3 Quick Things

Hi Everyone! 

Improve your health with this week’s three simple IBD tips and takeaways.

Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Little changes lead to big results. We challenge you to take one small action today to benefit your future tomorrows.

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Attention all chocolate lovers!

Find out why you can feel good about eating dark chocolate this Valentine’s day! 

Read on...

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Reminder: Avoid sugary drinks

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again… Sugar-sweetened beverages are not good for anyone, particularly people with inflammatory bowel disease. 

The World Health Organization recommends that we limit our daily added sugar intake to less than 25 grams. Mosty sugar-sweetened beverages have at least that amount! 

Here are some examples (pay attention to serving size): 

• Coke (12 oz): 36 grams
• Ginger ale (12 oz): 30 grams 
• Snapple Iced Tea: 40 grams 
• Lemonade (12 oz): 40 grams 
• Orange juice (12 oz): 28 grams (Although this is from naturally occurring sugar, our bodies can’t tell the difference when it’s in juice form)
• Gatorade (20 oz): 34 grams (Not effective as a hydration solution for many people with IBD because it’s too high in sugar)
• Ensure (8 oz): 15 grams 

Sugar-sweetened beverages are concentrated sources of sugar. In the short-term, they can cause diarrhea, bowel urgency, abdominal pain, gas, bloating and fatigue. Over time, too much sugar can weaken the gut barrier, upset the gut microbiome, lead to inflammation, insulin resistance and more. 

Scott says: The first thing I cut out from my diet after getting diagnosed with Crohn’s was sugary drinks. That meant no more fruit juice, sports drinks or soda. Most days I stick to water and tea with the occasional unflavored sparkling water for my carbonation fix. Also, steer clear of artificial sweeteners.

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Frying in cooking oil bad for IBD

Findings from a 2019 research study suggest that eating fried foods worsens conditions of the colon, including IBD and colon cancer. These findings support those of previous studies linking fats from frying oil to an increased risk of colonic disease, including ulcerative colitis. 

Read more... 

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Remember, there’s no one perfect diet for everyone with IBD. If you or anyone you know struggles with what to eat with Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis, then check out our new ebook, Eating with IBD: The Essentials. Do you have a question about these topics, or something else? Just reply with your question to this email and it may appear in an upcoming newsletter.

In good health,

Colleen, Bertina & Scott

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended as medical counseling or medical advice. Results may vary.