Stress and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

For many people, myself included, stress can be a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare-ups. Highlighting this point, an article in Scientific American published earlier this month, illustrates how psychological stress can cause an inflammatory response and impaired food movement in the gut. The author, Josh Fischman, a senior editor at Scientific American, noted that, “scientists have traced two detailed molecular pathways from the brain to the gut that produce IBD flares.

Crohn’s disease and IgA nephropathy

I started this blog to share my journey with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn’s disease, and how fitness and food have played a role in my quest for better health. While I’ve shared quite a bit over the years about my Crohn’s journey, I haven’t shared much about my more recent diagnosis of IgA nephropathy. So, I thought I would go ahead and dive in!

Update: GI Visit Follow Up

Last week, I finally had my follow-up visit from my colonoscopy in June. I had already received the full report and pathology findings from the biopsy in the mail, so the results weren’t a surprise—hence I didn’t mind waiting a few extra weeks for my follow-up appointment (they did offer to get me in sooner). Also, I feel good. I wasn’t expecting the appointment to reveal any earth-shattering findings, so I didn’t feel the need to rush in.

Episode 47: Stella Rose Carr shares her Crohn’s journey and positive outlook

In today’s episode, Stella Rose Carr shares how she’s managed to keep a positive outlook and a good sense of humor while battling Crohn’s Disease for most of her life. Officially diagnosed at eight years old, she recalls what it was like to face her first colonoscopy as a child and how IBD impacted herContinue reading “Episode 47: Stella Rose Carr shares her Crohn’s journey and positive outlook”

Episode 43: Shawn Bethea (ChronicallyStrong.com), IBD Warrior and Advocate

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/wmy8tz/Episode_43_Shawn_Bethea.mp3 In today’s episode, Shawn Bethea shares her IBD story from her first diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis in 2009 to an eventual diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease this year. She’s been through medications, surgery, and countless diets and has finally learned to navigate life with IBD.

Episode 42: Troy Parsons (@flaredupfitness), IBD Warrior and Advocate

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/b3pkvw/Episode_42_Troy_Parsons.mp3 Today’s guest is Troy Parsons, Crohn’s Warrior and IBD advocate. Diagnosed 10 years ago at the age of 17, Troy has faced adversity, enjoyed accomplishments and successes, and suffered failures. But, through it all, he has continued learning, seeking health, and is ready to face any challenges that the next 10 years may bring.

Cystoscopy: My fears and anticipation vs. what actually happened

Do you ever find yourself loving Google, yet hating it at the same time? That was the case for me as I spent more and more time researching and looking up information during the two weeks leading up to my cystoscopy earlier this month. My last four urine tests all showed blood in the urine,Continue reading “Cystoscopy: My fears and anticipation vs. what actually happened”

Episode 40: Allie Koplan, Ulcerative Colitis Warrior, dives deep into surgery, recovery, and mindset

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/hf2hji/Episode_40_Allie_Koplan.mp3 In today’s episode, Allie Koplan shares her Ulcerative Colitis story and dives deep into her ostomy and take-down surgeries, recovery, and mindset.

Episode 39: Jenny Pascoe (@crohnieintheclassroom) talks travel, hypnotherapy, meditation, and fitness

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/gj7cvm/Jenny-crohnieintheclassroom.mp3 In today’s episode, Jenny Pascoe shares her Crohn’s story and how it took 10 years of battling symptoms before a capsule endoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of IBD. She struggled during those years trying to find ways to manage her symptoms, including numerous dietary changes, and even found herself wondering if it was all inContinue reading “Episode 39: Jenny Pascoe (@crohnieintheclassroom) talks travel, hypnotherapy, meditation, and fitness”

Episode 38: Kristen Furey, 11 Health Patient Coach and HOPE Conference Project Manager

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/xgfedw/E38_Kristen_Furey.mp3 In today’s episode, the first 11 Health Patient Coach, Kristen Furey, shares her Crohn’s journey. Diagnosed at age 12, Kristen has battled IBD for 13 years. She underwent her ostomy surgery in 2013 and had a total colectomy in 2015.