Better Gut Health,
A Brighter You
Improve your energy, mood, & overall wellness
An unhealthy gut can affect your quality of life. If you suffer from Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, there are ways to feel better. Taking your medicine, talking to your doctor, and making healthy choices such as eating well and staying active, can help you manage your symptoms and stay healthy.
Have questions about your gut health? Call us today at 1-888-841-5741,
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, to speak with a BlueCare Health Advisor. For help finding in-network providers, click on find a provider. We're here to help!
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic condition that causes swelling and irritation in your gut, especially in the intestines. It can lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, and exhaustion. While causes are unknown, genes and mental wellbeing may play a role.
Here are the common types:
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis only affects your colon and rectum (large intestine). It is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect you at any age. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bowel urgency, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, and some people can go for years without symptoms while others have frequent flare-ups.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease mostly affects the small intestine, but it can affect any other area. It causes swelling in the digestive system, leading to stomach pain and problems with digestion. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, abscesses, and bowel obstruction.
Treatment for IBD Can Include:
Everyone is different, so your doctor will need to decide how best to treat your IBD. It may take your doctor a number of treatments to find what works best for you, so remember not to feel discouraged.
When you visit your doctor, they will ask you a number of questions about your symptoms and decide on which tests are necessary to determine your condition. These can include:
- Stool sample analysis to rule out infection as a cause of your symptoms
- Blood tests
- Radiology such as X-ray or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, or Sigmoidoscopy
Treatments for IBD can include medication and surgery, but a key part of treating IBD is eating a healthy, customized diet.
Supporting Your Digestive Health
Here are easy tips to take care of your gut to stay healthy:
Walking, biking, or playing sports can help your gut work better
Eat healthy foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains and drink plenty of water
Manage stress with deep breathing, journaling, and prioritizing your mental wellbeing
Talk to your doctor, they can help find the right care plan for you
Write down what you eat and how you feel to spot patterns
Avoid trigger foods like soda, caffeine, greasy snacks, or spicy meals
Have Questions?
Contact UsInformation contained in this communication is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your healthcare needs.
