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.

Meeting my new gastroenterologist

A few weeks ago, I finally met with my new gastroenterologist in the VA community care network. In stark contrast to my October visit with the gastroenterologist who blew me off, this one actually took me seriously and listened to everything I had to say, even though I’m feeling well and doing good overall right now.

IgAN and Crohn’s disease

I recently had a follow-up appointment with my nephrologist at the VA hospital here in Florida for IgA nephropathy. Overall things are good (yay!), but the long and the short of it is that I need to eat more food and drink less water. I’m so used to being told I’m dehydrated that this was definitely new advice for me!

Forgetting Crohn’s (almost…)

Some days, I almost forget that I have Crohn’s Disease. Honestly, I don’t think there’s been a single day since my diagnosis 13 years ago–or even since my first symptoms 17 years ago–that I haven’t thought about Crohn’s or digestive issues. But for the most part, my day-to-day life with Crohn’s is well managed…and althoughContinue reading “Forgetting Crohn’s (almost…)”

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.

Episode 41: Alysa Johnsen–Healing Ulcerative Colitis with yoga, mindset, and plant-based nutrition

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/etjwae/Episode_41_Alysa_Johnsen.mp3 In today’s episode, Alysa shares how she’s been managing her Ulcerative Colitis through yoga, mindset, and plant-based nutrition. After being diagnosed with IBD and suffering from the side effects of Lialda, she sought the help of an integrative medical doctor.

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.