Digestive Intelligence

May 19, 2014
Based in Madrid, Matveikova is a family medicine physician who specializes in endocrinology and clinical nutrition, with expertise in eating disorders. Here, she takes readers on a tour of the digestive system, emphasizing that the intestine (or gut) acts as a “second brain” that produces neurotransmitters and hormones. According to the author, the two brains “engage, talk, sabotage, or reinforce each other,” and emotions often manifest as digestive disorders. In detailed and accessible fashion, Matveikova covers the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, and gallbladder, addressing topics such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastro esophageal reflex disease (GERD). Matveikova favors a holistic, integrative approach, viewing allopathic treatments combined with complementary modalities as “the medicine of the future.” A proponent of colonic hydrotherapy, she discusses the procedure and its benefits. She includes historical tidbits, as well as anecdotes from her life and practice to give character to a potentially dull subject. Readers may find that the author’s enthusiasm for her topic is contagious. Agent: Elizabeth Wiggins, Elizabeth Wiggins Literary Agency (Spain).

June 15, 2014

The idea that our brain and digestive system are connected is a fascinating one, and this book, written by a doctor, nutritionist, and eating disorder specialist promises to help readers to resolve digestive problems, from irritable bowel syndrome to heartburn, ulcers, and more. Matveikova takes readers on a tour of the digestive system with a history of the social taboos related to digestion and encourages reliance on natural remedies over pharmaceutical options. In addition to the natural choices often suggested by doctors (e.g., yoga, probiotics, mint tea), the author also recommends more controversial treatments such as colon cleansing. She further connects "leaky gut syndrome" to mental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit disorder, which is not a mainstream view. VERDICT This book will likely have an audience among those already convinced of the effectiveness of alternative methods. Others can pass.--Mindy Rhiger, Minneapolis

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