Naturopathic Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The Naturopathic treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis combines root-level testing and therapies to heal chronic inflammation of the intestines. Testing begins with ruling out and treating parasites, candida, and SIBO. Evaluation of the microbiome for determining the presence of friendly and pathogenic bacteria is recommended as well. Treatment begins immediately and is modified as needed based on test results for parasites, SIBO, IgG food intolerances, and the microbiome. Treatment protocols for inflammatory bowel disease begin with five natural and highly researched anti-inflammatory protocols.
PEPTIDE THERAPY
The first therapy we add is peptide therapy called lorazotide. Lorazotide, a synthetic peptide, works by restoring the integrity of the intestinal barrier to help heal an inflamed intestine. It is primarily used to reduce intestinal permeability, commonly known as “leaky gut,” a condition that can exacerbate inflammation and trigger immune responses within the gut. This increase in permeability often results from stress, infections, or autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or IBD, which weaken the tight junctions between cells in the gut lining.
Lorazotide acts directly on these tight junctions, stabilizing and tightening them to prevent unwanted particles like bacteria, toxins, and undigested food from passing through the gut lining into the bloodstream. By enhancing the gut barrier’s function, lorazotide helps lower immune activation, which is often a response to foreign particles entering the bloodstream and causing widespread inflammation.
This reduction in gut permeability can lead to decreased inflammation and associated symptoms, supporting overall intestinal healing and symptom relief for those with conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Unlike other treatments that suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation, lorazotide focuses on targeting the gut barrier itself, offering a promising option that minimizes systemic effects. This mechanism makes lorazotide a valuable therapeutic approach for maintaining gut health in people with chronic intestinal inflammation or gut permeability issues.
HERBAL THERAPIES
The second line of therapy is an herbal approach created by leading gastroenterologists called Evinature. Evinature’s product line for treating inflammatory diseases, particularly focused on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), combines evidence-based supplements, dietary guidance, and lifestyle support to target the root causes of inflammation in the gut. This integrative approach aims to modulate the immune response, restore microbiome balance, enhance the integrity of the gut barrier, and alleviate symptoms associated with IBD, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Evinature’s protocols include supplements that have been researched for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gut-supportive properties. Each supplement is chosen for its potential to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and support long-term remission. Some core components include:
- Curcumin: Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound derived from turmeric. In Evinature’s product line, curcumin is often combined with piperine or black pepper extract to improve absorption. Curcumin has been shown in studies to inhibit inflammatory markers and pathways (such as NF-kB), which are often overactive in IBD. By reducing inflammation at the cellular level, curcumin can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall gut health.
- Boswellia Serrata: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Boswellia is an herbal extract from the frankincense tree. It is particularly beneficial for people with IBD because it targets leukotrienes, chemicals that play a key role in gut inflammation. Boswellia may offer a natural alternative to certain medications, as it has fewer side effects while still providing symptom relief and supporting the healing of inflamed gut tissues.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: The balance of the gut microbiome is essential for managing inflammation in the digestive system. Evinature’s products include strains of probiotics that are specifically chosen for their benefits in reducing gut inflammation and promoting mucosal healing. Key strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium help restore a healthy microbiome balance, improve digestion, and strengthen the intestinal barrier. These probiotics are often paired with prebiotics, non-digestible fibers that fuel the beneficial bacteria, further promoting microbiome resilience and reducing dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria).
One of the central issues in IBD is increased intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” where gaps in the gut lining allow harmful substances to enter the bloodstream. Evinature’s product line includes ingredients designed to support the structural integrity of the gut lining, helping reduce permeability. Glutamine, for example, is an amino acid included in some protocols as it serves as a primary fuel source for intestinal cells, promoting their regeneration and aiding in barrier maintenance. By strengthening the gut lining, these supplements help prevent harmful bacteria and toxins from crossing into the bloodstream, which could otherwise trigger immune responses and worsen inflammation.
Rather than solely addressing acute symptoms, Evinature’s product line is designed to support sustainable remission and long-term gut health. Supplements are recommended alongside lifestyle changes, stress management, and specific dietary adjustments, all of which contribute to a holistic approach to managing IBD. By reducing inflammation, restoring the microbiome, and strengthening the gut barrier, Evinature offers a multi-faceted approach to treating inflammatory diseases that promotes lasting symptom relief and improved quality of life. Protocols are developed by assistance from an online questionnaire offered at the Evinature website.
DIET INTERVENTION
The third line of therapy includes removing the two most inflammatory foods that react with many autoimmune diseases. This includes dairy and gluten. Initial allergy and food intolerance avoidance will last 3 months or at least 2 months beyond the time of interstitial symptom resolution. Evinature’s approach also involves dietary guidance tailored to individual needs. Anti-inflammatory foods, such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish oil or chia seeds), are encouraged, as they may help reduce the inflammation that characterizes IBD. Additionally, fiber-rich, prebiotic foods (for those who can tolerate them) are recommended to promote a diverse, healthy microbiome.
HORMONE THERAPY
The fourth and final protocol to follow is Estriol. Estriol, a form of estrogen, has shown promise in supporting the healing of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly through its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to modulate the immune system. Estriol is often considered a gentler estrogen, as it is less potent than estradiol, and it has been widely studied for its protective effects in autoimmune diseases and inflammation.
In the context of IBD, estriol supports healing by interacting with estrogen receptors in the immune and intestinal cells. Specifically, estriol can bind to estrogen receptors in the gut’s mucosal lining, which plays a significant role in regulating inflammation and immune response. By binding to these receptors, estriol helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, which are heavily involved in gut inflammation and tissue damage in IBD. Lower levels of these cytokines lead to a calmer, less inflamed gut environment that is more conducive to healing.
Moreover, estriol is thought to promote the integrity of the gut barrier. In IBD, the gut barrier often becomes compromised, leading to increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut,” where undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins can pass into the bloodstream, triggering further inflammation. Estriol’s effects on the epithelial cells of the intestinal lining help strengthen these cells and maintain tight junctions, reducing permeability and preventing harmful substances from crossing into the bloodstream.
Estriol also influences the gut microbiome, which is often imbalanced in individuals with IBD. While research on this is still emerging, some studies indicate that estrogen can promote beneficial bacteria and suppress pathogens, which can further support a balanced immune response in the gut.
Because of these properties, estriol is considered a potential supportive therapy for managing IBD, particularly for female patients who may experience hormonal fluctuations that impact their symptoms. Unlike some traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, estriol does not broadly suppress the immune system, making it a gentler alternative for promoting healing in inflammatory bowel disease. While it is not a standalone treatment, estriol can complement other therapies to help reduce inflammation, support gut barrier integrity, and promote a healthy microbiome, making it valuable in an integrative approach to IBD management.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown promising healing potential for various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which raises the oxygen levels in the bloodstream and tissues significantly. This oxygen-rich environment enhances cellular repair, decreases inflammation, and supports immune function, all of which can benefit individuals with chronic inflammation.
One primary way HBOT aids in healing is by promoting angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels—which increases blood flow to damaged tissues. Enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to affected areas, accelerating the healing of tissues damaged by chronic inflammation. For example, in conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which involve inflammation and ulcers in the intestines, HBOT can help promote mucosal healing and reduce symptoms. Studies have shown that HBOT may reduce the severity and frequency of IBD flare-ups and improve quality of life for some patients.
HBOT also has a unique ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. While oxygen is typically associated with creating free radicals, controlled hyperbaric conditions can actually help balance oxidative stress by improving cellular antioxidant defenses. Additionally, HBOT can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, which are known to drive inflammation in many chronic inflammatory diseases. By lowering these cytokine levels, HBOT helps calm inflammation and provides relief from pain and discomfort associated with inflammatory diseases.
HBOT may also aid in modulating the immune response. Increased oxygen levels boost the activity of white blood cells, which helps control infections and prevent the secondary infections that often accompany chronic inflammatory conditions. Enhanced immune function combined with lower inflammation can improve the body’s resilience and healing capabilities, offering long-term benefits for those with inflammatory diseases.
While HBOT is not a standalone cure, it can be a valuable adjunct therapy, often used alongside other treatments to provide comprehensive support for individuals with chronic inflammation. Its ability to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support immune health makes HBOT a versatile and promising tool in managing inflammatory diseases.
In conclusion, treatment of IBD includes peptides, herbal and hormonal therapies, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reduce inflammation in the intestines. Avoiding common food allergies or treating food intolerances based on IgG testing is often helpful. Adding therapies for parasites and balancing of the intestinal microbiome also add benefit by removing root triggers of inflammation. Combining the various alternative therapies will reduce intestinal inflammation as well as support healing of loose junctions.
At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, we are happy to help you on your journey of healing from Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Ready to begin treatment? Reach out today to get started!