Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease
As we have noticed, the incidence and prevalence have increased progressively during the last 50 years. Crohn’s disease is lifelong inflammatory bowel disease that is more frequent among men than women.
Crohn’s disease is sometimes called ileitis or regional enteritis. It is similar with ulcerative colitis in which both causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These conditions are known because of its unpredictable remission and exacerbation. It can greatly affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
However, common locations include the terminal part of the intestine, the beginning of the large intestine and the area around the anus. Symptoms are very painful and inconvenient, resulting to severe GI tract damage. You may sometimes faint, have fast heart rate, severe stomachache, fever, weight loss, fatigue, chills, vomiting and bloody diarrhea repeatedly. There have been no known cause but are associated with stress-related, food allergies or an autoimmune disorder.
Crohn’s disease can take place at any age, but most people recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease are aged 15-30 years. It is at times newly diagnosed in people aged 60-80 years. It can be successfully cured when allergens have been removed from the diet. The most common offenders are wheat, yeast, dairy, corn, sugar, eggs, and vegetables particularly broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. Histamine that is released during an allergic reaction may not be broken down appropriately in affected individuals. Malabsorption can be an impediment and a diagnosis should be made for any dietary deficiencies. Smoking does aggravate Crohn’s disease. Avoid as much as possible of animal fats and omega-6 vegetable oils as they have an inflammatory effect on the system.
Crohn’s disease can be a devastating disease. However, with proper medical treatment and other measures used to lessen the discomfort of exacerbation, most people learn to cope with the condition. Nearly everyone with Crohn’s disease can live a normal life.
Nutritional Supplements:
Multivitamins and minerals
- Quercetin—400 mg, take 20 minutes before meals, for allergies, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
- EPA/DHA—2 to 3 g, enteric coated free fatty acid form, has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces recurrence rate.
- Folic acid—800 mcg, if deficient.
- Vitamin B12—800 mcg, if deficient.
- Zinc—25 to 50 mg, if deficient; may need to be balanced with copper.
- Vitamin D—if deficient.
- Pancreatic enzymes—under the supervision of a physician.
Herbal Supplements:
- Slippery elm, Marshmallow—has mucilaginous properties, soothes inflamed tissues.
- Aloe vera—1 tsp juice after meals, contains healing properties.
- Wild indigo—an astringent, inhibits growth of harmful bacteria in intestinal tract.
- Goldenseal—antimicrobial, soothing to the intestines.
- Green tea, Raspberry—contains tannins that help clear up diarrhea; tannins have astringent qualities that contract tissues.
- Licorice root—has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chamomile, Peppermint—relieves muscle spasms and gas.
- Echinacea—supports the immune system.
- Hops—have antispasmodic activity; aid digestion.
Aromatherapy:
- Basil—an antispasmodic.
- Roman chamomile—massage abdomen, helps relieve pain.
Ayurvedic Medicine:
- Boswellia—350 mg three times a day.
- Henbane—has sedative and antispasmodic properties.
- Coriander—has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hollyhock—for bowel irritation.
Chinese Medicine:
Consult a skilled health care practitioner.
Homeopathy:
Take remedy according to symptoms:
- Arsenicum album
- Colocynthis
- Nux vomica
- Pulsatilla
