Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support
See how we fix IBD
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At Prana Thrive, we don't just test and send you a report. We guide you through complete healing using our AIM Method:
Analyse — Comprehensive metagenomic testing identifies which bacterial species are driving your inflammation (depleted protective species, elevated inflammatory bacteria, reduced diversity).
Integrate — Personalised protocols restore bacterial balance through targeted antimicrobials, specific probiotics, gut barrier repair, and anti-inflammatory dietary strategies.
Monitor — Ongoing support for 3–6 months with regular check-ins, protocol adjustments, and retesting to ensure you achieve and maintain remission.
Testing alone is just expensive data. Our complete approach is what creates results.
Let's look at what the testing reveals - and how we use that information to create your personalised protocol.
Research has identified specific bacterial imbalances consistently found in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These patterns aren't random - they directly contribute to intestinal inflammation, barrier breakdown, and immune dysregulation.
The IBD Microbiome Signature
What We Consistently See in IBD:
Depleted Protective Species:
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii — A keystone anti-inflammatory species that produces butyrate (the primary fuel for intestinal cells). Studies show F. prausnitzii is severely depleted in Crohn's disease and low levels predict relapse.
Akkermansia muciniphila — Supports intestinal barrier integrity and mucus layer health. Often depleted in both Crohn's and UC.
Other butyrate-producers — Species that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that reduce inflammation and support gut healing.
Elevated Inflammatory Species:
Adherent-Invasive E. coli (AIEC) — Found in up to 50% of Crohn's patients. This pathogenic E. coli strain invades intestinal cells and triggers chronic inflammation.
Fusobacterium nucleatum — Drives intestinal inflammation and is elevated in both Crohn's and UC.
Ruminococcus gnavus — Degrades the protective mucus layer, allowing bacteria to reach and inflame intestinal tissue.
Sulfate-reducing bacteria — Produce hydrogen sulfide, which damages the intestinal lining (particularly in UC).
Reduced Microbial Diversity:
IBD patients typically have significantly lower bacterial diversity than healthy individuals. This lack of diversity makes the microbiome less resilient and more vulnerable to inflammatory triggers.
The Result?
When protective species are depleted and inflammatory bacteria overgrow, your intestinal environment becomes chronically inflamed - even if you're eating well, managing stress, and taking medication.
This is why some IBD patients respond well to medication while others don't. Your microbiome composition affects how you respond to biologics, how quickly you achieve remission, and how likely you are to relapse.
🔬 THE MICROBIOLOGIST'S PERSPECTIVE ON IBD
"When I review microbiome results for IBD clients, the pattern is striking: severely depleted Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is almost universal in active Crohn's disease. This species produces butyrate, which is the primary fuel source for your colonocytes - the cells lining your intestine. Without adequate butyrate, your intestinal barrier can't maintain itself, leading to increased permeability and chronic inflammation.
On the other side, I consistently see elevated Adherent-Invasive E. coli in Crohn's patients and sulfate-reducing bacteria in ulcerative colitis. These aren't just 'imbalances' - these are specific bacterial species with known inflammatory mechanisms. AIEC actually invades your intestinal cells and triggers immune activation. Sulfate-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide that damages your gut lining.
The challenge is that standard medical testing doesn't assess these patterns. A colonoscopy shows inflammation, but it doesn't tell you which bacteria are driving it. Blood tests show elevated inflammatory markers, but they don't reveal the microbial imbalances causing them. That's why comprehensive testing matters - it shows what's actually happening at the bacterial level, so we can target the root causes."
Victoria Samios, Microbiologist
Gastroenterologists are essential for diagnosing and managing IBD. Colonoscopies, biopsies, imaging, and medications save lives. But standard medical care has significant gaps—not because gastroenterologists aren't skilled, but because the system they work within has limitations.
✅ What Gastroenterology does well
Diagnoses IBD through colonoscopy and biopsy
Monitors disease activity and mucosal healing
Prescribes medications to suppress inflammation
Screens for complications (strictures, fistulas, cancer)
Performs surgery when necessary
❌ What's often missing
Microbiome assessment — Standard stool tests only screen for acute infections (C. difficile, salmonella). They don't assess your bacterial composition, diversity, or IBD-specific patterns like depleted F. prausnitzii or elevated AIEC.
Root cause investigation — Why did your immune system start attacking your gut? What triggered the initial inflammation? Most gastroenterologists don't have time (or tools) to investigate dietary triggers, early-life antibiotic exposure, stress, or microbiome disruption.
Personalized dietary guidance — You might be told to "avoid trigger foods" but without specific guidance on which foods feed beneficial bacteria vs. inflammatory species.
Medication reduction strategy — Once you're on biologics or immunosuppressants, there's rarely a plan to reduce or taper them - even if you achieve remission. The assumption is lifelong medication.
Proactive relapse prevention — Most care is reactive: wait for a flare, then escalate medication. There's limited focus on monitoring bacterial patterns that predict relapse before symptoms appear.
1. Comprehensive Metagenomic Testing (Not Standard Stool Tests)
We use metagenomic sequencing - the same technology used in Australian IBD research trials. This identifies 200–800+ bacterial species, fungi, and functional pathways.
What this reveals:
Specific IBD-associated bacteria (AIEC, Fusobacterium, depleted F. prausnitzii)
Butyrate-producing capacity (critical for intestinal healing)
Inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory bacterial ratios
Microbial diversity (a key predictor of remission)
Pathogenic overgrowths missed by standard tests
Standard pathology stool tests only screen for acute infections. They don't assess microbiome composition or IBD-specific patterns.
2. Dual Expert Review: Microbiologist + Naturopath
Your test results are reviewed by Victoria (microbiologist) and Amanda (naturopath with 2,000+ microbiome analyses), giving you:
✅ Scientific accuracy — Victoria identifies specific bacterial imbalances and their inflammatory mechanisms
✅ Clinical application — Amanda translates findings into personalised protocols
✅ Evidence-based recommendations — No guesswork, no generic protocols
This dual-expert model means you get laboratory-grade precision combined with holistic, whole-person care.
3. Personalized Protocols Based on YOUR Bacterial Profile
We don't use generic IBD protocols. Your protocol is designed based on:
Your specific bacterial imbalances (which protective species are depleted, which inflammatory species are elevated)
Your IBD type (Crohn's vs. ulcerative colitis) and disease location
Your current medications and how they affect your microbiome
Your symptoms, dietary patterns, and health history
Your goals (achieving remission, reducing medication, preventing relapse)
4. We Work Alongside Your Medical Care (Not Against It)
We never ask you to stop medication or abandon your gastroenterologist. Instead, we work alongside your medical team to:
✅ Address root causes biologics don't target (bacterial dysbiosis, barrier dysfunction, SCFA depletion)
✅ Support medication reduction over time (with your gastroenterologist's approval)
✅ Provide dietary and lifestyle protocols that complement your medical treatment
✅ Monitor inflammation with non-invasive markers (faecal calprotectin, if appropriate)
Many of our IBD clients continue seeing their gastroenterologist while using our protocols to reduce flare frequency and, in some cases, reduce medication dependency.
🌿 THE NATUROPATH'S PERSPECTIVE
"After analysing over 2,000 microbiome tests, I've seen consistent patterns in IBD clients: severe depletion of butyrate-producing bacteria, elevated inflammatory species, and significantly reduced microbial diversity. But here's what I've also learned - every person's IBD is different.
Some Crohn's clients have elevated AIEC. Others have fungal overgrowth or parasite activity. Some UC clients have sulfate-reducing bacteria driving inflammation. Others have histamine intolerance patterns contributing to symptoms.
This is why I don't use generic protocols. A Crohn's patient with depleted F. prausnitzii needs targeted butyrate support and specific prebiotic fibres. A UC patient with elevated sulfate-reducing bacteria needs to avoid sulfur-rich foods and use different antimicrobials.
My goal isn't managing your IBD forever - it's helping you achieve remission and, where possible, reduce your reliance on medication. I've worked with clients who've gone from multiple flares per year to sustained remission for 18+ months. I've seen clients reduce biologics with their gastroenterologist's supervision. I've watched clients regain weight, eliminate bleeding, and get their lives back.
It doesn't happen overnight, but when you address the bacterial imbalances driving your inflammation - not just suppress the symptoms - real healing becomes possible."
Amanda Ledwith, Naturopath
Unlike conventional approaches that just manage symptoms, our AIM Method™ addresses the root cause of your IBD and guides you to lasting healing.
Analyse: Identify the Bacterial Imbalances
We use comprehensive metagenomic testing to identify:
Which protective species are depleted (F. prausnitzii, Akkermansia, butyrate-producers)
Which inflammatory species are elevated (AIEC, Fusobacterium, sulfate-reducing bacteria)
Your microbial diversity and functional capacity (SCFA production)
Any pathogenic overgrowths (fungi, parasites, pathogenic E. coli strains)
Victoria reviews every result to identify the specific bacterial patterns driving your IBD inflammation.
Integrate: Your personalised healing protocol
We build a protocol specific to your test findings and IBD type:
Reduce: Targeted antimicrobials to lower inflammatory bacteria (herbal or pharmaceutical, depending on severity)
Restore: Specific probiotic strains proven effective for IBD (e.g., VSL#3 for ulcerative colitis, Saccharomyces boulardii for Crohn's)
Repair: Support for gut barrier healing and butyrate production (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, butyrate supplementation, prebiotic fibres)
Rebalance: Anti-inflammatory dietary protocols tailored to your bacterial profile and food intolerances
Monitor: Support long-term remission
We don't hand you a protocol and disappear. For 3–6 months, we provide:
Fortnightly or monthly check-ins to assess progress and adjust protocols
Symptom tracking and identification of patterns (food triggers, stress, medication changes)
Retest at 3–6 months to measure bacterial improvements and refine protocols
Support for medication tapering (if you and your gastroenterologist decide to reduce medication)
Ongoing relapse prevention strategies
See how we fix IBD
(5 min)
WATCH NOW
Book your free
IBS evaluation call
BOOK FREE CALL
✅ You're an ideal candidate if:
You have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (diagnosed by gastroenterologist)
You're experiencing flare-ups despite medication
You're dealing with medication side effects
You're struggling with weight loss or malnutrition (especially Crohn's)
You're experiencing ongoing bleeding, urgency, or pain (especially UC)
You're in remission and want to stay there
You're newly diagnosed and want to address root causes early
You want to work alongside your gastroenterologist with complementary support
You're looking for an alternative approach after medication hasn't worked
🤔 You may not need specialist support if:
You're currently in a severe flare requiring hospitalisation (stabilise first, then test)
You haven't been diagnosed with IBD yet (see a gastroenterologist first for diagnosis)
You're not ready to make dietary or lifestyle changes alongside testing
You're looking for a quick fix (IBD healing takes 3–6 months minimum)
Not sure if IBD specialist support is right for you?
Book a free 15-minute evaluation call - we'll give you honest guidance even if testing isn't the next step.
DMANJIT'S STORY
Background:
Damanjit was diagnosed with proctitis (a form of ulcerative colitis affecting the rectum) and experiencing mucus and blood in her stool—classic UC symptoms that were significantly affecting her quality of life.
The Process:
Working with Tracey (one of our practitioners), Damanjit received comprehensive microbiome testing and a personalised protocol targeting her specific bacterial imbalances. Tracey provided detailed explanations, customised monthly plans, and ongoing support throughout her healing journey.
The Outcome:
✅ Symptoms almost completely resolved
✅ No more blood or mucus in stool
✅ Sustained remission
JARROD'S STORY
Background:
Before working with Amanda, Jarrod was in a dire situation: chronically underweight at only 45kg, barely able to eat, and dealing with severe chronic gut issues. His health was deteriorating rapidly—a common pattern in Crohn's disease where inflammation and malabsorption make it nearly impossible to maintain weight.
The Process:
Amanda identified key bacterial imbalances through comprehensive microbiome testing and created a targeted protocol focused on reducing inflammation, improving nutrient absorption, and rebuilding protective bacterial species.
The Outcome:
✅ Gained 15kg (from 45kg to 60kg)—a massive achievement
✅ Able to eat normally again without fear
✅ Chronic gut issues resolved
✅ Overall health restored
Read more client success stories
Our AIM Method combines comprehensive testing to analyse your bacterial imbalances, a personalised protocol to restore balance, and ongoing monitoring to support long-term remission.
No pressure. No obligation.
Just clarity on what's actually causing your IBD and whether our comprehensive testing with expert support can help.
We're based in Perth, Western Australia, and work with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis clients across the entire country.
Perth & WA
(Fremantle, Joondalup, Mandurah, regional WA)
Sydney & NSW
Melbourne & VIC
Brisbane & QLD
Adelaide & SA
Hobart & TAS
Canberra & ACT
Darwin & NT
Regional and remote areas across Australia
All consultations are conducted via secure video call.
Your test kit ships Australia-wide with prepaid return postage included.
Whether you're in Perth or Cairns, you get the same comprehensive testing & expert review from our microbiologist Victoria and naturopath Amanda.
You don't have to accept a lifetime of unpredictable flare-ups and medication dependency. With comprehensive microbiome testing, you can identify the specific bacterial imbalances driving your Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis - and create a targeted plan to restore balance.
Our AIM Method gives you:
Analyse — Comprehensive testing reviewed by Victoria (microbiologist) and Amanda (2,000+ analyses) to identify exactly what's happening in your gut - depleted protective species, elevated inflammatory bacteria, and functional pathways
Integrate — A personalized protocol designed for YOUR bacterial imbalances, IBD type, and health goals - not generic advice
Monitor — Ongoing support and follow-up for 3–6 months, with protocol adjustments and retesting to ensure you're making progress
We've helped hundreds of IBD clients reduce flare frequency, achieve remission, and in many cases, reduce medication with their gastroenterologist's support.