How to Hopefully Find Relief from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – 2025

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that bring misery and torment to people diagnosed with them. These diseases drastically shorten both their quality of life and their lifespan. People with these diseases can hopefully overcome their disorders with proper diagnosis, knowledge, lifestyle changes, and supplementation. I have coached many people into remission who suffer from IBD (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), including close personal friends of mine. Hopefully, I can do the same for you!

 

All About Ulcerative Colitis

 

Ulcerative colitis is a complex inflammatory bowel disease that directly impacts your large intestine. Individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis experience ulceration within your colon, resulting in painful sores that compromise the integrity of your large intestine. This relentless ulceration leads to severe inflammation and can cause notable bleeding when defecating.

The Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are Unmistakable and Include:^{1 2 3 4 5}

• Abdominal pain, cramping, and/or spasms
• Anemia, from intestinal bleeding
• Bloating
• Brain fog
• Constipation due to inflammation within your large intestine, which causes swelling, bleeding, and, if severe enough, blockages
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue, sometimes chronic
• Inflamed hemorrhoids
• Night sweats
• Occasional fever, especially during acute flares, infection, and severe inflammation
• Persistent diarrhea, often accompanied by blood and, at times, mucus
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which affects up to ninety percent of people with ulcerative colitis, causing inflammation within your bile ducts and leading to symptoms such as itching, fatigue, and jaundice
• Rectal pain
• Significant weight loss
• Tenesmus, which is the feeling of incomplete bowel movements

Acute flares of ulcerative colitis demand immediate medical attention, as the intense inflammation of your large intestine can escalate into a medical emergency. When your large intestinal wall health is compromised, you risk serious complications, including strictures, perforations, abscesses, or fistulae formation. Those experiencing this condition often present with relentless and severe abdominal pain, high fever, tachycardia, possible low blood pressure, chills, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, skin rashes, jaundice, vomiting with blood, and little to no urine output. Additionally, they may suffer from profuse bloody and mucus-filled diarrhea, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Immediate action is crucial, including comprehensive imaging, blood tests, intravenous fluid administration, broad-spectrum antibiotics administration, and often large intestine surgery. Rapid intervention is essential to prevent life-threatening complications, such as severe bowel obstruction, septic shock, toxic megacolon, venous thromboembolism, or digestive tract hemorrhaging.^{6 7 8 9 10}

Furthermore, the excessive inflammation within your large intestine often triggers systemic symptoms, including arthritis. Other systemic issues may arise, such as iritis, aphthous ulcers, angular cheilitis, and various skin conditions, including erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum. It is crucial to recognize that systemic complications are less prevalent in those with ulcerative colitis compared to individuals with Crohn’s disease.^{11 12 13 14}

Having Ulcerative colitis significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer during a sufferer’s lifetime. Ulcerative colitis demands serious attention and proactive management to mitigate long-term risks.¹⁵

Blood tests commonly used to diagnose ulcerative colitis typically including blood tests to check for kidney and liver health, inflammation markers (hs-CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), anemia (hemoglobin, red blood cell concentrations, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin, and ferritin concentrations), electrolyte status, albumin levels, vitamin D levels, vitamin B12 levels, or infection (white blood cell counts and differentiation).^{16 17}

Stool samples are also collected to look for excessive white blood cells, elevated calprotectin levels consistent levels greater than 110 mcg/g [taking NSAID medications like aspirin and 5-ASA can give you a false negative test result], can be a sign you have chronic ulcerative colitis, and levels greater than 500 mcg/g can be a sign of an acute flare), lactoferrin, and/or pathogens within your stool.^{18 19 20}

In some cases, diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy (which involves a lighted, flexible tube with a camera), large intestinal biopsy, barium swallow tests, abdominal x-rays, or abdominal computerized tomography scans may be used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.²¹

All About Crohn’s Disease

 

Crohn’s disease is often called the “cousin” of ulcerative colitis and is an inflammatory condition affecting the digestive system. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which primarily affects the large intestine, Crohn’s disease can present with a wide range of complex systemic symptoms, making diagnosis more challenging. As a result, Crohn’s disease is often diagnosed and treated later in life, typically in a person’s thirties or forties, compared to ulcerative colitis.

The Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease (Most Are Very Similar to Ulcerative Colitis, but are More Systemic Throughout Your Digestive Tract and Body) Include:^{1 23456 7 8}

• Abdominal pain, cramping, and/or spasms
• Anemia, from intestinal bleeding
• Arthirits
• Aphthous ulcers (canker sore)
• Bloating
• Brain fog
• Constipation due to inflammation within your intestines, which causes swelling, bleeding, and, if severe enough, blockages
• Decreased appetite
• Episcleritis
• Erythema nodosum
• Fatigue, sometimes chronic
• Folate deficiency
• Kidney stones
• Inflamed hemorrhoids
• Nausea and vomiting, especially if the upper gastrointestinal tract is involved or during severe flares
• Night sweats
• Occasional fever, especially during acute flares, infection, and severe inflammation
• Perianal disease symptoms such as fistulas, abscesses, or perianal drainage from inflammation
• Persistent diarrhea, often accompanied by blood and, at times, mucus
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which affects up to ninety percent of people with ulcerative colitis, causing inflammation within your bile ducts and leading to symptoms such as itching, fatigue, and jaundice
• Pyoderma gangrenosum
• Rectal pain
• Significant weight loss
• Skin tags
• Tenesmus, which is the feeling of incomplete bowel movements
• Uveitis
• Vision changes
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency

Acute flares of Crohn’s disease demand immediate medical attention, as the intense inflammation of parts of your digestive tract can escalate into a medical emergency. When your intestinal wall is compromised, you are at risk of serious complications, including strictures, perforations, abscesses, or fistulae formation. Those experiencing this condition often present with relentless and severe abdominal pain, high fever, tachycardia, possible low blood pressure, chills, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, skin rashes, jaundice, and little to no urine output. Additionally, they may suffer from intractable vomiting, profuse bloody diarrhea, and an inability to tolerate oral intake, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Immediate action is crucial, including comprehensive imaging, blood tests, intravenous fluid administration, broad-spectrum antibiotics adminstration, and often digestive tract surgery. Rapid intervention is essential to prevent life-threatening complications, such as severe intestinal obstruction, septic shock, toxic megacolon, venous thromboembolism, or massive digestive tract hemorrhaging.^{9 10 11}

Healthcare providers use the same tests as for ulcerative colitis to diagnose Crohn’s disease, including blood tests to check for kidney and liver health, inflammation markers (hs-CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), anemia (hemoglobin, red blood cell levels, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin, and ferritin levels), electrolyte status, albumin levels, vitamin D levels, vitamin B12 levels, or infection (white blood cell counts and differentiation).^{12 13}

Stool samples are collected to look for excess white blood cells, bleeding, inflammatory markers (lactoferrin, calprotectin, consistent levels greater than 110 mcg/g [taking NSAID medications like aspirin can give you a false negative test result], can be a sign you have chronic Crohn’s disease, and levels greater than 500 mcg/g can be a sign of an acute flare), and pathogens within your stool.^{14 15}

Additionally, doctors may perform colonoscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies (which use a lighted, flexible tube with a camera), barium swallow tests, and computerized tomography scans for diagnostic purposes.¹⁶

Having Crohn’s disease significantly increases the risk of developing digestive tract cancer during a sufferer’s lifetime. Crohn’s disease demands serious attention and proactive management to mitigate long-term risks.¹⁷

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are intermittent conditions, characterized by periods of exacerbation and periods when individuals may be symptom-free. Crohn’s disease often shows patchy areas of inflammation throughout your body, whereas ulcerative colitis is primarily localized within your large intestine.

Note that mainstream medicine does not classify ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease as autoimmune conditions. Instead, these diseases are believed to be caused by localized or systemic Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) infections.

 

Mycobacterium Avium Paratuberculosis: The True Cause of Ulcerative Colitis / Crohn’s Disease (IBD)

 

Crohn’s disease is often called the “cousin” of ulcerative colitis and is an inflammatory condition affecting the digestive system. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which primarily impacts the large intestine, Crohn’s disease can present a wide range of complex systemic symptoms, making diagnosis more challenging.

Mycobacterium is a genus of Actinomycetota that can cause severe diseases in mammals; for example, tuberculosis and leprosy are caused by Mycobacterial conditions. One specific type of Mycobacteria, known as MAP (Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis), is a pathogenic bacterium found within the guts of ruminant animals, such as cows. This bacterium is responsible for Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis) in cattle.^{18 19 20}

Paratuberculosis causes diarrhea and weight loss in affected cattle and can cause them to develop inflammatory bowel disease like symptoms. Treatment options for paratuberculosis in cattle are limited due to the high cost of using human antibiotics to address bovine Mycobacterial infections and possible antibiotic resistance. Often, the most cost-effective solution is to cull the infected herd.²¹

 

Common Infection Routes of MAP

MAP (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis) infection is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Humans can become infected with MAP through several routes: contact with infected ruminant animal feces, drinking improperly treated runoff water from ruminant animal farms, consuming ruminant animal meat, or ingesting milk and dairy products from infected ruminant animals.^{22 23 24}

“Zoonotic Risk of Paratuberculosis in Ruminants There are conflicting data on the involvement of the causative organism in Crohn disease, a chronic granulomatous enteritis of unknown cause in people. However, MAP is consistently detected by PCR in people with Crohn disease. This fact, coupled with its broad host range, including nonhuman primates, indicates that paratuberculosis should be considered a zoonotic risk until the situation is clarified.“²⁵

Case studies have shown that farmers contracted MAP after exposure to aerosolized cow feces. Additionally, infections can result from cattle farm runoff contaminating municipal drinking water. MAP is a resilient bacterium, surviving for up to nine months in mud, a year in cow manure, and up to two years in the water. Standard industrial water treatments, such as filtration and chlorination, may not effectively eliminate MAP.^{26 27 28 29}

While MAP has been found in beef, its levels are generally lower in steak cuts than in other sources of infection, provided the meat is adequately prepared. Cow muscle tissue typically contains few bacteria; however, if meat is not processed correctly, feces can contaminate it with MAP. Notably, MAP can withstand standard cooking temperatures but can be eliminated when exposed to prolonged temperatures around 165°F. The bacterium also appears to be resistant to nitrates and smoke.^{30 31}

Scientific literature indicates that people are frequently exposed to MAP by consuming milk and dairy products. This is believed to be because of the greater MAP colonies found in milk than in a well-done steak. The higher fat content of some dairy products helps protect MAP from stomach acid, enabling it to survive in larger quantities and reach the intestines. Raw dairy tends to have a higher concentration of MAP bacteria than properly pasteurized dairy. However, research is inconclusive regarding whether pasteurized milk and dairy products are safer and contain less MAP than raw options, as MAP can survive pasteurization. For those concerned about MAP, it is advisable to choose pasture-raised, vat-pasteurized milk for the healthiest choice.^{32 33 34}

Lastly, MAP can survive freezing conditions (such as in ice cream) for up to a year. It is also present in other ruminant animals, including buffalo, goats, sheep, elk, antelope, and deer. If you have issues with MAP, it is wise to avoid meat and dairy products from these animals.³⁵

 

The Differences in the Development of Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease in MAP Infections

 

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in developing human ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Research indicates that the severity and type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a person develops may be primarily influenced by their cumulative exposure to MAP over time. Specifically, individuals with lower levels of exposure to MAP are more likely to develop ulcerative colitis. In contrast, those with greater and prolonged exposure tend to develop Crohn’s disease, which is often characterized by deeper intestinal damage.^{36 37}

The literature highlights the critical role of age at the time of infection in determining disease outcomes. Adults who become infected with MAP are more commonly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, whereas children are more frequently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. This pattern suggests that the age of exposure significantly influences the body’s immune response and the resulting type of inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to note that Crohn’s disease typically remains asymptomatic and undetectable until early adulthood, making early identification challenging.^{38 39}

Interestingly, demographic trends show that infant males and adult females are at higher risk for developing Crohn’s disease. This may be attributed to the underdevelopment of the immune system in infant males, which could predispose them to more severe responses to MAP. In contrast, infant females tend to have more robust immune systems, increasing their likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis instead of Crohn’s disease. Additionally, adult males are more predisposed to developing ulcerative colitis, further indicating that gender plays a role in disease manifestation.^{40 41 42}

Several key factors influence whether an individual develops ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, including the level of MAP exposure, the route of transmission (such as consuming unpasteurized milk, drinking contaminated water, physically handling infected materials, or inhaling aerosolized particles from cow feces), genetic factors, and the individual’s gender. These elements collectively contribute to each disease type’s risk profile.⁴³

A significant study examining the relationship between MAP and inflammatory bowel diseases found that approximately sixty percent of individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s disease carried MAP in their tissues. In comparison, around forty percent of those with ulcerative colitis tested positive for the same bacterium. However, a concerning trend emerged in this study: researchers reclassified some patients with ulcerative colitis as having Crohn’s disease instead of recognizing a shared etiology caused by MAP. This reclassification complicates our understanding of MAP’s role in both diseases and could obscure the path to effective interventions or treatments.^{44 45 46}

The intricate relationship between MAP and inflammatory bowel diseases makes research difficult. With continued research and a more nuanced understanding of the factors involved, such as age, gender, immune response, and routes of exposure, medical professionals may gain better insights into prevention and treatment strategies for individuals affected by ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

 

Rifabutin – An Antibiotic That Is Useful in the Treatment of MAP

Even though natural antibacterial agents should eliminate Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) within your body, some people may also need to use conventional antibiotic therapy to help treat an active MAP infection. If any of the protocols below fail to reduce the complications of a MAP infection, talk to your doctor about considering Rifabutin treatment.

Rifabutin^{47 48 49}

Rifabutin is a potent semisynthetic derivative of rifampicin. Developed by the Italian pharmaceutical company Achifar in 1975, it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in the early 1990s. This antibiotic is primarily indicated for treating tuberculosis (TB), mainly when the disease is caused by strains resistant to other first-line therapies.

The mechanism of action of Rifabutin is straightforward; it effectively inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA synthesis, disrupting the transcription process that is essential for bacterial replication. By targeting the RNA polymerase enzyme, Rifabutin prevents bacteria from proliferating and forming new generations. Mycobacteria, the genus responsible for tuberculosis, exhibit heightened sensitivity to this antibiotic, making Rifabutin a superior choice to other antibiotics commonly used for treating bacterial infections.

Furthermore, Rifabutin is gaining recognition for potential uses beyond tuberculosis treatment; it has shown promise as a treatment for Crohn’s disease. A notable phase three clinical trial indicated that Rifabutin can alleviate symptoms of Crohn’s disease and address complications, even in individuals unaware that they were suffering from a MAP infection. This highlights the broader therapeutic applications of Rifabutin that warrant further attention.

Another significant advantage of Rifabutin is its favorable safety profile. Unlike rifampicin, which carries a risk of hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity), Rifabutin is less likely to cause liver damage and severe side effects. However, it is crucial to recognize that, like other antibiotics, Rifabutin can produce side effects. Commonly reported adverse reactions include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as potential systemic allergic reactions.

In summary, Rifabutin is a critical treatment option for tuberculosis, particularly in cases involving drug-resistant strains. Additionally, it shows considerable promise in managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Ongoing research into its efficacy and safety will further establish its role in antibiotic therapy and expand its potential applications for various bacterial infections.

 

Ulcerative Colitis / Crohn’s Disease (MAP Protocol)

 

General Recommendations:

• Have your doctor check your vitamin D blood level. If it is low, supplement or increase proper sunlight exposure to increase it to around 40 ng/mL during the winter and  70 ng/mL in the summer.
• Proper sleep hygiene is crucial for remission.
• Follow the Perfect Health Diet but refrain from ingesting all animal dairy and, if necessary, ingesting all ruminant animal meat(cows, bison, goats, sheep, elk, antelope, and deer). Remove carrageenan from your diet, as numerous studies have linked it to increased intestinal inflammation.
• Some people find relief in consuming a ketogenic or carnivore diet. Try these diets if my Perfect Health Diet recommendation above does not help you find relief. If you see no relief on these diets, you might have to refrain from ingesting all animal dairy and, if necessary, refrain from ingesting all ruminant animal meat(cows, bison, goats, sheep, elk, antelope, and deer) while on these diets.
• If you are not supplementing with ECGC, I recommend consuming two to three cups of green tea with Manuka honey as a sweetener daily.
• If you can tolerate fructose and raw fruit, consume two to three organic apples daily. If you have issues digesting raw food, cut up and cook the apples with organic Ceylon cinnamon and Manuka honey and consume them once or twice daily.
• Consider taking a teaspoon or two of Manuka honey daily.
• Within tolerance, consider consuming non-dairy-based probiotic foods, including organic fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kombucha, and coconut milk yogurt and kefir. 
• Avoid alcohol consumption, which is a known gastrointestinal irritant.
• Proper regular exercise is essential for intestinal motility and overall health. Limit strenuous exercise when suffering from diarrhea.

Antimicrobials:

• Ceylon cinnamon oil – Take one to three drops in one teaspoon of organic extra virgin coconut oil or organic extra virgin olive oil twice daily. Use with caution if you have hypoglycemia.
• ECGC – Follow the linked blog supplementation recommendations.
• Allicin-C – Take three to six capsules in divided doses daily. Do not use if you are suffering from hydrogen sulfide dysbiosis.
• Thorne Research berberine – Take two to four capsules daily in divided doses with meals. Use with caution if you have ulcers, gastritis, or hypoglycemia.
• Nutramedix Samento – Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle.
• Neem Plus – Take one to two capsules twice daily in divided doses with meals.
• Rocky Mountain clove oil – Take one to three drops in one teaspoon of organic extra virgin coconut oil or organic extra virgin olive oil twice daily. It might be easier to consume if you mix the clove oil with the coconut or olive oil with your food at a meal.
• Gaia Herbs Tulsi – Take one to two capsules twice daily in divided doses with meals.

LITTLE TO NO IMPROVEMENT WITHIN A FEW WEEKS CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STRONGER ANTIBACTERIAL AGENTS FROM THIS LIST

• Colloidal silver (Mesosilver, Sovereign Silver) – Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle.
• Zane Hellas oil of oregano – Take one softgel twice daily with food; increase to two soft gels twice daily with food if needed. Oil of oregano contains carvacrol, a broad-spectrum, systemic antimicrobial agent. Do not use oil of oregano in a first-line protocol.

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ANTIBIOFILM AGENTS

• Calcium disodium EDTA: Supersmart EDTA – Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle. Do not supplement if you have mercury amalgams (silver fillings) or are mercury-burdened.
• Fulvic acid: Food Grade fulvic acid – Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle.
• Guaifenesin: Guai-aid – Take one capsule every four to eight hours. Do not exceed four capsules daily. Guaifenesin is a systemic biofilm chelator, I do not recommend it as a first-line anti-biofilm agent in a protocol.
• NAC: Jarrow Formulas NAC Sustain – Take one tablet twice daily. NAC is a systemic biofilm chelator; I do not recommend it as a first-line anti-biofilm agent in a protocol. Do not supplement more than twelve hundred milligrams daily. Doses above this recommendation may make the NAC you take become a pro-oxidant. Do not supplement if you are suffering from hydrogen sulfide dysbiosis, have mercury amalgams (silver fillings), or are mercury burdened.
• Systemic enzymes: Interphase Plus, Pure Encapsulations Systemic Enzyme Complex, Neprinol AMD – Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle.

 

Click Here to Read A Short Fix Your Gut Quick Guide For Diarrhea Relief If You Are Suffering From It

 

Rebuilding Your Gut Lining and Relieving Inflammation

 

• Pure Encapsulations zinc carnosine – Take one capsule with a meal twice daily. If needed, increase to thrice daily.
• Nutribiotic sodium ascorbate – Take one to two thousand milligrams daily. Avoid use if you are suffering from diarrhea.

• L-glutamine – Take four thousand milligrams daily with meals in divided doses (use with caution if you are sensitive to glutamic acid ingestion, have a GABA deficiency, ammonia detoxification issues, or suffer from severe leaky gut and brain; take up to thirty grams daily for a week if needed).

• N-acetylglucosamine – Do not supplement if you are allergic to shellfish or suffer from Candida dysbiosis. Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle.

• Magnesium glycinate – Supplement with four hundred to six hundred milligrams, before bed.

Supplements to Help Relieve Intestinal and Systemic Inflammation

• Healthy Gut Tributyrin-X – Take one to three soft gels in divided doses daily with food. If you are suffering from severe colonic symptoms, including bleeding, inflammation, and diarrhea, you might consider butyrate enemas or suppositories, which can sometimes bring remission just by themselves. In a severe flare, budesonide enema preparation with butyrate might be needed to relieve inflammation.
• Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X fish oil – Take two to four softgels twice daily with food. Use caution when taking blood thinners.
• Thorne Meriva curcumin – Use caution if you suffer from stomach ulcers, gastritis, and/or have liver disease. Use caution if you are on blood thinners. Take one to three capsules in divided doses, total with a meal to prevent stomach inflammation and ulceration. If you are suffering from severe colonic symptoms, including bleeding, inflammation, and diarrhea, you might consider curcumin suppositories.
• Doctor’s Best ubiquinol – Take one to two softgels upon waking.
• CBD oil – Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle.

Proper Eye Health Supplement Recommendation:

• Life Extension Super Zeaxanthin – Follow the general supplementation recommendation listed on your supplement bottle.

If You Have Not Gone Into Remission After a Month:

• Consider cycling antibacterial and antibiofilm agents and adding more of either into your protocol. Consider using Rifabutin combined with natural supplements and herbs.