• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Articles / Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    What's the difference between Crohn’s, Colitis, and IBS?

    Posted On Jan 19, 2012 · Updated On Jan 19, 2012

    What's the difference between Crohn’s, Colitis, and IBS?
    Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Share

    There is a lot of confusion concerning Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). There are differences between the IBD and IBS, but they are not necessarily exclusive conditions and may occur simultaneously.

    Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) often presents as a group of symptoms very similar to those of IBS, but usually with the additional symptom of bright red blood in the stool. Diagnosis is made by performing a colonoscopy, and often a biopsy. Detection of ulcerations in the colon confirms the IBD diagnosis. IBD is diagnosed as ulcerative colitis if it is restricted to the colon and Crohn’s disease if it is also found in the small intestine.

    The cause or causes of IBD have not been identified. However, evidence points to activation of the immune system via environmental triggers and to a potential genetic link. For example, people with family members who have IBD are more likely to have IBD. Treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory medications to try to control the inflammation.

    People with Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis, like many people with IBS, often get discouraged by the inability to control their symptoms and the unpredictable nature of the condition. Interestingly, people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can also have IBS or IBS-related problems that are contributing to their symptoms.

    At the IBS Treatment Center we have found that patients with IBD often have microbial imbalances or food allergies that are directly related to their poor digestion. Although treating IBS does not cure IBD, in many cases substantial improvement in digestion and a greater likelihood of remission of the IBD can be obtained by testing for and treating the IBS-related conditions. When those conditions are properly diagnosed and treated, these patients often experience significant improvement in their health.

    Testing for and treating microbial imbalances includes DNA testing of the stool for diagnosing bacteria, yeast, and parasitic problems. And food allergy testing involves sophisticated blood testing for antibody reactions to foods commonly found in the diet. More about each of these types of testing can be found on our website at IBSTreatmentCenter.com.

    Testing for and treating these problems is obviously a good idea for anyone IBD or IBS who wants to improve their overall health and give their body the best chance possible for a complete recovery.

    Article Courtesy:  Dr. Stephen Wangen

    You May Also Like

    • What's the Difference Between Crohn’s, Colitis, and IBS?
      What's the Difference Between Crohn’s, Colitis, and…
    • Crohn's, Colitis, and IBS
      Crohn's, Colitis, and IBS
    • peanut butter and peanuts
      What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
    • Dr. Steven Wangen
      Common Misconceptions about IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
    « A Deeper Look at Probiotics
    Beth & Ryan’s Juice Fast – Day 3 & 4. »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    Brown sugar bacon on a wire rack

    Brown Sugar Bacon - The Best Pig Candy Recipe To Try Now

    gluten free coconut layer cake recipe

    The BEST Gluten-Free Coconut Cake

    tomato water

    Tomato Water | The Fresh Tomato Recipe You Didn't Know You Needed

    Colcannon- Mashed Potatoes With Kale

    Colcannon - Irish Mashed Potatoes with Kale

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved