Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. The symptoms of these two illnesses can be very similar, which often makes it difficult to distinguish between the two. These symptoms include persistant diarrhea and/or constipation, rectal bleeding and/or blood in the stool, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue.

What causes it?

The cause of inflammatory bowel disease remains unknown. However, current research indicates that the inflammation involves a complex interaction of factors including genetics, an over-reactive immune system, altered microbiota and/or chronic infection or antigens in the environment.

Finding a solution.

The first step to treating IBD is to look for an identify your key triggers.  Do you have any food intolerances? Even what one thinks is a healthy diet may not be if it includes foods that you are sensitive or allergic to.  Do you have poorly controlled stress affecting your cortisol levels (the body’s anti-inflammatory hormone), have you been on many courses of antibiotics and therefore have an altered gut microbiome?   Determining your unique triggers gets you one step closer to knowing which treatment options will work best.

Conventional approaches:

Anti-Inflammatory medication such as NSAIDs (e.g. prednisone and/or biologics) are commonly used to relieve the symptoms of IBD. Methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug) is often used to control the inflammation. Laxatives may be prescribed to help to relieve constipation however can have a worsening effect on stomach pain and cramping. These medications can be very helpful in times of acute flare-ups however improving the health of your digestive tract is key to providing long lasting change. 

Our Integrative Approach to Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

The Naturopathic Doctors at KIH will assess you and run the necessary diagnostic tests required to identify your associated triggers. They will also formulate specific treatment plans that include nutritional counselling, natural supplement recommendations and/or lifestyle modifications to help create better digestive health and eliminate or reduce unpleasant symptoms and medications.

More detailed menu planning can also be helpful to those suffering from IBD. Seeing the meals laid out in a practical plan is often just what they need to feel more confident knowing they are making healthy nutritional choices.

Read on for more detailed information about our integrative digestive treatment plans:

KIH Naturopathic Doctors:

Treatments are performed in the clinic by one of the below Naturopathic Doctors.

Dr. Sarah Tayebi, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Susan Slipacoff, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Jessica Cardona, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Natalie Stalteri, ND
Naturopathic Doctor