Understanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): When your gut feels unsettled
Last updated: 18 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Do you often experience stomach pain, bloating, or urgent bowel movements that come and go? While occasional digestive discomfort is common, persistent symptoms may signal a deeper imbalance in the digestive tract, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly inflames the digestive tract, disrupting normal digestion and nutrient absorption. Though chronic, they can be managed effectively when recognised early.
Elfcare’s preventive approach focuses on awareness and helping you understand what’s happening inside your gut, so you can take early steps to maintain comfort, energy, and digestive balance.
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What is IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract. It mainly includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause long-term inflammation in the intestines, but they affect different areas and layers of the gut:
Crohn’s disease: can involve any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, most often the lower small intestine and colon. It affects deeper layers of the intestinal wall.
Ulcerative colitis: is limited to the colon and rectum, mainly affecting the inner lining of the intestine.
This chronic inflammation can lead to periods of flare-ups and remission. Understanding early warning signs and tracking inflammation markers can help you manage them more effectively.
Common symptoms of IBD
Common IBD symptoms include:
Abdominal pain or cramping
Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
Unexplained fatigue or low energy
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Bloating and frequent bowel urgency
Anaemia or nutritional deficiencies
Joint pain or skin irritation (in some cases)
Symptoms may vary in intensity, with some periods of relief. That’s why regular testing and observation are key – to detect inflammation early and prevent flare-ups.
What causes IBD?
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is not fully understood, but several factors work together to trigger inflammation:
Immune system overactivity: the body attacks its own intestinal lining.
Genetic predisposition: family history increases risk.
Gut microbiome imbalance: reduced diversity of healthy bacteria in the intestines.
Environmental triggers: diet, stress, pollution, or certain medications.
Smoking: known to worsen Crohn’s disease.
Unresolved infections or inflammation: can alter gut immunity.
While these factors can’t always be controlled, early awareness and regular testing can help you manage them effectively.
How do you detect IBD?
Doctors use a combination of blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, and imaging to assess inflammation and diagnose IBD. Even before symptoms worsen, blood biomarkers can reveal immune and nutritional imbalances linked to inflammation.
Key biomarkers include:
CRP (C-reactive protein): reflects systemic inflammation.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate): indicates chronic inflammation.
CBC (complete blood count): detects anaemia or infection.
Iron, ferritin, and B12: assess nutrient absorption and energy balance.
Albumin: reflects nutritional status and liver function.
Fecal calprotectin: a stool marker used to measure intestinal inflammation.
Vitamin D: supports immune regulation and gut barrier strength.
Elfcare’s blood tests and imaging measure inflammation, nutrient, and metabolic markers helping you detect early digestive imbalance before it becomes chronic.
Why early detection matters
Inflammatory bowel diseases progress slowly and often fluctuate between active and quiet phases. Detecting early inflammation allows you to:
Identify triggers such as diet, stress, or medications
Support nutrient levels and prevent deficiencies
Work with your doctor on a balanced management plan
Maintain long-term gut health and energy
Early insight helps you make informed choices that protect your gut and overall well-being.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s preventive health checks monitor inflammation, nutrient status, and metabolic markers related to digestive health. Tracking these results over time helps you understand how your body responds and supports conversations with your healthcare provider.
Elfcare’s focus is awareness, not diagnosis and empowering you to take charge of your health with clarity and confidence.
Curious about your digestive balance? Elfcare’s imaging and blood tests help you track inflammation and nutrient levels early, so you can protect your gut, energy, and long-term comfort.
Summary
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may be lifelong conditions, but early awareness and consistent monitoring make a big difference. By testing regularly and maintaining gut-friendly habits, you can manage inflammation, stay energised, and live comfortably.
When you understand your body, you can make choices that support your digestion, strength, and lifelong vitality.
Last updated: 18 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract. It mainly includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is a long-term condition that can affect digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall wellbeing.
What are the most common symptoms of IBD?
Common symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, weight loss, and reduced appetite. Some people may notice blood or mucus in stools. Symptoms often occur in flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
How is IBD diagnosed?
IBD is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, blood and stool tests, imaging, and endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy. These tests help identify inflammation and rule out other digestive conditions. Early diagnosis supports better symptom control.
While there is no cure, IBD can be effectively managed with medication, dietary adjustments, stress management, and regular monitoring. With proper treatment and self-care, many people achieve long-term remission and maintain a good quality of life.