Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that impacts an estimated 3 million Americans, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and CDC , and ~5 million individuals worldwide. IBD prevalence increased steadily in Western countries during the 20th century and we are seeing an increase of IBD diagnosis in newly industrialized countries such as South America, Asia and in the Middle East.  There are numerous ways to classify IBD, however, an individual is most commonly diagnosed with either Crohn’s Disease (CD) or Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

Crohn’s Disease (CD)

• Who is diagnosed? Crohn’s is not partial to a specific ethnicity or sex. It is more commonly seen in Caucasians, but diagnosis is rising in other populations like Asians and Hispanics.
• What is it? Inflammation of ANY part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract – from mouth to anus. Inflammation can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall
• What are the symptoms? Diagnosis is unique for each person, but common symptoms leading to diagnosis include weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, urgency, blood in stool, abdominal pain, growth stunting/low bone density (pediatrics), elevated inflammatory markers etc.
• When? Diagnosis can occur at any stage but is commonly identified during adolescents or adults 20-30 years of age

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

• Who is diagnosed? UC, like Crohn’s, is not partial to a specific ethnicity or sex
• What is it? Inflammation limited to any part of the large intestine aka. the colon and rectum. Inflammation is limited to the innermost lining of the colon.
• When? Diagnosis can occur at any stage but is commonly identified during adolescents or adults 20-30 years of age
• Why does one get IBD? There are many theories, but the cause of IBD remains unclear. There is a genetic component as well as an abnormal or maladaptive immune response coupled with a likely environmental trigger (see below).

Why I am interested in nutrition and IBD? 

Working with individuals inflicted with IBD is my passion. Nine years ago when I started working at Seattle Children’s Hospital as a pediatric GI dietitian, I specialized in IBD as we established our center. The team was comprised of gastroenterologists, a psychologist, nurses, a social worker, a physician assistant, research coordinators and me, the dietitian. We all shared the same vision – to treat and care for those with IBD as holistically as able in a Westernized teaching hospital setting. This disease impacts all aspects of one’s body – the physical, emotional and mental.

My passion for nutrition and disease prevention found home working with those with IBD as diet and one’s nutritional well-being are significantly impacted by the nature of the disease.

At this time there is no cure for IBD, but diet management and mediation are a large piece of the puzzle that disease management involves.

Do you need individualized guidance from an IBD nutrition expert that is specific to you and your IBD? Check out my services and book your free 20-minute consultation today.