Stress plays a prominent role in provoking UC inflammation, research shows. During this March 2020, stress has affected much of the globe as people grow concerned regarding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the workplace disruption, the stress of stocking up, arranging for childcare, etc. However, for UC patients it is important to remember that stress…
Mini-Blog
Coronavirus: Resources for Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has issued guidance on IBD patient hygiene and medication regimens. It answers common questions about immunosuppresant medications and biologics. It also recommends consulting your physician with any specific concerns you may have about the coronavirus and your current medications. Read here. Understand Your Risks. People with chronic conditions like IBD might…
COVID-19: Stock Your Pantry for UC, The Smart Way
It is always a good to have a well-stocked pantry. But, in recent weeks and days, rising concerns over coronavirus (COVID-19) have prompted us to make sure we have enough healthy and non-perishable food. First, stocking up reduces the need to go out and helps practice social distancing to avoid contagion. Second, we wanted to…
Store vs. Homemade Yogurt: Big Lactose Difference
Yogurt is a rich probiotic that can help populate your gut with healthy bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. But, not all yogurt is created equal. The technology of fermenting yogurt can make a big difference in its probiotic and lactose content (i.e. how you feel after eating it). We have learned this from the SCD diet, so…
Fermented Foods vs. Probiotics: Your Questions Answered
In an earlier post we discussed the connection between Ulcerative Colitis and gut bacteria (microbiota). Research has shown that pathogenic (harmful) gut bacteria may contribute to gut inflammation. Our readers then usually ask: would you recommend probiotics? How do probiotics compare to naturally fermented foods, which are also rich in healthy bacteria? Our answer is…
The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Fruits and Vegetables
Considerable medical scholarship has been dedicated to uncovering the anti-inflammatory properties of fruits and vegetables. “ The phenolics and triterpenoids in fruits and vegetables showed higher anti-inflammatory activity than other compounds. In food legumes, lectins and peptides had anti-inflammatory activity in most cases.” [Zhu et al 2017] Read Full Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28605204 Read more about the benefits…
Gut Bacteria: A Factor in UC Inflammation?
Did you know UC and gut bacteria (microbiota) may be connected? “The gut microbiota is an essential factor in driving inflammation and the development of mucosal lesions in IBD; certain microbes exacerbate inflammation, but some others mitigate inflammation.” [Manichanh et al 2012] Read Full Article: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrgastro.2012.152 Additional Popular Article from the Harvard Gazette: https://news.harvard.edu/…/new-findings-from-harvard-revea…/ To maintain a…
Berries and Their Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Grocery shopping for the week to come? Why not pick up some fresh berries? “Berries contain a diverse range of phytochemicals with biological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-neurodegerative, and anti-inflammatory activities.” [Seeram et al 2006] Berries are also high in fiber: Raspberries: 6.5 grams of fiber Blackberries: 5.3 grams offiber Strawberries: 2.0 grams of…