Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis & Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a condition of the digestive system. Parts can become inflamed, called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Symptoms can start in childhood or early adulthood, but can affect any ages, as it is a lifelong condition. The main symptoms are stomach ache, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss or blood in the poo. These may be constant or temporarily go away and come back, these are called flare-ups. The exact cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown, but some factors may play a role including genetics, abnormal balance of the gut bacteria, problems with the immune system.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a long-term condition when the large intestine becomes inflamed, specifically the colon and the rectum. Small ulcers on the lining of the colon can develop, which can bleed. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakes harmless bacteria for a threat in the colon and attacks healthy tissue causing inflammation. The cause may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms may include recurring diarrhoea, poo containing mucus or blood, tummy pain, and sometimes fatigue and loss of appetite.

Photo credit: Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

When we think about the nutritional management of IBD, it is important to remember that every section of your gut plays a different role in the absorption of nutrients. That means that we need to understand which part of your bowel is affected, in order for us to find a way of eating that not only ensures you’re getting all the nutrients you need, but also helps to manage your experience of eating.

People living with IBD are more likely to develop nutritional deficiencies that can cause symptoms such as fatigue and problems with your bones later in life.

How We Can Help: Meet Our Specialist Dietitians

Dr. Bridgette Wilson

Dr. Wilson is a gut specialist clinical and research dietitian with a wealth of clinical dietetic experience both in the NHS and private healthcare. Her award-winning PhD research on the Low FODMAP diet and Prebiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis has given her a great depth of knowledge to help you attain good symptom control.

Sophie Medlin

Sophie has expertise in gastrointestinal and colorectal health, including specialist knowledge and skills in the management of medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal dysfunction, diverticular disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Sophie has over 10 years experience working with the IBD community.

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Pooja Dhir

Pooja Dhir is a registered specialist dietitian who has worked as a senior manager in the NHS, specialising in upper gastrointestinal and surgery. She has worked in acute hospitals, both inpatients and outpatients and has written articles for the leading medical nutrition CN magazine and is published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

What to expect from your Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis & Inflammatory Bowel Disease consultation

Our dietitians will take time to thoroughly understand your medical history and will assess your diet. We will work with you to find a diet that manages your current symptoms while promoting good long-term health. We will help you to understand the links between your diet and your symptoms and support you to find a way of eating that helps in the management of your symptoms and ensures your diet supports your overall health.

Typically, this will involve three sessions, for example:

Session 1: Assessment and dietary modifications

Session 2: Assessment of progress and reintroduction of foods to establish tolerance

Session 3: Long term nutritional management and healthy eating

Pricing

If tests or treatments are needed, Sophie will liaise with your consultant or GP. For people with IBD, we offer three appointments for £330, saving £30.

Read our frequently asked questions.

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Testimonials

"Consultation via zoom with Sophie. I was able to obtain an appointment very quickly and the booking process was straight forward .Sophie was lovely ,very friendly and made me feel at ease straight away She was very knowledgeable about my condition (Crohn’s Disease) and empathetic concerning my personal experiences of the disease. She put together a workable treatment plan which I look forward to embarking upon. Thank you !"

"I can’t speak highly enough of Sophie from City Dietitians after my consultation with her today. I suffer with Crohn's/Colitis and her knowledge of the disease was first class. The dietary advice and information was so interesting and helpful, I look forward to my next meeting, highly recommended."