@drpaulfroomes: The microbiome’s role in Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) like Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease are serious conditions causing ulceration, bleeding, and inflammation. Unlike the full-thickness inflammation of Crohn's, UC affects only the lining of the large intestine. Traditional treatment uses immunosuppressive drugs to manage an overactive immune system. New research reveals the gut microbiome plays a key role in triggering IBD. Three factors must align to develop UC or Crohn's: 1. A genetic predisposition 2. Dysbiosis (overgrowth of pro-inflammatory bacteria), and; 3. Abnormal permeability also known as “leaky gut” The presence of all three conditions can lead to the onset of IBD.