IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease
Dr. Kolotinsky’s Naturopathic Medicine approach to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) emphasizes holistically the importance of disease prevention and treatment of symptoms. The goal is to provide a comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of health and well-being for his patients utilizing therapies such as acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, diet and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive tract. The two main types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis. Both involve inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and other symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain & discomfort
- Blood in your stool
- Gas & Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Mucus in the stool
- An urgent need to have a bowel movement and a feeling of incomplete evacuation
There are additional symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that may seem unrelated to the gut, including:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Joint pain
- Skin conditions such as rashes or lesions
What are the Different Types of IBD?
The two most common types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Other types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) include microscopic colitis, indeterminate colitis, collagenous colitis, lymphoid nodular hyperplasia, and Behçet’s disease. Each type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can affect a person differently and requires different treatments, so it is important to understand the symptoms of each condition. Additionally, co-existing diseases or other medical conditions may influence a person’s experience with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
What are the Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
The exact cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is unknown. However, many factors are believed to be involved in its development. These include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and certain medications
- An abnormal response of the body’s immune system to the bacteria that normally reside in the digestive tract.
Additionally, research suggests that a person’s intestinal microbiome may also play a role in the development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
An Naturopathic Medicine Approach to Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Naturopathic medicine combines traditional healing techniques with modern science to treat inflammatory disorders of the digestive system, such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis. It is important to understand that Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex condition requiring a holistic treatment approach. A Naturopathic Medicine approach utilizes multiple modalities, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, herbs and supplements, and mind-body medicine, to help treat the underlying causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
For those who suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), an Naturopathic Medicine approach helps by combining conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies. This combination of treatments can provide more comprehensive and effective care that addresses the physical symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and the emotional and psychological aspects of living with a chronic condition. Naturopathic Medicine approaches include lifestyle modifications such as diet, stress reduction techniques, exercise programs, mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation, and nutritional supplements.
Supplementation
Dr. Kolotinsky works with each patient to create a holistic treatment plan that supports better outcomes for those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and draws on the blend of modalities that includes naturopathic medicine, homeopathy, and other natural therapies, offering a customized and effective approach to care.
Some common herbal supplements for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) include:
- Slippery Elm Bark
- Marshmallow Root
- Cat’s Claw
- Licorice Root
Diet
Dietary guidelines for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) from a naturopathic perspective focus on the elimination of foods that can aggravate symptoms, as well as those that may contribute to disease progression. Elimination diets often include removing common food allergens while adding natural anti-inflammatory foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and proteins, whole grains, and fermented foods.
Ultimately, the best diet for managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) depends on each individual’s symptoms and triggers. By following recommended dietary guidelines and working with Dr. Kolotinsky, you can take steps toward reducing the severity of your Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) symptoms and living a healthier lifestyle overall.
Dr. Kolotinsky believes education is key to your healing journey. While working together, you’ll learn how to heal, better listen to your body, understand the signals it sends you, and manage your health through simple and achievable lifestyle changes.
Your Custom Care Plan
Dr. Kolotinsky understands that each patient’s needs are unique and require individualized treatment plans. That’s why he provides your own custom care plan for treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Healing from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a process, and Dr. Kolotinsky’s customized care plan helps you make that journey. Through a holistic approach to patient care, each patient receives a personalized treatment strategy with their individual needs in mind. Dr. Kolotinsky knows from working with hundreds of patients and his experience with digestive imbalances that a customized and comprehensive approach is essential for long-term success.
Every patient has unique needs, and your customized Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) management plan will create a plan of action that works best for you, your goals, and your overall lifestyle.
