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In this episode, we discuss colonoscopies. We know they are so important for our health, especially those with IBD, but we are always relieved when they are over! Ashley and Danielle share personal stories about the challenges and discomfort associated with the dreaded prep process and the procedure.

We discuss:

• our experiences with different colonoscopy preparations, including a new prep that Ashley tried last month. She talks about the pros and cons of taking her prep in pill form
• the importance of planning ahead for a colonoscopy
• the emotional and physical challenges associated with colonoscopies, and how these procedures are approached a little differently in the US vs Canada.
• how we have experienced a mix of fear and curiosity during a colonoscopy and the discomfort you could feel after the procedure
• for a lot of patients, medication and nutrition are both important in order to optimally manage IBD

We also celebrate the news that Ashley recently received- that she is in deep remission with her Ulcerative Colits!

This conversation reminds us again that support is so important for those with IBD and other chronic conditions. We wish that everyone could have an IBD BFF and we hope that sharing these experiences helps you feel less alone!



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On this episode Ashley and Danielle do a deep dive into fiber and their favorite types of fiber supplements.

Ashley and Danielle discuss:

• their colonoscopy experiences
• how to reduce fears around fiber and why it is so important for IBD patients
• how fiber can be used therapeutically to reduce inflammation and improve IBD overall
• how fiber improves the gut barrier function
• how fiber helps with creating a diverse and healthy gut microbiome
• how fiber can reduce the risk of flare ups
• different kinds of prebiotic fiber supplements, including one of our favorites, PHGG /Sunfiber
• our new Sunfiber with probiotic strain 299 V is coming out- it reduces symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain and aids in regulating stool patterns: https://gutlove.us/product/back-to-balance/
• how psyllium husk powder supports gut microbiome and gut lining
• stay tuned for a part 2 because we have a lot more to discuss- including research on PHGG, psyllium seed powder and psyllium husk!

Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?
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On this episode we talk with Andy De Santis, RD MPH. Andy is a private practice dietitian and 11x published author from Toronto, Canada. Having been a generalist early in this career, Andy has spent the last several years focusing on the fatty liver space given the broad prevalence and significant health implications of this increasingly common condition.

We discuss with Andy:

• nutrition for fatty liver disease and general liver health
• making nutrition guidance accessible for patients and how Andy likes to include lightheartedness and humor, especially on social media.
• benefits of the Mediterranean diet that can be customized for the individual
• some interesting additions to our meals, like capers, which have big benefits
• how small changes over time can have a large impact
• different herbs and spices we like that have great benefits

You can find Andy on Instagram @andytherd

Kale studies: Kale Contains Many Unique Anti-Cancer Compounds - American Institute for Cancer Research % (aicr.org)

Frontiers | Kale improves bowel movements in constipated women and affects some intestinal microbes and metabolites: a pilot study (frontiersin.org)



Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?
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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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In this episode we have a very honest and straightforward discussion with Breanne Sich about the reality of life with IBD. Breanne has Crohn's and has started the Crohns Colitis Collective Co.

Breanne describes the collective: "It was started as a way to bring awareness to this invisible disease, and encourage people to reach out, get gutsy, and talk about sh*t. To talk about how you are feeling. To talk about what this disease really looks like. We need to collectively raise awareness so one day, we can beat this disease. To date we have been able to donate over $80,000 to help fund a cure, and there is no sign of us stopping anytime soon!"

We discuss:

• Breanne's story of getting diagnosed and how she became an advocate for IBD patients.
• the importance of creating a community that helps to educate others about the struggles of IBD patients
• how talking about her personal struggles has helped others know they don't have to suffer alone
• the challenges of kids having IBD and the support Breanne wishes she had in middle school and high school.
• what she would tell someone who is newly diagnosed with IBD
• how she came to accept her challenges with IBD and why it is so important to empower others

You can find Breanne on Instagram: @bresich and her apparel is sold at crohnscollective.com.


Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?
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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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License code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEO

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In this episode we talk with Neha Shah, a Registered Dietitian specializing in GI and IBD for close to 20 years. Neha runs her own IBD nutrition private practice, aiming to provide specialized care to the community and she also offers a subspecialty in South Asian GI and IBD.

We discuss:

• Neha's background and how she got into specializing in nutrition in GI and IBD.
• The relationship between culture and food and how to navigate that when a patient has IBD
• What food culture is and how it plays a role in our food choices
• How dietitians can show more cultural sensitivity and cultural competence
• How a patient can navigate diet around religious observances, such as fasting, and holidays within the culture, such as Diwali
• Including more cultural fibers into diet
• Weight inclusive approach

You can find Neha on Instagram at: @nehagastrord. Her website is: nehashahnutrition.com.

Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?
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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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License code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEO

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In this episode we discuss what we mean by "IBD friendly"

We start off by discussing some common misconceptions about determining what IBD friendly is. The most common ways people determine what to eat for IBD without triggering symptoms are through dietary tracking and looking on google or forums.

We discuss how dietary tracking can lead you down the wrong path often with IBD and lead to unnecessary restrictions while not truly answering the problem.

We also discuss how conflicting the internet can be - and how it definitely isn't a great dietitian (and isn't individualized).

We discuss common misconceptions about what IBD friendly is - and how we use certain fibers to reduce symptoms in our patients.

Resources mentioned:

• Our "How to Tolerate Fiber in IBD" e-book: HERE
• Our brand new program: 🌱Plant Magic- What to Eat & How to Reduce Symptoms in IBD using the Power of Nutrition. Check it out HERE

Want to work with us but have questions?
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Special thanks to those who help us keep this thing going....
Podcast edit by: Christopher Garza
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird
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In this episode, The Crohn's & Colitis Dietitians - Ashley Hurst and Danielle Leffler interview an expert in the field of GI psychology, an emerging new specialization that focuses on the gut-brain connection.

This episode is jam-packed with useful resources and affirming insights on the IBD journey and how the gut-brain connection is important for us to learn more about.

We discussed:

• Dr Navidi's background and how he got started as a leader in the field of GI psychology
• The emergence of GI psychology - there are only 400 in the world
• What is GI psychology?
• What are DGBI's - why we need to know about these with IBD
• Although Crohn's & Colitis are not considered disorders of gut-brain interaction - those of us with IBD are more prone to have them
• How medical trauma and DGBI's can impact our symptoms even when IBD is considered stable
• How we often underestimate the power of the brain & trauma in gut symptoms
• How trauma to the gut impacts our symptoms - it's not in your head - the impact is real and common
• Anxiety & Depression - is it more common in IBD?
• Introduction to clinical hypnosis for GI disorders
• What clinical hypnosis is and what it is not
• What is trance vs. dissociation?
• Reframing Anxiety as "misguided imagination"

What we mentioned:

• Clinical hypnosis breakdown - https://www.gipsychology.com/gi-psychology-and-the-atlantic-discuss-clinical-hypnosis-for-ibs
• Research mentioned: PMID: 33721557, PMID:34684663, PMID: 33251075

Podcast edit by: Christopher Garza
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird
License code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEO

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Has your doctor ever told you your labs look good but... you still have IBD symptoms?

It's actually pretty common! In this episode we talk about this in more depth.

Discussion points:

• Personal updates - Danielle shares about being snowed in, Ashley shares about the two new additions to her family (0:00 - 9:00)
• With Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis & Microscopic colitis - What is going on when our labs are fine but we are still symptomatic? Our own personal experiences, the importance of multiple providers from different specialties (9:00 - 18 minuites)
• Possible reasons for symptoms outside of IBD - malabsorption (18 - 20 minutes)
• Why we don't usually recommend low fodmap in IBD (20-23 minutes)
• Fiber and how we navigate it, how food tolerance can change over time, why getting support with nutrition can improve your quality of life with IBD, medical trauma with IBD and learning to trust your body... and more!

Our website: https://crohnsandcolitisdietitians.com/

Book a call with us HERE

Podcast editor: Christopher Garza
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)
https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird
License code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEO