What is Crohn’s Disease?

When I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I had no idea how much it would change my life. Doctors gave me prescriptions, warned me about potential complications, and told me that my condition would likely worsen over time. It felt like a life sentence, one filled with medications, flare-ups, and uncertainty.

But after years of struggling, researching, and experimenting, I found a way to take control of my gut health. I healed naturally, achieved remission, and created GutMellow to help others who are going through the same battle. In this post, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about Crohn’s disease, what it is, how it affects the body, and my personal experience managing it without biologics or surgery.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus, though it most commonly impacts the small intestine and colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which affects only the colon, Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation deep into the intestinal walls, leading to complications beyond just digestive symptoms.

While the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is still unknown, research suggests that it is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract. Factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, diet, and gut microbiome imbalances are believed to play a role.

Not all cases of Crohn’s disease are the same. The disease can manifest in different ways depending on where in the digestive tract the inflammation occurs. The main types include:

For years, my life was ruled by my digestive system. I experienced:

Beyond the physical symptoms, Crohn’s disease also affected my mental and emotional health. I constantly worried about where the nearest bathroom was. I struggled with social anxiety, missing out on events because I feared a flare-up. The stress of managing an unpredictable disease only made my symptoms worse.

Although the exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unknown, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it:

For years, I relied on medications like mesalamine to manage my symptoms, but I wasn’t satisfied with simply masking the problem. Doctors recommended biologics and even surgery as my symptoms worsened, but I wanted to find a different approach, one that addressed the root cause rather than just suppressing inflammation.

Through extensive research and trial-and-error, I found that diet, lifestyle changes, and gut-supporting supplements played a massive role in my healing journey.

1. Dietary Changes

One of the biggest turning points in my healing was identifying which foods triggered my symptoms and which ones helped calm inflammation. I eliminated processed foods, refined sugars, dairy, gluten, and inflammatory oils, focusing instead on whole, nutrient-dense foods that supported gut healing.

Some of the foods that helped me the most included:

- Bone broth for gut lining support

- Grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish

- Cooked vegetables instead of raw to reduce irritation

- Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil

2. Supplements That Helped Me Heal

Not all supplements are created equal, and after years of experimentation, I found specific ones that actually made a difference. Some of the key supplements that helped me included:

- Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation

- Collagen and bone broth to support gut lining repair

- Ginger to help manage inflammation naturally

3. Stress & Lifestyle Management

Stress was a huge trigger for my Crohn’s symptoms. I had to make significant lifestyle adjustments, including prioritizing sleep, incorporating mindfulness practices, and learning how to manage stress effectively. I also found that exercise, when done in moderation, improved my digestion and overall well-being.

After years of trial and error, I finally found a combination of strategies that worked for me. I went from constant flare-ups to long-term remission, without biologics or surgery. I created GutMellow to share my experience and help others navigate their own healing journey.

The GutMellow Remission Roadmap includes everything I wish I had when I was first diagnosed. It’s a comprehensive resource that outlines the exact steps I took to regain control of my gut health, including:

Crohn’s disease is a complex and unpredictable condition, but through years of trial, error, and perseverance, I found a way to achieve remission naturally. While my approach may not be for everyone, I share my journey in hopes that it will help others who feel lost or hopeless in their battle with IBD.

For those who want to dive deeper into what helped me heal, you can learn more at GutMellow.com or in my book.

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am sharing my personal experience, every individual’s health journey is unique. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or lifestyle. Healing is a personal journey, and what worked for me may not work for everyone.