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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Floss Your Way to Better Sleep

Sleep is important for our mental and physical health, including our digestive tracts. Our bodies rely on adequate sleep to heal and function. Unfortunately, IBD can interfere with a good night’s sleep. That’s why we plan to include more tips to help you sleep better. 

Over the next few weeks we’re going to share some tweaks and suggestions that we hope help you have a better nights sleep.

This week's Sleep Tip is from Scott: 

My food cravings intensify as the day goes on, and I find it challenging to avoid sugary foods. But eating sugar foods too late in the day works against my nutrition goals and disturbs my sleep. One way I combat this is by flossing my teeth. I’ve found that no matter how badly I want to eat something, there’s nothing I want to eat so badly that I’ll floss twice!

A brief survey of friends and family confirmed that I’m not the only one who dislikes flossing (who knew 😜). Perhaps this strategy will work for you too?

Key Takeaway: Try flossing your teeth shortly after dinner to fend off sugar cravings. For me, the probability that I’ll cheat and have dessert is virtually zero. 

Send us your sleep-related questions and recommendations. We'd love to hear from you!

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Question

Do popular acid-suppressing meds increase risk of COVID-19?

New findings point to yes. 

A recent study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found an independent, dose-response (i.e. higher the dose, higher the risk) relationship between proton pump inhibitor (e.g. Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec) use and positive COVID-19 results. The authors adjusted for a wide range of variables, including comorbidities, such as hypertension.

PPIs suppress stomach acid so doctors prescribe them for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Those of you with IBD might have taken a PPI in conjunction with prednisone and/or an NSAID to help prevent medication-induced stomach ulcers. But we need stomach acid to kill pathogens and inactivate certain viruses. (By the way, these are just two of the many reasons we NEED stomach acid). Previous studies have shown that PPI use increases the odds for GI infections.

How is this relevant to COVID-19? According to one author of the study, Dr. Brennan Spiegel, “coronavirus sheds into saliva in >90% of patients” meaning it can be easily swallowed. If it encounters a stomach with low acid, as might occur when taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), then a larger viral load may enter the intestines.”

If these findings concern you, here’s what we suggest you do:

1. Check in with your MD to find out if the potential risks of reducing or stopping your PPI outweigh the potential benefits. Be sure you’re on the lowest effective dose for your condition. Find out if you’re a candidate for an H2 blocker, which might be a safer alternative. 
2. Do NOT stop your medication without speaking with your prescribing MD.
3. Read this supplemental fact sheet with information and answers to FAQs about the study.

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Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian Cucumber Salad is a perfect snack or side dish to cool you down on a hot summer day. It’s both delicious and simple to make. And the best part - our kiddos love it too.

WHAT YOU NEED

•  2 English cucumbers thinly sliced*
•  Salt to taste
•  1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
•  2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
•  2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
•  2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions
•  1 clove garlic minced
•  1/8 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
•  1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

*English cucumbers have tiny seeds you can chew right through. Peel cucumbers if following a very low-fiber, low-roughage diet. 

MAKE IT

1. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt to taste. Set aside.
2. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, cilantro, scallions, garlic, ginger and granulated sugar.
3. Drizzle the mixture over the cucumbers. Serve right away.

Recipe adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod.

Scott says: I’m not a cilantro fan, so we don’t include it. Here is a fun link for why some people don’t like Cilantro.

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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 ebook, Eating with IBD: The Essentials.

Check it out

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