IBD encompasses several distinct conditions, each with unique patterns of inflammation, anatomical involvement, and treatment considerations requiring personalized management approaches.
| Type | Location and Pattern | Common Symptoms | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crohn's Disease | Can affect any part of GI tract; patchy, transmural inflammation | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, malabsorption (especially B12) | May cause strictures, fistulas; requires comprehensive nutritional support |
| Ulcerative Colitis | Affects colon and rectum; continuous mucosal inflammation starting from rectum | Bloody diarrhea, urgency, rectal bleeding, left-sided abdominal pain | Increased colon cancer risk; often responds well to microbiome interventions |
| Microscopic Colitis | Large intestine; inflammation visible only under microscope | Chronic watery diarrhea, normal-appearing colonoscopy | Includes collagenous and lymphocytic subtypes; often diet-responsive |
| Indeterminate Colitis | Features of both Crohn's and UC; confined to colon | Variable symptoms combining aspects of both conditions | Requires careful monitoring and individualized treatment approach |
Primary Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
Malabsorption and Nutritional Symptoms:
Extraintestinal Manifestations:
Systemic and Constitutional Symptoms:
Comprehensive IBD evaluation involves both conventional assessment of inflammation and tissue damage, combined with functional evaluation of underlying immune dysfunction and microbiome imbalances. At Whole Gut Health, we do a deep dive into a patient’s history including childhood experiences, diet, lifestyle, and stressors to get a clear picture of the individual and the root cause of the condition. We also use diagnostics to develop personalized treatment protocols that address root causes.
Testing options may include:
Conventional IBD Assessment including colonoscopy with biopsy, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), and imaging studies to evaluate disease extent and severity. We no longer do endoscopic procedures at Whole Gut Health, but have a network of proficient Gastroenterologists who will do the necessary procedures on our behalf.
Applied Kinesiology (muscle testing) to help determine precise dietary and supplement regimens
Comprehensive Microbiome Analysis to assess bacterial diversity, beneficial vs. pathogenic bacteria ratios, and specific dysbiosis patterns associated with IBD.
Advanced Inflammatory Markers including cytokine panels, immune function assessment, and specialized inflammatory bowel disease markers.
Comprehensive Nutritional Assessment including vitamins B12, D, iron studies, and evaluation for malabsorption-related deficiencies.
Functional Lab Work including oxidative stress markers, methylation status, and detoxification capacity evaluation.
We customize diagnostic protocols based on your IBD type, disease severity, and treatment goals to ensure comprehensive evaluation and optimal intervention planning.
Our Three-Phase IBD Healing Protocol Includes:
1. Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
2. Targeted Intervention
3. Long-Term Remission and Maintenance
Dr. Alexandra Shustina, NYC’s and Miami’s premier gut health specialist doctor is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist. She is a gut health specialist with training in conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health. She is an expert in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
At Whole Gut Health, our care is led by experienced functional medicine clinicians with a deep understanding of the gut microbiome and advanced diagnostics. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative lens to give you the clarity and support needed for long-term healing.
Comprehensive evaluation involves multiple assessment approaches:
Conventional IBD Assessment
Comprehensive Microbiome Analysis
Advanced Inflammatory Markers
Nutritional Assessment
Diagnostic protocols are customized based on each patient’s individual needs.
IBD is a group of chronic immune-mediated inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from interactions between genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, immune dysfunction, and gut microbiome dysbiosis. Unlike IBS, IBD involves actual tissue inflammation and damage that can be seen on imaging and endoscopy, with immune system cells mistakenly attacking healthy tissue.
Crohn's Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Microscopic Colitis
Indeterminate Colitis
Primary GI Symptoms: Persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea (often bloody), urgent bowel movements, rectal bleeding, weight loss, nausea
Malabsorption Symptoms: Fatigue from nutrient deficiencies, iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 and D deficiency, poor wound healing
Extraintestinal Manifestations: Joint pain and arthritis, skin rashes, eye inflammation, fever, growth delays in children
Systemic Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, mood changes, sleep disturbances, reduced exercise tolerance, social withdrawal
Comprehensive evaluation involves multiple assessment approaches:
Conventional IBD Assessment
Comprehensive Microbiome Analysis
Advanced Inflammatory Markers
Nutritional Assessment
Food Sensitivity Testing
Intestinal Permeability Assessment
Diagnostic protocols are customized based on IBD type and disease severity.
Our comprehensive three-phase IBD healing protocol includes:
Phase 1: Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
Phase 2: Targeted Intervention
Phase 3: Long-Term Remission and Maintenance
IBD patients show dramatically different gut microbial communities compared to healthy individuals, with reduced diversity, decreased beneficial bacteria (especially butyrate-producing species), and increased pathogenic organisms. This dysbiosis perpetuates inflammation and compromises intestinal barrier function, making microbiome restoration essential for achieving and maintaining remission.
We have seen improved symptoms, mucosal healing of IBD and overall improved wellbeing in many patients. Our comprehensive approach includes more than the conventional approach and the standard functional medicine approach. Using traditional healing techniques which target the nervous system, heal old traumas, and address vibration and frequency, we have seen many patients thrive while minimizing medication therapy.
At Whole Gut Health, we focus on addressing the root causes of IBD:
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as NYC's and Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with expertise in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward lasting IBD remission through comprehensive gut health restoration and healing from the inside out.
Let us help. CALL NOW
