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

Medications for IBD: Immunomodulators

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

Overview: Immunomodulators are typically considered when patients aren’t achieving remission with steroids, aminosalicylates, or antibiotics. If your disease is severe, you may be offered immunomodulators as a first-line therapy. Immunomodulators decrease the...

Medications for IBD: Aminosalicylates

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

Overview: Aminosalicylates do not suppress the immune system, so they reduce inflammation without decreasing the body’s ability to fight infection. They act locally on the bowel wall, so they produce less side effects. These are typically used as a first line therapy...

Medications for IBD: Steroids

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

Steroids Overview: Commonly refers to the class of drugs known as glucocorticoids. This class is related to the natural hormone hydrocortisone, or cortisol. Cortisol is essential for: Metabolism Bone formation Regulation of the immune system Steroids are used for...

Fertility & Sexual Health in IBD

by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Fertility & Sexual Health, Membership

Quiescent disease or mildly active = same fertility and birth outcomes as a normal pregnancy/those without IBD Body image and sexual intimacy are major concerns for those with IBD, yet rarely discusses https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11419835/ With almost 40% of...

Mental Health & IBD

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

IBD affects all areas of our lives and can make day to day life really difficult. There are several coping tools that can help us manage our disease and mental health better. The gut-brain axis is what we call the bidirectional bond between the central and the...