Living with IBD means navigating a world of unpredictable guts, questionable diets, and hospital gowns that refuse to close properly. From “Satan’s Sprite” colonoscopy prep to watching your insides on a 4K screen, it’s a journey that demands equal parts patience and humour.

“The Ballad of My Rebellious Bowels” is my love-hate poem to life with IBD — the pills, the scopes, the flare-ups, and the brave laughter in between. Because if we don’t laugh about it, well… we’ll probably just cry (and let’s be honest, dehydration is already an issue).

In the middle of my worst IBD flare, I couldn’t find a discreet pad — so I decided to create one. That’s how IB3 was born.

Ultra-processed foods double IBD risk. Study of 116k adults links processed meats, soft drinks, fried foods & additives to higher inflammation.

Research shows poor sleep quality can significantly impact inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sleep deprivation raises inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, which drive gut inflammation. One study found IBD patients with poor sleep (PSQI >5) had relapse rates of 47% at 3 months and 67% at 6 months, compared with 0% in patients with healthy sleep. With up to 50% of IBD patients reporting sleep issues during flares, improving sleep—especially slow-wave sleep (SWS)—may be as crucial as diet in achieving remission. Sleep is not just rest; it regulates immunity, gut function, and relapse risk.

6 successful people with IBD. IBD doesnt define us, and it doesnt need to hold us back either. Sometimes, i like to remind myself, there are people who who have come out of the other side. Found what works for them, and still built a successful, fulfilling life. If they did it, and you are ambitious, you can do it to!