Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is very similar to colitis in that
recurring attacks of inflammation cause
abdominal cramping and frequent urging with
diarrhea. The diarrhea is often so problematic that it
causes anxiety and vexation.
Poor appetite and
weight loss are common. Although the small
intestine is usually affected, any part of the digestive tract can be affected
by inflammation, including the mouth and stomach. Since the
small intestine is responsible for the absorption of
many nutrients, deficiencies are even more
common than in colitis. As in other inflammatory
bowel diseases, the attacks range from mild to
severe. Young people are usually affected.
Crohn's disease is a serious inflammatory illness
because changes in the intestinal mucous
membranes leave tissues thickened with scars. The
lengthier and more severe the disease, the greater
the scarring, which hinders the assimilation of
nutrients from the intestines. Intestinal bleeding
can cause anemia. Fistulas, or small tunnels that
form from an abscess to another organ, can
develop. A setious complication is an intestinal
blockage. Serious signs are usually obvious,
including severe constipation with increasing illness, or
massive bleeding causing red or black stools.
The inflammation of Crohn's disease has been
attributed to an autoimmune process, but diets
containing fast foods, refined foods and sugars,
and which are lacking in fiber, and fresh, raw
food are problematic. Refined foods include
white-flour products, pastas and rice. Stress
often triggers attacks, since it engages the
sympathetic nervous system, which causes the
intestinal spasms. Anxiety, fear, conflicts left
unresolved and continual hurrying are triggers for
the sympathetic nervous system.
A toxic build-up of medications and an
overburdened lymphatic system that carries wastes
out of the tissues also cause Crohn's disease. Food allergies and intestinal
parasites are other
possible triggers. Itching allover the body could
indicate liver involvement.
Supplements and herbs
Supplementation for Crohn's disease should
focus on reducing inflammation and supporting
the healing of the mucous membranes. It is also
essential to supply the nutrients that are lost
because of poor assimilation and medication.
Improving nutrition and combating
deficiencies will reduce symptoms associated with
Crohn's disease. Below are the most common
nutrients used in therapy.
- Friendly bacteria are necessary for good
digestion and to normalize bowel function. They can
also be added through a dairy-free lactobacillus
acidophilus combination supplement.
- In addition, the essential fatty acids omega-6 in
evening primrose oil and omega-3 in
fish oils
and cold-pressed flax seed oil are highly
recommended for their natural, anti-inflammatory
action.
- Green food supplements rich in chlorophyll
provide many essential nutrients for healing and
promote healthy cell development.
- Healing clay is excellent in promoting healing
by lining the walls of the intestinal tract,
thereby protecting it from irritation by toxins
and abrasive matter. It can be taken as long as
needed. If stools get too hard, take clay in
conjunction with psyllium seeds or
aloe vera juice.
- Deficiencies are common in Crohn's disease,
which vitamin supplements can help rectify.
B-vitamin deficiencies, especially
folic acid, are
partly responsible for diarrhea and intestinal
damage.
- Vitamin A is most essential for healthy mucous
membranes, while vitamin C with bioflavonoids
combats inflammation and helps prevent fistula
development. Like vitamins A and C,
vitamin E
is an antioxidant, preventing free radical
damage at the cellular level. Vitamin E also prevents
scarring.
- Glucosamine supplements in combination with
a proper diet and vitamins, is
an anti-inflammatory agent and painkiller, it is effective
for long term treatment of chronic illnesses. Most
patients experience relief after taking glucosamine for six weeks.
- A multivitamin with minerals can help prevent further deficiencies.
Herbal Remedies
- Sufficient silica in the intestines will reduce
inflammation and strengthen and help/rebuild
connective tissue. Take 3 cups of tea, 2
powdered capsules (aqueous extract) or 10-20 drops
horsetail tincture, three times daily.
- Chamomile enemas help remove bacterial toxins.
- Chamomile tea also helps cancel bacterial
toxins and is good for nervous dyspepsia; add 5
drops of peppermint tincture or fresh
ginger to
tea to relieve abdominal bloating and to
regulate bowel activity.
- Take sitz-baths of hay flowers, oat straw or
hops oil to soothe and heal inflamed tissue.
- Hops calm nerves, promote sleep and
strengthen the stomach and intestinal tracts
in nervous-based conditions. Make a tea for
the stomach with 2-3 tbsp. whole hops soaked
in 1 cup of cold water and sip slowly
throughout the day, just before meals.
- To soothe nerves, pour 1 cup of boiling water
over 1 tbsp. of hops, valerian and
lemon balm
and drink before going to bed.
- Take enemas with tannins, an astringent
compound found in the bark and roots of some
plants, particularly horsetail and
lady's mantle.
- Herbal teas made of 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of one or any
combination of comfrey, aloe vera,
dandelion, marshmallow,
papaya, yerba mate,
skullcap,
slippery elm and
Echinacea are beneficial for the smooth
functioning of the colon.
What else you can do
- Daily hot body wraps and dry brushing and,
later in the healing stage, sauna and swimming,
are very beneficial.
- Rest and relaxation are of utmost importance.
- Walking helps to stimulate the bowels.
How much to take
- Lactobacillus acidophilus combination, 3 capsules or 1 tsp
- Vitamin B complex, 100 mg daily or 3 tbsp.
fortified yeast supplements
- Vitamin A, 30,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)
- Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,500 mg
- Glucosamine, 500 mg three times daily for four
months
- Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 200 IU
- Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three
times daily
- Chlorella or another green food supplement, 1
tbsp
- Healing clay, 1 tsp. in 1 cup of water twice daily
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