Caring for your gut health takes a village. Find resources to support you on your IBD journey.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are:
Both can cause long-term symptoms, flares, and damage to the gut if left untreated.
Symptoms of IBD can come and go, and often get misdiagnosed as stress, food allergies, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Know the signs:
If you're experiencing these symptoms, advocate for a GI referral and testing like a colonoscopy or stool analysis.
Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.
Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for IBD:
IBD doesn’t have a cure, but with the right tools and team, you can manage flares, reduce complications, and live a full life.
No one-size-fits-all diet, but many find relief with:
Low-fiber diets during flares
Avoiding trigger foods like dairy, caffeine, or fried foods
Adding probiotics and nutrient-rich foods when in remission
Work with a nutritionist familiar with IBD and cultural food preferences
Clinical studies give you access to the latest treatments, but Black people remain underrepresented in research:
When found early, lung cancer can be treated more effectively, but Black people are less likely to be offered curative treatments like surgery. Empowering our community with knowledge and advocacy can help close that gap.
Common types of blood pressure medications include:
We read the online discourse on IBD and found that our community is looking for:
There’s a common misconception that IBD primarily affects white people. This belief leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment for Black individuals, and a lack of awareness within the community.
Black individuals often experience significant delays and misdiagnoses when seeking care for IBD. Symptoms are frequently mistaken for less severe conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), leading to delayed or incorrect treatment.
The underrepresentation of Black people in clinical studies for IBD significantly impacts their healthcare experiences and outcomes. Without diverse data from clinical studies, Black people often receive treatments based on research primarily conducted on white populations.
Many people with IBD live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.
Read LaTanja’s guide on living with IBD.
Use this search tool to find a GI specialist that fits your racial and cultural background.
Explore soul food recipes and tips for eating well with your gut health in mind.
Many people with IBD live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.
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