• 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?

    3 Comments

    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 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.

    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. Stephan Wangen

    You May Also Like

    • peanut butter and peanuts
      What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
    • celiac disease and other autoimmune issues dr steven wangen
      The Connection Between Celiac Disease and Associated…
    • Understanding Celiac Disease - Whole Foods Market
      Understanding Celiac Disease - Whole Foods Market
    • biggest cooking mistakes
      The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
    « The Great Gluten-Free Vodka Debate - The Answers, Please.
    Back in the Swing of G-Free Parenting »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Darla Cash says

      September 12, 2011 at 10:38 pm

      I have discovered a whole raw super food that work's beautifully for IBS, Colitis and Crohn's. May I show it to you for your review?

      Thanks!
      Darla
      808-937-1717

      Reply
      • Administrator says

        September 13, 2011 at 4:44 pm

        Absolutely! email it to us at fo@gfreefoodie.com !

        Reply
      • Administrator says

        October 10, 2011 at 4:02 pm

        Darla - you can email fo@gfreefoodie.com for reviews - thanks!

        Reply

    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

    baked pie shell Gluten-Free Pie Crust

    Best-Ever Gluten-Free Pie Crust Recipe

    Glass bottle filled with tomato vinaigrette in front of a salad on a wooden table.

    Tomato Vinaigrette: An Easy Salad Dressing To Try Now

    tomato water

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

    meat dolma

    Meat Dolma: Armenian Stuffed Grape Leaves

    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
    • Meet 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 © 2025 · All Rights Reserved