A useful tool from NaturalHerbsGuide.

Back to Disorder Library

• A study that was conducted in Italy discovered that people with Crohn's disease who took sustain-release fish oil supplements were stronger in their capability to avoid relapses than those that do not. For those that took the fish oil and participated in the study, over 50 percent stayed symptom-free compared to only a quarter of those who took a placebo.
• Antigenic reactions can erupt from "leaky gut syndrome," when minute particles of undigested or partially digested food pass through the swollen and inflamed mucosal wall into the bloodstream where reactions may occur. The mucosal wall will need to be repaired in order to avert this. Trading with butyric acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, can reduce inflammatory conditions, lessen a, lessen seepage of undigested food particles, and assists in repair of the mucosal wall. N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) can prohibit leaky gut syndrome.
• Antioxidants may be able to decrease the chance for developing Crohn's disease. The antioxidant enzymes super oxide dismutase (SOD) catalase, and glutathione exist in the intestinal walls in small amounts. However, they are not able to fight free radicals because they become powerless when there is active inflammation which can be a cause of tissue damage.
• Caucasians and Jewish people appear to be more susceptible to Crohn's disease. In 20 - 40 percent of reported cases, multiple family members have had Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Drugs like corticosteroids and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) that are given for inflammatory bowel diseases and cholestyramine (Questran) which is given to lower cholesterol levels make is more necessary to add nutritional supplements to the diet. Corticosteroids diminish protein synthesis and slow normal calcium absorption by putting out more excretion of vitamin C in the urine. Bone formation can be delayed, as well as healing, when deficiencies of other nutrients such as zinc, potassium, vitamin By (pyridoxine), folic acid, and vitamin D are evident. Sulfasalazine slows down the transport of folic acid and iron which can be a major cause of anemia.
• If Crohn's disease is long-term, bowel function gets worse over time. It may be necessary to have surgery to remove the diseased part of the intestine. While the surgery itself doesn't cure Crohn's, it can make life more bearable.
• Maintaining an allergen-free diet, replacing lost nutrients, and using selected herbs may encourage healing and show future disturbances. Studies have been conducted that indicate that should a person with Crohn's disease who is in remission go back to the diet they had been on originally, their Crohn's disease shows up again. Additional elements that have been referred to for this disorder include prolonged stress, trauma, and psychosomatic and vascular factors.
• Many microorganisms are possible suggested causes for Crohn's disease. This includes fungi, bacteria, viruses, mycobacteria, pseudonomonas-like organisms, and chlamydia. However, it is not decisive as to an actual determined cause for Crohn's disease, although many factors could contribute.
• Most people with Crohn's disease are prescribed drugs such as corticosteroids, which will control inflammation. It may be possible that drugs that suppress the immune system might be used. A reason they might not is that they tend to increase susceptibility to infection. Remicade has been used successfully to treat people with moderate to very heavy Crohn's disease. The content of Remicade is human and mouse cells. These work directly against a protein that stimulates inflammation in the body.
• Nutritional deficiencies as a result from malabsorption can tend to weaken the immune system. This can turn around and lengthen the time needed for the inflammation and the ulcers to heal.
• Nutritional deficiencies need to be corrected. It is estimated that people that have inflammatory bowel disorders need as much as 30 percent additional protein than normal people. Electrolyte and trace mineral deficiencies could be present if chronic diarrhea continues. Chronic steatorrhea (fatty stools as a consequence of improper digestion of fats) could result in a loss of calcium and magnesium.
• There are no specific dietary rules that include everybody; however, people that have Crohn's disease are especially recommended to eat healthy. This is due to their need to replenish lost nutrients. In addition, essential fatty acids and the amino acid glutamine seem to keep the disease at bay.

• Abdominal pain relief a heating pad is recommended.
• Always look for bleeding stools.
• Avoid dairy products, cabbage (picked), fish and sausage.
• Bowels should move daily never use a laxative.
• Cabbage juice, herbal teas, fresh juices, and distilled water are the best liquids to consume.
• If constipation occurs a cleansing enema is recommended.
• More than 1/2 of your diet should contain broccoli, cabbage, garlic, carrots, brussel sprouts, celery, turnips, kale, and spinach. Always bake, broil or boil your food.
• Omit suppositories containing hydrogenated chemicals.
• Organic baby foods, brown rice, oatmeal, steamed vegetables and millet is best for an acute attack.
• Release stress. Relax.
• Stay away from carbohydrates.
• Stay away from drinks containing alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeine drinks. Also keep from greasy foods, eggs, corn, popcorn, nuts, chocolate, margarine, and artificial additives or preservatives.
• To help digestion you should add papaya in your diet.