A Functional Medicine Approach to Treating Crohn’s and Colitis | This episode is brought to you by Birch Living and InsideTracker. We see it all the time in Functional Medicine: when the gut isn’t functioning properly, the whole body suffers. For those struggling with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the symptoms can be so severe that every day is painful and filled with uncertainty. Luckily, by taking away instigators (like gluten and dairy) and looking at the ingredients needed for healing, patients with IBDs can regain digestive balance and take back their quality of life. Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru talks to Nishtha Patel about her experience in helping her daughter heal from Crohn’s colitis, which is when Crohn’s disease specifically impacts the colon. Symptoms of this disorder range from diarrhea and rectal bleeding to ulcers, fistulas, abscesses, joint pain, and skin lesions. Not to mention, most people dealing with IBDs carry very real emotional burdens as well.  Nishtha Patel is a Functional Medicine practitioner and clinical nutritionist who specializes in gastrointestinal health. Her journey into this arena started 10 years ago when her child was diagnosed suddenly with indeterminate Crohn’s colitis. She was told that the disease was chronic and there was no cure.  In this episode, we dive into:  -Nishtha’s experience helping her daughter heal from Crohn’s colitis (7:22) -The difference between Crohn’s and colitis (25:58) -Why IBDs are on the rise (31:04) -The problem with gluten and dairy when it comes to IBDs (34:56) -Foods that are considered healthy, but may impact someone with Crohn’s and colitis (43:20) -Why nightshade vegetables may be challenging for some people (53:07) -How to prepare beans and legumes so they are easier to digest (56:49) -How stress impacts gut health (1:02:31) -How Nishtha’s daughter is doing today (1:22:27) -Cure vs. remission when it comes to IBDs (1:24:31) For more on Nishtha Patel you can follow her on Instagram @TheGutExpert_, on Facebook @TheGutExpert, and through her website https://www.thegutexpert.com/. Follow her daughter Sasha on Instagram @TheNotecook_, and through her website www.thenotecook.com. Also mentioned in this episode: -Listen to your Gut by Jini Patel Thompson - https://listentoyourgut.com/listen-to-your-gut-the-complete-natural-healing-program-for-ibs-and-ibd/ -Dane Johnson - Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle - www.instagram.com/crohnscolitis_lifestyle -Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle Course - https://cclifestyle.thinkific.com/courses/shield-course For more on Dhru Purohit, be sure to follow him on Instagram @dhrupurohit, on Facebook @dhruxpurohit, on Twitter @dhrupurohit, and on YouTube @dhrupurohit. You can also text Dhru at (302) 200-5643 or click here https://my.community.com/dhrupurohit. Interested in joining The Dhru Purohit Podcast Facebook Community? Submit your request to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2819627591487473/. This episode is brought to you by Birch Living and InsideTracker. I recently upgraded to a Birch mattress by Helix. The Birch is made right here in the US, out of 4 non-toxic, natural materials: organic latex, organic cotton, New Zealand wool, and American steel springs. If you’re looking for a new mattress, I highly recommend checking out the Birch. Right now they are giving my community $200 off all mattresses, plus 2 free eco-rest pillows. Just head over to https://birchliving.com/dhru. InsideTracker helps people live long, healthy, productive lives by optimizing their bodies from the inside out. InsideTracker’s cutting-edge technology analyzes your blood, DNA, lifestyle, and fitness tracker data to give you science-backed recommendations for positive changes to your daily habits. Traditional lab tests can be hard to read on your own, bu