Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term encompassing two conditions: Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis. Both involve chronic inflammation of the GI tract. The immune system is heavily involved in IBD. Both Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis are considered autoimmune conditions.

The infographic below has been sourced from Crohn's & Colitis UK.

Primary Conventional Medical Treatments for IBD may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Immune medications (E.g. Biologics or TNF-alpha inhibitors such as: Remicade, Humira, etc.)

Naturopathic Management to support IBD treatments include:

• Dietary modifications (reducing inflammation)

• Optimal Nutrition

• Lifestyle modifications

• Stress Management & Mental-Emotional Support

• Nutrient support, if required

• Acupuncture for adjunctive support

• Select supplements recommended on an individualized basis depending on medications

Conventional medical treatments are important and may prove to be beneficial for individuals undergoing treatments for IBD. Naturopathic Medicine may help support those interventions.

**Please note: Not all supplements are safe to take with prescribed medications - certain products may reduce the effectiveness of the immune medications used in IBD treatments. Please speak with your health provider prior to beginning any therapies.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance