Colitis Nutritionists and Dietitians in Fairbanks, AK
Dr. Heard is a Licensed and Board Certified Doctor of Clinical & Functional Nutrition, and Certified Nutrition Specialist. She coaches women who want to improve their health and wellness. Dr. Heard has many years of experience working with people who have a wide range of health conditions. She primarily works with women ages 18+.
Dr. Heard is a Licensed and Board Certified Doctor of Clinical & Functional Nutrition, and Certified Nutrition Specialist. She coaches women who want to improve their health and wellness. Dr. Heard has many years of experience working with people who have a wide range of health conditions. She primarily works with women ages 18+.
Have you ever been told you’ll just have to “live with it”? That feeling of defeat can be heavy—but what if it didn’t have to be? Imagine feeling empowered, knowing you have an ally on your health journey—someone who listens, holds space, and keeps you accountable to the changes you want to make. Together, we begin with the foundation of nutrition, sleep, movement, and self-care—building a path toward lasting wellness. You’re not alone. You’re supported, seen, and encouraged to reclaim your health—because you deserve to feel better.
Have you ever been told you’ll just have to “live with it”? That feeling of defeat can be heavy—but what if it didn’t have to be? Imagine feeling empowered, knowing you have an ally on your health journey—someone who listens, holds space, and keeps you accountable to the changes you want to make. Together, we begin with the foundation of nutrition, sleep, movement, and self-care—building a path toward lasting wellness. You’re not alone. You’re supported, seen, and encouraged to reclaim your health—because you deserve to feel better.
Colitis Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is colitis?
Colitis is a general term that refers to inflammation within the intestine. Symptoms of colitis include abdominal pain, bloating, mucus or blood in the stool, and diarrhea. In some cases, colitis may be caused by transitory viruses and infections, as well as food poisoning; however, some causes of colitis are more chronic. A common type of chronic colitis is ulcerative colitis, which is an irritable bowel disease (IBD) caused by inflammation and ulcers within the large intestine specifically. Crohn's disease is another form of IBD known to cause chronic colitis but is caused by inflammation throughout the intestine and is not confined to the large intestine.
What foods cause colitis?
There is little evidence to suggest that specific foods directly cause colitis. The causes of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are not well-understood and are typically attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with colitis. Dairy products, high-fat foods, processed meats, and high-fiber foods can often worsen symptoms, as can beverages containing alcohol or sugar alcohol.
What diet is best for colitis?
There is no single diet that is best for colitis, so individuals with chronic colitis conditions often learn over time what specific foods exacerbate their specific symptoms and avoid those foods going forward. Because some foods that are known to exacerbate symptoms of colitis are often part of a well-balanced diet—such as vegetables and fruits high in fiber—individuals with colitis can be at an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin A deficiency. Ensuring one is getting enough of these nutrients, either through alternative foods that do not cause flare-ups or through supplementation, can thus be essential for patients with colitis.
Can seeing a dietitian help with colitis?
Seeing a dietitian can be highly beneficial for individuals with colitis for several reasons. Many people with colitis experience periods of symptom flare-ups followed by periods of relative relief, so dietitians can be helpful in assisting clients in identifying food or nutrition-related factors that may contribute to or worsen these flare-ups. Moreover, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) conditions can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. If a client is struggling to maintain their weight due to colitis, a dietitian can provide personalized nutrition advice and may be able to collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure the client meets their nutritional needs while also minimizing their IBD symptoms.