A Physician’s Journey to Crohn’s Remission Without Medication
Reclaiming My Health
Can chronic illness be managed without lifelong dependence on medication? My experience with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease) suggests it’s possible. I share this story not as medical advice or a physician prescribing a path but as a patient who has walked this journey firsthand. It reflects the trial, error, and eventual transformation that changed my life and may inspire new possibilities for others. Always consult your physician before making changes to your health regimen.
A Life Interrupted
The warning signs of Crohn’s Disease appeared long before I knew what they meant. When I was a teenager, I dealt with occasional digestive issues, which were dismissed as minor by a gastroenterologist.
Everything changed during my anesthesiology training. Long shifts, demanding schedules, and mounting stress replaced healthy habits with unhealthy survival mechanisms. Sleep became scarce, exercise disappeared, and easy-to-prepare processed food became my default. The bad habits continued as I transitioned from resident to faculty. By 2005, I was overweight, fatigued, and suffering from joint pain and headaches—symptoms I attributed to stress. But stress alone wasn’t the root cause.
The turning point came during a vacation in Italy. What began as suspected food poisoning spiraled into months of nausea, debilitating abdominal pain, and, eventually, bloody diarrhea. A CT scan during a hospitalization confirmed Crohn’s Disease, showing the characteristic “cobblestone” pattern in my small intestine. The diagnosis brought relief—finally, an explanation—but also fear. Could I reclaim my health, or was this my new reality?
Discovering the Microbiome
Shortly after my diagnosis, after noticing certain yogurt brands seemed to improve my symptoms, I began researching the microbiome—a field just beginning to uncover its complexities. Studies suggested that gut health influenced more than digestion; it shaped immunity, inflammation, and many chronic diseases. I dug deep into the literature.
By 2013, despite my best efforts, my symptoms worsened. Following a small bowel resection, my gastroenterologist recommended starting a biologic. The decision weighed heavily on me. While the potential benefits were clear, the side effects and my growing understanding of the microbiome left me questioning: Was there another way?
This question marked a pivotal moment. Armed with determination, curiosity, and blind faith, I applied what I’d learned and explored whether my lifestyle could reshape my health.
Putting Knowledge into Practice
My first significant step was adopting the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), a restrictive eating pattern designed to manage gastrointestinal conditions like IBD. The diet aims to starve harmful gut bacteria that drive inflammation by eliminating complex carbohydrates and processed foods. Sticking to the regimen was challenging, but the results were undeniable. Within a week, I noticed significant improvements: reduced abdominal discomfort, renewed energy, and relief from joint pain. I continued to improve over the next several months. These early successes inspired me to transition to a more sustainable, whole-food, plant-based diet focused on anti-inflammatory foods and free from processed sugars, preservatives, and emulsifiers.
Rebuilding from the Inside Out
As my symptoms stabilized, I expanded my approach. I embraced a Mediterranean-style diet emphasizing nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fermented products. I minimized the amount of meat I consumed. Fiber became central to my strategy, supporting gut bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). My daily goal became 30+ grams of fiber, supplemented by nuts, yogurt, kefir, and kombucha.
I also incorporated specific supplements to complement my diet:
Anti-inflammatory support: Curcumin with piperine, fish oil, Boswellia, magnesium, and alpha-lipoic acid
Gut health: cranberries, cranberry extract, psyllium, inulin, galactooligosaccharides, and multivitamins
General health: Vitamin D, B12, and a B complex
Not all interventions worked perfectly. For instance, I discontinued Pro-15 probiotics after suspecting they contributed to significant weight gain but found them helpful for short-term symptom management.
Mind, Body, and Lifestyle
Through this process, I realized that dietary changes alone were insufficient. Managing Crohn’s Disease required addressing the broader context of my life—particularly stress, sleep, and movement.
I prioritized 7–7.5 hours of quality sleep, daily meditation to manage stress, and consistent physical activity. My five-mile walk became a daily ritual, grounding me physically and mentally. If I had abdominal discomfort, I learned to trust my instincts: increasing fiber, rather than avoiding it, stabilizing my symptoms. This strategy defied (or at least diverged from) conventional wisdom, but it worked for me.
A Decade in Remission and New Horizons
Since 2015, I’ve been medication-free. My inflammatory markers are lower than ever, and my quality of life has transformed. This journey hasn’t been easy; it requires continued vigilance and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches. But the result—control over my health—has been life-changing.
Inspired by my experience, I pursued a fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in 2016. This two-year program deepened my understanding of holistic care and reinforced my belief that integrative medicine can complement traditional approaches to chronic disease management.
A Word of Caution
Every person’s journey with Crohn’s Disease is unique. While these strategies worked for me, they may not suit everyone. Certain foods and supplements can interact with medications, so it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider before making adjustments.
Closing Thoughts
Reclaiming my health required more than dietary changes—it demanded a fundamental shift in how I approached my body and mind. I hope that this story inspires curiosity, fosters conversations, and empowers others—patients and physicians alike—to explore new possibilities. If you’re navigating the challenges of chronic illness, remember that change is daunting, but it’s also transformative.
Be inspired. Be informed. Be well.
Jeff Taekman, M.D.
January 2025
If this post was meaningful to you, please be sure to like, comment, and/or share.
So inspiring. I have shared it with two friends who have this condition. Keep on blazing your trail! Others are following.
Great piece. I’m confused about eliminating complex carbs—I thought surely you meant eliminating simple carbs?