There has been a significant rise in autoimmune disorders over the past several decades. This is very frustrating because the typical allopathic approach is focused on symptom management that includes various anti-inflammatory medications and biologics with serious potential side-effects. These choices can of course provide substantial relief to the patient but they do not address the cause of these conditions and some evidence suggests that they may result in furthering the pathological process. 

Many of these underlying causes or triggers can be found in the current medical research but you would never know it by visiting many doctors. Unfortunately there is a huge disconnect between medical research and the practice of traditional medicine when it comes to the management of chronic disorders.

Earlier this year I saw an 18 year old female patient with Crohn’s disease. She had a long history of antibiotic treatment and eczema. When she first saw her gastroenterologist she was anemic and her hs-CRP was significantly elevated at 92.2. I asked her father what the doctor said about her anemia. He replied surprisingly nothing. I asked the same about the hs-CRP and received the same reply. The doctor simply said the only solution was a biologic and the anemia was never even addressed.

The current medical research demonstrates the significance of micronutrient deficiencies in inflammatory bowel disease; however many traditional doctors tell their patients that their condition is not related to diet. For example in a new study just published researchers reported that micronutrient deficiencies are common in more than half of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and that they do have a clinical significance.

A study published this month demonstrated vitamin D deficiency and its association with increased Crohn’s disease severity. In addition earlier this year in the United European Gastroenterology Journal researchers reported the effects of vitamin D supplementation on intestinal permeability and disease markers in Crohn’s disease.

I assessed my patient’s nutrient status through various organic acids RBC nutrients and serum markers. The patient had deficiencies in iron magnesium and vitamin D which I addressed appropriately. I also ordered a comprehensive stool analysis and food antibody testing. The stool analysis revealed all elevated inflammatory and immune markers as well as an imbalance of the gut microbiome along with a low diversity of beneficial bacteria which is commonly associated with chronic disease states.

My treatment approach consisted of eliminating all food sensitivities and avoiding processed food. My patient’s gut health was addressed with specific antimicrobials probiotics glutamine fish oil proteolytic enzymes and antioxidants. At her two month follow up her CBC was normal hs-CRP dropped to 16.3 sed rate was 38 and vitamin D increased to 47. I increased her vitamin D an additional 2000 IU daily along with her current treatment recommendations. At the four month follow up her hs-CRP dropped within the optimal range to 1.66 and her sed rate was within normal limits at 8. Her dad’s response was “these results are incredible!”

Interestingly when the patient saw the doctor for the two month follow up he was insistent on prescribing the biologic even though her labs improved so much during this time. There is a time and a place for medications but there remains a large disconnect between the medical research and what is experienced visiting a doctor in everyday practice. The research demonstrates the significance of nutrition and specific nutrients and their essential roles in chronic disease states. Lifestyle diet and nutrient status of an individual filtered through their genetic predisposition are fundamental components in the expression of disease and a successful approach to correcting the dysfunction must include investigation into these factors. 

By Dr. Michael Jurgelewicz DC DACBN DCBCN