Can Stress Make IBD Worse?
Some people with IBD find that stressful situations can trigger symptoms of a flare. If you think this is happening to you, try working on relaxation or mindfulness techniques such as slow, deep breathing to help your muscles relax and bring your mind and body back into balance. Practice your chosen technique for 10-20 minutes each day and also make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Track Your Symptoms
By keeping a record of troublesome symptoms, you can give your IBD team important information that will assist them in ensuring your treatment plan is working at its best for you. Search for smartphone apps that can track your IBD symptoms, remind you to take your medication and record questions you ay have for your IBD nurse and gastroenterologist. It takes only seconds to input the required information, making such apps an easy way to help manage your
IBD.
Low on Vitamin D
It’s true – IBD patients are more likely than others to have low levels of vitamin D. Having the right amount of vitamin D in your body can help your immune system reduce the overproduction of inflammatory proteins. So where is the vitamin found? Sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced when our skin absorbs the sun’s rays. It can also be found in fatty fish such as salmon and fortified foods such as milk or taken as supplements. Vitamin D isn’t a replacement for your current treatment, but might be helpful if taken alongside it, if recommended by your gastroenterologist (GI). Talk to your IBD nurse or GI to learn more.
Curcumin in IBD
Curcumin is the active ingredient found in the yellow spice numeric. Studies are showing that curcumin might be an effective natural anti-inflammatory agent, especially in the management of IBD. Although curcumin isn’t well absorbed in the intestine it might, in the right amounts, be able to suppress inflammation. So far, small studies have shown some promising results; larger studies are needed before we will be able to fully understand whether there is a role for curcumin in managing IBD.
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