Living with colitis – and chicken soup

I don’t keep kosher, but I’m never one to turn down a good Ashkenazi meal – bagels, smoked fish, cholent – and of course, my grandma’s chicken soup.

But when I was 18, in my first year of university and living away from home during lockdown, I started experiencing symptoms that didn’t feel right – abdominal pain, blood [in stools], urgency to use the toilet.

I initially brushed it off as stress, like many people did in that strange time. Luckily, my mum recognised the signs straight away – she has ulcerative colitis herself.

After nine months of tests, bloodwork, stool samples and a colonoscopy, I finally got confirmation that I had the same condition.

It wasn’t the easiest start to adult life. While other students were getting used to uni social life – takeaways, drinking, late nights – I was navigating a chronic illness. I soon found out that my Ashkenazi background may have had something to do with it.

Ellie Grant in hospital after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis[Missing Credit]

This is thanks in part to various studies that have found that one of the disease’s most striking epidemiological features is that Ashkenazi Jews are between two and four times more likely to develop IBD than non-Jews of European descent.

As Ashkenazi Jews, our genetic makeup is more concentrated. That has led to a higher prevalence of several inherited conditions – including Crohn’s and colitis.

In my family, this has proven to be the case – my mum has colitis, and my brother has Crohn’s. That family link helped me push for answers when I was initially told it could be anxiety or just IBS.

Daren Francis, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the Royal Free London Hospital Trust, said awareness in the Jewish community was vital. “A lot of Jewish patients report bowel issues, before they assume it’s something like irritable bowel syndrome, it’s important to rule out more serious conditions like Crohn’s, colitis or even bowel cancer,” he said.

He stressed that diagnosis should never be made based on symptoms alone. “It’s not possible to diagnose IBD without first excluding other diseases. A proper diagnosis requires a family history, stool tests, such as for faecal calprotectin, and most importantly, a colonoscopy. Colitis affects the large bowel, while Crohn’s can affect anywhere from the mouth to the anus.”

He also emphasised that genetics and the environment often interact. “IBD is more prevalent in Ashkenazi Jews, but factors like diet, stress, and even social stability can also play a role. It’s always a combination.”

Living with colitis affects almost every part of my life. I have had to learn what foods trigger flare-ups, manage medication and cope with fatigue, bloating and pain.

There is also a real stigma around gut health, particularly among young women. No one wants to talk about “bathroom issues” and many people assume it is just a sensitive stomach or food intolerance.

Jewish life also brings unique challenges with IBD. Passover, for example, was a nightmare – matzah and IBD do not mix well.

Yom Kippur is another tough one – fasting is generally discouraged when you are managing a chronic digestive condition and eating small, regular meals is usually advised.

Even festive meals on Rosh Hashanah or Friday nights can be difficult.

Ellie travelling[Missing Credit]

I want to enjoy the traditions, the flavours, the warmth of being around the table, but sometimes my body simply won’t let me.

I’ve tried every food plan under the sun – gluten-free, carb-free, even the low FODMAP diet. The reality is, no single approach works for everyone. What my body tolerates in summer might change by winter. Some days, I can eat what I want; on others, I can barely manage toast. But the biggest lesson has been learning to listen to my body – and knowing when to rest.

There are emotional challenges too. Stress is a huge trigger, and anxiety can make symptoms worse. I have had nights where I’m in pain but trying to smile through it while out with friends.

But I’m lucky. I have had incredible support from my family – people who understand exactly what I’m going through. Social media has also been a huge help too.

Finding others with IBD makes you feel less alone. Organisations such as Crohn’s & Colitis UK are great sources of information. Membership includes things like the Can’t Wait Card and a Radar key, which make going out that bit easier. And Jewish organisations such as Camp Simcha and Jewish Digest run brilliant initiatives to create a proper support network for families dealing with IBD.

I wouldn’t call myself an advocate, but I have become more comfortable speaking about my experience. I hear so many of my friends – especially women – talk about gut issues, bloating or “sensitive stomachs”.

If my story encourages even one person to get checked and push for answers, I’ve done something worthwhile.

Colitis is not easy, but with the right support, treatment, and understanding, you really can live a full and joyful life. One with friends, family, and yes – chicken soup when you need it most.

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crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

FACTFILE

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, potentially affecting any part from the mouth to the anus.

Symptoms to look out for include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, fatigue, blood in the stool, fever, loss of appetite, mouth sores, joint pain and swelling, eye inflammation and skin changes.

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed. The colon is the large intestine (bowel) and the rectum is the end of the bowel where poo is stored.

Symptoms to look out for include recurring diarrhoea which may contain blood, mucus or pus, tummy pain and needing to poo frequently. You may also experience extreme tiredness (fatigue), loss of appetite and weight loss.