Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD, Author at The Crohn's & Colitis Dietitians

Probiotics for Crohn’s Disease

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 18, 2023 | Membership, Prebiotics/Probiotics, Probiotics

Probiotic Strains for Crohn’s (⭐staring system) As you can see, there is not currently an abundance of evidence for probiotics in Crohn’s Disease. Note that we must be careful when prescribing probiotics in disease states and take a strain specific approach to ensure...

Probiotics for Ulcerative Colitis

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 18, 2023 | Membership, Prebiotics/Probiotics, Probiotics, Ulcerative Colitis

Probiotic Strains for UC (⭐staring system) Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (Culturelle) ⭐⭐⭐ As effective as mesalazine in maintaining remission More effective for preventing relapse than mesalazine Source Visbiome (VSL #3) ⭐⭐⭐ This study showed: At 6 weeks, 33% of the...

What are probiotics?

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 18, 2023 | Membership, Prebiotics/Probiotics, Probiotics

Probiotics Probiotics are temporary, helpful microorganisms (like bacteria and yeast) that when consumed provide a benefit to the host (that’s us!). We all have bacteria and other microorganisms that help us digest food, destroy dangerous cells, and produce vitamins. ...

How does digestion work?

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 17, 2023 | Membership, The Microbiome

Digestion In the mouth, salivary amylase is secreted to help break down carbohydrates. In response to the carbohydrate detected in the mouth, the pancreas is triggered to secrete insulin in order to bring the glucose from the food into the cell. As food passes into...

How does food impact the microbiome?

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 17, 2023 | Membership, The Microbiome

From Food to Microbes As we know, what we eat has a large impact on shaping our gut microbiome. But, how does that work? Our digestive system transforms the leftovers of what can’t be fully digested (like fiber!) into by-products. By-products can be helpful, harmful,...