Send us a text

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Marla Dubinsky, a pioneer in pediatric gastroenterology and a passionate advocate for those living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. Dubinsky shares her inspiring journey from her early days as a pediatric resident to becoming a leading figure in the IBD community. Her work at Mount Sinai and co-founding the innovative digital health platform, Trellus Health, showcases her dedication to transforming patient care and advocacy. Discover her unique approach to integrating resilience into healthcare and how she's empowering both patients and future generations of specialists through mentorship and leadership.

We explore the innovative intersection of digital health and entrepreneurship as Dr. Dubinsky recounts her path to merging medical expertise with entrepreneurial acumen. Inspired by mentors like Dr. Steph Targan, she illustrates the importance of making healthcare solutions commercially viable and impactful. Dr. Dubinsky also emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, championing the integration of physical and mental health management. Learn how her initiatives in digital health are redefining patient engagement and care, encouraging individuals to take proactive roles in their healthcare journey.

Delve into the crucial aspects of women's health within gastroenterology as Dr. Dubinsky discusses her pioneering work on IBD management during preconception and pregnancy. Highlighting initiatives like We Care in IBD, she underscores the need for specialized programs that empower women through various life stages. Tune in to understand how her commitment to advancing precision medicine and developing prevention clinics is enhancing the lives of those affected by IBD.

Links:

• Info on Trellus Health
• Innovative programs at Mount Sinai IBD Center
• A video about Dr. Dubinsky for her Jacobi Medallion award
• The book Dr. Dubinsky mentions- "Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve" by Dr. Alison Fragale

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text

This week we reflect on the journey since launching Bowel Moments in August 2021, sharing our personal updates and the lessons we've learned along the way. We reminisce about the podcast's beginnings as a concept born out of a love of podcasts and how it evolved into a heartfelt platform for the IBD community, featuring memorable interactions with guests. We open up about our own journeys, revealing more than just the polished elevator pitches we've rehearsed over the years.

As we look to the future, we discuss plans for expanding our reach, engaging diverse voices around the world, and demystifying healthcare navigation by involving nurses, physician assistants, and insurance insiders. Highlighting our dream interviews, we express our desire to feature influencers like Sunny Anderson, Mike McCready, Kim Holderness and Rachel Elizabeth Slocum, hoping they can bring fresh perspectives and humor to our discussions.

We want to keep growing our incredible community of listeners who are passionate about understanding and supporting the IBD journey. So, hit subscribe, share with those who might need a dose of inspiration or laughter, and let us know what you think by leaving a review. Your support means the world to us, and we're excited to continue sharing these meaningful conversations with you. Thank you for being part of our journey, and here's to a future of engaging stories and shared discoveries!

Links:

• Our episode with Dr. David Rubin
• Our episode with Stacey C- The Deuce
• Our episode with Dr. Ashish Patel
• Our episode with Dr. Anish Patel
• Our Research Roundup Episode with both Drs. Patel
• Our episode with Dr. David Schwartzberg
• Our episode with Stacey Collins- One of our guest hosts!
• Our episode with Hannah Cramer- One of our guest hosts!
• Our episode with Derek Dodson- One of our guest hosts!
• Our episode with Lauren Erbach Barnfield- One of our guest hosts!

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text

Could your holiday season be a little less stressful and a lot more joyful? Our latest episode of Bowel Moments provides you with the tools to do just that, especially if you're navigating the festive chaos with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). We have the pleasure of welcoming back Stacey Collins, a registered dietitian and IBD specialist, who not only shares valuable professional insights but also her personal experiences in managing dietary restrictions. Together, we offer practical tips and heartfelt advice on how to enjoy holiday gatherings while keeping your health a priority. From thoughtful strategies like bringing your own dishes to gatherings to understanding the importance of choosing safe snacks, we discuss how to make this time of year not only survivable but enjoyable.

We also take a deep dive into the financial side of healthcare management, especially pertinent at the year's end. We explore how to maximize your healthcare benefits through strategic planning, whether it's scheduling medical procedures before the year closes or effectively using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Chronic conditions like IBD come with their own set of challenges and expenses, and we shed light on how these financial tools can ease the burden. With practical tips on managing these accounts, you'll discover how to make the most out of your healthcare benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Finally, we touch on the emotional journey of living with IBD, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting personal boundaries during the holiday season. From the relief of being able to enjoy simple pleasures, like eating fruit again, to using humor as a coping mechanism, we share personal stories and tips for thriving amidst life's challenges. As we wrap up the year, we encourage our listeners to prioritize well-being and find joy, reminding everyone to cherish the moments that truly matter. With warmth and gratitude, we toast to a healthy and joyful new year and invite you to share this episode with friends, rate, and review our show. Cheers to a wonderful year ahead!

Links:

• Health maintenance checklists- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USA
• Info on HSAs & Other Tax-Favored Health Plans- IRS USA
• The Difference Between a Flexible Spending Account and a Health Savings Account- National Institutes of Health
• FSA vs. HSA: What's the Difference? - MetLife
• Eating During the Holidays- video from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USA
• Nutritional Therapy for IBD website

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text

This week we spoke to Dr. Colm Collins! Dr. Collins is an Associate Professor at the Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research at University College Dublin. He shares his journey from the world of pharmacology to pioneering research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You'll learn about the innovative approaches his team is exploring to revolutionize treatment options for IBD patients. With a blend of humor and expertise, Dr. Collins offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world health solutions.

Our conversation unravels the intricate relationship between the immune system and gut bacteria, as Dr. Collins explains how retinoic acid and microRNAs play crucial roles in managing IBD. We delve into the promising possibilities of replacing lost proteins and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, exploring their implications on both the immune system and the digestive tract. Amidst the science, we tackle the ethical and legal complexities of cannabis research, particularly in adolescents, as Dr. Collins shares his experiences navigating these challenges with integrity and humor.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that balances serious scientific inquiry with light-hearted anecdotes, as Dr. Collins recounts his experiences in Colorado and discusses the future of IBD treatment. From the nuances of cannabis use in managing IBD symptoms to the exciting potential of selective human receptor-modifying peptides, this episode promises to expand your understanding and offer hope for more effective therapies on the horizon. Plus, enjoy a humorous account of altitude adaptation and its quirky effects on newcomers and the unexpected twists in cannabis research funding.

Links:

• Journal article: Manipulation of the Endocannabinoid System in Colitis: A Comprehensive Review
• Journal article: Adherence, Safety, and Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis and Epidemiological Characteristics of the Patient Population: A Prospective Study
• Information on medical cannabis and IBD: Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USA
• Research funding opportunities- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USA

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text

Ever wondered how someone turns a challenging health diagnosis into a source of artistic inspiration? This week we chat with Kaitlyn Niznik about her microscopic lymphocytic colitis and how is influenced her life and her art! Kaitlyn offers a unique perspective, sharing her journey from diagnosis to becoming an empowered advocate through her art. As an art teacher, Kaitlyn navigates the daily balancing act of managing her classroom and her health, all while creating meaningful art that she shares on Instagram. Discover how her experiences with colitis have ignited a passion for medical illustration and inspired her creative process.

Join us for this episode of Bowel Moments, where we explore the intersection of art and life with Kaitlyn Niznik, all wrapped up in a narrative that's as uplifting as it is insightful.

Links:

• Kaitlyn's Instagram account- check out her beautiful art!
• Information on Microscopic Colitis - Mayo Clinic
• Collagenous and Lymphocytic Colitis info- National Institutes of Health

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text

This week we welcomed back Registered Dietitian, Neha Shah! Neha joined us back in episode 42 where she was interviewed by friend of the show and IBD RD Stacey Collins. Neha specializes in IBD and other GI disorders and has both a private practice and is also part of the Colitis & Crohn's Disease Center at UCSF. We spent this episode shedding light on the distinctive roles of enteral and parenteral nutrition in combating IBD-related malnutrition. This episode is your gateway to understanding how enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) can transform treatment strategies.

We discuss everything there is to know about enteral nutrition, especially exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), a potential game-changer for Crohn's disease management. Discover how EEN can stand alongside or even replace corticosteroids, offering an alternative path to remission and mucosal healing. While this approach has shown promise in pediatric cases, we delve into the more complex dynamics of adult treatment where compliance and lifestyle factors bring their own set of challenges. Neha emphasizes the pivotal role of dietitians in crafting personalized nutritional plans, ensuring that patients receive the tailored guidance they need.

From navigating the hurdles of enteral nutrition to transitioning to varied diets, this episode is packed with practical strategies and expert advice. Neha addresses common obstacles like weight fluctuations and gastrointestinal discomfort, offering solutions such as formula adjustments and the integration of partial enteral nutrition (PEN). As patients move from EEN to lifestyle-friendly diets like the Mediterranean or plant-based options, we explore how specific fibers and the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED) can optimize gut health. Whether you're a patient or a caregiver, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the nutritional complexities of IBD.

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

Links:

• South Asian IBD Alliance- Neha is on the board and super active with SAIA!
• Nutrition and IBD info- UCSF health
• Info on Exclusive Enteral Nutrition- Nutritional Therapy for IBD
• Info on Partial Enteral Nutrition- Nutritional Therapy for IBD
• Great overview of therapeutic diets for IBD! - Nutritional Therapy for IBD
• Diet and Nutrition Info- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
• Diet and Nutriti

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text

This week we were so excited to have a crossover episode with the host of the About IBD Podcast- Amber Tresca! We turned the tables on Amber and interviewed her about her IBD story! Amber has been living with UC for several years and underwent a 2-step J-Pouch surgery. We talked about her story thus far and how that plus her background in medical writing led her to a career of educating and advocating for the IBD community and how that prompted her to create the About IBD podcast! We discussed her medical writing career, the many projects that she's been involved like IBD Social Circle, Verywell Health and more, her work attending and writing about GI conferences, and the importance and care with which she writes about and educates the IBD community. We also discussed her advocacy work for the IBD community including being invited to share the vital patient voice during the American Gastroenterological Associations annual "Fly In" in Washington, D.C. We also talked about her podcast called About IBD! We explored why she started it, how she selects and prepares her guests, the process she uses to create the episodes, and how she prioritizes her topics. You'll also get a chance to hear us geek out about hosting podcasts and even so insider info about the process.

Amber is truly a badass and we had such a great time getting to know her better!! We can't wait for you to learn more about her in this episode and for you to hear our About IBD episode with her in the near future!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

Links:

• About IBD Instagram site
• About IBD X account
• About IBD YouTube account
• Info on About IBD podcast including where to find it!
• A video about J-Pouch surgery- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text

This week Alicia was joined by guest host and former guest, Hannah Cramer and they interviewed Alicia Aiello! Alicia A. is the President of Girls With Guts which is a nonprofit organization supporting and empowering women living with IBD and with ostomies. We talked to her all about her IBD journey and how that lead her to Girls With Guts. We discussed how her background in videography and visual arts helped her to bring some awareness to their work and how she eventually transitioned to become their President. We discussed some of their work including their "Butt Baskets" and their Lover Your Guts program and we spent a lot of time talking about their retreats. They host 2 retreats per year including a New Attendee or "Newbie" Retreat as well as an annual retreat that brings in come of those first-timers as well as alumnae.

We really enjoyed our conversation with Alicia and are so impressed with the work of GWG and Hannah was an amazing co-host!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

Links:

• Girls With Guts website
• Info about the GWG retreats
• The presentation that Alicia gave to her class
• Alicia's personal website with more videos
• Hannah's episode
• Hannah and Robin's episode about EMDR

Let's get social!!
Follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!