A Functional Medicine Approach to Ulcerative Colitis with Dr. Dawn Beaulieu
Host & Guest Details
Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman, Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician
Guest: Dr. Dawn Beaulieu, Professor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Board Certified Gastroenterologist; Certified in Functional Medicine
Episode Overview
Dr. Dawn Beaulieu, a trailblazing gastroenterologist and functional medicine educator, joins Dr. Elyaman to explore the nuanced diagnosis and integrative management of ulcerative colitis (UC). From spotting red flags early to balancing traditional and functional modalities, this conversation is a masterclass in gut health transformation.
You’ll hear firsthand how Dr. Beaulieu founded the first insurance-based IBD-focused functional medicine clinic at Vanderbilt and how she brings healing through both medication and root-cause lifestyle shifts.
Key Questions Answered
How do we truly differentiate UC from IBS?
What is the role of diet in reversing gut inflammation?
When is medication absolutely necessary in IBD management?
What labs and imaging are essential in a UC workup?
How do the 5Rs apply to real-world IBD care?
Why You Can’t Miss This Episode
Over 70,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with IBD each year. Yet many remain untreated or misdiagnosed.
This episode empowers practitioners and patients alike to catch UC early, personalize care, and integrate lifestyle and conventional tools effectively.
What Listeners Will Learn
Key Insight
“Diet alone can decrease colon inflammation—sometimes more than medication can.”
Top Takeaways
The three factors that trigger IBD: genes, infection, and environment
How to use Fecal Calprotectin to triage gut symptoms
Why NSAIDs and oral iron can worsen inflammation
The power of 5R gut healing, even in severe cases
Why fiber reintroduction must be gradual and personalized
Shareable Quotes
“Functional medicine isn’t a replacement—it’s the companion to conventional care.”
“The brain talks to the gut, and the gut listens—every single time.”
Disclaimers
Educational Purpose Only – This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
No Doctor-Patient Relationship – Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Supplement Use Disclaimer – Any supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your provider.
Professional Responsibility – Practitioners should use their professional judgment before applying strategies discussed.
Liability Disclaimer – The host, guest, and affiliated organizations assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information shared.
This Episode’s Sponsor
FMP Essentials is the #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioners
https://www.fmpessentials.com
For serious practitioners ready to go further, the FMP Essentials Mastermind offers advanced mentorship, exclusive resources, and a trusted peer network.
Apply or learn more at:
https://www.fmpessentials.com/mastermind
Connect with Us
Dr. Dawn Beaulieu – Instagram: @drdawnbeaulieu
FMP Essentials – Instagram: @fmpessentialshq | Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Dr. Yousef Elyaman – Instagram: @drelyaman
Music Credit: “Heroes Approaching - Extended” by tunes2go
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