How to look for signs of IBD and what foods you might need to avoid

To raise awareness of the debilitating conditions of Crohn’s and colitis, we explore the signs and symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and how our in-store naturopaths can help support those suffering.

Both crohn’s and colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, affect the bowel. Crohn’s causes inflammation in the full thickness of the bowel wall at any part of the digestive tract, whereas colitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the large bowel.

IBD can have an impact on the day-to-day life of sufferers. Research indicates that people with IBD are three times as likely to require sick leave, may have difficulty concentrating due to abdominal pain, suffer from poor sleep or experience depression and/or anxiety as a result of the disease.

What are the signs?

IBD can present in a number of ways. Common symptoms include diarrhoea or constipation (or general altered bowel movements), nausea, stomach pain or cramping, weight loss, delayed physical growth (in children), mouth sores, pain around the anus due to inflammation, and fatigue.

Sadly, as a result of nutrient deficiencies, it is often accompanied by other conditions such as anaemia. Complications such as joint inflammation, skin problems and fistulas can also arise as a result of chronic illness.

Is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Whilst both conditions have similar symptoms, IBS and IBD are different in their severity and will be treated differently by the healthcare team.

IBS (a syndrome) is considered a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that does not cause inflammation. Like IBD, IBS can still be uncomfortable for the sufferer and can affect their quality of life, particularly when symptoms are present. Whilst still a chronic disorder, IBS can often be managed with diet and lifestyle modifications.

In contrast, IBD is a disease that causes inflammation of the intestines and can cause permanent damage. Unlike IBS, IBD can be a risk factor for colon cancer. Treatment for IBD can include anti-inflammatory medication and sometimes surgery.

How long does IBD last for?

Unfortunately, IBD is not curable and attacks can last for days, weeks or months at a time. However, symptoms may come and go and diet and lifestyle management may help reduce the frequency, severity and duration of IBD attacks.

What is the cause?

The cause of IBD is unknown. However, research suggests that IBD could be brought on by a surplus of bacteria in the intestines after a virus with severe diarrhoea. IBD could also be the result of stress, changes in the gut microbes and/or abnormalities in the nervous system.

What foods should be avoided?

Whilst there is no evidence to suggest that IBD is caused by particular foods or food allergies, many IBD sufferers find that making some adjustments to their diet can lessen the symptoms of IBD. A naturopath can work with IBD sufferers to help identify specific foods that could be contributing to their inflammation.

Many people find that the following foods can exacerbate their symptoms:

• Dairy
• Fatty, greasy or fried foods
• Spicy foods
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans and corn
• Caffeinated/sugary drinks
• Alcohol
• Raw, high-fibre foods

Can a naturopath help treat IBD?

In private consultations, our naturopathic team can help support IBD sufferers by reviewing colonoscopy/endoscopy reports, CT/MRI/X-ray, stool studies and blood tests.

Our naturopaths can also request further testing for things such as Calprotectin (to detect inflammation and some bacterial infections), Complete Microbiome Mapping Testing (to look for microbes that could be causing disease or disrupting normal microbial balance) or PCR Parasite Stool Testing (to test for parasites). The naturopath may also order tests to investigate possible nutrient and vitamin deficiencies.

A naturopath can be part of a wider health team for IBD sufferers by prescribing herbal remedies to help reduce inflammation, supporting any other medications that the sufferer may be prescribed; and supplementing the diet with vitamins in which the patient may be deficient.

The naturopath can also support the client by providing dietary advice and also address other health concerns (such as mental health or stress) that may be a by-product of living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.