IBD, Crohn’s and Colitis: Understanding and Managing IBD is an excellent choice. It presents medical information in an easy-to-understand format while empowering readers with actionable strategies to improve their quality of life.
4.) The First Year: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed – Jill Sklar
A diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can be overwhelming, but this book helps ease the transition into managing life with IBD. Written by Jill Sklar, who has lived with Crohn’s for decades, the book provides a roadmap for navigating the first year after diagnosis.
What makes this book unique is its day-by-day approach to understanding and coping with IBD. It breaks down the most important steps to take, from assembling a healthcare team to understanding medications and exploring dietary changes. The book also discusses the emotional impact of living with a chronic illness, offering support and encouragement to newly diagnosed patients.
For anyone feeling lost after an IBD diagnosis, this book serves as a comforting guide that provides both practical advice and emotional reassurance. It helps readers take control of their condition and build a strong foundation for long-term management.
5.) The Crohn’s Disease Cookbook: 100 Recipes and 2-Week Meal Plan to Manage Symptoms and Boost Gut Health – Amanda Foote, RDN
Managing Crohn’s disease requires a well-balanced and mindful approach to diet. This cookbook, written by registered dietitian Amanda Foote, provides 100 delicious and easy-to-digest recipes specifically tailored for individuals with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The book includes a carefully designed two-week meal plan that helps reduce inflammation and promote gut health.
The recipes are based on anti-inflammatory and low-residue principles, focusing on ingredients that are gentle on the digestive system while still providing essential nutrients. Each recipe comes with helpful notes on how it can be modified to suit individual tolerances, making it a practical resource for those dealing with food sensitivities.
Beyond just recipes, this book also provides guidance on grocery shopping, meal prepping, and understanding how different foods impact gut health. Whether you’re looking for comforting soups, nourishing smoothies, or easy-to-digest meals, this cookbook takes the guesswork out of eating with Crohn’s disease, making it an indispensable resource for those seeking symptom relief through diet.
6.) Listen to Your Gut: The Complete Natural Healing Program for IBS and IBD – Jini Patel Thompson
Listen to Your Gut by Jini Patel Thompson is a comprehensive guide to naturally healing digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Based on her personal journey of overcoming severe digestive issues, Thompson shares a holistic, alternative approach to gut health that goes beyond conventional medicine.
The book provides a step-by-step program that incorporates dietary modifications, natural supplements, stress management techniques, and alternative therapies to help reduce inflammation, promote gut healing, and manage symptoms. Thompson emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and tailoring healing methods to individual needs. She also covers topics such as probiotics, elemental diets, mind-body connections, and the role of emotional health in gut disorders.
For those looking to explore a natural and integrative approach to healing IBD and IBS, Listen to Your Gut is a valuable resource. It offers practical guidance, scientific insights, and real-life success stories that provide hope and actionable strategies for achieving long-term digestive wellness.
7.) The IBD Remission Diet: Achieving Long-Term Health with Nutritional Therapy & Elemental Supplementation – Jini Patel Thompson
The IBD Remission Diet by Jini Patel Thompson presents a specialized dietary approach designed to help individuals with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and severe digestive disorders achieve remission through targeted nutrition and supplementation. Drawing from her own experience overcoming IBD, Thompson provides a structured program based on elemental diets, gut-healing supplements, and strategic reintroduction of whole foods.
The book delves into the science behind elemental diets—nutrient-dense, pre-digested liquid formulas that allow the gut to rest while still receiving essential nourishment. Thompson explains how these diets can help reduce inflammation, promote intestinal healing, and rebuild the gut lining. She also discusses the role of probiotics, natural antimicrobials, and specific supplements that support long-term gut health.
For those seeking an intensive, nutrition-based method to manage IBD and achieve remission, The IBD Remission Diet offers a well-researched, practical guide. It is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe flare-ups or those looking to explore an alternative, gut-restorative approach alongside or beyond conventional treatments.
8.) Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet – Elaine Gottschall
This book is a classic in the realm of digestive health, focusing on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) as a way to manage Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other gut disorders. Elaine Gottschall, a biochemist and nutritionist, presents scientific evidence supporting the SCD and shares real-life success stories of individuals who have achieved remission through dietary changes.
The book outlines how certain carbohydrates can contribute to gut inflammation and how eliminating them can promote healing. It includes meal plans, recipes, and guidelines on how to implement the diet effectively. The step-by-step approach makes it accessible for those new to dietary interventions.
For anyone interested in taking control of their health through nutrition, this book is a must-read. It provides a well-researched and practical guide to using diet as a powerful tool for managing IBD and achieving long-term gut health.
9.) Crohn’s Disease: Everything You Need To Know – Dr. Fred Saibil
This book is an invaluable resource for individuals living with Crohn’s disease, providing a detailed look at medical treatments and lifestyle strategies for managing the condition. Dr. Fred Saibil, a leading expert in gastroenterology, offers a clear and comprehensive guide to understanding Crohn’s disease, its symptoms, and its potential complications.
What sets this book apart is its balanced approach to treatment options. It covers medications, surgical interventions, and emerging therapies while also providing guidance on diet, stress management, and daily living with Crohn’s. Dr. Saibil emphasizes patient education, helping readers understand their choices and how to work effectively with their healthcare team.
For those looking for a scientifically backed and practical guide to Crohn’s disease management, this book is an essential read. It provides the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and take an active role in managing the disease.
10.) The Microbiome Solution: A Radical New Way to Heal Your Body from the Inside Out – Dr. Robynne Chutkan
Dr. Robynne Chutkan, a renowned gastroenterologist, explores the critical role of gut bacteria in digestive health and disease. This book highlights how an imbalance in the gut microbiome can contribute to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and offers practical strategies for restoring gut health through diet, lifestyle changes, and targeted therapies.
One of the key takeaways from this book is the importance of nurturing beneficial bacteria while reducing exposure to harmful microbes. Dr. Chutkan explains the impact of antibiotics, processed foods, and environmental toxins on gut flora and provides actionable steps to improve microbiome diversity. She includes recommendations for prebiotic and probiotic foods, as well as natural healing approaches.
For those looking to take a more holistic approach to managing their IBD, this book is an essential read. It empowers readers with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their gut health and provides evidence-based strategies for achieving long-term digestive wellness.
11.) Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It – Dr. Josh Axe
Dr. Josh Axe explores the concept of leaky gut syndrome and how it relates to chronic illnesses, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. He presents a compelling case that many digestive issues stem from damage to the gut lining and provides a five-step plan to heal the gut naturally.
The book covers topics such as the impact of toxins, processed foods, and stress on gut health. Dr. Axe explains how lifestyle changes, probiotics, and specific dietary adjustments can help restore the integrity of the gut lining, reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
For those seeking an alternative or complementary approach to managing IBD, Eat Dirt offers valuable insights backed by scientific research. The practical recommendations make it easy for readers to take actionable steps toward healing their gut and improving overall health.
12.) Gut and Physiology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autoimmune Illness – Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride’s Gut and Physiology Syndrome is a well-known book that connects gut health with overall well-being, particularly for those suffering from chronic digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The book outlines how gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) contributes to inflammation and autoimmune disorders, offering a structured dietary approach to healing.
The GAPS protocol emphasizes nutrient-dense foods such as bone broths, fermented vegetables, and healthy fats while eliminating processed foods, refined sugars, and grains. Dr. Campbell-McBride provides a step-by-step guide to implementing the diet, along with explanations of how it can support the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
For those looking for a natural and food-based method to manage IBD symptoms, this book serves as a comprehensive resource. While it requires commitment, many people have found success in reducing symptoms and improving overall health by following this dietary approach.
13.) IBD Healing Plan and Recipe Book – Christie A. Korth
Christie A. Korth, a certified holistic health coach and someone who has personally battled IBD, provides a compassionate and practical approach to managing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis through diet and lifestyle changes. This book combines scientific research with real-world experience to create a healing plan that supports gut health and reduces inflammation.
The book includes a step-by-step guide to creating an individualized dietary plan tailored to the reader’s specific needs. It offers gut-friendly recipes designed to be easy on the digestive system while still providing essential nutrients. Korth also discusses the emotional and psychological aspects of living with IBD, emphasizing the importance of stress reduction, mindfulness, and self-care.
For individuals looking for a well-rounded approach to healing, IBD Healing Plan and Recipe Book is an excellent resource. It provides both the knowledge and the tools needed to take control of one’s health and make sustainable lifestyle changes to support long-term well-being.
14.) The Autoimmune Solution: Conquering Chronic Disease Through Diet and Lifestyle – Dr. Amy Myers
Dr. Amy Myers presents a comprehensive guide to managing autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, through targeted diet and lifestyle changes. In The Autoimmune Solution, she explains how inflammation, gut health, and the immune system are interconnected and how addressing these factors can help manage IBD symptoms.
The book outlines Dr. Myers’ four-step protocol: removing inflammatory foods, restoring gut health, repairing the immune system, and reducing toxin exposure. She provides detailed dietary recommendations, including an elimination diet designed to identify trigger foods. Additionally, she discusses the role of stress management, sleep, and supplementation in promoting overall health.
For those looking for an integrative and functional medicine approach to IBD, The Autoimmune Solution offers a well-researched and practical roadmap. It empowers readers to take control of their health by making informed choices that support long-term healing and symptom relief.
15.) Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice – Dr. Rupa Marya & Raj Patel
This book takes a unique perspective on chronic inflammatory diseases, including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, by exploring the connections between health, society, and the environment. Dr. Rupa Marya and Raj Patel argue that systemic injustices—such as food industry practices, environmental toxins, and healthcare disparities—contribute to the rise in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Inflamed provides a thought-provoking look at how global and social factors shape individual health. The authors present research on how stress, diet, pollution, and socioeconomic conditions affect gut health and the immune system. They also offer recommendations for healing that go beyond just diet and medicine, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
This book is ideal for those who want a broader perspective on IBD and how external influences impact the body. It encourages readers to think critically about the root causes of chronic illness and to advocate for both personal and societal change.
16.) You Can Heal Your Gut – Lee Holmes
Lee Holmes, a holistic nutritionist and wellness coach, provides a step-by-step guide to healing the gut naturally in You Can Heal Your Gut. This book is packed with information on how to repair and nourish the digestive system, making it a great resource for those with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
Holmes offers a four-week gut-healing protocol that includes meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle adjustments to support digestion and reduce inflammation. She emphasizes the importance of bone broths, fermented foods, and nutrient-dense meals while eliminating common irritants like processed foods and sugars.
For those looking for a natural, food-based approach to managing IBD symptoms, You Can Heal Your Gut provides actionable steps to improve digestion, increase energy, and enhance overall well-being. The recipes are designed to be gentle on the digestive system while still being flavorful and satisfying.
17.) The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body – Dr. Sarah Ballantyne
Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, a medical researcher and expert in autoimmune disease, presents The Paleo Approach as a science-backed guide to managing conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis through diet and lifestyle. This book explains the connection between diet, gut health, and the immune system, and it offers a practical plan for reducing inflammation.
Ballantyne details how the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet—an extension of the Paleo diet—can help heal the gut lining, balance the immune system, and prevent flare-ups. She provides a thorough breakdown of which foods to eat and which to avoid, along with explanations of how they affect the gut microbiome. The book also includes guidance on stress management, sleep optimization, and toxin reduction.
For individuals with IBD who are interested in using diet as a tool for healing, The Paleo Approach is an in-depth and scientifically supported resource. It offers both the theory behind the approach and practical steps for implementing it in daily life.
Conclusion
Living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can feel isolating and overwhelming, but the right resources can make a world of difference. Books have played a crucial role in my journey, providing knowledge, hope, and practical strategies that helped me regain control of my health. Whether you’re looking for medical insights, dietary guidance, or personal stories of resilience, the books on this list offer invaluable support for anyone navigating life with IBD.
No matter where you are in your healing journey, education is empowerment. Books like How I Stopped Flare-Ups can help you better understand your condition, make informed choices, and find inspiration from others who have walked a similar path. Managing IBD is about more than just medications—it’s about lifestyle, mindset, and self-advocacy.
I encourage you to explore these books, take what resonates with you, and apply it to your own journey. With the right knowledge and support, you can take charge of your health and work toward a life that isn’t defined by IBD, but rather by strength, resilience, and hope.