Benefits of Fasting for IBD
Fasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
We recently conducted a study on member outcomes in IBDCoach and the results were remarkable: IBDCoach had a significantly positive impact on members’ subjective experience of disease activity and mental and emotional wellbeing.
For members that self-reported results from fecal calprotectin tests, the gold standard measurement of inflammation in IBD, our members saw an average decrease from 1589 μg/g to 198 μg/g (250 μg/g is typically considered the benchmark for “in remission”).
As seen in our abstract published in
Calprotectin before joining IBDCoach (n=10, avg. 1589 μg/g) is significantly higher than calprotectin following an average of 13.36 months in the program (n=11, avg. 198 μg/g) (P < 0.05*). Values were self-reported; not all members reported scores for both time points. Results may vary.
We recently conducted a study on member outcomes in IBDCoach and the results were remarkable: IBDCoach had a significantly positive impact on members’ subjective experience of disease activity and mental and emotional wellbeing.
For members that self-reported results from fecal calprotectin tests, the gold standard measurement of inflammation in IBD, our members saw an average decrease from 1589 μg/g to 198 μg/g (250 μg/g is typically considered the benchmark for “in remission”).
Calprotectin before joining IBDCoach (n=10, avg. 1589 μg/g) is significantly higher than calprotectin following an average of 13.36 months in the program (n=11, avg. 198 μg/g) (P < 0.05*). Values were self-reported; not all members reported scores for both time points. Results may vary.
As seen in our abstract published in
“Within six months of joining the program, I was symptom-free. I was in remission for the first time since my diagnosis—for the first time in 12 years.“
Haley
— How IBDCoach Works
IBD is foremost an immune response to bacterial organisms and food particulates leaking across the epithelial membrane of the gut into the lamina propria (the “inside” of the body). Multiple cytokines like TNF and white blood cells like macrophages and neutrophils rush to battle with these “invaders”. Stopping the inflammatory cycle is Step 1 to achieving remission.
Specific gut microbiome profiles have been correlated with IBD, with even distinctions observed between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Frontline medical interventions for IBD do not address the emerging evidence of the role of the microbiome. We can take action to nourish a healthy gut ecosystem.
The lining of the gut must selectively absorb important nutrients from food and keep everything else out. Reducing inflammation prevents damage to this protective tissue while microbiome-focused interventions can promote beneficial microbes that feed the enterocytes and fuel a strong intestinal barrier. Gut permeability is the mechanism least understood and addressed by current frontline IBD interventions.
IBDCoach is on a mission to change healthcare for people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis in a capacity never attempted before. We help our members achieve long-lasting remission through immersive science education, community support, and a unique form of health coaching that emphasizes strategic, patient-driven, and patient-empowered actions.
IBDCoach is the first program of its kind to provide comprehensive scientific education as an essential adjunct to standard medical care. The outcome for most members is transformative: significant reductions in symptoms and disease activity, reduced inflammatory markers, life-long friendships formed, and lives changed for the better.
— Our Program
We created IBDCoach with the vision that the power resides within the IBD patient to recapture their health through a science-based, strategic, and rational process of self-discovery, process of behavior change, and a process of cultivation of an environment conducive to healing.
Join The Most Comprehensive Crohn’s & Colitis Event Ever Created, For FREE. You will learn:
How disruptions in the human gut, brain, and microbiome exacerbate IBD and hold the key to healing.
The SCIENCE behind Crohn’s & colitis and why current treatment strategies fall short.
Steps you can take TODAY to build your personalized, evidence-based protocol for LASTING remission.
Today Can Be the Day You Change Your Life Forever. Let’s end IBD.
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"In the week leading up to joining the program, I was recommended for a total colectomy. Since joining IBDCoach, my Crohn’s has completely turned around. My calprotectin peaked at over 8000, and now it’s down to 108 which is incredible–it’s an amazing number for me. I am living my life again."
Nikki
"I’m doing pretty good, I can’t complain 🙂 I’ve been off Stelara since April and am currently only taking supplements. I’ve added a lot of meditation, exercise, and diet changes with my Remission Master Plan. Within a week of changing my diet I’d noticed a difference. My guts felt a lot better, little to no pain when using the restroom, and I even seemed to gain more energy."
Lauren
"Before joining IBDCoach, I had suffered with ulcerative colitis for 11 years and had never achieved remission. Within six months of joining the program, I was symptom-free. I was healthy for the first time in almost 12 years… I feel like I have so much more control over my health– and I feel prepared to tackle whatever life (and pregnancy!) have to throw at me."
Haley
"I wanted to take the time to say how much I am loving this program. I am so grateful just to have this POSITIVE community of humans to connect with about our health. It’s nothing like my other “support” groups. It feels so much more lifting to me and that is what I need more than anything at this time."
Courtney
"At some point I realized that the things I was doing to manage the disease were no longer working – and that I needed to totally change how I was addressing it. This program helped me focus on what was important to my health – and educated me in a deliberate way. Now, my weight is back to normal – I have energy to jog, dance, bicycle and play with my kids. IBDCoach has gotten me to this point – I feel better than I have felt in the 3 years since I was diagnosed."
Susan
"I am so happy to share the results from my calprotectin from last week. I knew it would be much lower than the 650 I got in July, but I showed no inflammation at all (
Jeannie
"When I found IBDCoach, I was losing weight drastically. I was 40 pounds under my normal weight. My calprotectin was incredibly high–over 2000. I remember celebrating how my calprotectin was down to 700… down to 400… and now my calprotectin is down to just 43! What changed for me most is that I have hope now."
Margaret
"Ever since I was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s, I had been unable to eat raw vegetables. After joining the program a month ago, I started the IBD-AID diet… This past week, I have eaten romaine lettuce and lentils all while coming off prednisone completely!"
Echo
"Within the last two months of joining IBDCoach, I have gone from failing immunosuppressants and starting biologics to now using just mesalazine which is amazing. I found the confidence to approach my GI doctor about giving mesalazine another shot… I know for sure I wouldn’t have had the confidence or understanding to try this before joining IBDCoach."
Michelle
— IBDCoach
Every aspect of life on this planet is interconnected in beautifully harmonious biological systems large and small. IBD and its treatment is a system in and of itself. No single element or symptom of your IBD is happening in isolation. It is through understanding these many complex biological interactions that you can better take control of your IBD instead of feeling like this mysterious biological enemy is controlling you. Understanding the biology of IBD helps inform the decisions you make about your IBD treatment, navigate the recommendations of your health practitioner, and envision and understand the impact each intervention has on the complex systems within your body.
Fasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Through its interactions with the microbiome and gut-brain axis, the endocannabinoid system may offer a novel pathway for managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Almost all women and females will use some form of contraception in their lifetime. Do hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease?
Food is foundational to almost everything we are as human beings. In a chronic gastrointestinal condition like inflammatory bowel disease, diet is a powerful and central element of your individualized IBD protocol. The internet is awash with advice on the “perfect” or “best” IBD diet, but your unique biology, the contexts in which you consume foods, how you prepare foods, the composition of your gut microbiome, and your disease activity all play a role in the varied and ever-changing needs of your perfect IBD diet.
Fasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Polyphenols & flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in plants that are known to have numerous health benefits–especially for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis is one of the most central functional systems connecting the human body to the diverse ecosystems around us. The complex connections between the human gut microbiome, inflammatory bowel disease, our brain, and our health are key drivers of IBD pathogenesis that may be harnessed to promote healing from IBD.
Supplements including vitamins, minerals and herbs, are compounds intended to provide health benefits by boosting consumption of specific nutrients and beneficial compounds. Supplements are intended to be added to an already well-rounded health protocol–not to serve as a foundational intervention to achieve remission from IBD. That said, new supplements targeted at people with GI conditions like IBD are constantly hitting the market. Being armed with the knowledge to understand how supplements function and which supplements are evidence-based for improving IBD is essential to making the best decisions alongside your healthcare practitioner to build your ultimate IBD protocol.
Through its interactions with the microbiome and gut-brain axis, the endocannabinoid system may offer a novel pathway for managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Polyphenols & flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in plants that are known to have numerous health benefits–especially for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
It’s time to talk about the promise and pitfalls of cannabis and its truly extraordinary interactions with the body, gut, and brain for people with Crohn’s and UC.
Medications are one of the most powerful tools in the IBD toolbelt for getting inflammation under control and supporting the journey to remission. IBD medications lower the barrier of resistance during a flare and provide the body the room it needs to begin the healing process. However, understanding the many medications available for IBD, what contexts specific medications are best suited for, and navigating the healthcare system with a chronic condition is a daunting task for most IBDers–IBDCoach makes it easy.
Through its interactions with the microbiome and gut-brain axis, the endocannabinoid system may offer a novel pathway for managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Almost all women and females will use some form of contraception in their lifetime. Do hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease?
It’s time to talk about the promise and pitfalls of cannabis and its truly extraordinary interactions with the body, gut, and brain for people with Crohn’s and UC.
Stress and lifestyle play a central role in the progression and severity of IBD–most IBDers know this first hand. On the flipside, activating neuroplasticity, practicing a growth mindset, and engaging in positive lifestyle choices have all been associated with positive outcomes in IBD and other chronic health conditions. No rounded IBD protocol is complete without a robust lifestyle and mindset strategy that support an environment conducive to healing.
Fasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Almost all women and females will use some form of contraception in their lifetime. Do hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease?
It’s time to talk about the promise and pitfalls of cannabis and its truly extraordinary interactions with the body, gut, and brain for people with Crohn’s and UC.
Learn about the science behind IBD, stay up to date on the latest breakthroughs in treatment strategies, discover IBD-friendly recipes, and more.
Fasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new...
Through its interactions with the microbiome and gut-brain axis, the endocannabinoid system may offer a novel pathway for managing...
Almost all women and females will use some form of contraception in their lifetime. Do hormonal contraceptives like birth...
Polyphenols & flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in plants that are known to have numerous health benefits–especially for people...
It's time to talk about the promise and pitfalls of cannabis and its truly extraordinary interactions with the body,...
The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis is one of the most central functional systems connecting the human body to the diverse ecosystems...
Just as IBD is a lifelong condition, our programs all include lifetime membership. This includes access to as many expert-driven workshop calls as you’d like to attend and lifetime access to our comprehensive online course that is continually updated to reflect breakthroughs in our scientific understanding of IBD and IBD treatment strategies.
We’re by your side through whatever challenges come your way. IBD has no cure, but with a strategic, science-based, and personalized plan through IBDCoach, you’ll be empowered to achieve robust remission, develop the tools you need to get future flares under control more quickly, and engage with a compassionate community that has your back through every up and down that IBD throws your way.
No–every member of IBDCoach is required to be under the care of a physician. Through our science-based program and community, we help you come to your doctor’s appointments empowered with an understanding of your body and your condition to collaborate with your medical team on important treatment decisions.
Yes! IBDCoach serves ages 13 and up. Our Youth Program enrolls parents and guardians to learn and advocate for their young IBDer until the IBDer reaches adulthood. Adolescence and young adulthood is a crucial time to learn about the underlying causes of IBD and develop a remission strategy and self-advocacy skills for this lifelong condition.
Not at this time. While both involve gastrointestinal distress, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease are distinct conditions with different mechanisms of action and different treatment strategies. Right now, IBDCoach serves individuals who have a confirmed diagnosis of one of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, indeterminate colitis, etc). Many of our free resources may still help you address your IBS and learn more about gut health, so feel free to check out our blog and mailing list for ideas.
Yes! Whether you were just diagnosed or you’ve been living with IBD for decades, we’re here to help. IBD is a lifelong condition, so wherever you are on your journey, IBDCoach has something for you. We guide you to develop your personalized, science-based protocol to target your IBD from all angles so you can achieve your remission goals, whether this is your first flare or your nth.
You’re not alone–many members find us when they feel they’ve run out of options. We know there is always something new to learn, some new combination of interventions, and our community of caring and supportive fellow IBDers offers a rich database of possibilities from their own experiences. Your IBD is as unique as you are, but we will never give up on you–that’s the IBDCoach promise.
Meet with an Admissions Advisor Today
©2022 IBDCoach NOTICE: The information contained or presented on this website and program is for educational purposes only. The information is NOT intended to serve as a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified, licensed medical professional, preferably your gastrointestinal specialist. Our program is not medical advice, and the facts presented are offered as information only in order to empower you, and in no way should anyone infer that members of the IBDCoach team or anyone appearing in any content on this website is practicing medicine. Any diet, health, or lifestyle program you undertake should be discussed in depth with and then approved by your physician or another licensed medical professional. Seek the advice of a medical professional for the proper application of any material in this guide or our program to your specific situation. Never stop or change your medications without consulting your physician. If you are having an emergency, contact your emergency services–in the US, that’s 911.
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