Naturopath, Nutritionist, Nurse

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease 

IBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The two most common forms are Crohn's Disease (often just called Crohn's) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC).  Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastric mucosa and can affect any part of the digestive tract. Ulcerative Colitis is also inflammatory but unlike Crohn’s only affects the rectum and colon. Both are thought to have an autoimmune aspect to them but sadly the exact causes are still not known, however, this does not mean you need to continue living in pain and discomfort. These diseases can be successfully well managed using an integrative health approach. 

• New Zealand has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world.
• One in 227 New Zealanders has the disease.
• Onset is usually between 15 and 35.
• About 20 per cent of those affected are children.
• During acute flare ups, hospitalisation and surgery can be required. 

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease include:

1. Chronic diarrhoea
2. Abdominal pain
3. Fever
4. Anorexia
5. Weight loss
6. Right lower abdominal pain and tenderness
7. Rectal bleeding
8. Fatigue
9. Loss of appetite

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include:

• Increased urgency
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal mucous
• Weight loss
• Anorexia
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

There are many possible factors including infections, diet imbalances, genetics and stress that can affect IBD and our team here at Flourish Health Emporium are trained and experienced to assist you in managing your symptoms alongside treatments from your doctor. We create a treatment plan that will be tailor made to fit your individual case.

To do this we use evidence-based suggestions which may include diet and lifestyle recommendations or herbal and nutritional supplements where appropriate while prioritising safety and consulting with your primary health care provider. We also utilize lab testing when appropriate because we believe testing is better than guessing!