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Eva Szigethy, MD, PhD

Professor of Psychiatry, Medicine & Pediatrics
Director, Behavioral Health with the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer
Founder, Visceral Inflammation & Pain (VIP) Center

Q: My 14 year old daughter has Crohn's and takes methotrexate injections. She struggles to eat the most basic foods without feeling unwell. Is there any meal replacement shakes that is suitable for have age?

A: There are definitely several options of nutritional shakes available for her age. Any nutritional supplementation or especially "meal replacement" should be done with the supervision and consultation of a registered dietitian. I would recommend asking your daughter's gastroenterologist for a referral to meet with one to discuss further. hide answer

Q: I have tried all the meds, biologics included and after many years of little relief, I searched for natural alternatives. My UC maintained remission for 4 yrs and I have been able to control my pain and inflammation with Matcha green tea. I drink 2 cups a day but this isn't your typical over the counter tea. I buy it in powder form. Is this something you have heard of before?

A: I know patient who have received relief with homeopathic options like green tea or peppermint tea or oil. These options have not been well studies and it is worth checking with your gastroenterologist to make sure they are safe and will not cause any inadvertent harm. hide answer

Q: With the combo of medication + having a chronic illness, what is a good way to cope with anxiety and depressed feeling?

A: The best ways to cope with anxiety and depressed feelings are to work with a counselor or therapist to figure out what aspects of what is causing those feeling are controllable and which are not. For things in your control to change, finding distracting activities (things you have a passion for), exercise, and good social support is best. For things you cannot control, like having IBD, finding the best coping techniques to not get as stressed out about it. These techniques I describe are called cognitive behavioral therapy. These techniques are available through counselors or through self-help educational tools like golantern.com. hide answer

Q: Please discuss medical cannabis vs opiates for pain management. I have RA as well and the NSAIDs are a nightmare for my Crohn’s.

A: While some patients report relief of their abdominal pain and nausea with medical cannabis, there is growing evidence that there may be negative effects on the brain - especially with long term use. These can be memory and attention problems, slowed reflexes (when driving) and for some patient development of anxiety, depression, and feeling paranoid. At the moment there is not enough evidence for the medical community to say how safe medical cannabis is but it is being studied. hide answer

Q: I have Crohn's and have joint pain that is constant, despite my guts being in remission from Humira. I am interested in finding non-drug ways to cope with the pain. I've had some success with acupuncture. What alternative approaches have been shown to help with IBD related joint pain?

A: There is some evidence that acupuncture can help patients with irritable bowel syndrome. For IBD, there are small studies showing benefit of yoga and mindfulness meditation. hide answer

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