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What Is IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes two primary conditions—Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis—that cause chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike functional gut disorders such as IBS, IBD involves measurable tissue inflammation, immune activation, and sometimes ulceration of the digestive lining. Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract (from mouth to anus) and often penetrates deep into the intestinal wall, while Ulcerative Colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum. Both conditions can cause pain, diarrhea, and long-term nutrient malabsorption if left unaddressed.
Common Symptoms of IBD
Main Symptoms
- Persistent or recurrent diarrhea, often with blood or mucus
- Abdominal pain or cramping, especially before bowel movements
- Fatigue, weakness, or unintended weight loss
- Loss of appetite or feelings of early fullness
Other Common Symptoms
- Bloating, gas, or irregular stool patterns
- Joint pain or skin rashes from systemic inflammation
- Periods of flare-ups alternating with remission
Less Common but Related Symptoms
- IBD can impact more than just digestion. Because of the gut’s role in immune regulation, chronic inflammation may affect the skin, eyes, or liver. Nutrient deficiencies in iron, B12, and vitamin D are common, contributing to fatigue and mood changes. Many patients also experience anxiety or depression potentially linked to chronic inflammation and the gut–brain connection.
What Causes IBD?
IBD develops from an overactive immune response that mistakenly attacks the digestive tract. While genetics and environment play a role, research shows that microbiome imbalance, diet, and immune dysregulation are key drivers. Common contributing factors include:
- Disruption of gut microbiota (from antibiotics, infections, or diet)
- Chronic stress or trauma altering immune signaling
- Gluten, dairy, or processed foods promoting intestinal inflammation
- Nutrient deficiencies impairing mucosal repair
- Environmental toxins or infections triggering immune overactivation
Conventional treatment often relies on steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics to control inflammation. For severe cases, surgery to move sections on the bowel might be recommended. While these can be necessary, unfortunately, they don’t address the why behind immune dysregulation. A functional approach attempts to look upstream and uncover contributing factors, with the hope of symptomatic relief.
How Clarity Health Approaches IBD
At Clarity Health, we take a root-cause, systems-based approach to IBD. Our goal is to reduce inflammation, repair the gut barrier, and rebalance the immune system naturally—while supporting you through any concurrent medical treatments. We blend advanced diagnostics, nutritional therapy, and mind–body support to help you regain control of your gut and overall wellbeing.
Our Approach Includes
- Precision Gut Testing – Comprehensive microbiome and inflammation analysis to map your unique gut environment.
- Robust Biomarker Panels – Measure nutrient deficiencies, immune activity, and oxidative stress levels.
- Expert Clinicians & Dietitians – A multidisciplinary team guiding you through a stepwise healing plan.
- Root-Cause AI Agents – Intelligent tools that connect lab findings with proven anti-inflammatory interventions.
Clarity Health Treatment Tools for IBD
Personalized treatment protocols may include:
- Anti-inflammatory and gut-repair nutrients
- Microbiome-balancing therapies and targeted probiotics
- Therapeutic diet modifications
- Nervous-system and stress regulation techniques
- Coordinated care with gastroenterologists for medication optimization
Next Steps
If you’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis and want to move beyond symptom management toward true healing, Clarity Health can help. Our functional-medicine model integrates root-cause diagnostics and precision care to calm inflammation, restore gut integrity, and support long-term remission.
- Join our waitlist to begin your personalized program.
- Not sure? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help.
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