IBD Awareness Week

The first week of December marks Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects nearly three million people in the United States, yet its impact often remains misunderstood. That’s why national awareness efforts are so important. This year, Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week asks a powerful question: “What does IBD really look like?”^1,2 Because the answer isn’t simple. IBD shows up differently for every person who lives with it. By highlighting individual experiences, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation aims to broaden understanding, reduce stigma, and show the many ways IBD can shape daily life. To appreciate these stories, it helps to first understand what IBD is and how its symptoms vary widely.

What is IBD?

IBD is classified by two gastrointestinal disorders, Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Though they may appear to be similar and are often confused for one another, it is not possible to have both. Location, consistency, and impact of inflammation are unique to each disease.³ Both conditions cause inflammation of the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) that can result in damaged tissue.⁴ However, the following medical differences help to explain why no two individuals experience IBD the same way.

CD can affect any part of the GI tract, including the mouth, and may involve multiple layers of the intestinal lining or wall, but the inflammation is more centralized, presenting in patches.3,5 In contrast, UC specifically affects the large intestine and rectum in the innermost lining of the walls within the GI, and inflammation can be continuous rather than patchy.^3,5 Because these disease patterns vary so widely, the personal stories highlighted during this year’s awareness week reflect the diverse symptoms, associated challenges, and resultant lived experiences of people living with IBD.

Despite important differences, Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis share several symptoms and complications that affect many aspects of health.

Shared Symptoms and Complications^2,3,6:

Risks associated with Crohn’s disease are^4,5:

• Narrowing of the intestines from chronic inflammation and scarring (strictures), can lead to bowel obstruction.
• Formation of abnormal tunnels between the intestines and nearby organs (fistulas).
• Abscesses that develop from localized pockets of infection.
• Ulcers that deepen through the intestinal wall and can lead to infection.
• Increased long-term risk of colon cancer, especially when the colon is involved.

Risk associated with Ulcerative Colitis^3,4,5:

• Continuous mucosal bleeding and increased risks of colon perforation (a puncture) during severe inflammation.
• Damage to the bile ducts and possible development of primary sclerosing cholangitis (progressive bile duct disease).
• Severe, widespread inflammation of the colon can progress to toxic megacolon, which can lead to infection traveling through the bloodstream (sepsis).
• Development of pseudo polyps, clusters of inflammatory growths in the colon or rectum that contribute to bowel obstruction.
• Increased risks of dysplasia (abnormal cell growth) and colorectal cancer over time.

Because each person’s experience with IBD is different, the kind of support they need can look different too. For many people, dietary choices are a key area of support. Understanding how food and eating patterns interact with inflammation can empower individuals, and their communities, to better manage symptoms and sustain remission.

Nutrition Support for IBD4:

• CD Exclusion Diet: a whole food, stepwise diet that limits exposure to specific foods and additives linked to inflammation and flare ups.
• Anti-inflammatory diet: a whole-foods, plant-forward approach that includes dairy, occasional fish, and avoids processed or refined foods.
• Low FODMAP diet: limits certain fermentable carbohydrates that can contribute to gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort when they require extensive microbial digestion.
• Elimination and reintroduction approach: a diverse, whole-foods pattern that systematically removes and then reintroduces foods to identify intolerances and preparation methods that worsen symptoms.
• Repletion diet: focuses on restoring weight and nutrient status through increased calories, adequate protein, and nutrient-dense foods.

Nutrition strategies must be personalized, as individuals with IBD vary widely in their symptoms, tolerances, and disease activity. At Bastyr University Health Clinics, we offer support such as:

• Tracking symptoms, dietary intake, and daily behaviors to identify patterns and potential triggers
• Structured elimination and reintroduction to clarify food intolerances
• Developing personalized nutrition plans based on individual needs
• Meal planning to support symptom management and remission
• Implementing therapeutic diets when appropriate
• Managing digestive disruptions such as bloating, diarrhea, and urgency
• Supporting hydration and electrolyte balance
• Optimizing nutrient status, including calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Promoting gut health recovery during and after flares
• Understanding the disease process and how symptoms relate to food
• Building practical food-preparation and cooking skills
• Planning for eating out, social gatherings, travel, and other real-life situations

Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Author Information: Katryna Bell is a master’s student at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. She will receive her MS in Nutrition and Didactic Program in Dietetics from Bastyr University in 2026. Before pursuing her path as an integrative nutrition counselor, Katryna was a chocolate maker by trade and an herbalist. She is passionate about helping people feel at home in their bodies by aligning daily choices with their values, strengths, and goals.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 21). IBD facts and stats. https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/php/facts-stats/index.html
2. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/awarenessweek
3. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Ulcerative colitis vs. Crohn’s disease: What are the early signs and how are they diagnosed? https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/blog/ulcerative-colitis-vs-crohns-disease-what-are-the-early-signs-and-how-are-they-diagnosed
4. Raymond, J. L., & Morrow, K. (Eds.). (2022). Krause and Mahan’s Food and the Nutrition Care Process(16th ed.). Elsevier. 
5. Washington University in St. Louis, Division of Hospital Medicine. (2024, November 19). Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week. https://hospitalist.wustl.edu/crohns-and-colitis-awareness-week/
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 21). Crohn’s disease basics. https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/about/crohns-disease-basics.html