Crohns Disease / Inflammation In The Gastrointestinal Tract :
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition and ulceration of the gastrointestinal system (G.I.) and includes the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines and the anus.
Crohn's disease causes the lining of the intestines to become red, swollen or to bleed. This is termed inflammation.
This happens most often in the inner layer lining of the colon and ileum (the lower part of the small intestine). The inflammation affects the full thickness of the gut wall.
It is not altogether known what exactly causes this condition (there is more than 1 reason).
Some causes of Crohn's are ...
- Food intolerance
- Food allergy
- A problem in the immune system
- Bacterial and Virus / viral infections
- Having a family history of Crohn's and excessive stress combined with poor dietary habits may make it more likely for someone to have this condition
- Smoking adds to the risk of Crohn's
In susceptible people, the food additive titanium dioxide and aluminosilicates may evoke a latent inflammatory response resulting in possible Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or bowel cancer.
Titanium dioxide rarely occurs naturally but is added to confectionary, drinking water and anti-caking agents.
Crohn's starts off as ulceration's which deepen, become more fibrotic and lead to stricture.
The gut becomes less able to absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients - this in turn may cause a defective immune system, a low resistance to infections etc.
Some people with Crohn's have a history of anal fissures (linear ulcers on the margin of the anus) or fistulas (these are abnormal tube like passages from the rectum to the surface of the anus).
Some symptoms of crohn's include ...
Cracks or ulcers at corners of the mouth may be a good marker for Crohn's disease.
A high sugar diet and animal fats aggravate the condition.
Conventional and Alternative Treatment for Crohn's :
Conventional treatment is by anticholinergic drugs, anti-diarrhea drugs, psyllium preparations, antibiotics corticosteroids, antispasmodics and certain immunosuppressive drugs in some cases.
Surgery may be needed for fistulas, abscesses (infections), or bowel obstructions.
Many sufferers have found improvements in symptoms after altering their food intake.
A change in diet which eliminates dairy and wheat products is the first stage.
Fibre may be either reduces or increased, depending upon symptoms and location of the colitis. As most ready meals & fast foods contain added colours, additives, flavour enhancers, preservatives and many other chemicals, they too need to be eliminated as these chemicals can react with the gut lining to cause inflammation.
People with Crohn's disease may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes and this leads to poor food sterilisation & digestion which can aggravate the gut walls.
Supplementing with digestive enzymes & probiotics can help to improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn's disease.
CROHN'S SUMMARY |
- Alter and improve daily diet.
- Eliminate sugar & animal fats from the diet.
- Alter food fibre intake.
- Make sure not to eat foods with additives, added colours etc.
- Improve the digestive process.
- Maintain correct bowel flora (favourable bacteria in the colon)
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BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS
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- Goldenseal
- Fenugreek seeds
- Comfrey
- Irish moss
- Chamomile
- Hops
- Poke root
- Echinacea
- Slippery elm
- Probiotics e.g. Acidophilus & Bifidophilus
- Digestive Enzymes
- EPA & DHA (Omega 3 fish oils)
- Garlic
- Vitamin C
- Aloe Vera
- Magnesium
- Zinc
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Basic page on crohn's disease symptoms, small intestine inflammation, gut wall ulcers, bloody diarrhea and stools.
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