Crohn's Disease - What is it?
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(Booklet 'A Natural Approach to Overcoming Bowel Disorders') Crohn's Disease (Disclaimer: The bulk of these recommendations were enunciated by a medical doctor familiar with the listed products and others are just observations of the response of different customers we have dealt with in the past. The gist of this information is that you must take control of your health. If what you are doing is not working, does it make sense to continue on that path. Be advised that if you are in the midst of severe inflammation of the bowel, that extreme care must be exercised by you. The inflammation should be reduced before the fiber is taken. Each individual is different and what one person does quickly, another may have to ease into. Don't get yourself into a crisis, but don't be afraid to pursue your own agenda. Remember, surgery may relieve symptoms, but does not correct the problem. Inflamed bowel linings produce poor asorbption of nutrients, so that general health can decline rapidly in such situations. The juice powders, Barleygreen, Just Carrots and Redi-Beets are juice crystals with will give concentrated nutrition without the fiber and consequently without the irritation that full digestion would require. The Herbal Fiberblend provides not only soothing, but healing herbs that when taken along with the juices have been a major factor in recovery. Don't forget your intake, not only of animal products, but of anything that you know causes a problem. We know of instances of milk intolerance that prevented healing in quantities of less than 3 tablespoons per day. This could apply to any food. We are not doctors and this is not medical advice. Proceed at your own risk, but do take control of your health.) Crohn's Disease (in the ileum: regional enteritis, in large intestine: granulomatous colitis) Original description by Dr. Crohn in 1932. Characterized by a chronic and long lasting ulceration of a section or sections of the digestive tract. Most commonly, it occurs in the lowest portion of the small intestine (ileum..where B12 should be absorbed) and the large intestine. The ulceration affects the full thickness of the intestinal wall, through all layers of the intestinal wall and involves the entire digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, as well as the adjacent lymph nodes. The inflamed parts heal, leaving scar tissue that narrows the passageway. Flare-ups can be mild or severe, brief or prolonged. The inflammation tends to reoccur in the same areas of the colon and when the area is surgically removed (not a cure, just temporarily relieving symptoms), Inflammation will strike another area. Crohn's disease is similar to ulcerative colitis in many respects. Both involve loss of appetite, abdominal pain, general malaise, weight loss, diarrhea and rectal bleeding. The primary difference between the two conditions is the degree of involvement of the wall of the intestine. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the mucosa and submucosa (first two layers of the wall). Crohn's disease also involves the next two layers, the muscular layer and the connective tissue layer below it. Its cause is uncertain but: • Poor absorption of nutrients (malnutrition) is typical in these patients • Affluent diet: (high saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and sugar) 5 • High sugar intake seems to be the worst culprit. 9 • Food allergies increases risk; conversely eliminating allergenic foods relieves the symptoms. • Leaky gut syndrome causes antigenic reactions...tiny particles of undigested or partially digested food pass through the swollen and inflamed mucosal wall into the blood stream, where they cause a food allergies, and stress the immune system. • Prolonged stress, trauma, and vascular factors are thought to play a role.. • Fungi, bacteria, viruses Epstein-Barr, rotavirus, cytomegalovirus, mycobacteria, pseudomonas-like organisms, and chlamydia have been considered as possible causes,10 • Possible link to antibiotic use. "Comparative statistics have shown that wherever antibiotics are used early and in large quantities, the incidence of Crohn's is quite high" 5 • Four times more prevalent in Caucasians and Jews than other ethnic backgrounds. • Family history increases risk (Is it genetics or diet similarities?).., but is not contagious. • It occurs equally in both sexes • Begins before age thirty (14-24); recent trend toward more frequency in children. • Attacks may occur every few months to every few years. In rare cases, it appears once or twice and does not ever return. If the disease continues for many years, bowel function gradually deteriorates. • Approximately 20-40 cases per 100,000 in population (ulcerative colitis 70-150 per 100,000) • Most rapid increases in U.S. and other developed countries (diet and lifestyle?) • It may increase the risk of cancer by as much as twenty times. • in children: main symptoms may be joint inflammation, fever, anemia or slow growth. abdominal pain and diarrhea may not appear at all. "Because food is the major factor in determining the intestinal environment the considerable change in dietary habits over the last century could explain the rising rates of Crohns Disease"5 Crohns patients (pre-illness) had habitually eaten more refined sugar and less raw fruits and vegetables and dietary fiber than healthy people. 6 Pre-illness intake of sugar twice as high as others (122 grams per day compared to 65 grams 7 Symptoms: diarrhea, pain in the upper and lower abdomen (centered near appendix and sometimes confused with appendicitis), fever, headaches, malabsorption leading to malnutrition, steatorrhea (excess fat in the stool), which results in pale, bulky stools that float, loss of energy, appetite and weight. When the large intestine is involved, chronic bleeding often occurs which may lead to anemia, and after years increases the risk of colon cancer. If the ulcerated intestinal wall leaks, peritonitis can result. Perforation is rare. Fistulas (abnormal channels) can occur, creating an opening between the intestine and bladder. Mouth and anal sores often are present in about many when the disease is active. Strictures can occur that partially block the bowel. About a third of those with the disease, develop cracks in the lining of the mucus membrane around the anus. Four common patterns of symptoms: 2 1. Inflammation with pain and tenderness in the right lower abdomen. 2. Recurring acute intestinal obstructions that cause severe spasms of the intestinal wall, swelling of the abdomen, constipation, and vomiting. 3. Inflammation and chronic partial intestinal obstruction causing malnutrition and chronic debility. 4. Abnormal channels (fistulas) and pus-filled pockets of infection (abscesses) that often cause fever, painful masses in the abdomen and severe weight loss. Crohn's disease is associated with certain disorders affecting other parts of the body such as gallstones, inadequate absorption of nutrients, and amyloid deposits (amytoidosis). During a flare-up some of these may also occur: • Inflammation of the joints (arthritis) • Inflammation of the white of the eyes (episcleritls) • Mouth sores (aphthous stomatitis) • Inflamed skin nodules on arms and legs (erythema nodosum) • Blue-red skin sores containing pus (pyoderma gangrenosum) Even in remission the following may occur: • Inflammation of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis) • Inflammation of the pelvic joints (sacroiliitis) • Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis • Inflammation of the bile duct (primary sclerosing cholangitis) Things that will help: Barleygreen* 2 tsp a day as a minimum serving. It would be good to increase to 2-3 Tbs. daily 9 for several months and then go back down to a whatever amount seems right for you. Barleygreen is the most nutrient dense (whole food concentrate) vitamin/mineral/amino add/enzyme source available. Also, high in superoxide dismutase (SOD) so necessary to fight off free radical damage. Mix in juice (Just Carrots* and Redi-Beet* powders added to distilled water makes a sweeter and more nutritious drink) and consume on an empty stomach in a liquid form for best absorption. "Powdered barley green juice mixed with water to make your own fresh juice/ is especially beneficial in irritated membranes and promotes healing." Julian Whitaker M.D. Prepzymes* 3 tablets twice a day. Take with Barleygreen or anytime for improved assimilation. Bear Paw Garlic* 3 capsules daily (open gel cap and mix contents with Barleygreen* or other juice, for better absorption) Combats free radicals in Crohn's disease and aids in healing. Aloe Gold* 1/4 tsp twice a day. Very soothing and adds healing properties. Herbal Fiberblend* 1 Tbs. with 2 Tbs. flax meal (flax seed freshly and finely ground is ideal...use electric coffee mill), mixed in juice at bedtime. Make sure bowels move daily. Do NOT use harsh laxatives. Accumulation of toxic body waste (sluggish elimination or constipation), provide a breeding ground for parasites, and also toxins will absorb into the bloodstream through the colon wall. Adding fiber to the diet, promotes rapid elimination of body waste, removing toxins before they are absorbed. Also, psyllium fiber (in Herbal Fiberblend) will absorb liquid in stool to stop diarrhea, and is soothing to the digestive tract. Digestive aids might be needed: AIM Prepzymes and Florafood will aid digestion or eat papaya and chew several of the seeds daily to aid in digestion and the break down of protein or .... Pancreatin or other digestive aid from health food store.(follow direction on label). Quercetin from onion skins. Cook onions with the parchment like outer skin, then remove just before serving. Or purchase concentrate from health food store and take 400 mg. before each meal. Herb: Cat's claw 3:1 concentrate or 200 mg inhibits autoimmune disease 8 Best Diet: Fresh, unrefined, primarily vegetarian, without additives, rich in complex carbohydrates-fruits - avoid those with tiny seeds like raspberries 4, vegetables... including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (also, fresh cabbage juice is very beneficial), carrots, celery, onions (include skins when cooking, remove just before serving) garlic, kale, spinach, and turnips...lightly steamed. Whole grains (limit barley, rye and wheat), beans, nuts and seeds...in a wide variety... Chew very well or blend up *** During an attack, you must puree course foods. "Nutritional deficiencies must be corrected for healing to occur". James Balch M.D.1 Special emphasis: Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, magnesium, calcium, selenium and zinc. • Omega 3 fatty acids. Reduces inflammation. Excellent sources: flax seed oil, flax meal (substitute for nuts in recipes), or mix with Herbal Fiberblend and juice and drink to add fiber) • Vitamin A an antioxidant that aids in controlling infection and repair of intestinal tract. Carrots, sweet potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe, end watermelon. • Vitamin B complex (including B12 needed for proper digestion and to prevent anemia. Deficiency aggravates malabsorption. A study done in Italy showed that those getting Omega 3 fatty acids - 50% remained symptom free for a year and the placebo group only 25% remained symptom free l. Excellent Sources: green leafy vegetables, kelp, avocados, carrots, brewers yeast, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, whole grains, wheat germ, rice bran, dried sunflower seeds, soybeans, lentils, navy and kidney beans. (B12 in Barleygreen, too) • Vitamin C. prevents inflammation, improves immunity. Excellent sources: red bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, grapefruit, green peppers, lemons, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, sweet and hot peppers, t angerine, and tomatoes. • Vitamin K. Vital to colon health and deficiency is common with malabsorption. Excellent sources: brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, oats, soybeans, spinach, and green tea. • Zinc improves immune function and promotes healing. Excellent sources: maple syrup, black strap molasses, sesame and sunflower seeds, soybeans, whole grains, wheat bran, wheat germ and yeast. • Calcium rich foods: green leafy vegetables, brazil nuts, almonds, molasses, soybeans, tofu, canned salmon. • Magnesium rich foods: green leafy vegetables, almonds, molasses, soybeans, sunflower seeds, wheat: germ, fruit, and fish (bluefish, carp, cod, flounder, halibut, herring, mackerel, ocean perch). • Selenium rich foods: broccoli, cabbage, celery, citrus, garlic, mushrooms, and onions; whole grain products, bran and wheat germ; egg yolks, tuna. Things to do: Elimination diet to rule out food allergies (common: dairy, wheat, corn) One of the "best factors to prevent colitis is a high fiber diet" 4 Drink plenty of pure water: distilled or reverse osmosis. Maintain an alkaline body pH (Eat fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid processed foods, meat, sodapop). Use heating pad for abdominal pain. Use cleansing enema (distilled water) for constipation, do NOT use suppositories with hydrogenated chemically prepared fats. When attack occurs: Try soothing Barleygreen enema...several Tbs. in warm distilled water. Adopt an anti-stress activity like gardening or other that takes you outdoors and away from the high tech world we live in. Adopt a moderate exercise program.3 Things To avoid: Eliminate all high-histamine foods: dairy (including cheese), fish, hard sausage, pickled cabbage, and yeast products. "Many Crohn's patients are histamine intolerant."1 Eliminate all milk and dairy products because they contain carrageenan(from red seaweed) to stabilize milk proteins...shown to induce ulcerative colitis in laboratory animals. Things that irritate the gastrointestinal tract: Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, chocolate, corn, eggs, foods with artificial additives or preservatives, fried and greasy foods, margarine, meat, pepper, spicy foods, tobacco, white flour and all animal products except white fish from clear waters.1 Mucus forming foods: processed, refined foods and dairy products. Refined carbohydrates: high sugar foods including most boxed, dry cereals. High gluten grains may be a problem.., except rice and teff (Ethiopian) Reference: 1 Prescription for Nutritional Healing. James Balch M.D. (1997) pp.216-219 2 Merck Manual Home edition (1997) pp. 528-530. 3 The Green Pharmacy (1997) James A. Duke Ph.D. pp. 282-283 4 Alternative Medicine (1997) Deepak Chopra M.D. pp. 683-685 5 Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (1998) Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzomo, N.D. pp. 239 and 588-590. 6 Lancet (1976) Grimes, D.S. "Refined carbohydrates and smooth muscle spasm" pp395-397. 7 British Medical Journal (1979) Heaton, Thornton end Emmett 'Treatment of Crohn's Disease with unrefined carbohydrate, fiber rich diet" pp. 764-766. 8 Beating Cancer with Nutrition (1998) Patrick Quillen Ph.D. p 144. 9 Guide to Natural Healing (1996)Julian Whitaker M.D. p.214 10 PDR Family Guide to Nutrition and Heath (1995) pp. 357-367. |
Dixie Shaw, E-mail:info@nutritionlifestyles.com
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