At the ECO25 Conference I recently attended, I had the privilege of hearing Dane Johnson, founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, share his powerful personal journey from life-threatening inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to vibrant health. His story, raw and inspiring, underscored a truth that many in the functional medicine community already understand: IBD is not merely a digestive disorder—it’s a complex, systemic condition rooted in imbalance across multiple areas of the body and mind.
His message was clear: IBD is not just a gut condition, it’s a full-body, root-cause issue influenced by toxins, infections, immune dysregulation and often unresolved emotional stress.
The Hidden Root Causes of IBD
One of the most striking aspects of Dane’s talk was how closely his healing model mirrors the functional, systems-based approach that I use in my own practice. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your IBD journey, identifying the underlying drivers of inflammation is key.
Here are the often-overlooked contributors to chronic IBD:
The following underlying contributors were highlighted:
- Environmental toxins (plastics, heavy metals, seed oils)
- Hidden pathogens (candida, parasites, mould, viruses)
- Mitochondrial damage and nutrient deficiencies
- Poor detox pathways (liver, lymph, bowels)
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Chronic stress and emotional trauma
Healing Happens in Layers
For those of you who have worked with me, this layered, root-cause approach will sound familiar. It’s not about quick fixes or suppressing symptoms, it’s about building a solid foundation for long-term wellness.
Here’s how I guide clients through a personalised healing roadmap:
- Removing inflammatory triggers (food, toxins, stressors)
- Supporting digestion and bile flow
- Repairing the gut lining with targeted nutrients and herbs
- Opening detox pathways (bowel, liver, lymph)
- Gently clearing infections once the body is ready
- Rebuilding energy through mitochondrial and nutritional support
- Creating lasting balance by regulating the nervous system and supporting emotional healing
IBD is deeply personal and so is the healing path. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is a roadmap. With the right support, a tailored plan, and a willingness to go deeper than surface-level symptoms, freedom from IBD is not just a dream, it’s a very real possibility.
Whether you’re managing a recent flare or looking to reduce reliance on medication, know that you’re not alone. The body is capable of profound healing when we work with it—not against it.