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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Coco Cocoa Nut Torte

With more time at home and fewer grocery store outings, people are turning to making homemade desserts for comfort and something to do. We’re right there with you! That’s why we’re on the lookout for low-sugar, healthy recipes.

Here’s a gluten-free, no-sugar-added cocoa torte recipe adapted from nutritionist Dr. Jim Painter. 

Enjoy! 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 c almond meal/flour
• 1/2 c unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 c cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 c raisins
• 1/2 c pitted dates
• 3/4 c water
• 3 eggs
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or 8-inch spring form pan).

Mix together almond meal, unsweetened coconut, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside.

In a blender, food processor, or an immersion blender, blend the raisins, dates, and water until smooth. Add the eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla to the blended mixture and mix until smooth.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Pour batter into greased cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 10-15 minutes.

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Is echinacea safe for someone with Crohn's?

Short answer: Possibly not.

Long answer: Echinacea is a popular immune-boosting herbal supplement for treating and preventing a variety of infections, including the common cold, cough, and flu. Some evidence shows it might help prevent the common cold, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to support its use in treating or preventing other infections, including COVID19. 

We understand that all of us want to stay healthy, now more than ever. And, for most people, taking an echinacea supplement is probably fine. 

But is echinacea a good idea for someone with an autoimmune disease, like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis?

Here’s what the Natural Medicines Database says: 

- Echinacea seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, echinacea might exacerbate autoimmune diseases by stimulating disease activity. Advise patients with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or others to avoid or use echinacea with caution.

- Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy because of its immuno-stimulating activity. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), and other corticosteroids (glucocorticoids).

Colleen says: I discourage my patients with IBD to take echinacea, especially if they’re on an immunosuppressive medication. From what I can tell, the potential benefits don’t outweigh the potential risks. 

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Popeye’s Matzo Brie

Whether or not you celebrate Passover, this quick, easy, flavorful and nutritious adaptation of Sara Moulton’s Matzo Brei recipe is a good enough reason to buy matzo. 

The cooked onions provide a delicious creaminess and flavor to an already flavorful dish.

INGREDIENTS​

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large Vidalia onion, halved and sliced thin 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 matzo sheets
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, ghee or olive oil
• 16 to 20 oz. frozen spinach, defrosted with excess water squeezed out
• 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; add the onions and cook about 8 to 10 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper and move to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to use later.

While the onions are cooking, break up the matzos into small/medium intact pieces (not crumbs) and soak in a bowl of cold water for 3 minutes. Drain the matzos well and add them to the eggs. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the butter to the remaining oil in the reserved pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the matzo/egg mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are cooked (about 5 minutes). Stir in the spinach and the cheese and cook until heated through. Divide Matzo Brei on 4 plates and top each with a mound of golden onions.

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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.