Why A Functional Medicine Approach to Crohns May Benefit You

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory illness that affects the bowels and digestive tract. Inflammation develops inside the lining of the bowels which become tender and irritated. The inflammation can occur at any point in the bowels and at different levels of severity. Severity often increases over time and spreads throughout deeper layers of the intestinal tract. The symptoms occur often and are also linked to other health conditions.

What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from person to person. Individuals usually experience digestive upset followed by frequent trips to the restroom. Symptoms appear in different forms including:

• Frequent abdominal cramping
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Bloody Stool
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Nutrient Deficiencies
• Brittle Nails
• Hair Loss
• Depression

And in severe cases:  

• Fever
• Perianal Fistulas
• Bowel Perforations
• Bowel Obstructions
• Distended Abdomen

Who Is At Risk?

It is always important to speak with your doctor about these symptoms. This disease seems to affect younger people more often. There are people who are at greater risk of developing Crohn’s disease.

• Cigarette Smokers. Cigarette smokers are at the highest risk for developing Crohn’s disease. Tobacco and nicotine damage the digestive system.
• Stress. Individuals who suffer from chronic stress such as those with high anxiety or PTSD.
• Young People. Younger people are more at risk of developing this condition. Many people receive a diagnosis in their early 30’s.
• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Use. Those who take anti-inflammatory medications have a higher risk of developing this disease. Drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac sodium can lead to inflammation of the bowels. This does not cause Crohn’s disease but can make this disease worse.

Causes of Crohn’s Disease?

The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are someone unclear. Experts believe symptoms develop because of lifestyle choices and environmental influences. Though these affect the severity of the illness it is somewhat unclear how it originates. A large part of the immune system is believed to be located in the gut. There is a clear immune response in regards to Crohn’s symptoms and although many medical practitioners do not consider it to be an autoimmune issue, other functional health practitioners see Crohn’s  as an autoimmune condition. The immune system is in an immune-compromised state and does not function as it should.  Most autoimmune conditions occur because  one or more, or a combination of the following conditions exist: 1.Nutritional Imbalances 2.Food allergies and Food sensitivities 3. Chemical sensitivities or toxicity, and 4.  Microbial Imbalances

Can Crohn’s Disease Be Cured?

There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease. Individuals who reverse their illness may still suffer symptoms after stopping their treatment. Medications have been shown to improve ailments and quality of life for some individuals. But there are risks when treating with medication. Patients risk side effects of medication and chemical dependencies. There are no easy quick cures for this ailment. Others have taken the whole-body approach. Cultivating a healthy lifestyle can improve effects lifelong.

Why Functional Nutrition /Medicine Can Help You?

Many patients with Crohn’s disease report feeling frustrated with conventional medical protocols. Patients overwhelmed with drug risks and side effects want an alternative approach. Functional Nutrition practitioners are experts in alternative therapies.  Dr. Melvin Mashner,  has been a Chiropractic Physician in Mobile, Alabama for over 28 years.  Holistic practitioners like Dr. Mashner  find that when they help clients change their lifestyle,  they often help them change the severity of their diseases. Their education-based approach allows them to teach people steps they can take to help heal themselves.

Through his health coaching, Dr. Mashner suggests dietary and exercise plans to help restore digestive balance. Dr. Mashner has developed a patient-specific program called “Foundations”  and a more advanced “Premier” program. These programs utilize diagnostic tests, protocols, and procedures to help identify autoimmune triggers which may be contributing to the client symptoms. He then uses additional protocols to help the body deal with the identified stressors. Health coaching is a great way to stay accountable for healthy lifestyle choices. 

Contact Us

If you are struggling , then please consider how our Functional Nutrition ( often referred to as Functional Medicine) approach to health may help you. Please reach out to Dr. Mashner and his team  at The Gut Authority. Their holistic approach to health care has helped clients from Alabama, Southern Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle take charge of their health. Their approach may be what you are looking for.