Blog - Diet and Nutrition

The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) states that more than 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive disorders every year. Severity and type vary, with recent data showing that approximately 135,000 Canadians suffer from Crohn’s disease, 120,000 live with ulcerative colitis, 270,000 have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and an additional 15,000 have unclassified IBD. In a decade from now, it is predicted that the prevalence of…

Metagenics natural health supplements have been climbing the proverbial charts in Canada when it comes to fulfilling the dietary needs that food alone cannot deliver. While their range of products is seemingly endless, one in particular is answering the critical call from Canadians who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases and the nutritional deficiencies that follow. UltrainflamX is that product line, and today we’re going to…

The keyword of this discussion is “Omega-3”, and that’s why you hear so many Canadians asking about Metagenics SPM Active. The Omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) has received more press over the past five years than practically any other macronutrient (or any nutrient, for that matter). It is a substance required in significant amounts by living organisms, and yet the human body cannot produce it,…

In our recent article about how the Metagenics natural health product (NHP) manufacturer has been instrumental in filling Canada’s increased demand for probiotics, we touched on UltraFlora Balance. Since then, we’ve received a wave of inquiries about this specific product, given that in addition to the numerous benefits of this NHP, it delivers a probiotic solution for lactose intolerant (or sensitive) individuals across the country….

By now you’ve heard how important it is to increase your intake of probiotics. But like many, you’re unsure about what exactly probiotics are and what they do. By definition, probiotics are bacteria that assist in maintaining the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in your intestines. This is no easy feat, given that the typical human digestive tract contains approximately 400 classifications of probiotic bacteria,…

When it comes to the challenges of living life after receiving a stoma, skin care tops the list for many. Studies show that up to one-third of colostomy patients and over two-thirds of ileostomy and urostomy patients experience peristomal skin (the skin around the stoma) issues. If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re one of them. The good news, is that you’ve come to…

Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that over 61% of Canadian adults are overweight or obese. The study measures obesity in terms of body mass index (BMI) and on its own the results are concerning. But even more startling, is that experts state that using BMI to measure obesity underestimates the national problem. A lack of obesity does not clear the remaining 39% of the…

Low bone mineral density (BMD) or low bone mass is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Studies have also shown that below average BMD is common in patients with ulcerative colitis, even after a colectomy and ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. In fact, evidence continues to mount in support of the fact that nearly all ostomates are at an increased risk of bone loss. Given the…

Recently our cofounder, Kirk Robinson, caught up with Life Coach and Inner Good customer, Julie Singer. We wanted to hear more about her life story, including her battle with Crohn’s disease, her journey as a patient, adjusting to life with an ostomy (ileostomy), and how she is helping others with autoimmune diseases live life to the fullest [Be sure to read Part One].  In this…

Inner Good has not shied away from naming our most popular line of nutritional supplements for those living with an ostomy. But for all of the accolades we bestow upon this reputable brand, we know that you as consumers need to hear from real people. Be they peers or those you look to for inspiration, there’s nothing quite like a voice that speaks to your…

Anyone living with an ostomy for over a year is quite familiar with the most popular ostomy supply brands for pouch systems and accessories. Where there isn’t a lot of clarity, is the realm of diet and nutrition, in particular with respect to supplements. Not being provided with proper education on this topic is concerning, given the importance of a strong supplement regime for living…

This may be your current reality. You are housebound, isolated, afraid to go out into public because of constant leaks from your ostomy bag.  You’ve heard others complain that they have to change their bags several times a month, and you stifle a cynical laugh. You wish you had it so good.  For you, the reality is upwards of five, even six times a day. …

Last week we published an article on products that you can apply to combat skin irritation around your stoma. These were external in nature. Today, InnerGood takes your cure to stoma skin woes to another level by focusing on your inner health, as it impacts your epidermis. This skin problem prevention and repair article will focus on health supplements. Let’s start scratching, beneath the surface….

You’re looking to prevent one of the most uncomfortable (in more ways that one) situations an ostomate can have. You’ve heard (or imagined) the stories, whether on forums or on other ostomy blogs and communities. And while the tales range from overtly descriptive to downright slapstick, they are often not backed by the details you really need. For instance, why ostomy bags burst, and how…

Good eating habits are essential to everyone. But for someone living with an ostomy, they are even more important. Narrowing down what to do and what not to do can be a bit taxing, considering the amount of ostomy dietary information out there. Today, InnerGood is locking in some “best practices” when it comes to your food (and beverage) consumption. Before you sit down at…

Before we can address a few key nutritional needs for those living with an ileostomy, we need to clear up the difference between an ostomy, colostmy, and ileostomy. By definition, an ostomy is an artificial opening on the abdominal wall through which waste passes out of the body from the bowel or urinary tract. A colostomy is a procedure where which the opening is from…

While some of you have pledged to cut back on the cocktails as a part of your new year resolutions, you are likely to join in on the libations from time to time. There’s nothing wrong with that, in responsible moderation (of course) and with clearance from your physician. That being said, anyone who was received a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy does need to be…

It’s happening again.  You have a building headache.  Can’t focus.  You’re feeling sluggish and don’t have energy for your everyday tasks.  And your kids or significant other is growing increasingly irritating.  What’s wrong with you?  Why does this keep occurring?   What if the answer is as simple as this: you are dehydrated.  You don’t have enough water in your system.  Of course, fixes for…