Tag: Ginger

Crohn’s Disease: Trauma, Immunity, and a Holistic Healing Perspective

Posted on by Diogenes II

 

Crohn’s disease is a chronic form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) characterized by deep, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s can involve the full thickness of the bowel wall and may lead to strictures, fistulas, obstruction, and malabsorption.

Modern medicine understands Crohn’s disease as a complex immune-mediated disorder influenced by:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Immune dysregulation

  • Gut microbiome imbalance

  • Environmental triggers

Key inflammatory mediators include tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukins such as IL-12 and IL-23. Conventional treatment often includes biologics, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators, which can be lifesaving in moderate to severe disease.

What follows is not a rejection of that model — but a complementary, integrative perspective based on physiology, traditional medicine, and my personal experience.

Trauma, Stress Physiology, and the Gut–Brain Axis

The gut and brain are deeply interconnected via the gut–brain axis, involving:

  • The vagus nerve

  • The autonomic nervous system

  • Cortisol and stress hormone signaling

  • Neurotransmitters such as serotonin

Chronic stress and trauma are not established causes of Crohn’s disease. However, stress is well documented to worsen symptoms and potentially trigger flares.

From a physiological perspective, trauma may influence:

  • Cortisol regulation

  • Immune reactivity

  • Gut motility

  • Intestinal permeability

Depression can feel like stagnation of the mind. In a holistic model, that stagnation may mirror slowed digestive motility or altered autonomic balance.

My position is not that trauma causes Crohn’s outright — but that unresolved stress patterns may amplify immune dysregulation and inflammatory cascades in susceptible individuals.

Immune Dysregulation and the Microbiome

Crohn’s disease involves inappropriate immune activation against intestinal microbes. Research shows:

  • Reduced microbial diversity

  • Altered bacterial populations

  • Decreased short-chain fatty acid production (especially butyrate)

  • Increased intestinal permeability

Some individuals also experience complications such as:

  • SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

  • SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth)

Addressing microbial balance may be an important complementary strategy alongside medical care.

Bile Flow, Liver Function, and Digestive Efficiency

The terminal ileum plays a critical role in bile salt reabsorption. In Crohn’s patients with ileal involvement, bile acid malabsorption may occur. Gallstones are also more common in Crohn’s.

From a functional digestive perspective, impaired bile flow may affect:

  • Fat digestion

  • Nutrient absorption

  • Microbial balance

  • Stool consistency

While bile dysfunction is not considered the root cause of Crohn’s disease in conventional medicine, aggressively supporting bile formation and flow may assist digestive efficiency in certain individuals.

Traditional systems of medicine emphasize bitter and sour foods to stimulate digestive secretions, including bile.

Nutrient Deficiencies in Crohn’s Disease

Malabsorption and chronic inflammation frequently lead to deficiencies in:

  • Bioavailable Iron

  • Vitamin B12

  • Folate

  • Magnesium

  • Zinc

  • Vitamin D

  • Protein

These deficiencies can worsen fatigue, immune imbalance, and tissue repair.

Any integrative approach should assess and address nutrient status.

Holistic and Traditional Support Strategies

The following approaches range from traditional use to emerging evidence to personal experience. They are not substitutes for medical care.

1. Dragon’s Blood (Tincture)

Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for gastrointestinal irritation and tissue repair. Preliminary research suggests anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

2. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)

Taken before meals, DGL may soothe mucosal linings and support barrier integrity.

Personally, this significantly reduced my digestive irritation.

DGL is for temporary use only. Though is it a different form of licorice, it may still lower potassium status with continuous use and lead to high blood pressure.

3. Zinc (Preferably Food-Based or Well-Formulated)

Zinc plays a key role in intestinal barrier repair and immune function. Deficiency is common in IBD. Dosage and form should be chosen carefully.

4. Guduchi + Ginger + Turmeric (with Coconut Oil)

  • Guduchi (Ayurveda): immune modulation and liver support

  • Ginger: motility and anti-inflammatory effects

  • Turmeric (curcumin): studied for anti-inflammatory properties

This combination, especially when taken with coconut oil, has been one of the most effective interventions in my personal experience.

5. Wild Chaga Tea

Chaga contains antioxidants and trace minerals. Traditionally used to support immune resilience and cellular health.

6. Olive Leaf Extract

Traditionally used for antimicrobial support. May assist in microbial balance, though resistance patterns and long-term effects are still being studied.

7. Sunlight, Vitamin D, and Circadian Rhythm

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Crohn’s disease.

Moderate sunlight exposure may help support:

  • Vitamin D production

  • Circadian rhythm alignment

  • Mood regulation

Serotonin is largely produced in the digestive tract. Sleep-wake cycles influence serotonin and melatonin balance. My personal theory is that disrupted sleep timing may interfere with optimal neurotransmitter cycling, potentially affecting mood and digestive regulation. This hypothesis requires further research but emphasizes the importance of proper sleep hygiene.

8. Vegetables and Phytonutrients

Cooked vegetables such as:

  • Watercress

  • Bok choy

  • Yu choy

  • Asparagus

  • Red cabbage

  • Parsley

  • Daikon radish

  • Kohlrabi

  • Bitter melon

provide compounds that may support detoxification pathways and immune balance.

Bottle gourd (calabash) is praised in Ayurveda for soothing digestive inflammation.

9. Sour and Bitter Foods

Granny Smith apples and bitter melon may stimulate digestive secretions, including bile flow. Bitter melon, however, is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

10. Dietary Avoidance (Individualized)

Common irritants may include:

  • Highly processed foods

  • Industrial seed oils (canola, soy, corn, safflower)

  • Alcohol

  • Certain dairy products

  • Highly refined sugars

Tolerance varies between individuals and between flare and remission phases.

11. Coffee Enemas (With Caution)

Organic, medium roast coffee beans: used in some detox traditions rectally (as cooled tea), to ultimately stimulate bile flow. However, risks include electrolyte imbalance and infection. This practice is not widely supported by mainstream gastroenterology and should only be considered with medical guidance.

12. Digestible Oils

Coconut oil (rich in medium-chain triglycerides) may be easier to digest for some individuals. Extra virgin olive oil may also be tolerated.

Highly processed vegetable oils may promote inflammation in susceptible individuals.

Coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil should not be used for high heat cooking — only light cooking or raw. For cooking over 375 degrees Fahrenheit, peanut oil would be an ideal choice.

Flares vs. Remission

Management differs depending on disease phase.

During acute flare:

  • Low-residue or gentle foods may be necessary

  • Medical supervision is critical

During remission:

  • Microbiome rebuilding

  • Nutrient repletion

  • Stress regulation

  • Gradual dietary diversification

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Seek urgent medical evaluation for:

  • Persistent rectal bleeding

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Signs of obstruction

  • High fever

  • Rapid weight loss

Crohn’s disease can become life-threatening if complications develop.

Personal Reflection

I do not claim that these strategies cure Crohn’s disease. Rather, I believe that addressing:

  • Immune balance

  • Microbial ecology

  • Bile efficiency

  • Nutrient sufficiency

  • Stress physiology

  • Sleep regulation

together may help reduce symptom burden and support resilience.

Final Perspective

Crohn’s disease is a serious immune-mediated condition requiring medical oversight. Integrative strategies may complement — not replace — appropriate treatment.

This article reflects a holistic, physiological, and experiential perspective intended to broaden the conversation, not close it.