The Clairop blog
Living with IBS and IBD, backed by the research
Practical, sourced guides for living with IBS, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Every health claim links to the research behind it.
- Pouch and ostomy life
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Gut-brain connection
- Low FODMAP
- Triggers and foods
- IBS-D, IBS-C and IBS-M
- Symptom tracking
- Doctor visits
- Apps and tools
Pouch and ostomy lifeB12 Deficiency After Ileostomy: Who Is at Risk
An ileostomy alone rarely causes B12 deficiency. Losing the end of the ileum does. How much bowel matters, which test to trust and how often to check.
32 min read
Ulcerative colitisConstipation With Ulcerative Colitis Explained
Yes, ulcerative colitis can cause constipation, usually above an inflamed rectum or left colon. Why it happens, how common it is, and when it is an emergency.
28 min read
Crohn's diseaseCrohn's Disease Diagnosed at 60: What Changes
Yes, Crohn's disease can start at 60 or later. How late-onset Crohn's looks, why it gets missed, whether it is milder, and how treatment and surgery change.
28 min read
Gut-brain connectionDoes Lack of Sleep Make IBS Worse? The Evidence
Yes, for many people. In four diary studies a worse night predicted worse IBS symptoms the next day, more clearly for pain than for diarrhea. Here is why.
33 min read
Pouch and ostomy lifeHow Much Water Should I Drink With an Ileostomy?
Most leaflets say about 2 litres a day, but the right amount depends on your output. Why plain water can raise output, and what to drink instead.
31 min read
Gut-brain connectionIBS and Depression: The Link and What Helps
About 1 in 4 people with IBS has depression, and the link runs both ways. What causes what, why doctors prescribe antidepressants for IBS, and what helps.
31 min read
Low FODMAPLow FODMAP Fruits List: What to Eat and Avoid
Low FODMAP fruits include blueberries, strawberries, kiwifruit, oranges, pineapple and firm bananas at one portion. Apples, pears, mango and stone fruit are high.
27 min read
Pouch and ostomy lifeSigns of an Ileostomy Blockage: When to Go In
Signs of an ileostomy blockage: output that thins then stops, cramps in waves, a swollen stoma or belly, nausea. Partial vs complete, and when to go in.
35 min read
Ulcerative colitisUlcerative Proctitis vs Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative proctitis is ulcerative colitis confined to the rectum. How it differs in symptoms, treatment, spread, cancer risk and tests, with sources.
28 min read
Crohn's diseaseWhat Does a Perianal Fistula Feel Like?
A perianal fistula usually feels like pain and pressure near the anus that builds, then eases when pus or fluid drains. How it differs from a fissure or hemorrhoid.
25 min read
Crohn's diseaseCrohn's Disease and Breastfeeding: What to Know
Yes, you can usually breastfeed with Crohn's. The Crohn's-specific questions are perianal antibiotics, methotrexate, upadacitinib, B12 after resection and flares.
25 min read
Triggers and foodsDo Carbonated Drinks Make IBS Worse? Soda vs Water
Sometimes, but rarely for the reason people think. Bubbles mostly stretch the stomach; the syrup, sweeteners and caffeine dissolved in them reach the bowel.
27 min read