IBDPal blog

For all ages · Built with care

A Simple Tool for Living with IBD: Introducing IBDPal

Introducing IBDPal, a free iOS app to help people with IBD track symptoms and patterns. General information, not medical

For all ages · Built with care

Tracking Food & Symptoms With IBDPal

Why symptom and nutrition tracking matters in IBD, what to log, and how IBDPal can help, general education, not medical

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Alcohol and Caffeine With IBD: Common Patient Questions

Beer, wine, coffee, and energy drinks with Crohn's or colitis: moderation, flares, medications, and dehydration, educati

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Anemia and Iron Deficiency in IBD

Why Crohn's and colitis cause anemia, symptoms to watch, and iron therapy questions for your GI team. Short patient educ

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Anti-Inflammatory Diet and IBD: What Research Suggests (and What It Doesn't)

Anti-inflammatory eating with Crohn's or colitis: Mediterranean patterns, omega-3s, ultra-processed foods, and limits of

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Best Foods to Eat During a Crohn's Disease Flare

Gentler food choices, hydration ideas, and common triggers during a Crohn's disease flare, general education, not medica

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Blood in Stool with IBD: How to Track It and When It Is Urgent

Rectal bleeding in Crohn's or colitis: how to describe amount, color, and urgency. Patient education, not triage advice.

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Building an IBD Flare Go-Bag for School, Work, and Travel

What many families pack for bathroom emergencies, comfort items, and clinic contacts during Crohn's or colitis flares. E

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Caregiver Coping With Pediatric IBD: ImproveCareNow Family Resource

Parent and caregiver mental health, sibling impact, and stress with pediatric Crohn's or colitis. Guide to the ICN Careg

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Chronic Diarrhea in IBD: Flare, Infection, or Medication Effects

Why loose stools persist in Crohn's or colitis: inflammation, infection, bile acids, diet, and meds. Education for clini

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College With Crohn's or Colitis: Dorms, Dining Halls, and Disability Services

Starting college with IBD: disability accommodations, dining strategies, infusions away from home, and when to use campu

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College With IBD: ImproveCareNow College & IBD Handbook

Choosing a school, dorms, dining halls, and disability services with IBD. Overview of the ImproveCareNow College & IBD T

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Complete IBD Nutrition Guide: Flare Eating, Remission, and Key Patterns

Pillar overview of IBD nutrition: dairy, FODMAP, fiber, hydration, and low-residue patterns with links to deeper article

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Constipation in IBD: Strictures, Meds, and When to Call

Why constipation happens in Crohn's or colitis, what to track, and when hard stools need a same-day call. Short patient

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Crohn's and Colitis in High School: Bathrooms, 504 Plans, and Missing Class

Managing IBD in high school: bathroom access, 504 accommodations, explaining absences, and talking to teachers, educatio

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Dairy and Lactose With Crohn's or Colitis: What Patients Ask

Can you eat dairy with IBD? Lactose intolerance vs inflammation, yogurt and cheese tips, and when to talk to your dietit

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Dating and Intimacy with IBD as an Adult: Honest, Practical Guidance

Adult dating and intimacy with Crohn's or colitis: disclosure, fatigue, flares, and partner support. Education only.

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Depression and Anxiety With IBD: Why It Happens and How to Get Support

IBD depression and anxiety are common. Gut-brain links, flare stress, when to seek help, therapy options, and questions

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Dining Out With IBD: Restaurant Strategies That Reduce Stress

Menus, portions, and social situations when eating out with Crohn's or colitis. Emphasizes individual triggers and team

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Entyvio (Vedolizumab) Patient Guide for IBD: Common Questions

Patient FAQ on vedolizumab for Crohn's or colitis: infusions, questions for your team, and monitoring themes. Not prescr

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Exercise With Crohn's or Colitis: Staying Active Without Overdoing It

Can you play sports with IBD? Exercise benefits, flare pacing, ostomy and j-pouch tips, and when to rest, general health

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Eye Inflammation and Uveitis in IBD

Red, painful, or light-sensitive eyes with Crohn's or colitis: why uveitis matters and when to seek eye care. Short educ

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FODMAP Diet for Crohn's and Colitis: What Patients Search For

Low-FODMAP basics for IBD: what FODMAPs are, who may benefit, elimination phases, and working with a dietitian, not a DI

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Fiber and IBD: When to Add It and When to Pull Back

Soluble vs insoluble fiber for Crohn's and colitis, flares vs remission, and how to reintroduce fiber with your dietitia

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Finding a Mental Health Provider for Youth With IBD: ICN Guide

How to find therapy for children and teens with Crohn's or colitis. Overview of ImproveCareNow's four-page mental health

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Foods That May Trigger Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

How food may aggravate UC symptoms for some people, common triggers to consider, and why individualized tracking matters

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Free Government IBD Research Sources Patients Can Use

How to use NIH, NIDDK, MedlinePlus, CDC, FDA, and ClinicalTrials.gov sources for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis educatio

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Gluten, Wheat, and IBD: Celiac Screening vs Diet Trends

Gluten-free diets and IBD: celiac disease overlap, wheat as a trigger, and when testing matters before cutting gluten, e

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High-Protein Meal Ideas for IBD Remission: Building Plates Your Gut Tolerates

IBD meal plan inspiration: high-protein breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas for remission, gentle flare modifications, an

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How IBDPal Sets Nutrition Targets (And When Your Care Team Should Adjust Them)

IBDPal uses NIH Dietary Reference Intakes for baseline calories, protein, fluids, and micronutrients by age and sex. Ext

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How Nutrition Impacts Gut Health in IBD

Gut microbiome, nutrition patterns, and personalized approaches in Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, general education, no

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Humid Weather and IBD Symptoms: Heat, Fluids, and Flare Mimics

How humidity and heat can worsen IBD fatigue, dehydration, and urgency. Practical midsummer tips, education only.

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Hydration Tips for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Why hydration matters in IBD, signs of dehydration, and practical strategies, general education, not medical advice.

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IBD Care Outside the United States: Records, Travel, and Continuity

Practical tips for international readers and travelers with Crohn's or colitis: records, medicines, and care continuity.

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IBD During Holidays and Special Occasions: ICN Community Resources

Holiday stress, eating, and inclusion when friends or family have Crohn's or colitis. ICN resources for special occasion

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IBD Fatigue and Brain Fog: Why You Feel Exhausted and What Helps

Crohn's and colitis fatigue and brain fog: inflammation, anemia, sleep, meds, pacing strategies, labs to discuss, and wh

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IBD Health Literacy Toolkit: ImproveCareNow Patient Guide

Patient-written guide to IBD basics, tests, treatments, and medical terminology. Overview of the ICN Health Literacy Too

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IBD Joint Pain and Arthritis: Extraintestinal Symptoms Patients Ask About

Crohn's and colitis joint pain: peripheral arthritis, sacroiliitis, when flares affect joints, biologics, and rheumatolo

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IBD Leg Pain and Knee Pain: What Patients Search For and When to Ask for Help

Crohn's and colitis leg pain and knee pain: extraintestinal symptoms, arthritis links, nerve issues, blood clots to rule

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IBD School and Workplace Accommodations: ImproveCareNow Accommodations Toolkit

504 plans, college accommodations, and workplace flexibility for Crohn's and colitis. Guide to the ImproveCareNow Accomm

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IBD Skin Flares: Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Erythema Nodosum

Painful skin lesions linked to Crohn's or colitis: how EN and PG differ, when to call, and clinic questions. Short educa

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IBD and Pregnancy: Planning With Your Gastroenterologist

Crohn's and colitis pregnancy questions: medication planning, flares, nutrition, and when to involve maternal-fetal medi

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IBD and Summer Heat: Hydration Tips for Hot Weather

Why heat and dehydration matter with Crohn's or colitis, practical drink choices, and when to call your care team. Lifes

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Immunosuppressants for IBD: Patient-Level Basics

Azathioprine, methotrexate, and other immunosuppressants in Crohn's and colitis: what they do, labs, and questions for y

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Infusion Day With IBD: What Many Patients Pack and Expect

Comfort items, timing, and emotional tips for biologic or iron infusion appointments. Always follow your infusion center

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Insurance and Biologics for IBD: What Patients Often Ask

Prior authorization, appeals, and questions to ask your team, educational overview, not insurance or legal advice.

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Iron, B12, and Vitamin D With IBD: Deficiencies Patients Ask About

Common IBD nutrient deficiencies: iron anemia, B12 malabsorption, vitamin D, and lab questions to bring to your gastroen

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J-Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis: Patient-Level Basics

What a J-pouch is, who may consider colectomy, recovery themes, and questions for your colorectal surgeon, education onl

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Life With an Ostomy: ImproveCareNow Ostomy Toolkit for Youth

School, sports, travel, and telling friends about ostomy surgery. Overview of the ICN Ostomy Toolkit co-produced by pedi

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Lifestyle and IBD: ImproveCareNow Interactive Web Toolkit

Mental health, diet, exercise, social life, and treatment from a patient perspective. Guide to ICN's web-based Lifestyle

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Living Well With IBD: ImproveCareNow Self-Management Handbook

Comprehensive handbook for young patients and families learning to participate actively in Crohn's and colitis care. ICN

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Living With IBD as a Family: Support for Kids and Parents

Helping children with IBD feel normal, building school plans, and caring for parents' energy, family lifestyle education

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Living With an Ostomy: Gentle Basics for IBD Patients

What an ostomy is, emotional adjustment, and peer support resources, education only.

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Low-Residue Diet During an IBD Flare: A Practical Lifestyle Guide

What a low-residue pattern can look like during a flare, gentle meal ideas, and how to talk with your care team, educati

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Mesalamine (5-ASA) for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's: Basics

What mesalamine does, oral vs rectal forms, adherence tips, and when to call your GI about symptoms, education only.

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Micronutrient Deficiencies in IBD: Zinc, Folate, Magnesium, and Beyond

IBD malabsorption and micronutrient gaps: zinc, folate, magnesium, selenium, calcium, labs to discuss, and links to iron

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Newly Diagnosed with IBD: A Practical First 30 Days

Week-by-week steps after a Crohn's or colitis diagnosis: appointments, questions, tracking, and support. Education only.

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Night Sweats With Crohn's or Colitis: Flare Sign, Infection, or Something Else?

IBD night sweats: fever patterns, active inflammation, medications, infections to rule out, and when to call your clinic

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Nutrition for Teens With IBD: Growth, Protein, and School Lunches

Teen Crohn's and colitis nutrition: calories for growth, protein goals, cafeteria tips, and when poor growth needs a cli

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Partners and Caregivers: Supporting Someone With IBD

Communication, boundaries, and practical help without taking over medical decisions.

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Prior Authorization for IBD Biologics: A Patient Timeline

What patients can expect while insurers review biologic prior authorization, from prescription to first dose. Education

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Probiotics for Crohn's and Colitis: What Research Shows and What to Ask Your GI

Probiotics for IBD: VSL#3, Saccharomyces boulardii, UC pouchitis, Crohn's cautions, and why strain and disease location

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Reading IBD Labs: Calprotectin, CRP, and What Numbers Mean

A plain-language intro to fecal calprotectin, CRP, CBC, and related IBD labs. Helps visits, not a replacement for clinic

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School Planning for IBD: What Families Can Do Before August

Back-to-school planning for Crohn's and colitis: 504 plans, nurses, bathroom access, go-bags, medications, siblings, and

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Sleep and Rest During IBD Flares: Why Slowing Down Helps

Sleep, naps, pacing activity, and bedroom habits that support recovery during Crohn's and colitis flares, general wellne

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Social Life, Dating, and IBD as a Teen: Privacy, Friends, and Confidence

Teen life with Crohn's or colitis: telling friends, dating disclosure, parties, alcohol, and mental health check-ins, pe

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Starting a Biologic for IBD: What the First 12 Weeks Often Look Like

Week-by-week expectations when starting an IBD biologic: induction, labs, side effects to report, and follow-up. Educati

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Steroid Taper in IBD: What to Expect Week by Week

Prednisone and budesonide tapers in Crohn's or colitis: common side effects, warning signs, and clinic questions. Short

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Steroids (Prednisone) and IBD Flares: Short-Term Basics

Prednisone and budesonide for Crohn's and colitis flares: what steroids do, side effects to watch, and tapering only wit

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Stress Coping Strategies for IBD: Mindfulness, CBT, and Everyday Tools

IBD stress management: mindfulness, CBT skills, breathing, pacing, gut-directed therapy, and building a flare-ready rout

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Stress, Mood, and IBD: Everyday Ways to Protect Your Energy

How stress and gut symptoms interact, gentle coping tools, and when to reach for professional support, lifestyle educati

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Summer Travel With IBD: Restrooms, Meds, Food, and Heat

A practical summer travel plan for Crohn's and colitis: restrooms, medications, food choices, hydration, heat, and when

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Swimming and Beach Days with IBD or an Ostomy

Pool and beach tips for Crohn's, colitis, and ostomy: bags, waterproof covers, hydration, and privacy. Short summer educ

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Talking to Your Manager About IBD at Work: A Practical Script

How to discuss Crohn's or colitis with a manager: privacy, bathroom access, flexibility, and follow-up. Education only.

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The First 48 Hours of an IBD Flare: A Calm Checklist

Hydration, rest, what to log, and when to call your clinician, general education, not emergency guidance.

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Transitioning to Adult IBD Care: ImproveCareNow Transfer Toolkit

Pediatric to adult gastroenterology handoff, self-advocacy, and skills for young adults with Crohn's or colitis. ICN Tra

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Travel With IBD: Planning Trips Without Letting Fear Run the Show

Packing, airports, food on the road, and confidence-building habits for traveling with Crohn's or colitis, general educa

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Understanding Biologics for IBD: A High-Level Guide

What biologics are, how they fit in IBD care, infusion vs injection, and questions to ask your doctor, education only.

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Unintentional Weight Loss or Gain with IBD: What to Watch

Why Crohn's or colitis can cause weight loss or gain, when to call your team, and nutrition next steps. Education only.

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Vaccines with Biologics and Immunosuppressants in IBD

Flu, COVID, pneumonia shots, and live vaccine cautions when you take IBD biologics or immunosuppressants. Education only

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When a Sibling Has IBD: Support for Brothers and Sisters

How Crohn's or colitis in one child can affect siblings, and gentle ways parents can keep everyone feeling seen. Family

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When to Call Your GI Nurse Line vs Urgent Care vs the ER for IBD

A practical decision tree for Crohn's or colitis: GI nurse line, urgent care, or ER. Education only, not emergency advic

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When to Call the IBD Help Center vs Your Clinic

How the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation IBD Help Center supports education and referrals, and when to contact your gastro

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When to Go to the ER With Crohn's or Colitis

Urgent IBD symptoms: severe pain, bleeding, fever, dehydration, and rigid abdomen. Education only, not a substitute for

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Workplace and School Rights When You Have IBD

High-level overview of ADA workplace accommodations and 504 school plans for Crohn's and colitis, not legal advice.