Gut Feelings - by The Crohn's & Colitis Dietitians

No one likes doing stool tests... but you might learn to appreciate them after this video.

💩 Fecal calprotectin can be a great indicator of how things are going in the gut short of doing a colonoscopy and if you want to be proactive - you can even use the test to "predict" a flare and get ahead of it before it gets bad!

💩 A fecal calprotectin test can act as a warning signal for flares up to 8 to 12 weeks in advance.

💩 Fecal calprotectin is a protein released into the stool when white blood cells ent...

You might not think of GLP1's would be apart of the conversation when it comes to IBD, but we continue to see more and more people trialing them for secondary conditions with IBD. 

In practice we have seen people often not inform their providers about GLP1 use - thinking that they do not impact gut symptoms... yet they very much do!

When it comes to peptides and other random supplements - when we are in a flare we are often more vulnerable to just wanting to try anything... but it's important to exercise caution a...

Focusing only on what to cut out of your diet - might actually be making things worse. But hey... we have ALL been there too. 

🍅And yet the conversation online is all about what to take out of the diet - and doesn't all discuss what we need to ADD to improve outcomes.

🍓Your gut microbiome depends on diversity, color and fiber. 

🥑The very things that are often most difficult for those with IBD... yet... there is a path and a science to building tolerance with foods. 

💪Think of your gut microbiome as a...

The internet is full of conversation about what to take out of the diet with IBD... but nobody is talking about the things you can add to improve outcomes!

➕In our practice we always encourage our patients to take an "addition mindset" when it comes to their diet. 

In the last 11 years of group private practice - people always leave us surprised at how many foods they thought they couldn't have but NOW can! 

✨It's not magic... it's science and strategy.

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Really Quick... Did you know..... You can wa...

We do not use the Low Fodmap as a primary way to help those (like us) that have Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis or Microscopic colitis - in fact it can actually hold people back from experiencing symptom relief and even remission. In this video we will unpack that further.

3 Things to Consider Before Considering a Low Fodmap Approach:
🥬It doesn't address inflammation - an important consideration with IBD
🫐It's often done incorrectly which leads to more restriction, more microbiome challenges and poor response to medications (in IBD)
🌈A Low fodmap approach is meant to help y...

💙 How We Practice Self-Care as Dietitians Living with IBD

As dietitians who personally live with IBD, we know firsthand that self-care looks a little different when you're managing Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. 

It can look different for everyone and honestly it took us a long time to figure out what actually works for our bodies and our lives.

In this video, we're getting personal and sharing exactly what self-care looks like for us- the real and genuinely helpful stuff we do to feel our best while living and working with a chronic illness.
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It can feel confusing when it comes to figure out food intolerances in IBD - but there is so much more to the conversation that isn't really talked about much online like....

⏰ Timing - if you are getting symptoms immediately after eating a food (like bloating or racing to the bathroom) it might not actually be the food itself - but it can still be data that we can use to drive nutrition recommendations.

💪🏼 Gut Tolerance - Triggers don't always stay the same. Did you know that the more that you build up your gut microbio...

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We love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible...

In this video we review our top 10 tips for colon cancer prevention. Make sure to check out the full blog too - we include our RAINBOW® tips for applying all of this to IBD and the challenges we face. 

Top 10 Tips for Prevention:
1. Colonoscopies
2. Diet Pattern
3. Fiber (with modifications for IBD challenges!)
4. Cruciferous vegetables (adjustments available for this as needed)
5. Reduced Red/Processed Meats
6. Reduced Alcohol
7. Calcium (adequate levels)
8. Adequate Folate (with dietary sources) 
9. Good Vitamin D levels
10. Exercise (not too much, not too little)

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IV infusions and IBD - let's dive into ways to make the day more comfortable. 

In this podcast we dive into the challenges and practical aspects of getting infusions for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease. We discuss common fears associated with treatment, the importance of communication with healthcare providers, and strategies for making the infusion experience more comfortable. It is important to weigh the risks of treatment against the risks of not treating IBD.

Takeaways-

- Discussing fears with healthcare providers can alleviate anxiety.
- The risk of not treating inflammation is s...

Constipation & IBD - we don't hear about it much, but it happens! In this video we discuss our insights on special considerations with IBD and actionable tips. 


Takeaways-

- Hydration, fiber intake, and physical activity are crucial.
- Emotional well-being can significantly impact bowel health.
- Dietary patterns can influence transit time and digestion.
- Kiwi is a beneficial fruit for constipation relief.
- Proper breathing techniques can aid in bowel movements.
- Elevating knees during toilet use can improve elimination.
- Mindfulness and stress management are important f...

Do you avoid the topic of colon cancer? So do we. Let's tackle it together.

Better yet - watch this episode on YouTube here: HERE

Danielle mentioned that the things we are avoiding talking about are often the things we should really be bringing into the light and taking action with. So let's do it together. It is Colon Cancer Awareness month after all.

Are there any colon cancer symptoms we should be looking out for? If you have any changes like bleeding or changes in symptoms - it's important to reach out...

As IBD patients, we know that there are many things we have to navigate. From trying to figure out what foods we can add, to getting enough nutrition, to figuring out if supplementation is needed. It's a lot!  We want our listeners and patients to feel empowered with knowledge and feel confident in their food choices with IBD. 

Takeaways-

- Dietary tracking is helpful in some situations but it is not our first strategy when working with IBD patients.
- Foundational nutrition is prioritized over strict dietary tracking.
- Not consuming enough diverse fo...

We share our thoughts on the recently updated food pyramid. It's important to keep in mind that general recommendations for the public do not always apply to IBD patients! There are some key aspects to this that we want to share about IBD nutrition so it doesn't seem more confusing!

- Not all dietary guidelines are applicable to individuals with IBD.
- Socioeconomic factors significantly impact access to healthy food.
- Chronic disease management requires a nuanced understanding of individual dietary needs.
- Plant-based proteins remain important in dietary recommendations for IBD patients
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It can be confusing trying to figure out dietary strategies for IBD on your own. We discuss scenarios where dietary support can be beneficial, from flare-ups to long-term management. Dietitians can provide the clarity and support needed to navigate these challenges. 

Takeaways-

- Dietitians can help manage symptoms and improve medication response.
- It's important to check nutrient levels regularly, even when symptoms are calm.
- Many patients feel overwhelmed by conflicting dietary information.
- Seeking dietary support during flare-ups can provide clarity and calm.
- Long-term management of IBD can b...

If you are looking for honest (and not sponsored) thoughts on protein powders and how we navigate getting enough protein - this video is for you!

Struggling to find the right protein powder with IBD? Whether you have Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis or Microscopic colitis — you may find yourself doing "IBD math" trying to figure out which one will be well tolerated and effective. 

In this video, we break down everything you need to know about protein powders for IBD.

✅ What You'll Learn:
-Our opinion as IBD dietitians (and those living with...

In the online world we talk so much about inflammation -  but what actually matters with it comes to Crohn's & Colitis?

In this episode, we talk about the significance of foundational health practices and balanced nutrition over trendy diets.

Do you need to do a 4 am ice bath while intermittent fasting and drinking butter coffee? Let's dive into what the research says about inflammation and IBD.

Takeaways-

Inflammation is often misunderstood and misused in discussions.Context is crucial when discussing health and nutrition.Skipping meals can lead to malnourishment, impacting health.Intermittent f...

Our thoughts on lead in protein powders and all the things not being discussed....

It's a big headline but should we be concerned? 

The things not being discussed enough:
-What the lead level standards are based on
-The issues with other contaminants that aren't 3rd party tested
-The dose makes all the difference

So when it comes to gut health and an IBD diet - none of the things discussed were really all that alarming when you get into the details. 

Takeaways-

Lead in protein powders has ra...

Are you familiar with Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms in IBD? 

Those with Crohn's & Ulcerative colitis are at higher risk of being deficient in Vitamin B12 - especially those with Crohn's that have inflammation in the ileum. 

If you've got Vitamin B12 deficiency you may feel tired or weak which is a classic feature of type of megaloblastic anemia. This is why it's so important to test appropriately and treat B12 deficiencies.

In our practice, we like to look at beyond just standard serum B12 labs - which can sometimes not be representative of B1...

Up to 70% of those with Crohn's and over half of those with UC experience malnutrition.... and did you know this can impact your response to medication also?

Working with an IBD specialized dietitian can help correct malnutrition, reduce your risk of flare and give you tools for symptom relief - so that your body is in a better spot to respond to treatments.

In this podcast we highlight common signs of malnutrition and steps individuals can take if they are experiencing malnutrition.

Takeaways-
- Malnutrition can impact medication effectiveness.
- IBD...

Ever wondered what IBD dietitians (that also have IBD too) do to manage their own symptoms? Let us tell you all about it....

We chat about what we eat, how we stay hydrated, and the supplements that actually make a difference for us. We also get into the not-so-fun stuff—nausea, constipation, and fatigue—and share the simple habits that help us feel better on tough days.

From soothing teas to post-meal walks, we talk through the small things that add up and make living with IBD a little more manageable. If you’re navigating simila...

Do you have sleep disturbances with IBD? You're not alone, this is very common! This podcast discusses the various factors contributing to sleep issues, including medication effects, dietary habits, and nutritional deficiencies. We know sleep is so important and we provide coping strategies that we hope are helpful for improving sleep quality. 

Takeaways:

- About 70% of people with IBD have trouble with sleep.
- Medications like prednisone can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Stress and anxiety from chronic illness can affect sleep.
- Dietary choices can significantly impact sleep quality.
- Ginger t...

In this episode, we discuss what we would tell our newly diagnosed selves about living with IBD. We emphasize the importance of seeking help early, understanding inflammation, and finding trustworthy resources. We also discuss the role of nutrition in managing IBD and the empowerment that comes from being informed and proactive in one's health journey.


Takeaways-
- Seek help early so that you have a supportive plan.
- Understand that inflammation can exist without symptoms.
- Regular monitoring of inflammation is crucial.
- Low appetite and weight loss need to be assessed...

We are so excited to have Dr. Yasmin Mohseni back to to talk about the latest advances in the world of immunology! We discuss the recent Nobel Prize awarded for research on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and how they help keep inflammation and autoimmunity in check. 

We talk about the complexities of autoimmune diseases, particularly Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and why Tregs play such a big role in keeping the immune system balanced. Dr. Mohseni walks us through some of the most innovative treatments on the horizon, from cell therapies to CAR T-cell approaches, and even how A...

We look at the emerging research linking ultramarathoning to a possible increased risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The discussion highlights the importance of hydration, nutrition, and recovery strategies for endurance athletes. Vitamin D and gut health also play an important role in decreasing risks. 

Takeaways-
- Some research suggests that Ultramarathoning may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Hydration and nutrition are critical for endurance athletes.
- Vitamin D levels should be regularly assessed, especially in athletes.
- The gut microbiome can change with extreme e...

In this podcast we answer a question we got around fear of failure associated with taking medications.  We often talk about a multifaceted approach when treating IBD. It is also important to weight the risk of untreated inflammation against the possible risk of taking medication. 

Takeaways-

- Medication is a valid part of treatment, not a failure.
- Diet is often overlooked in discussions about IBD.
- IBD is an autoimmune disease that requires comprehensive care.
- Fear of medication side effects is common but manageable.
- Cultural perceptions of wellness ca...

In this podcast, we discuss when it may be time to bring in a dietitian that specializes in IBD. We explore different reasons why someone might consider working with a dietitian, including stress related to food choices, nutritional deficiencies, and the need for long-term management strategies. We talk about the significance of feeling safe in one's body, the role of nutrition in managing symptoms, and the common misconception that IBD nutrition is only about tracking your food triggers.

Takeaways-

It's crucial to seek help when IBD symptoms are unstable.Stress about food...

This conversation dives into the often-overlooked topic of lymphocytic colitis, focusing on its unique challenges and the nutrition strategies that can help manage symptoms. We go over the importance of fiber, hydration, and being mindful of gut irritants.


Takeaways-
- Microscopic colitis is often overlooked in discussions about IBD.
- Patients may feel forgotten and have limited treatment options.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing symptoms.
- Increasing soluble fiber can help bulk stools.
- Hydration and electrolytes are essential for those with frequent bowel movements.
- Common...

In this episode, we talk about the new trend of fiber maxing, exploring its definition, implications, and the balance needed in dietary fiber intake. We emphasize the importance of hydration and talk about the potential side effects of excessive fiber. It is always good to have a mindful and informed approach to dietary changes. 

Takeaways-
- Fiber maxing is a recent trend focused on increasing fiber intake.
- There is no clear definition of fiber maxing; it can vary from meeting to exceeding fiber needs.
- Extreme dietary trends can lead to negative health e...

In this podcast we discuss the challenges of navigating evidence-based information in the age of AI. We explore the importance of critical thinking, the role of trust in healthcare, and the impact of misinformation. We encourage patients to advocate for themselves and to question the information they come across, especially in a time where AI can fabricate data. 

Takeaways-

- It's challenging to differentiate between valuable information and misinformation.
- AI is designed to provide information that pleases users, which can lead to inaccuracies.
- Critical thinking is essential for both healthcare providers a...

Did you know you can be in remission and still have gut symptoms and fatigue? Medications may be addressing the inflammation - but they don't always fully address the symptoms.

Sometimes you need to dig deeper with your dietitian on what nutrition related labs to run, looking into if you are fully meeting your needs and coming up with a plan and strategies to address gut symptoms.

Takeaways-

Remission does not always equate to feeling better.Nutritional deficiencies are common in IBD patients.Fatigue is a prevalent symptom even in...

You can find our new Flare Guide here: 👇
https://crohns-and-colitis-dietitians.thrivecart.com/flare-guide/

This podcast explores the critical role of nutrition in managing IBD flare-ups. Ashley and Danielle discuss how dietary choices can truly impact symptoms and overall health. We address common misconceptions about nutrition in IBD and practical strategies for daily life that can be very effective! 

Takeaways-
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing IBD flare-ups.
- Dietary patterns can increase or decrease the risk of flare-ups.
- Symptoms alone are not reliable indicators of what works for IBD...

In this podcast, we discuss the impact of wellness trends on health perceptions, particularly as it relates to IBD. We emphasize the importance of seeking professional help, especially during flares and other health challenges, and the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. We also talk about a few misconceptions surrounding IBD.

Takeaways-

- Wellness trends can create misconceptions about health conditions.
- There is no cure for IBD, and misinformation can be harmful.
- Patients often feel pressured to find quick fixes for their health issues.
- Nutrition...

In this podcast we talk about the complexities of gut health for those with IBD. We are both patients and practitioners, and discuss understanding gut health beyond just the absence of disease. We talk about the role of diet, lifestyle, and mental health in managing IBD and improving overall well-being. 

Takeaways-

- Health is not just the absence of disease; it's about optimization.
- Diet, sleep, movement, and stress management are key factors.
- The journey of gut health is ongoing and requires patience.
- Mental health is closely linked to g...

In this podcast, we explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and IBD. Ashley and Danielle discuss how alcohol is often avoided by individuals with IBD because it can significantly worsen gut symptoms. We highlight the normalization of alcohol consumption in our culture, the risks associated with it, and the impact on gut health, including inflammation and impaired gut barrier function. We stress the importance of awareness and making informed choices regarding alcohol consumption for better health outcomes.

Takeaways-

- Alcohol is commonly avoided by individuals with IBD.
- 75% of people experience worsened gut symptoms...

Ashley and Danielle discuss probiotics, emphasizing the importance of a strain specific approach, the need for evidence-based research, and addressing common myths surrounding probiotics. We talk about the role of prebiotics and how important quality testing is in probiotic products and any supplement. We go over what probiotics can be helpful for those with IBS and IBD.


Takeaways-

- Probiotics are not one-size-fits-all, the strain matters.
- Understanding the specific strain can impact effectiveness.
- Research is crucial when selecting probiotics.
- Not all probiotics need refrigeration- check packaging.
...

In this podcast, we talk about the findings of a recent study published in The Lancet regarding the benefits of a plant-based diet for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). We discuss the significance of including more plant-based foods in the diet, the importance of fiber for gut health, and practical steps for gradually introducing fiber into the diet. We have been talking about including more fiber and plant based foods into the diet for a long time and many research studies support this! 


Takeaways-
- A plant-based diet can significantly reduce the risk of d...

In this episode, Ashley, Danielle and Christa discuss the ways we approach meal planning. We talk about the challenges of balancing busy lives with the need for nutritious meals and share some creative breakfast and dinner ideas. We think having some quick meals ready to go are good to have on hand, especially if you have fatigue from IBD or have a busy day!

Takeaways-

- Planning meals can take some work but can save time and reduce stress in the long run.
- Having quick meal options is essential for busy lives and...

In this podcast Ashley, Danielle and Christa discuss their personal strategies for managing their IBD. 

IBD can be overwhelming and unpredictable so we want to share with you the top things we do as patients to keep symptoms and inflammation under control. We emphasize the importance of physical activity, dietary choices, sleep hygiene, and mental health. We also touch on the significance of routine check-ups and medication adherence, as well as the benefits of taking breaks and vacations for overall well-being.

Takeaways-

- IBD can be unpredictable, but there are s...