A NEW cookery book written jointly by an Ilkley food writer and nutritionist, and a former consultant gastroenterologist, aims to show people with food sensitivities what they can - rather than can't - eat.

As many as 20 per cent of woman and ten per cent of men have symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a condition which means the guts is especially sensitive to certain foods.

Managing the condition means adjusting what foods you eat, and it can be affected a whole range of food and ingredients.

Ilkley resident, Dr Joan Ransley, food writer and nutritionist has teamed up with award winning photographer, gastroenterologist and psychotherapist Dr Nick Read, to write Cooking for the Sensitive Gut.

Dr Read is also the chairman of national charity The IBS Network, which offers information, support and advice to people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Dr Ransley, who has also lectured at Leeds University, said: "We encourage people to eat well to their tolerance level rather than exclude foods and become nutritionally deficient. It is eye catching, up to date and inspiring. Just looking at it will make many feel better."

Irritable Bowel Syndrome means the gut becomes sensitive to stretch, distension, the texture of food and its chemical composition. A sensitive gut is tricky to manage because it becomes sensitive not just to a specific food but to a wider range of food and ingredients.

In the book, the authors explainwhy the gut becomes sensitive, how it can be managed and what you can eat and cook with your friends and family without it becoming an issue.

The book a perfect combination of theory, and practical ideas about what to cook and eat - and features recipes which Dr Ransley has developed, cooked and photographed herself.

Kevin Whelan, Professor of Dietetics, at King’s College, London, said: "Cooking For The Sensitive Gut is more than just a compendium of recipes for people with irritable bowel syndrome. It contains a detailed review of irritable bowel syndrome, including an explanation of why people develop a sensitive gut, the components in food that might exacerbate symptoms and importantly non-food related causes of symptoms such as stress and mood.

"Together with the review of the potential for diet to benefit gut symptoms and a series of delicious recipes, the book provides a realistic portrayal of the multifaceted causes of a sensitive gut and the potential harm that can come from overly restricted diets."

Cooking for the Sensitive Gut is published by Pavilion Books, and available from Amazon, Waterstones and major bookshops.