IBD
Updated Nov. 25th, 2022
There are two major conditions that fall under the umbrella term "Inflammatory Bowel Disease", which covers a group of disorders that cause the intestines to become inflamed, and often ulcerated. Colitis and Crohn's Disease are the two main types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Both conditions involve ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, although colitis is limited to the colon (by definition), while Crohn's can affect the entire digestive tract. Both conditions have periods of "flare" when the disease is active and many of the inflammatory and digestive symptoms are present, and then times of remission, when many or all of the symptoms resolve.
Causes of IBD
The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is not yet known, but there are many theories for the cause of each type. In general, most physicians attribute the inflammation to either infectious or autoimmune reactions. Some cases are thought to be caused by overgrowth of known pathogens, either due to dietary imbalance or due to repeated antibiotic treatments. Other cases are thought to be due to autoimmune disease, which involves the body accidentally attacking its own cells. Ultimately, the root of this group of diseases is not yet known, although some suggest that genetics, food sensitivities, and mental-emotional wellbeing all play a role. In each case the symptoms are due to an overactive immune response in the gastrointestinal tract that continues out of control.
Mental-Emotional Connection
Many colitis sufferers will mention a connection between their symptoms and their current mental-emotional state, particularly their level of stress, and worry. Because of this, tackling the emotional aspects of colitis should also be a priority. Reducing stress and increasing exercise promotes proper bowel functioning and helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. For more information on tips for stress reduction, please click here.
Signs and Symptoms
IBD presents with urgency, bloody diarrhea, and cramping abdominal pain, as well as systemic symptoms such as: fever, weight loss, and anemia. Each subtype may have unique additional symptoms depending on the person and the severity of their case. In both Crohn's and Colitis there are varying periods of remission, and periods of aggravation of symptoms, known as "flares". Symptoms of IBD can also occur outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as: arthritis, rashes, dermatitis, bone loss, eye inflammation, and liver and kidney disorders. Both forms of inflammatory bowel disease overlap significantly in their symptoms, and the only definitive way to diagnose and distinguish them is by doing a colonoscopy with biopsy. This will also rule out other causes of cramping and diarrhea such as infection.
Complications
Because of the large amount of inflammation and ulceration in IBD, a number of complications can occur. The most common of these are: blood loss, and perforation (rupture) of the colon. Other complications are unique to each condition.
Conventional Treatment
Conventional treatment of colitis involves the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medications. Although these medications may decrease the symptoms, they do not address the root cause of the problem. They may also contribute to nutrient deficiencies. Signs of nutrient deficiencies can include: clouded thinking, dizziness, hair loss, brittle hair and nails, flaking skin, and fatigue. Some medications have side effects associated with suppression of the immune system such as increased risk of bacterial and viral infections.
Supplements for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There are a wide variety of supplements that can benefit IBD patients. It is very important to time them appropriately. Supplements that are beneficial during remission can be problematic during a flare. In general, treatments targeted at reducing Leaky Gut, can also significantly help to reduce colitis flares. See below for a step-by-step guide at repairing the gut lining.
REDUCING GUT INFLAMMATION
There are a number of supplements that can reduce gut inflammation, but some of the best are:
Fish Oil
This oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve mood, thin the blood, and reduce blood pressure. For more information on fish oil, please click here.
Boswellia
This herb is renowned for its ability to reduce systemic inflammation in the body. Although it has been most thoroughly researched for the treatment of arthritis, its use can be expanded to other inflammatory conditions. For more information on Boswellia, please click here.
Curcumin
Another herb that has been established for its anti-inflammatory properties, Curcumin (turmeric) can be added to your cooking or supplemented directly as a great way to reduce any inflammation in your gut. For more information on curcumin, please click here.
HEALING THE GUT
There are a number of supplements that can help to reduce inflammation and speed the healing of the gut lining.
L-Glutamine
This amino acid can be considered the single most important supplement for restoring the integrity of the gut lining. It is a major food source for the enterocytes, and providing food allows them to replicate and heal regions of damage. For more information on Glutamine, please click here.
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)
Licorice is a soothing and healing herb that can soothe the intestinal lining directly and also acts to regulate the immune system and help calm any ongoing inflammation. For more information on DGL, please click here.
Demulcents
This class of herbs coat and protect the intestinal lining from any further damage. By protecting the lining, they give the enterocytes time to heal. Some examples are marshmallow, and slippery elm. For more information on marshmallow, please click here. For more information on slippery elm, please click here.
Preventing a Repeat Problem
Once the gut has been repaired, it is important to help it maintain its integrity after this intensive healing regime.One important means of doing this is by supplementing a probiotic. Probiotics help the body to properly digest food, and also protect against colonization with "bad" bacteria and yeast. They can also help to reduce the immune response to gut contents, and thus help to keep the immune system in check. For more information on the benefits of probiotics, please click here. In addition to preventative supplementation, diet and lifestyle changes are essential to maintaining periods of remission for as long as possible. Reducing or better coping with stress, eating well, and exercising are all essential to maintaining health in those at risk for IBD.
This is a function of Autoimmune. ( see my comment in “Autoimmune Disease” article ). It all started for me with a mysterious spasm that would randomly occur in my large colon. Years later after my whole body fell apart due to full blown autoimmune did i start to understand. It all began with a huge and prolonged increase in emotional stress. These articles seem to be too general. It IS MEDICALLY proven as well as by my experience that stress greatly damages our gut bacteria balance ( some people more than others ), and if not addressed can set off a cascade of autoimmune problems, as it did with me. I acquired multiple body malfunctions including brain fog, depression, poor concentration and memory issues as well as muscle and joint problems, plugged heart at 36 years old, and random inflammation throughout my body. Eye and ear problems as well. All quite sudden and unexplained by the doctors, in me a 40 year old previously healthy guy. Over time as i educated myself, i learned KEY repairs for IBS as well as all of my other issues.
1). Fix gut. Kill bad bacteria and yeasts and REPLACE with high potent and diverse good bacteria. Don’ t play with low level stuff. Take a good multi-blend of 100 billion cfu per day. Learn what strains target your area of gut that is in need. Good bacteria fed daily with leafy greens and psyllium produce ENZYMES which are critical in autoimmune disease.
2). Learn about your worst enemy: Histamine and fight it.
3) Take Serrapeptase. This is proven to “eat” the rogue proteins in our body that cause pain and inflammation. They also degrade histamine!!
4). Juice dark leafy greens daily
5). Do full body stretches or even Yoga. It does wonders.
Eat well, exercise and get a handle on stress.
Defeat this.
Hello Gary,
Thank you for sharing your story and tips on what's helped you battle digestive issues. Our digestive system and gut health is a very delicate balance and requires proper nourishment as you've stated. If you'd like to learn more about probiotics, check out our other articles on supplements too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/probiotics/
Stay healthy & happy!