Healing from Within: Unraveling the Functional Medicine Approach to IBD Management
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex condition that affects the digestive system, causing discomfort and disrupting daily life. A recent study found nearly 1 in 100 Americans have inflammatory bowel disease. The disorder is growing quickly in the United States.
The research shows an estimated 2.4 million Americans have some form of IBD. Studies show up to 56,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Let’s delve into how to approach IBD management—through the lens of functional medicine, emphasizing the body’s internal healing process.
Understanding IBD: What Causes the Onset?
IBD, like a puzzle, has many pieces that contribute to its development. Some people have a family history of IBD, which can make them more likely to get it. Environmental factors, like what we eat and our surroundings, also play a role. Our body’s defense system called the immune system, sometimes gets confused and attacks the digestive system, leading to inflammation.
What causes IBD?
As with most autoimmune disorders, the underlying cause of IBD is linked to certain triggers that enable a scenario in which the body begins to attack itself. These triggers can include:
- Food allergies
- High sugar diet
- Low fiber intake
- Parasites
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Stress
- Overuse of antibiotics
- Anti-depressants
- Prescription medications
Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s Disease: Unraveling the Nuances
Think of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease as two cousins with different habits. They both cause trouble in the digestive tract, but Ulcerative Colitis stays in one area, causing inflammation in the colon. On the other hand, Crohn’s Disease can pop up anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the end, causing various symptoms. Knowing the differences helps doctors figure out the best way to help.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease share many symptoms, including:
- Lower right side abdominal pain and tenderness in Crohn’s disease
- Lower left side abdominal pain and tenderness in ulcerative colitis
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mucus in stools
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Colon disfigurement
- Mouth ulcers
- Rectal pain
- Weight loss
- Anorexia
- Headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Failure to thrive in children
Dr. Anju Mathur: Pioneering Integrative Medicine for IBD
Meet Dr. Anju Mathur, an expert in a special kind of medicine called integrative medicine, a discipline focused on understanding the interconnectedness of bodily systems. She’s like a health detective, trying to find the root causes of IBD. Dr. Mathur doesn’t just treat the symptoms; she wants to understand why they happen in the first place. This approach helps in creating a plan that not only manages the symptoms but also works on making the body healthier overall.
Dr. Mathur’s approach extends beyond symptom management; she seeks to uncover the fundamental causes of IBD, providing a comprehensive protocol designed to enhance overall health.
Genevieve was suffering with Crohn’s disease for 17 years with no relief and no help from conventional medicine, despite multiple protocols. Listen to her story about how she found a solution at Angel Longevity Medical Center with Dr. Mathur.
“I was kind of a skeptic… we did some metabolic testing which helps me to eat right for my body…Afterwards I felt different than I did with conventional medicine…I don’t get body aches anymore, I get better rest. I feel more energized.”
The Holistic Analysis: Uncovering Root Causes with Dr. Mathur
Dr. Mathur has a program called “Back to Wellness.” It’s a comprehensive health assessment which is like a health checkup that looks at everything. The program looks at how our digestive system works, our immune system, and even our hormonal system. She checks what we eat, how we handle stress, and our daily routines. This way, she can find out what might be causing the inflammation in our bowels. It’s like solving a mystery to help people feel better.
Customized Healing Programs: Tailoring Solutions for Individual Well-being
Dr. Mathur doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, she creates special plans for each person, like a personalized roadmap to better health. By understanding what might be triggering the inflammation, she helps people make changes in their diet and lifestyle. It’s like giving the body the right tools to heal itself. This individualized approach aims to bring back healthy digestion and reduce inflammation for each person.
Embarking on Dr. Mathur’s comprehensive healing programs, patients can anticipate a unique IBD program and experience. The following therapies may be recommended to improve IBD:
IV Therapy: This involves nutrient infusions to boost immune function by providing the body with high amounts of essential nutrients.
Chelation Therapy: Aimed at removing toxic heavy metals, this therapy facilitates organ function at a higher level.
Phospholipid Exchange Therapy: Operating at the cellular level, this therapy aids in toxin removal, potentially improving symptoms associated with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation: This therapy may energize the body and enhance immune function, contributing to the overall healing process.
These therapies form a comprehensive approach to IBD, targeting different aspects to promote optimal health.
In wrapping up our journey into the functional medicine approach to managing IBD, it’s essential to understand that our bodies have incredible healing powers. Functional medicine, as shown by Dr. Anju Mathur, taps into these powers by finding and fixing the root causes. It’s like giving the body the support it needs to get back on track.
Consider exploring personalized healing options, like those offered by Dr. Mathur, and thinking about the body’s holistic perspective in the quest for improved digestive health. After all, the road to healing often starts from within.
Inflammatory bowel disease physician, Dr. Anju Mathur, has helped countless men and women regain their health through customized “Back to Wellness Programs.” Her integrative approach relieves gastrointestinal inflammation and restores optimal wellness. To learn more about overcoming the symptoms that are associated with IBD, please call Dr. Mathur at (818) 961-2055 for a complimentary phone consultation and to schedule an appointment.
