IBD Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

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There’s a lot of fake nutritional information on the internet. I promise that my blog is based on current, scientific, peer-reviewed nutritional research publications.

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Person seated on a toilet holding toilet paper, illustrating bowel urgency and diarrhea, common symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s Disease Symptoms & Signs: What You Need to Know

Crohn’s disease symptoms can resemble those of other digestive conditions and vary widely from person to person. Symptoms may become more noticeable during a flare and improve or may not be noticeable during remission. Ongoing changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain or cramping, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss are important concerns to discuss with a healthcare professional, but symptoms alone cannot confirm Crohn’s disease.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

Close-up of a stethoscope and purple awareness ribbon on a white background representing inflammatory bowel disease awareness and diagnosis

Crohn's Disease

How is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed (+ Next Steps)

IBD symptoms often come with an ebb and flow, and lots of gray areas as things develop. We wanted to help you answer the question, how is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

Medical illustration showing a magnified view of the large intestine (colon), representing ulcerative colitis and digestive health

Ulcerative Colitis

Achieving Ulcerative Colitis Remission: Proven Diet, Treatment, and Lifestyle Strategies

The pendulum swing between IBD flares and the hope for remission can be an intense journey. Dietary strategies can play a powerful role in helping keep symptoms at bay and support remission. With remission, IBD is no longer in the driver’s seat of your life.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

Brightly colored toy medical instruments, including a syringe, thermometer, scissors, and reflex hammer, lined up on a pink background representing pediatric healthcare and children’s medical care for Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease

Understanding Crohn’s Disease in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Learning how to manage Crohn’s disease in children can feel overwhelming at times, but a combination of dietary strategies and/or medications can help support remission and reduce inflammation over time.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

Close-up of a person gripping a loaded barbell, preparing to deadlift in a gym. The individual wears athletic shoes and stands on a rubber gym floor, emphasizing strength and focus.

Crohn's Disease

Can a Crohn’s Diet Help you Bulk Up?

If you’re wondering, can a Crohn’s diet help you bulk up, you might also be wondering what to eat, how to exercise, and how weight is connected. Read on and this blog will help you understand these things a little better.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

Top view of traditional matcha tea setup on a rustic wooden surface, featuring bowls of prepared matcha tea, a wooden spoon and bowl filled with green matcha powder, a bamboo whisk (chasen), and green leaves for decoration.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s Disease and Green Tea: Potential Benefits & Considerations

Are you curious what the science says about Crohn’s disease and green tea? It can be a great, affordable remedy to prevent disease progression and even support remission.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

An assortment of rustic whole-grain breads, including sliced and whole loaves, arranged with golden wheat stalks and scattered grains. The bread has a crispy, golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior, highlighting its artisanal quality.

Ulcerative Colitis

High-Fiber Bread and Ulcerative Colitis: Is It Okay to Eat?

Let’s dive into the connection between high-fiber bread and ulcerative colitis, and how it may impact your IBD symptoms.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

A close up image of various forms of soy products on a wooden surface, including edamame, tofu, soybeans in a glass bowl, a glass of soy milk, and a dish of soy sauce. These foods are common sources of soy protein and nutrients that may be incorporated into diets, including those tailored for Crohn’s disease.

Crohn's Disease

Are Soybeans Good or Bad for Crohn’s Disease?

Many people ask if soybeans are bad for Crohn’s disease. Luckily, there is a large body of research on soy to explore its anti-inflammatory effects. Here are key things to know.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

A close-up view of a fresh salad bar featuring a colorful array of sliced vegetables, including red bell peppers, cucumbers, shredded carrots, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, neatly arranged in metal containers with black serving tongs. This image highlights the variety and freshness typically found in salads, which may be a consideration for those with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease

Can You Eat Salad with Crohn’s Disease?

Are you wondering if you can eat salad with Crohn’s disease? As you probably know, it’s rarely a one-size-fits-all with IBD. So we’re here to tell you that colorful fruits and vegetables have a place in your health, and to take a deeper dive.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

A young woman in a striped dress is lying down on a blue couch, looking exhausted. Her arm is hanging off the edge, and she appears to be resting or sleeping, capturing a moment of fatigue and tiredness.

Crohn's Disease

How to Combat Crohn’s Disease Fatigue and Tiredness

If you are experiencing fatigue associated with Crohn’s disease, read this blog to discover effective strategies for managing and overcoming this symptom.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

Illustration of a DNA double helix, symbolizing the genetic factors involved in the study of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Genetic?

If you’re trying to understand more about how or why you developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you might be wondering if ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease is genetic. Here is helpful insight to better understand your condition.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD

An image displaying a pair of open hands gently cradling a simplified, three-dimensional blue model of the human digestive system against a bright yellow background, symbolizing careful management and support for digestive health, particularly focusing on IBD-related constipation issues.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD Constipation: Symptoms and Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s

While IBD constipation is not the most reported symptom of Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease, constipation can be something you experience. This article provides an overview of constipation; how to know if you’re experiencing it, and what to do about it.

Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, CSDH, LD