Crohn's disease is often confused with other inflammatory bowel
disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, thus
making it difficult to diagnose. Crohn's disease can affect any part of
the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is
characterized by an inflammatory reaction throughout the entire
thickness of the colon and bowel wall. This inflammation can penetrate
deeply into the affected organ, causing pain and diarrhea.
Symptoms
associated with Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea,
rectal bleeding (which may lead to anemia), weight loss, malabsorption
syndrome and nutritional deficiencies. The onset of Crohn's disease is
typically between the ages of fourteen and thirty. Cases of this
disorder tend to be 2-4 times more common in Caucasian whites than
non-Caucasian, and 4 times more common in Jews than non-Jews.
Crohn's
disease is typically experienced as flair-up, with attacks occurring
every few months to every few years. Over time, if the disease is
active, bowel function can gradually deteriorate, with the risk of
cancer increasing by 20 fold.
Scientists believe that chronic
imbalances in the intestinal flora set off a chain of events that, in
the end, damages the intestinal mucosa. This theory is strongly
supported by the parallel in the number of cases of Crohn's and other
inflammatory bowel disorders and use of antibiotics over the last 50
years. In turn, it has also been found that the incidence of Crohn's
disease is higher in cultures consuming a "western diet", while it is
virtually non-existent in cultures consuming a more primitive diet.
Studies also reveal that patients with Crohn's disease were found to be
individuals who habitually ate, prior to the onset of symptoms, more
refined sugar, less raw fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber when
compared to their healthy counterparts.
While the exact causes of
Crohn's disease is still unclear, there is much that can be done to
lessen symptoms and even put this disorder into remission. The goal for
treatment of this disorder is to control inflammation, correct
nutritional deficiencies and relieve symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and
rectal bleeding.
Recommendations for Wellness
1) An
elimination diet, such as Gottschall's Specific Carbohydrate Diet have
been shown to reduce the symptoms experienced within 3 - 12 weeks.
2) Avoid sugar, both white sugars, and the sugars contained in white flower, white rice etc.
3)
Keep a food/flair-up journal. Identify foods you are eating, or your
emotional state just before and during a "flair-up". In time, you may
find a pattern forming
4) To reduce intestinal inflammation and
begin the healing process, try products such as UltraInflamx - by
Metagenics, Robert's formula - by Phytophamric, or aloe vera juice.
5)
Flax seed or fish oils (Omega 3 Oils) have been known to greatly reduce
the inflammatory process. If you find you have a hard time digesting
them, try freezing the gel caps before taking them.
6) Extra
vitamins and minerals are important at this time, especially if you are
not absorbing nutrients correctly. Incorporate a liquid meal
replacement (one that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein, and
low on sugar!) into your diet as well as taking a high quality vitamin
and minerals supplement. Try to find one that is in a gel casing or
capsule.
7) Find a good mineral supplement such as Alfalfa, barley
greens, liquid chlorophyll or colloidal minerals. Many of these come
in a powdered form that you can mix with water or juice.
8)
Because of blood loss due to rectal bleeding, and the anemia associated
with it, incorporation of additional iron is important. Look to find an
herbal iron alternative, especially one that comes in liquid form for
better/easier assimilation. If you decide to look to a single herb,
Yellow Dock would be my choice. (Consult with your health care
provider before introducing additional iron into your diet.)
9)
Starting a program of re-inoculating the intestinal tract with Friendly
Bacteria, namely lactoacidopholis can enhance recovery and restore bowel
function to normal.
