
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A functional medicine approach to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Looking for a natural way to treat IBD? Our friendly BionwoRx provider can assist you. This page covers:
Understanding IBD
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
The term “IBD” refers to a painful, chronic condition that involves inflammation of the bowels. This autoimmune disorder is characterized by the body’s own reaction to the lining of the intestinal tract, as well as an altered composition of gut microbiome species, which together trigger an inflammatory response. IBD often involves relapsing and remitting symptoms.
The two most prevalent forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While ulcerative colitis confines itself to the colon and rectum, Crohn’s can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, often targeting the ileum. Additionally, ulcerative colitis is limited to the mucosa and submucosa, but Crohn’s disease penetrates all three mucosal layers.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Holistic treatment for IBD.
While gut conditions are often autoimmune in nature, many external factors can contribute to the inflammation, severity, and triggers associated with these issues. Our functional medicine practitioner take a holistic approach, working to identify and address your unique triggers and underlying causes of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
By creating a personalized treatment plan, we aim to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

IBD symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, while their symptoms may seem similar, these conditions have distinct differences in their location and timing. To distinguish between these conditions, healthcare providers will need to conduct a detailed patient assessment and functional testing. This information will then guide the appropriate treatment strategy.
Ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis usually presents as continuous areas of inflammation along the lining of the colon. This inflammation causes the colon to lose its ability to absorb water, leading to the classic signs and symptoms of the condition. These symptoms are relapsing and episodic, often persisting for days, weeks, or even months.
People with ulcerative colitis commonly experience:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Cramps that are usually relieved with bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- Blood-tinged stool
- Stringy mucus in the stool
- Urgency and inability to pass stool
- Weight loss due to decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain
Ulcerative colitis can also lead to some overall health complications, such as:
- Sores in the mouth and skin
- Osteoporosis
- Painful and swollen joints
- Kidney stones
- Itchy and red eyes
Chron’s disease.
Crohn’s disease often presents with inflamed patches between healthy sections of the intestine. People with Crohn’s may experience variable symptoms, including intermittent attacks followed by asymptomatic periods that can last for weeks or months. Common symptoms include:
- Right lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Bloody diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Mucus in stool
More severe indications of Crohn’s can include:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Fibrosing strictures
- Peritoneal abscess
- Perforations
- Fistulas
- Colon cancer
IBD root causes and contributing factors.
Inflammatory bowel diseases are considered idiopathic, meaning their specific causes are unknown. However, some common underlying factors have been linked to these conditions.
Environmental triggers.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has multiple triggers that can cause inflammation and disrupt the gut’s normal flora, leading to flare-ups. Some known triggers include:
- Smoking
- Inflammatory diet – sugar, gluten, dairy, and processed foods
- Air pollution
- Stress and anxiety
- Medications like NSAIDs, antibiotics, and reflux medications
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Postmenopausal hormonal therapy
- Hypoxia at high altitude
- Not being breastfed during infancy
Genetics.
Studies show that people with a family member who has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are 4 to 8 times more likely to develop IBD themselves. The risk is even higher for identical twins.
Epithelial defects.
The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) stem from multiple problems in the linings of the body’s vessels, organs, and digestive system, which are made up of epithelial cells. The most defining feature is a dysfunction in the tight junction barriers, often called “leaky gut syndrome.” This results in increased susceptibility to IBD triggers and food intolerances.
Other contributing factors to IBD.
Mucosal immune response.
The immune system plays a key role in increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Specifically, the T helper cells, particularly the Th17 variety, actively contribute to the development of Crohn’s disease.
Parasitic or bacterial infections.
Bacteria and yeast thrive in the deep ulcers and pockets that can develop in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These infections, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), as well as parasitic infestations, may contribute to and worsen the symptoms of IBD.
IBD – Conventional treatments.
Currently, conventional medicine cannot completely cure inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Instead, the conventional approach aims to manage the condition and suppress its symptoms. This may involve using:
- Immunomodulators to prevent the immune system from activating and causing flare-ups
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system
- Aminosalicylates to alleviate intestinal irritation
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial overgrowth
Despite the range of conventional IBD treatments, they can have potentially harmful side effects such as blood, bone, liver, and kidney dysfunction, as well as an increased risk of malignant melanoma. Unfortunately, these traditional methods often fail, leading to more severe and persistent disease with long-term complications.
As a result, many people are now turning to a functional medicine approach to IBD in search of lasting relief.
Left untreated or ineffectively treated, Crohn’s disease can lead to further complications outside the gut, including:
- Malnutrition and poor absorption of nutrients like iron, vitamin A, B12, and folate
- Bone and joint issues
- Eye problems including dry eyes, episcleritis, keratopathy, and uveitis
- Kidney stones and glomerulonephritis
- Liver conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and gallstones
- A range of seemingly unrelated skin conditions
Functional testing for IBD.
How to test for inflammatory bowel disease.
In an alternative treatment strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there are a range of functional tests that can help identify the root causes and triggers of your symptoms. These may include:
- Specific blood tests
- Microbiome and stool testing
- Assessments of digestive function and nutrient absorption
- Markers of inflammation, IBD, SIBO, or leaky gut
- Testing for pathogenic parasites
- Identification of food sensitivities
IBD natural treatment for Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
At BionwoRx, our practitioner takes a personalized approach to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, we identify and address the unique factors contributing to each individual’s IBD diagnosis. Our IBD natural treatment plans are tailored to the person and informed by the latest scientific research.
In clinical trials, herbal medicines and natural products used in this integrative IBD approach have demonstrated efficacy in:
- Maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining
- Regulating the innate immune system
- Modulating innate and adaptive immune responses
- Inhibiting TNF-α activity, a protein that triggers inflammation
By addressing the root causes and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, our natural IBD treatments can help improve symptoms and overall health outcomes for our patients.
Natural remedies for Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis .
Our functional medicine practitioner helps patients achieve these results by guiding them through a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary modifications (such as removing aggravating foods and increasing beneficial nutrients), gut health support, natural anti-inflammatories, and herbal medicines. Some of the proven natural remedies for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease include:
Curcumin.
The powerful turmeric extract is renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have shown it to be a safe and effective therapy for helping people with ulcerative colitis maintain remission.
Saffron.
Studies have found that saffron can reduce the severity of ulcerative colitis by lowering inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which helps prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Probiotics.
Reduced microbial diversity is linked to higher rates of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Probiotic strains like Bifidobacterium have been shown to be beneficial in reducing IBD symptoms by restoring a healthy gut microbiome.
Boswellia serrata.
This potent anti-inflammatory herb can help restore the gastrointestinal lining and improve immune function.
Vagus nerve stimulation.
Low vagal tone contributes to inflammation and disease development. Studies indicate that stimulating the vagus nerve can improve active Crohn’s disease.
Eliminating processed foods/inflammatory bowel disease diet.
Diets high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and processed meats are associated with higher IBD rates. In contrast, an IBD-friendly diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, vitamins, and nutrients can help restore gut health and improve symptoms.
Mindfulness and healthy lifestyle changes.
Factors like obesity, high stress, and poor sleep can trigger or worsen IBD by increasing inflammation. Mindfulness practices and lifestyle changes, such as yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation, can support both physical and psychological wellbeing for people with IBD.
Are you ready for a personalized, natural functional medicine treatment? Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Schedule a consultation today!
FAQs.
What is the difference between IBD and IBS?
Our functional medicine practitioner can use functional testing to determine whether you are experiencing inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition that causes recurrent inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, irritable bowel syndrome involves a range of symptoms that can arise due to disruptions in the microbiome. Based on the results, she can then design a personalized, natural treatment plan to address your specific IBD or IBS needs.
What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?
Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. While Crohn’s can impact any part of the digestive system from mouth to anus and penetrate the full thickness of the intestinal wall, ulcerative colitis typically only affects the mucosal lining of the large intestine and rectum.
When it comes to ulcerative colitis, the best alternative treatment options for you will depend on the root causes of your specific symptoms. Your healthcare provider can work with you to tailor an approach that addresses your unique needs.
How does functional medicine treat inflammatory bowel disease?
The functional medicine approach uses natural treatment strategies to address Crohn’s disease. Similar methods are employed for ulcerative colitis, with both approaches grounded in the latest scientific studies.
An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diet, herbal medicines, natural supplements, probiotics, prebiotics, and lifestyle changes are all part of the latest treatment strategies for both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Importantly, these treatments aim to address you as a whole person.
Identifying your unique underlying causes will guide the treatment strategy. Since no two people are alike, the overall treatment goals will likely include:
- Reducing exposure to triggers
- Lowering inflammation throughout the body
- Improving the immune response
- Increasing the body’s resources to restore and prevent flare-ups
- Increasing microbiome diversity