What are Crohn’s disease symptoms?

Understanding Crohn’s Disease Symptoms with an Integrative Lens

Crohn’s disease is more than a digestive disorder—it’s a complex, systemic condition that impacts the immune system, gut integrity, nutrient absorption, and overall vitality. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go deeper than managing flare-ups. Our integrative approach combines conventional gastroenterology with holistic and functional medicine to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and restore your long-term digestive health.

We don’t just treat your intestines—we treat you as a whole person.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes irritation and ulceration in the digestive tract—most commonly the small intestine and colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from mouth to anus, and involves deeper layers of the intestinal wall.

Crohn’s is believed to be autoimmune in nature and influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Common Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s symptoms can vary based on the location and severity of inflammation, but common signs include:

Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, diet, medications, or environmental toxins.

Why Do You Have Crohn’s? Root Cause Insights

In functional medicine, we aim to uncover the “why” behind your symptoms—not just suppress them. Common root causes of Crohn’s disease include:

  • Dysbiosis (gut microbiome imbalance)
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Chronic infections (e.g., parasites, Candida, SIBO)
  • Autoimmune dysregulation
  • Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, soy)
  • Heavy metal or mold toxicity
  • Chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B12, D, magnesium)
  • Genetic predispositions (e.g., NOD2, ATG16L1)

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To fully understand what’s triggering your symptoms, we offer cutting-edge labs, including

Comprehensive stool analysis (microbiome, inflammation, infection markers)

Food sensitivity panels (IgG, IgA)

Organic acids testing for gut health and nutrient status

Autoimmune marker panels

Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) testing

SIBO breath testing

Adrenal stress and cortisol testing

Genetic testing and methylation profile

Integrative Treatments for Crohn’s Disease

Personalized Nutrition Plans

  • Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
  • Autoimmune Paleo Protocol (AIP)
  • Low-FODMAP diet for symptom relief
  • Elimination diet to uncover triggers
  • Nutritional repletion with key vitamins and minerals

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

  • L-glutamine (gut lining repair)
  • Curcumin (anti-inflammatory)
  • Probiotics & Prebiotics (microbiome support)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Zinc carnosine, aloe vera, marshmallow root

IV Nutrient Therapy

  • Vitamin C
  • Magnesium
  • B-complex
  • Glutathione
  • Amino acids

Stress & Immune Modulation

  • Acupuncture
  • Guided meditation
  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Biofeedback and emotional detox techniques

Gut Healing & Detox

  • Parasite cleansing protocols
  • Antifungal or antimicrobial treatments for SIBO or Candida
  • Mold detox and heavy metal chelation (when applicable)
  • Glutathione and binder support for toxin removal

Hormonal and Adrenal Support

  • Cortisol/DHEA balancing
  • Thyroid optimization
  • Female and male hormone panels

Real Case Study: Samir’s Healing from the Inside Out

Samir, a 33-year-old finance executive, came to us with severe bloating, cramping, and fatigue. After years of corticosteroids and antibiotics, Crohn’s symptoms were out of control. He was anxious, underweight, and dependent on medication.

Advanced testing revealed:

  • Leaky gut and dysbiosis
  • Elevated inflammatory markers
  • Gluten and dairy intolerance
  • High cortisol with adrenal burnout

We implemented a 4-month protocol:

  • Gut-healing diet (AIP-based)
  • Anti-inflammatory IV infusions
  • Herbal antimicrobials
  • Adaptogen and probiotic therapy
  • Bioidentical hormone support

Results: By month four, his flares reduced by 80%, weight returned, and he tapered off immunosuppressants under supervision.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Early symptoms may include chronic diarrhea, unexplained abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and bloating. Some patients also notice mouth sores or low-grade fever.

Yes. Crohn’s often flares up in cycles. Symptoms may disappear for weeks or months, then return suddenly. Managing triggers can help reduce flare frequency.

Common triggers include dairy, gluten, processed foods, fried items, spicy dishes, and high-fiber raw vegetables. Food sensitivities vary by individual, so testing and elimination diets help pinpoint culprits.

IBS is a functional disorder without inflammation, whereas Crohn’s is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that can cause lasting damage to the gut.

Absolutely. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, disrupts gut function, and can lead to flare-ups. Managing stress is a key part of our integrative approach.

Anti-inflammatories like turmeric, omega-3s, L-glutamine, probiotics, and vitamin D may help reduce symptoms—but always under medical supervision.

Yes. It’s considered autoimmune, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the GI tract, leading to chronic inflammation.

Functional tests like stool microbiome analysis, food sensitivity panels, leaky gut markers, cortisol levels, and nutrient profiles help uncover hidden triggers.

Many patients benefit from a natural and integrative approach. While medications may be necessary for some, others can reduce dependency through diet, supplements, and gut healing protocols.

Yes. We work with your GI doctor to provide complementary support that enhances your overall well-being and can reduce the frequency and severity of flares.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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