Dr. Bincy Abraham - An empowering discussion about IBD nutrition, meds & hope for the future

Send us a textIn this episode of the Gut Feelings podcast, Ashley and Danielle talk with Dr. Bincy Abraham, an expert in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr Abraham shares her experience and insight into the complexities of managing IBD. Bincy P. Abraham is the Distinguished Professor and Director of the Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at the Underwood Digestive Diseases Center of Houston Methodist Hospital. She is also the Program Director for the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital. She earned her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, where she continued with residency training in internal medicine and fellowship in gastroenterology. During fellowship, she received specialized training in inflammatory bowel disease and earned her degree in Masters of Clinical Investigation. She also completed a National Visiting Fellow Inflammatory Bowel Disease Rotation program through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. She has chaired the Southern Regional chapter of the CCFA Medical Advisory Committee, served as president of the Texas Gulf Coast Gastroenterology Society, is involved in national committees for and is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterology Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. She is trained in and passionate about intestinal ultrasound in IBD patient care. Dr. Abraham discusses the importance of nutrition and emphasizes the need for patient empowerment. She also addresses common patient concerns regarding treatments and nutritional deficiencies. A big takeaway for us is: We don't have to suffer as IBD patients. There are options now that weren't available even 10 years ago that can significantly improve patient's quality of life and decrease the risk of complications with IBD. We discuss:how nutrition plays a crucial role in managing IBDhow dietary restrictions can be challenging and can lead to nutritional deficienciessome treatment options available now, including combining therapies that can improve outcomeshow active inflammation poses significant health riskspatient empowerment is essential in IBD managementwhat Dr Abraham tells patients that may be hesitant to try IBD medicationregular nutritional assessments are vital for IBD patientsmental health is an important aspect of IBD careWant to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textChrista Smith, RD, LD, CSSD, MCN, CPT  is a board certified sports dietitian and also a GI health expert is back and is currently accepting patients at The Crohns and Colitis Dietitians! Christa discusses the relationship between gut health and sports nutrition, particularly for athletes with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The conversation covers the challenges faced by IBD athletes, the physiological effects of exercise on gut function, and practical dietary strategies to optimize performance while managing gut health. Christa shares her professional insights, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition and the potential for athletes with IBD to thrive despite their challenges.Our discussion includes:Christa's experience as an athlete and an IBD patienthow adequate nutrition is crucial for athletes, especially those with IBD.how dietary restrictions can complicate nutrition for IBD athletes.things to keep in mind for athletes with IBD who are traininghow training the gut can improve tolerance to various foods over timesome examples of athletes with IBD we have worked with that have had significant improvementsYou can find more about Christa here:https://crohnsandcolitisdietitians.com/about/#teamAnd if you would like to work with Christa please let us know! Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textOn this episode, Ashley and Danielle discuss how common iron deficiency can be in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and how iron is important in overall health and wellbeing.We discuss: the fact that 60 to 80% of people with IBD have an iron deficiency and why this occurs.how active inflammation decreases iron absorption common signs of iron deficiencyhow ferritin is crucial for understanding iron storage in the body.supplementation may be necessary for those with IBD to boost iron levels.Ashley shares her personal experience with iron infusions how iron plays a vital role in many areas of the body, including the immune system and cognitive function.regular testing of iron levels is important for managing IBD.Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textOn this episode, Ashley and Danielle speak with Dr. Kerri Glassner. This was an enlightening and encouraging conversation about how far we have come in understanding pregnancy in IBD and the advancements in IBD over the years. Dr. Glassner is a gastroenterologist with a focus in inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Glassner currently practices at Kaiser Permanente in Colorado. She completed her residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital. She was also selected by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for a visiting IBD fellowship at Mayo Clinic in 2019. Dr. Glassner is certified in the use of intestinal ultrasound through IBUS. She is passionate about women's health in IBD and is a co-editor of the book Women's health in IBD: The spectrum of care from birth to adulthood. Outside of medicine she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, trying out new coffee shops, traveling and exercising. In this episode we discuss with Dr. Glassner:Dr. Glassner's personal journey with IBD and her professional insights into the intersection of women's health and IBD, particularly during pregnancy. The importance of being in remission before conception and the safety of biologics during pregnancy.The use of intestinal ultrasound as a non-invasive tool for monitoring IBDThe aspects of managing pregnancy in patients with IBD. The considerations for C-sections, the timing of colonoscopies, the implications of CMV, nutritional assessments, and the importance of a multidisciplinary care team. The PIANO study is highlighted for its insights into pregnancy outcomes for IBD patients, and the discussion also covers vaccination considerations for newborns and the genetic risks of IBD.An optimistic outlook on new treatments and the importance of maintaining hope for future advancements in IBD care.Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textOn this episode Ashley and Danielle speak with the brilliant Beatriz Gros, MD.Dr. Beatriz Gros is a consultant gastroenterologist specializing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba, Spain. In addition to her clinical role, she is an influential content creator on social media, with over 16,000 followers across platforms such as X (@bealoquebea) and Instagram (@dr.beatrizgros). She is the founder of the free educational website www.ibd-eii.com, a resource offering up-to-date, evidence-based content on IBD, which has attracted over 330,000 visits in just 18 months. Beatriz has been recognized as a Health Influencer by WHO for her work in raising awareness about IBD through social media and her website. She also works on several national and international research projects in the field of IBD and actively participates in academic discussions, webinars, and publications related to the disease.In this conversation we discuss: Dr. Gros' journey of creating an educational resource for IBD patients and healthcare professionals. Dr. Gros' passion for research and education in the field.  the complexities of bile acid malabsorption, its implications for IBD patients, and  how to differentiate it from flare-upsthe impact of bile acid malabsorption on the gut microbiome, and the interactions between gut bacteria and the mucus layerthe extraintestinal manifestations of IBD and how IBD is a systemic disease, not just a bowel condition.the importance of understanding the systemic nature of IBD and the need for comprehensive patient care is emphasized.You can check out Dr. Gros's website with free educational content on IBD at: www.ibd-eii.com You can find Dr. Beatriz Gros on Instagram: @dr.beatrizgros and on X: @bealoquebea Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textOn this episode Ashley and Danielle speak with Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN who is a fertility nutrition expert and founder, formulator, and CEO of FullWell.Ayla has dedicated over 20 years to advancing reproductive health through nutritional science and functional medicine. She champions reproductive wellness by delivering uncompromising products supported by the latest clinical evidence and education that helps women and their partners make choices that proactively care for their reproductive health, nourishing themselves and future generations. Ayla owns and operates Boston Functional Nutrition, an integrative and functional nutrition multi-clinician practice, that specializes in women's health and infertility. Ayla also co-founded the Women's Health Nutrition Academy in 2018, a leader in its field.In this conversation, Ayla discusses the importance of preconception nutrition for both women and men and the care she has put into creating her supplement line FullWell. We discuss:the need for quality control in supplements, the challenges in the industry  and the role of healthcare practitioners in formulation.   men's health significantly impacts fertility and pregnancy outcomes and should not be overlooked.the key nutrients that are often overlooked in discussions about fertility the critical role of various nutrients, particularly choline and folate in pregnancy and fertility.  environmental factors and stressors can impact fertility and health.the good news is that nutritional strategies can lesson age-related fertility decline.You can check out FullWell at fullwellfertility.com and on Instagram:  @fullwellfertilityWant to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textIn this episode, we discuss colonoscopies. We know they are so important for our health, especially those with IBD, but we are always relieved when they are over!  Ashley and Danielle share personal stories about the challenges and discomfort associated with the dreaded prep process and the procedure. We discuss:our experiences with different colonoscopy preparations, including a new prep that Ashley tried last month. She talks about the pros and cons of taking her prep in pill formthe importance of planning ahead for a colonoscopy  the emotional and physical challenges associated with colonoscopies, and how these procedures are approached a little differently in the US vs Canada. how we have experienced a mix of fear and curiosity during a colonoscopy and the discomfort you could feel after the procedurefor a lot of patients, medication and nutrition are both important in order to optimally manage IBDWe also celebrate the news that Ashley recently received- that she is in deep remission with her Ulcerative Colits! This conversation reminds us again that support is so important for those with IBD and other chronic conditions. We wish that everyone could have an IBD BFF and we hope that sharing these experiences helps you feel less alone!Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textOn this episode Ashley and Danielle do a deep dive into fiber and their favorite  types of fiber supplements.Ashley and Danielle discuss:their colonoscopy experienceshow to reduce fears around fiber and why it is so important for IBD patientshow fiber can be used therapeutically to reduce inflammation and improve IBD overallhow fiber improves the gut barrier functionhow fiber helps with creating a diverse and healthy gut microbiomehow fiber can reduce the risk of flare upsdifferent kinds of prebiotic fiber supplements, including one of our favorites, PHGG /Sunfiber our new Sunfiber with probiotic strain 299 V is coming out- it reduces symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain and aids in regulating stool patterns:   https://gutlove.us/product/back-to-balance/how psyllium husk powder supports gut microbiome and gut liningstay tuned for a part 2 because we have a lot more to discuss- including research on PHGG, psyllium seed powder and psyllium husk!Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textOn this episode we talk with Andy De Santis, RD MPH. Andy is a private practice dietitian and 11x published author from Toronto, Canada.  Having been a generalist early in this career, Andy has spent the last several years focusing on the fatty liver space given the broad prevalence and significant health implications of this increasingly common condition.We discuss with Andy:nutrition for fatty liver disease and general liver healthmaking nutrition guidance accessible for patients and how Andy likes to include lightheartedness and humor, especially on social media.benefits of the Mediterranean diet that can be customized for the individualsome interesting additions to our meals, like capers, which have big benefitshow small changes over time can have a large impactdifferent herbs and spices we like that have great benefitsYou can find Andy on Instagram @andytherdKale studies: Kale Contains Many Unique Anti-Cancer Compounds - American Institute for Cancer Research % (aicr.org)Frontiers | Kale improves bowel movements in constipated women and affects some intestinal microbes and metabolites: a pilot study (frontiersin.org)Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley

Send us a textIn this episode we have a very honest and straightforward discussion with Breanne Sich about the reality of life with IBD.  Breanne has Crohn's and has started the Crohns Colitis Collective Co. Breanne describes the collective: "It was started as a way to bring awareness to this invisible disease, and encourage people to reach out, get gutsy, and talk about sh*t. To talk about how you are feeling. To talk about what this disease really looks like. We need to collectively raise awareness so one day, we can beat this disease. To date we have been able to donate over $80,000 to help fund a cure, and there is no sign of us stopping anytime soon!"We discuss:Breanne's story of getting diagnosed and how she became an advocate for IBD patients.the importance of creating a community that helps to educate others about the struggles of IBD patients how talking about her personal struggles has helped others know they don't have to suffer alonethe challenges of kids having IBD and the support Breanne wishes she had in middle school and high school. what she would tell someone who is newly diagnosed with IBDhow she came to accept her challenges with IBD and why it is so important to empower others You can find Breanne on Instagram: @bresich and her apparel is sold at crohnscollective.com.Want to work with The Crohn's and Colitis Dietitians but have questions?Book a call - HEREMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebirdLicense code: FTTITUEPIFAD2VEOFollow us on instagram @crohns_and_colitis_dietitiansFollow us on youtube @thecrohnscolitisdietitiansWe love helping provide quality content on IBD nutrition and making it more accessible to all through our podcast, instagram and youtube channel. Creating the resources we provide comes at a significant cost to us. We dream of a day where we can provide even more free education, guidance and support to those with IBD like us. We need your support to do this. You can help us by liking episodes, sharing them on your social media, subscribing to you tube and telling others about us (your doctors, friends, family, forums/reddit etc). Can you do this for us? In return, I promise to continually level up what we do here. 💜 Ashley