
Living Chronic
Welcome to the Living Chronic Podcast, where we have real, raw, and honest conversations about life with chronic illness and disability. Hosted by Brandy Schantz, a disabled veteran and chronic illness advocate, this podcast explores the realities of navigating work, healthcare, and everyday life while managing a disability or chronic condition.
Each episode features insightful discussions with medical professionals, disability advocates, and individuals sharing their personal journeys. We tackle topics such as workplace accommodations, navigating the healthcare system, mental health, and breaking down societal barriers that often hold disabled individuals back.
Whether you're living with a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or looking to create a more inclusive world, Living Chronic is here to provide knowledge, inspiration, and a sense of community.
Join us as we change the conversation around chronic illness—because thriving with a disability is not only possible but powerful.
Subscribe now and be part of the movement!
Living Chronic
Understanding the Role of Diet in IBD Management
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Ashley Hurst, a registered dietitian specializing in Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. They discuss the importance of nutrition in managing IBD, the emotional challenges faced by patients, and the need for better support and understanding within the healthcare system. Ashley shares her personal journey with IBD and how it inspired her to help others navigate their dietary challenges. The conversation also touches on the complexities of food anxiety, the role of research in improving treatment options, and the healing power of helping others through shared experiences. In this conversation, Ashley and Brandy discuss the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses, particularly focusing on the flaws in the medical system, the importance of nutrition, and the cultural norms surrounding alcohol consumption. They emphasize the need for better support and understanding within the healthcare system, the impact of medications like prednisone, and the normalization of alcohol use in society, especially among those with autoimmune diseases. The discussion highlights the importance of community, education, and advocacy in improving the lives of those affected by chronic conditions.