Abigail Marie the Chef with IBD
Professional Chef with IBD helping you navigate food, lifestyle, new IBD research, and patient advocacy.
Chronic fatigue and IBD are commonly seen together, with almost 50% of patients experiencing it in some way, according to a 2019 study. To put it into perspective, 800,000 Americans alone have chronic fatigue and IBD. Chronic fatigue is also something I have personally dealt with over the course of my UC, and something I … Read more
In a recent meta-analysis of almost 300 trials, researchers found a correlation between dual biologic or small molecule therapy and a reduced need of surgery in refractory IBD. Refractory IBD is simply Crohn’s or Colitis that is defined as persistent and acute and has not responded well to anti-inflammatory therapies. At Weill Cornell Medicine in … Read more
Being diagnosed, and living with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can be challenging. Not only do you now have an incurable and unpredictable chronic illness to deal with, you have pain, fatigue, bleeding, doctors, medications, and all the thoughts that come with chronic illness. Speaking from personal experience, when disease is active, your quality of life … Read more
IBD is associated with many complications. However, for Ulcerative Colitis in particular there are five that are considered to be the most common. While medications will target the colon and immune system, complications tend to target extraintestinal, occurring outside the intestines, instead. This can make UC difficult to manage, as you are not only dealing … Read more
With the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, many studies have started to emerge on their effectiveness. However, only now are we seeing studies on the vaccine effectiveness for those with a weakened immune response. In particular, a large study of over 3,000 transplant patient volunteers were examined after receiving either Pizer or Moderna’s vaccine. These transplant … Read more
While these two words may sound similar, they are in fact different. Prebiotics are mostly fiber that humans cannot digest. They provide food for the bacteria in probiotics. Probiotics are live good bacteria that can be found in food and supplements and help balance the gut flora. This gut microbiome is teaming with life, and … Read more
If you are new to a Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis, or have tried the common first medications without success, you may be wondering what other treatment options are available. Biologics are an ever-growing group of medications, commonly given through IV or self-injection shots for many autoimmune diseases. For IBD in particular, Remicade, Stelara, Humira, … Read more
Coconuts are the tropical fruit from the coconut palm. This 4,500-year-old treat has many health benefits and can be used in many different ways. Coconuts can be used for their water, milk, oil, and meat. Recently, coconuts have been given more spotlight for many alternative culinary treats for those with allergies and vegan desserts in … Read more
Crohn’s is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation and erosion of the intestines. Unlike Ulcerative Colitis, which only affects the colon, Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms can range in severity, just like the disease itself from mild to severe. Symptoms can include; abdominal pain, fever, … Read more
Living with IBD can be very challenging, especially when you’re having a flare. From physical pain, fevers, decreased appetite, and exhaustion, chronic illness can take its toll. Many IBD patients experience social isolation, depression, and decreased quality of life when disease is active. Speaking from personal experience, this rollercoaster of emotions associated with active disease … Read more