Abigail Marie the Chef with IBD
Professional Chef with IBD helping you navigate food, lifestyle, new IBD research, and patient advocacy.
Now that more people with IBD have been fully vaccinated, we are seeing research and data gathered on this group in particular. One study, published back in April 2021, showed positive and very promising results in those on a biologic with IBD and vaccine antibody responses. I do want to note that only Pfizer and … Read more
At the Crohn’s and Colitis Congress, an 8-week study was presented showing promising results in using low doses of IL-2 in treating moderate to severe UC. IL-2 or, aldesleukin, is a drug commonly used for melanoma (skin cancer) and RCC, a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. The medicine works by targeting specific … Read more
When living with IBD it’s sometimes hard to know what to eat that your gut will tolerate, especially during a flare. While everyone has a different tolerance for certain foods, I have found eight foods that are generally well tolerated in people with IBD, myself included. When I am having a flare these foods along … 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
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
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
The Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis has published a study that could lead to a new way of prescribing biologics to those suffering from IBD. Researchers have found two particular strains, one fungal the other bacterial, in the intestines of IBD patients that failed to respond to Infliximab (Remicade). Infliximab is almost always the … Read more
Hair loss in patients with IBD is seen more frequently than you may think. In fact, according to a study published back in 2015, approximately one third of IBD patients experience hair loss in some capacity. As an IBD patient myself, I have experienced this disheartening ‘side effect’. Hair loss can occur for a variety … Read more
Intermittent fasting has become more popular in the last few years, although it has been around since the time humanity was mainly hunters and gatherers. With such few ways of preservation, food was not always available. It wasn’t as easy as walking into your kitchen and opening your pantry or fridge. Intermittent fasting, as you … Read more
Many people think that Crohn’s and Colitis (IBD) only affects the intestines. While you would be right that IBD is an inflammatory disease of the intestines, it has the ability to change much more than digestion. IBD has been shown to affect the eyes, skin, mouth, joints, blood, bones, and kidneys. Let’s explore how IBD … Read more