Did you know that functional medicine and Toronto IV therapy can help you cope with digestive issues? This includes symptoms linked to Crohn’s disease, a health condition that’s anticipated to increase in Canada. 

As a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s is a chronic illness that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our country has one of the top rates globally for IBD illnesses – but the reasons why are uncertain. Scientists propose that the Western diet, environmental pollutants, frequent antibiotic use, smoking cigarettes, genes, and unhealthy gut bacteria could be factors behind these digestive health concerns.  

So, what exactly is Crohn’s disease? How can functional medicine and intravenous therapy drips have a critical role in disease management? We explain below, and how to reach the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) for a complete diagnostic session. 

What is Crohn’s Disease?

• As mentioned above, when you have Crohn’s disease, the digestive tract is riddled with chronic inflammation, which disrupts the human body’s ability to digest food and ideal amounts of nutrients. It can cause severe nutrient deficiencies because the body has a poor absorption of nutrients. Though Crohn’s affects people differently, it mainly impacts the functions of the small intestine. 
• Symptoms range in severity, and sometimes people with Crohn’s have either flare-ups or remissions. Symptoms may include: diarrhea, low energy levels, bloody stool, excessive weight loss, low appetite, pain/cramping in the abdomen, fever, and pain surrounding the anus. 
• Severe cases can trigger inflammation linked to your eyes, the health of bones, skin, and liver, as well as kidney stone formations. It can also cause an iron nutritional deficiency (anemia). For kids with Crohn’s, their physical growth and development may be hindered. 
• According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, intestinal inflammation from IBD concerns can cause fistulas and abscesses. Thus, regularly managing Crohn’s with customized therapy treatments, key nutrients, and lifestyle changes can help optimize long-term health.  

Functional Medicine and Intravenous Infusion Tips to Consider

There are several ways that functional medicine can help Crohn’s disease. As a health care model, it scrutinizes the key components of individuality, and how chronic illness symptoms may be instigated from genetics, the poor dietary intake of vital nutrients, and lifestyle/environmental factors. This is why a personalized treatment service is advised under functional medicine protocols to help target your biology. 

In fact, in a study from Crohn’s & Colitis 360, patients were under the care of functional medicine foundations as adjunct support for IBD symptoms. By implementing “modifiable lifestyle factors”, such as stress management advice, improved sleep conditions, and nutritional changes, patients from the study experienced positive effects on their IBD care. 

Suggested Reading: How To Treat Insomnia With Functional Medicine From Toronto

If you were to visit the TFMC for Crohn’s-related concerns, one of our integrative therapy providers might discuss the following at your complete diagnostic session: 

• Lab testing: Lab test options at the TFMC are available, and some of these may not be accessed through conventional practices. One functional medicine lab test we can recommend is a SIBO test, which helps us examine your gut microflora for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. A GI 360 test may be considered, too, as it tests for parasites that might be disrupting your digestive tract. We may also run a food sensitivity test; this would help us customize your treatment plan by determining which foods you’re sensitive to, as some of these foods can exacerbate Crohn’s symptoms. 
• Intravenous therapy: Unfortunately, nutrient deficiencies are common with Crohn’s due to malabsorption. By alleviating these inadequacies, we can help strengthen various aspects of your health, such as immune function, cognitive function, and energy production. Keep in mind that Crohn’s causes an inability to absorb nutrients properly. We recommend IV drip therapy for Crohn’s patients because the nutritional formula bypasses the digestive tract and enters the bloodstream only. In turn, it can help prevent unwanted side effects for Crohn’s patients (i.e. upset stomach), which tend to occur from digesting oral supplementation. As a complementary therapy, IV vitamin infusions can help support optimal function when united with dietary/lifestyle improvements and other therapeutic modalities. 

• Dietary modifications: We may advise you to transition out of the standard Western diet, as some of the foods from this can cause whole-body inflammation and worsen IBD symptoms. An anti-inflammatory plan, such as the Paleo, Mediterranean, or low-FODMAP diets, embraces fresh, colourful fruits and veggies, and contains high concentrations of nutrients. 

Are you struggling with a lack of energy and chronic stomach pains?  Let’s help you reap the beneficial effects of functional medicine and vitamin IV therapy! We cater to a wide range of health concerns related to Crohn’s disease at the TFMC, along with chronic fatigue syndrome, muscle recovery, rheumatoid arthritis, mental clarity, skin health, menopausal symptoms (hormonal imbalances), cellular damage, thyroid conditions, blood pressure regulation, and more. Please reach out to us today. 

Promoting Optimal Health at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

In our private downtown clinic, expect compassion, updated health education, and a personalized service of treatments from our integrative therapy providers. No two patients are ever alike at the TFMC! We recognize uniqueness, which is why offer each individual patient a tailored treatment service with functional medicine lab testing. 

Integrative medicine strategies are available at the TFMC to promote symptom relief for your process of recovery. These include acupuncture, Western medicine, naturopathic medicine, hormone replacement therapies, among others. You may also access our IV Lounge, which is where we administer vitamin drip therapy. 

When combined with functional medicine strategies and a healthy lifestyle, you can inspire optimal functioning in your body! IV sessions are monitored closely by our team, which includes a medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner and registered nurses. Our menu of IV nutrient therapy ingredients is abundant for catering to various health concerns. Safe, natural ingredients include, amino acids and glutamic acid to vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, major antioxidants (glutathione therapy), and more. Vitamin D injections are also available. All doses of nutrients are personalized with functional medicine principles, which is how we customize your intravenous drip. 

Do you have any questions? Let us know – we love meeting our patients! Become a TFMC patient to discover new ways to take control of your health. 

If poor digestive health is affecting your quality of life, we’re here to support you! Wellness advice and IV therapy at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is accessible in the Yorkville area. Call us to book your initial consultation. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

 

References

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“Rise in IBD among young kids ‘baffling’ experts. What’s behind the surge?” By Katie Dangerfield, Global News

Posted June 6, 2023 2:19 pm, Updated June 7, 2023 8:02 am, viewed on September 22, 2023. 

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