IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease does not refer to just one particular disorder but actually covers a group of diseases that are characterized by the inflammation or reddening and swelling of the intestines. Two major types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Crohn’s disease may occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, meaning it can affect your mouth, small or large intestines, and your anus. Ulcerative Colitis, on the other hand, is limited to the large intestine or the colon, and is more associated with blood seen in the toilet bowl. Both Crohn’s and UC can be very painful, especially having pain on passing a stool. IBD often has flare-ups and times of remission that can last years. IBD is considered to be an auto-immune problem and should not be confused with IBS which is less associated with the immune system. We start treatment by identifying problem foods with a blood based IgG food intolerance test (not an allergy test), then move onto reducing inflammation with natural anti-inflammatory herbs, and healing the intestinal lining with nutrition.