What causes Crohn’s disease?

What does Endometriosis pain feel like?

Introduction: Why Crohn’s Needs a Root-Cause Approach

Crohn’s disease is a complex autoimmune and inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract, often causing pain, malabsorption, fatigue, and emotional distress. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take a holistic, functional medicine approach to understand why Crohn’s develops—so we can support your body’s healing process from the inside out.

We don’t just treat flare-ups. We target the triggers.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to chronic inflammation anywhere along the GI tract, from mouth to anus. It often affects the ileum (end of the small intestine) and can penetrate deep into the bowel wall.

Symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Weight loss and nutrient deficiencies
  • Fatigue and anemia
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Joint pain, skin issues, or mouth sores

Crohn’s is often cyclical—alternating between flare-ups and remission.

What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Crohn’s?

Functional medicine looks beneath the surface to explore the underlying reasons for inflammation and immune dysregulation. Key contributors include:

  • Gut dysbiosis – Imbalance of gut bacteria triggers inflammation
  • Leaky gut – Increased intestinal permeability allows toxins to enter the bloodstream
  • Genetics – Certain gene mutations (like NOD2) increase risk
  • Food sensitivities – Gluten, dairy, or processed foods may exacerbate symptoms
  • Chronic stress – Alters immune response and worsens flare-ups
  • Toxin exposure – Mold, pesticides, and heavy metals can disturb the gut-immune axis
  • Unresolved infections – Parasites, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or overgrowth of Candida
  • Autoimmune activation – A misdirected immune system attacking gut tissue

No two patients have the exact same triggers. That’s why personalized testing and treatment is key.

Advanced Testing at Patients Medical

To uncover what’s driving your Crohn’s, we offer:

Comprehensive stool tests (microbiome, infections, inflammation)

Food sensitivity testing

Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) panels

Inflammatory markers (CRP, calprotectin, ESR)

Autoimmune profiles

Cortisol rhythm testing for adrenal stress

Nutrient and mineral panels

Mycotoxin and heavy metal screening

Genetic susceptibility testing

Integrative Treatments for Crohn’s Disease

Nutritional Therapy

We tailor anti-inflammatory diets like SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet), Paleo Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), or Mediterranean diet to reduce flare-ups and promote gut repair.

  • Elimination of trigger foods (gluten, dairy, processed sugar)
  • Nutrient-dense meal planning for deficiencies (iron, B12, zinc)
  • Gut-healing foods like bone broth, omega-3s, and fermented vegetables

IV Vitamin Therapy

Targeted nutrient repletion through IVs may include:

  • B12 and iron for anemia
  • Vitamin D for immune regulation
  • Magnesium and glutathione for inflammation and detoxification

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We may recommend:

  • L-glutamine – Supports gut lining
  • Curcumin – Potent anti-inflammatory
  • Boswellia – Reduces intestinal swelling
  • Probiotics – Restores microbial balance
  • Omega-3s – Lowers inflammation

All supplements are medically dosed and physician-guided.

Stress & Immune Modulation

Chronic stress fuels autoimmunity. We incorporate:

  • Acupuncture
  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Mind-body practices like yoga

Hormone & Adrenal Support

Many Crohn’s patients experience hormone or adrenal fatigue. We offer testing and therapies for thyroid, cortisol, and sex hormone optimization.

Real Case Study: Jason’s Path to Remission

Jason, 29, had suffered from Crohn’s since college. Despite biologics and steroids, he experienced constant flares, joint pain, and severe fatigue.

Our root-cause testing found:

  • Candida overgrowth
  • Leaky gut
  • Elevated cortisol and low vitamin D
  • Gluten and dairy sensitivity

His 4-month integrative protocol included:

  • Gut-healing nutrition plan (grain-free, dairy-free)
  • High-potency probiotics and anti-Candida herbs
  • IV nutrient therapy
  • Stress management program
  • Cortisol regulation with adaptogens

Outcome: His symptoms decreased by 80%, he avoided further immunosuppressants, and his energy and digestion improved dramatically.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no “cure,” but many patients experience long-term remission with functional gut healing and immune support.

Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract and penetrate deeper; UC is limited to the colon lining.

Yes. Chronic stress activates immune pathways that exacerbate gut inflammation.

We support patients who choose conventional meds while also offering alternatives or complementary options.

Common triggers include gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods.

They restore microbial diversity and help modulate the immune system.

Yes. Many patients use botanical anti-inflammatories and immune modulators successfully.

Yes. Especially for fatigue, anemia, and nutrient deficiencies that come with absorption issues.

We test deeper—gut lining, infections, hormones, toxins, and immune markers—not just colonoscopy.

Most patients notice improvements in 4–8 weeks, with full protocols lasting 3–6 months for deep healing.

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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