Crohn's Disease

What Does It Mean?

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by immune system dysregulation leading to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It primarily affects the small intestine and colon but can involve any part of the digestive tract. The disease is often associated with gut dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation.

How Did We Get There?

Root Cause

Gut Dysbiosis – An imbalance of gut bacteria leads to immune activation and chronic inflammation.
Intestinal Permeability ("Leaky Gut") – Disrupted tight junctions allow toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream, exacerbating immune responses.
Dysregulated Immune Response – Overactivation of the immune system results in continuous inflammation of the GI tract.
Chronic Infections – Underlying bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger autoimmune-like responses.
Nutritional Deficiencies – Deficiencies in key vitamins (B12, D, folate) and minerals (iron, zinc) worsen symptoms.
Genetic & Environmental Triggers – While genetics play a role, diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can trigger disease onset.

Signs & Symptoms

Patients with Crohn’s Disease typically present with:

Chronic diarrhea (often with blood and mucus)
Abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating
Unintentional weight loss and malnutrition
Fatigue and systemic inflammation
Oral ulcers
Joint pain and skin rashes (extraintestinal manifestations)

How Do We Treat It?

Functional Medicine aims to address the root cause of Crohn’s Disease by reducing inflammation, restoring gut integrity, and rebalancing the microbiome.

Supplement Protocol

Supplement	Function	Dosage & Frequency
Advanced Vita-Biotic R	Supports gut microbiome & immune function	1 capsule with food daily
Endura	Electrolyte balance & hydration support	1 packet with or without food, twice daily
D-Mannose Powder	Prevents bacterial adhesion to gut lining	1 tsp of powder with food, twice, daily
Vita-Digestyzyme	Supports digestion & enzymatic function	2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily
Vita-Candid	Antifungal & microbiome support	2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily
CoQ-10 300 mg	Mitochondrial & cardiovascular support	2 capsules with food, daily
V-Inflamma	Reduces systemic inflammation	1 capsule without food, daily
Vita DIM	Hormonal & detoxification support	2 capsules with or without food, daily
Vita Defense	Immune system support	1 capsule without food, daily
Vita-Glutathione	Antioxidant & cellular detoxification	1 capsule with or without food, daily
V-Pax	Neurotransmitter & adrenal support	2 capsules with food, twice daily
Vita B Methyl	Supports methylation & energy production	1 capsule without food, daily
Magnesium	Supports muscle function & relaxation	2 capsule with or without food, daily
V-Collagen	Supports gut lining & joint health	1 scoop of powder without food, daily
SBI Powder	Immunoglobulin support for gut healing	1 scoop of powder in cold liquids, daily
Gluta Protect	Antioxidant & gut barrier protection	1 scoop of powder without food, daily
Vita Microbe	Comprehensive probiotic support	3 capsules with or without food, daily
Vita Buffered C Powder	Immune & antioxidant support	¼ scoop of powder with food, daily
Vita-Biotic	Supports microbiome balance	4 capsule without food, daily
Vita-Flux	Nitric oxide & vascular health support	2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Eliminate processed foods, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar while increasing fiber, healthy fats, and omega-3s.
Gut Healing Strategies: Include bone broth, aloe vera, and glutamine for mucosal repair.
Stress Management: Mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises to lower cortisol and inflammation.
Identify Food Triggers: Personalized elimination diet to remove common irritants (e.g., nightshades, high FODMAPs).
Optimize Sleep & Movement: Ensure restorative sleep and incorporate gentle movement to support immune balance.