Skip to content
Call: 303-993-7910400 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite 210, Louisville, Colorado 80027 | Get DirectionsFor Practitioners
Facebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowPinterest page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new windowYouTube page opens in new windowLinkedin page opens in new windowRss page opens in new window
Jill Carnahan, MD
Your Functional Medicine Expert!
Jill Carnahan, MDJill Carnahan, MD

Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter

Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
  • HOME
  • MY STORY
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • What is Functional Medicine?
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet Dr. Jill
    • Meet The Team
    • Location
    • Fees
    • FAQs
    • Forms
    • Testimonials
    • For Practitioners
  • SERVICES
    • Services
    • Functional Medicine Consulting with Dr. Jill
    • Naturopathic Consulting with Dr. Nicole
    • Massage Therapy with Rene
    • Nutritional Consulting with Judy
    • Nutritional Consulting with Megan
    • Chiropractic Care with Dr. JoEllen
    • Nutrition therapy and Private Yoga with Haley
    • Infrared Sauna Detox Therapy
    • IV Infusion Therapy
  • RECIPES
  • PRESS KIT
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEO/AUDIO
  • BLOG
    • Dr. Jill’s Blog
    • Dr. Jill’s Recipes
    • Dr. Jill’s Facebook
    • Dr. Jill’s Instagram
    • Dr. Jill on LinkedIn
    • Flatiron Functional Medicine on LinkedIn
  • ONLINE STORE
    • Online Store
    • Retail Store in Clinic
    • Products We Love
  • CONTACT
  • HOME
  • MY STORY
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • What is Functional Medicine?
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet Dr. Jill
    • Meet The Team
    • Location
    • Fees
    • FAQs
    • Forms
    • Testimonials
    • For Practitioners
  • SERVICES
    • Services
    • Functional Medicine Consulting with Dr. Jill
    • Naturopathic Consulting with Dr. Nicole
    • Massage Therapy with Rene
    • Nutritional Consulting with Judy
    • Nutritional Consulting with Megan
    • Chiropractic Care with Dr. JoEllen
    • Nutrition therapy and Private Yoga with Haley
    • Infrared Sauna Detox Therapy
    • IV Infusion Therapy
  • RECIPES
  • PRESS KIT
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEO/AUDIO
  • BLOG
    • Dr. Jill’s Blog
    • Dr. Jill’s Recipes
    • Dr. Jill’s Facebook
    • Dr. Jill’s Instagram
    • Dr. Jill on LinkedIn
    • Flatiron Functional Medicine on LinkedIn
  • ONLINE STORE
    • Online Store
    • Retail Store in Clinic
    • Products We Love
  • CONTACT

3 Surprising Microbial Triggers of Crohn’s Disease

You are here:
  1. Home
  2. Autoimmune Health
  3. 3 Surprising Microbial Triggers of…
Crohn’s Disease

If you were to do a Google search “causes of Crohn’s disease,” you’ll find most articles saying there is no known cause. However, research has been pointing the finger at various microbes for over a decade.  

If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find we are learning that certain microbes are associated with Crohn’s disease. This has shed light on new treatment ideas, which target these microbes. Not only is this promising, it also tells us there are ways we could prevent Crohn’s disease too.

The cause of inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn’s disease is currently thought to involve inappropriate, persistent inflammatory response to commensal gut microbes in genetically susceptible individuals. This is important to understand because many microbial imbalances or infections can trigger this inflammatory response… crazy, huh?  

Once the disease has been triggered, an altered immune response results in ongoing gut inflammation and loss of tolerance to intestinal antigens. The loss of tolerance stimulates certain cells, called T-helper cells to produce a nasty slew of proinflammatory cytokines causing collateral damage. It’s a vicious cycle that continues to damage healthy tissue by accident.  However, the genetic part is important because those without the genetic susceptibility are unlikely to develop disease from these commensal microbes or others.

In Crohn’s disease, specific microbes are the trigger in a person with genetic susceptibility. There are many microbes that can set off the inflammation that leads to inflammatory bowel disease – we are only beginning to uncover specific culprits. That being said, let’s take a closer look at three potential microbial triggers – a fungi, a bacteria, and a virus.

 

1. Candida Tropicalis

A 2016 study that came out in the journal American Society for Microbiology found a significantly higher prevalence of Candida tropicalis in the stool of Crohn’s disease patients. High rates of this fungus were also found alongside anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies, which is one way we differentiate Crohn’s disease from ulcerative colitis.

These fungi weren’t on their own though. They were found grouped with two bacterium – E. coli and S. marcescens. This fungus and these two bacterium worked together to make a triple-species biofilm that was thick and larger than normal. These biofilms contributed to dysbiosis in Crohn’s disease.

This study was a fascinating look into the potential interkingdom microbial interactions. Learning more about how fungi, bacteria, and other microbes have evolved to interact with one another within our bodies is only going to expose future insights and novel approaches to treatments.

I chose to highlight the fungus in this study because it was the first of its kind to indicate a fungus as a potential cause of Crohn’s disease. Before this we mostly considered bacteria and viruses. In the quest for solutions to our complicaticated chronic conditions, we must look in every corner.

 

2. Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis (MAP)

Quite the mouthful isn’t it?

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis or MAP for short is a bacteria known for its ability to cause a disease in the stomach of cattle called Johne’s disease. Johne’s disease looks similar to Crohn’s disease, which is how it came to be a major suspect. Actually, some strains of MAP can survive pasteurization, which has raised concerns as to whether or not milk is a more common source of MAP than we realize.

MAP is a clever bacteria that’s capable of hiding in white blood cells, evading immune system alert, and also causing immune system dysregulation. This is the mechanism through which MAP can cause Crohn’s disease – it essentially sneaks around in your body causing an autoimmune response. Interestingly, drugs that are often successful against Crohn’s – rifabutin and clarithromycin – are believed to be successful because they target MAP.

MAP is emerging as a clear cause of Crohn’s disease. Though it’s not widely known yet, research is finding that MAP can cause a variety of gastrointestinal issues. One 2011 report concluded, “If we accept that both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are caused by specific microorganisms, MAP, a long overdue transformation will take place in the prevention and treatment of these diseases.”

 

3. Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein-Barr virus was only discovered 50 years ago. Since its discovery, we’ve come to find that an estimated 90 percent of the adult population has this virus. Epstein-Barr appeared so ubiquitous it was thought to be benign. However, it’s turning out to be closely linked to numerous digestive conditions, such as:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Acute appendicitis
  • Gastric cancers

Epstein-Barr virus is common in numerous conditions where gastrointestinal inflammation is a key characteristic, specifically Crohn’s disease. One study found that while there was no Epstein-Barr virus in normal gastrointestinal mucosa, 55 percent of those with Crohn’s disease had Epstein-Barr virus. Another study found this rate to be 63 percent in Crohn’s patients.

Researchers have found that Epstein-Barr virus can be largely dormant until activated by immunosuppressant drugs, such as steroids. On top of that, immunosuppressant drugs have been found to worsen Crohn’s disease. This is interesting because it goes against what you might think would be a good treatment for Crohn’s disease. Because Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease where an overactive immune system attacks the gut lining, you might think immunosuppressant drugs would be a good idea. However, studies are finding that treating Crohn’s with immunosuppressant drugs worsens the condition.

See how that can become a vicious cycle? First, the drugs activate the Epstein-Barr virus, causing Crohn’s. Then, the patient is prescribed more immunosuppressant drugs, which only makes it worse.

The takeaway? If doctors were more apt to test their patients on immunosuppressive drugs for Epstein-Barr virus and activity, they could catch the development of gut conditions early, possibly even prevent them.

 

My Story

I got my Crohn’s disease diagnosis only six short months after I had just beat breast cancer. I know my Crohn’s disease development was due in part to the chemotherapy I has just been through. Fortunately, in healing my Crohn’s disease I developed personal insight into how autoimmune disease can be significantly influenced and in some cases reversed.

If you’re interested in learning more about this, you can get my guide: What to do if You Have an Autoimmune Disease?

One final note: This isn’t definitive list. There are other microbes associated with Crohn’s disease. Some of these include: Candida species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mycobacterium avium sp., yersinia, listeria, helicobacter pylori, e.coli and others.

 

Resources:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308386708_Bacteriome_and_Mycobiome_Interactions_Underscore_Microbial_Dysbiosis_in_Familial_Crohn%27s_Disease

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2718892/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10888733

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3031217/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26282825

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22410851

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10364028

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26307954

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25684960

 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.   The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician.  Please review references sited at end of article for scientific support of any claims made.

Categories: Autoimmune Health, Gut HealthBy Jill Carnahan, MDDecember 20, 20172 Comments
Tags: Candida TropicalisCrohn’scrohn’s diseaseEpstein-Barr VirusFunctional MedicineIBSstomach problems
Share this post
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook TweetShare on Twitter Pin itShare on Pinterest Share on WhatsAppShare on WhatsApp Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

Author: Jill Carnahan, MD

https://molddetoxbox.com/

Dr. Jill is Your Functional Medicine Expert! She uses functional medicine to help you find answers to the cause of your illness and addresses the biochemical imbalances that may be making you feel ill. She'll help you search for underlying triggers contributing to your illness through cutting edge lab testing and tailor the intervention to your specific needs as an individual. She may use diet, supplements, lifestyle changes or medication to treat your illness but will seek the most gentle way to help your body restore balance along with the least invasive treatment possible. Dr. Jill is a functional medicine expert consultant and treats environmental and mold-related illness as well

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:Dr. Jill’s Top 11 Christmas Gifts For Your Best Health EVERNextNext post:Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Beef Stew Recipe

Related posts

immune-system
A Fascinating Look at the Hidden Triggers That Can Cause Autoimmunity
January 18, 2021
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D’s Essential Role in a Healthy Immune System – and How to Get More of It
January 12, 2021
healthy-new-year
New Year, New You: Improve Your Health With Hope and Resilience
December 28, 2020
sibo-intestine
Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO: What It Is and How to Heal It
December 20, 2020
Dr. Jill Live Presents The Best of 2020
December 9, 2020
mast cell activation symptoms and treatment
Hidden Infections and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: What You Need to Know
December 8, 2020

2 Comments

  1. Luis says:
    June 24, 2018 at 11:18 pm

    Great article. Your hypothesis is spot on. It’s a pity well written, evidence rich articles like this one do not get the recognition they deserve. Instead, it’s turmeric for everything. There’s a dearth of critical thinking skills in America. It’s appalling.

     Reply
  2. J. C. says:
    July 28, 2018 at 11:15 am

    Thank you —from a 5-year Crohn’s suffering female with no help from standard medicine.

     Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post comment

Search
Dr. Jill
Dr. Jill will help you search for underlying triggers contributing to your illness through cutting edge lab testing and tailor the intervention to your specific needs as an individual.
  • Address:
    400 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite 210, Louisville, Colorado 80027
  • Get Directions
  • Phone:
    (303) 993-7910
  • Fax:
    (303) 993-4674
  • Specialty
    Functional Medicine Expert Trained in Family Medicine Board Certified Trained in Integrative Holistic Medicine

Find us on:

Facebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowYouTube page opens in new windowRss page opens in new windowLinkedin page opens in new windowPinterest page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new window
Testimonials

I certainly understand how Dr. Jill got so popular! Love watching her very interesting videos on the site and have signed up for the newsletter. She exudes such an air of competence, authenticity, intelligence and humility!

Karin
Karin

Good day Jill, you Motivated me very much. In the Last years, I prepared to become a registered German Naturopath (Heilpraktiker). The webinars of Functional Medicine Practitioners I attended as often as I could. Best wishes from Europe.

Norbert
Norbert

In my many years and many experiences with doctors… you guys have them beat, hands down. You guys are great.

Jessica Hull
Jessica Hull

I just wanted to thank Dr. Carnahan and all the staff for a wonderful visit. What a great experience from start to finish. Of course, Dr. Carnahan is the icing on the cake! (Hmmm …need a healthier analogy) Anyway, I’m feeling excited optimistic, and hopeful after all these years of being sick. Again my thanks and blessings to you all. Warmly, Roberta

Roberta
Roberta

I just wanted to send a quick thank you for your time and advice today. I am so appreciative and I feel hopeful that the plan we have can really help me. I’ve been sick for a long time and recently I’ve been rather discouraged with where I’m at with my health. I believe that God has allowed our paths to cross and that He is going to use you help restore my body to health. Thank you for giving me hope. Blessings, Kara

Kara
Kara

I wanted to let you know you did an outstanding job at this past weekend at the IFM {Reversing Cognitive Decline} conference. I appreciate you sharing your personal health journey. You are a true inspiration!

Ronald Grisanti
Dr. Ronald GrisantiBoard Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist
Facebook
Jill Carnahan, MD
Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Dr. Jill
Dr. Jill will help you search for underlying triggers contributing to your illness through cutting edge lab testing and tailor the intervention to your specific needs as an individual.
  • Address:
    400 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite 210, Louisville, Colorado 80027
  • Phone:
    (303) 993-7910
  • Fax:
    (303) 993-4674

Find us on:

Facebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowYouTube page opens in new windowRss page opens in new windowLinkedin page opens in new windowPinterest page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new window
Latest Tweets
  • Dr. Jill interviews Dr. Susan Sklar on Burning Mouth Syndrome https://t.co/8KZIFDYJt7 via @FacebookWatch3 days ago
  • Dr. Jill interviews Dr. Terri Fox about a Functional Medicine approach to Biotoxin Illness https://t.co/4wjq0TxPdp via @FacebookWatch6 days ago
  • RECIPE: 30-Minute Chicken Meatball Tacos https://t.co/CfAUcFfjHz11 days ago
Facebook
Jill Carnahan, MD
Jill Carnahan, MD

© 2021 Jill Carnahan. All Rights Reserved | Site by Yakadanda  | FAQS | Disclaimer | Financial Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

| Dr. Jill works as a functional medicine consultant in conjunction with your current health care team and is not considered a replacement for your primary care physician. She requires all new patients to have a primary care physician to cover emergencies and routine care and screening.

Go to Top
Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter
Thanks for Joining Me in the Microbiome Summit. Get Your Free Download Here
Join new and get your free copy of Paleolicious Snack Ideas. We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Flatiron Functional Medicine Holiday Giveaway
Enter now to win your free Berkey Water Filtration Sysyem (my personal favorite).
We promise never to share your email with anyone.
RESOLVE YOUR MOLD EXPOSURE SYMPTOMS
Dr. Jill's long-awaited Miracle Mold Detox Box is finally here. This handcrafted and researched bundle includes all of the crucial pieces you need to release and flush out toxins in 30 days.
SHOP NOW