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

The Importance of Hydration for Gut Health

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 31, 2023 | Hydration, Membership

Dehydration can lead to constipation, which is associated with decreased beneficial bacteria strains Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Coprococcusand. Constipation and decreased stool transit time is also linked with lower diversity in the gut. Not being adequately hydrated...

How to Reduce Symptoms of Microscopic Colitis

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 31, 2023 | Gut Health, IBD

We have noticed an uptick in Microscopic Colitis clients lately as well as an increase in questions about the disease. In an effort to help you incorporate strategies to reduce your symptoms with Microscopic Colitis, we want to talk about the condition and identify...

Other Medications Used in IBD

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership

Antidiarrheals Loperamide Safest of all the antidiarrheal drugs In Immodium Diphenoxylate Codeine **If having an active flare, should not be used. Inflammation is driving the diarrhea, it will only mask the issue. This can cause build up of more inflammation and...

Medications for IBD: Antibiotics

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership

Antibiotics kill bacteria, the word means “opposed to life.” Antibiotics are used in different scenarios in Crohn’s and colitis, such as when a fistula has developed, in pouchitis, or other infections. Types: Metronidazole (Flagyl) Destabilizes bacteria by...

Medications for IBD: Biologics

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership

Overview: Biologics are manufactured through a biological process (rather than chemical process, as in pharmaceutical drugs) using human, animal, or microorganism sources. In Crohn’s and colitis, Biologics bind up inflammatory signals and inhibit the immune system’s...