Crohn’s Disease Basics
Maybe you’re newly diagnosed and want to know that you’re not alone. Maybe you just want to make friends who share your intestinal woes. Here are some options.
Chronology
If you’re looking to crowd source some treatment options, track your progress, or ask questions of people who’ve been there, Crohnology is a fantastic website. It’s run by Crohn’s patients, for Crohn’s patients, and they do a good job of keeping it free of corporate shills and alternative quacks. I’m on there as well–see if you can find me!
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
These guys are a good place to start for basic information about Crohn’s and IBD, or if you’re looking to get involved with fundraising or activism. It feels very much like an extension of the doctor’s office, so if you’re happy with the conventional medicine system you’ll probably get along great with the CCFA.
Diet
For diet resources, go here.
Burn Fat Not Sugar with Dr. Ted Naiman
If you want to skip directly to “what do to,” Dr. Naiman lays out a gameplan for a low-carb, high-fat diet and exercise plan with just the basics (no biochemistry required). Those who are no longer skeptical about low-carb diets and tend to fly by the seat of thier pants will like this push into action. It’s a great mix of personal experience, solid advice, recipes, and charts. @tednaiman on Twitter is awesome, too.
Mental Fortitude
Maybe you’re ready for treatment options that don’t come on a prescription pad. It’s tough to figure things out for yourself, but other people have done it too.
These are some of my touchstones when the going gets rough.
Kelly Brogan, MD
Kelly focuses on treating women’s mental health from a holistic lens.
Sarah Wilson on Autoimmune Issues
Sarah has Hashimoto’s, and writes beautifully on how to take a step back and take care of yourself.
Mark’s Daily Apple Success Stories
Positivity is contagious. My road was much rockier and longer than most, but I love reading other peoples’ “light at the end of the tunnel” moment.
“How to Survive Hell“
There is one thing I consider worse to be digestive failure, and that is skin problems. This is one man’s story of how he made it out stronger.