I didn’t always understand how closely my gut and mind were connected. The warning signs were there early on—uncomfortable, confusing, and often embarrassing—but I lacked the knowledge to interpret them. Like many people with chronic illness, my journey began years before I had the tools to understand what my body was trying to say.
In middle school, a few painful food experiences made it clear something wasn’t right with my digestion. After eating high-fiber snack bars or too much dairy before dance class, my stomach would swell so dramatically that I’d end up doubled over in pain or sent home from school. Classmates’ comments only added to the discomfort. I didn’t know it then, but these were early signs of gut inflammation.
Although I’d followed a plant-based diet since age eight, it wasn’t for health reasons—and it wasn’t balanced. With little guidance available at the time, my meals often revolved around French fries, ice cream, and ultra-processed vegetarian products. My mom affectionately called me a “junkatarian.” I was plant-based in name, but not in nourishment—a difference I wouldn’t understand until much later.
At nineteen, after years of unpredictable bowel habits, bloating, nausea, and fluctuating weight, I finally received a diagnosis: early-stage Crohn’s disease. Naming it felt like two puzzle pieces clicking into place—but understanding it would take far more time. Like many, my first exposure to Crohn’s was through TV commercials that portrayed medication as the primary solution. So when I told people about my diagnosis, their first question was usually, “What medication are you on?”
My answer often surprised them: “Nothing—just a plant-based diet.”
Before reaching that point, I tried multiple treatments—pills, infusions, injections—but none improved my quality of life. I remained tired, inflamed, and in pain. Many physicians dismissed the role of diet entirely, insisting Crohn’s couldn’t be managed through lifestyle. Even family members with Crohn’s questioned whether my vegetarianism was making things worse.
Everything shifted after one conversation with a gastroenterologist who specialized in holistic healing and lifestyle medicine. He explained how modern dietary patterns have contributed to rising rates of digestive disorders and, importantly, trusted me to take an active role in my care. That conversation reframed my perspective: food and lifestyle weren’t replacements for medical care—they were powerful, complementary tools.
As an RD candidate, I now see how personal experience and professional knowledge can intersect to create meaningful change. My education has given me language for what my body had been trying to tell me for years. I aim to help others navigate their own health journeys by showing that thoughtfully chosen foods can be a meaningful part of managing chronic disease.
You don’t have to be a dietitian to start this process. Everyone’s body is different, and aligning your diet with your unique needs can be transformative. Research consistently shows that well-planned, whole-food, plant-based diets can reduce disease risk and support both physical and mental health. Mental well-being, in particular, is often overlooked in chronic disease management—yet about one in five people experience mental illness in a given year,¹ and I’m part of that statistic. Living with Crohn’s hasn’t only affected my body; it has profoundly shaped my mental and emotional health as well.
Studies show that healthy plant-based diets are associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, cognitive decline, and dementia.² Diets centered on processed plant foods don’t offer these benefits and may even increase risk.² As someone who once fit the “junkatarian” label, I’ve experienced firsthand how shifting toward whole, nutrient-dense plant foods can transform not just gut health, but overall quality of life.
My symptoms didn’t improve because I gave up on being plant-based—they improved because I learned how to do it better. By prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods that work for my body, I’ve been able to slow my Crohn’s progression, stabilize my energy, and rediscover joy in eating. Food tolerance with Crohn’s can still fluctuate, but adopting a whole-food, plant-based approach has given me a greater sense of control over my health and life.
Food is more than nourishment—it’s a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and self-discovery. My journey hasn’t been linear or easy, but it has been empowering. When we change what’s on our plates, we do more than feed our bodies—we rewrite our stories of health, one meal at a time.
Key Takeaways from My Journey
- Plant-based doesn’t always mean healthy — Quality matters. A diet centered on whole, minimally processed foods supports healing in ways a processed plant-based diet cannot.
- Food is a powerful tool — While medication has its place, dietary and lifestyle strategies can play a central role in managing chronic disease and improving quality of life.
- Personalization is essential — There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Listening to and learning from your own body is key.
- Integrative care opens doors — Combining lifestyle medicine with conventional approaches can empower patients and expand treatment options.
- Nutrition affects more than the gut — Whole-food, plant-based diets support not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.
- Knowledge leads to empowerment — Understanding the role of nutrition in health can transform how you live with chronic illness.
References
National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness. Accessed October 9, 2025.
Bizzozero-Peroni B, Díaz-Goñi V, Fernández-Rodríguez R, et al. Plant-Based Diets and Mental and Neurocognitive Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Nutr Rev. 2025;nuaf080. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf080
Author Bio
Jordan Rezman is a M.S. Registered Dietitian candidate studying at Andrews University. She has a background in Marine Biology from the University of Miami, where her research focused on ocean sustainability. Jordan is passionate about advancing plant-based food innovation—bridging her love of science and sustainability to develop healthier, more accessible food solutions.
