Crohn's Disease:
A Functional Medicine Approach
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It’s characterized by inflammation, deep ulcerations, and a “cobblestone” appearance of the intestinal lining. At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, Dr. Tiffani Fries understands the challenges of living with Crohn’s and offers a functional medicine approach to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve your quality of life.
Understanding Crohn's Disease
While the exact cause of Crohn’s is unknown, it’s believed to be a result of an overactive immune response triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and microbial factors. This leads to chronic inflammation in the GI tract, causing a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.
Common Symptoms of Crohn's Disease:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Anal fissures or fistulas
- Nutrient deficiencies
The Salt Lake Functional Medicine Approach to Crohn's
Dr. Fries, DC takes a comprehensive, individualized approach to managing Crohn’s disease. She focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to gut inflammation, such as:
Gut Dysbiosis:
An imbalance in the gut microbiome.
Food Sensitivities:
Identifying and eliminating foods that may be triggering inflammation.
Leaky Gut Syndrome:
Addressing increased intestinal permeability.
Chronic Stress:
Managing stress levels, which can exacerbate Crohn's symptoms
Nutrient Deficiencies:
Correcting deficiencies that may be contributing to inflammation or malabsorption.
Hidden Infections:
Identifying and treating any underlying infections that could be contributing to immune dysregulation.
Personalized Support Plans:
Based on a thorough evaluation and advanced testing (if needed), Dr. Fries, DC develops personalized treatment plans that may include:
Dietary Modifications:
Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet tailored to your specific needs, potentially including elements of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), Paleo diet, or other specialized diets.
Targeted Supplementation:
Utilizing specific supplements to address nutrient deficiencies, support gut healing, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune system.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
Incorporating stress-reduction techniques, improving sleep hygiene, and addressing other lifestyle factors that can influence Crohn's.
Working Towards Remission
At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, the goal is to help you achieve and maintain remission from Crohn’s disease. We believe that by addressing the root causes of inflammation and supporting your body’s natural healing processes, you can experience significant symptom improvement and a better quality of life.
