Student Book Review: "Regular" by Tamara Duker Freuman

Written by Madelyn Corsetti (student at the University of Rhode Island)

Are you someone who deals with digestive discomfort? If so, the book Regular by Tamara Duker Freuman, RD, might be helpful. It’s easy to read and explains many common problems, from diarrhea to constipation.

Some conditions covered are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, diarrhea, histamine intolerance, constipation, pelvic floor problems, and more. The book also talks about different eating plans like the low FODMAP diet and clears up some common myths. 

You can easily skip to the parts of the book that matter most to you. I recommend that everyone reads chapters 1, 2 and 3. Chapter 1 explains which bowel movements are typical and which aren’t. Chapter 2 explains how food and waste travel through your body and what can make things speed up or slow down. If you skip 1 & 2, chapter 3 is a must, it includes a symptom quiz. Your results show which chapter matches your symptoms best and you can then move on to that chapter. 

I recommend this book to anyone who deals with digestive discomfort and wants to learn more about their body. It gives you the tools you need to feel more informed and more in control of your digestive system. Even if you plan on meeting with a dietitian, this book can help you understand your symptoms ahead of time so you can talk about them more clearly during your appointment. 

The book is available at RI libraries, in many places where books are sold and directly from the publisher. You can learn more about Tamara on her website.