Crohn’s Disease

SYMPTOMS

Loss of energy, appetite and weight. Chronic diarrhea, fever, chronic rectal bleeding, malabsorption, pain in the entire abdomen, excess fat in the stool (resulting in pale, bulky stools that float). Malnutrition results.

CAUSES

Crohn’s Disease is also known as regional enteritis. Ulcerative colitis is a different disorder, but similar enough in symptoms and treatment that we will list them together.

The difference is that ulcerative colitis only involves the first two layers of the intestinal wall (the mucosa and sub mucosa); whereas Crohn’s Disease also affects the next two layers (the connective tissue and the wall muscles).
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic ulceration of one or more sections of the digestive tract. Three special facts are: 1) the ulceration reaches into all layers of the gastro-intestinal (GI) wall, 2) the entire GI tract can be involved, from mouth to the anus, and 3) this is usually a long-lasting condition.

As the inflamed portions heal, scar tissue remains, which keeps narrowing the channel. Many puzzles still surround this condition. The origin is not clearly understood, and certain racial groups contract it more than others (Jews have it more than anyone else).

But certain facts stand out:

Food allergies may help it start, and identifying and avoiding them helps reduce it. A lack of Vitamins C & E in the diet aggravates the problem.

People in Europe and North America have it far more than those living elsewhere in the world. Jews in America have it much more than Jews in Israel. Caucasians have it less often than Jews, but more often than other races.

Therefore it is likely that the modern, Western diet is a significant factor. Eating simple, nourishing food is an important aspect of dealing with this problem.

Rarely does the disease strike once and go away. Most of the time it recurs for years. When this happens, the ongoing scarring keeps reducing bowel function.

If ignored, eventually Crohn’s Disease can lead to cancer.

No definite cure is known, but certain things tend to alleviate the problem.
It is believed that Crohn’s Disease is an auto-immune problem; that is, the GI tract has become so toxic from years of mistreatment, that the immune system becomes confused and begins attacking the part of the body housing the toxic food.

TREATMENT

• A fat-free diet helps. It is known that those with Crohn’s Disease cannot absorb fats well and do not tolerate high-fat diets.
• Do not use spices, such as mustard, vinegar, pepper, and horseradish.
• Drink plenty of liquids, such as distilled water and fresh juices.
• Cabbage juice contains Vitamin U, the anti-ulcer vitamin, which is good for the walls of the GI tract.
• Eat no junk food or use tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and useless things which only harm you.
• Eliminate all food additives. Do not use sugar or sugar foods. One study revealed that patients contracting Crohn’s Disease had previously been eating more sugar than the average population. Eat high-fibre, unrefined carbohydrates (whole grains). However, gradually increase the fibre content, all the while chewing well, so as not to irritate the GI tract. If you cannot chew well, then blend the food.
• Individuals who contracted Crohn’s Disease were found to have eaten few raw fruits and vegetables prior to developing the condition.
• Mainly eat non-acidic fresh or cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, kale, garlic, and Brussels sprouts. Never fry anything.
• Avoid overeating, in order to reduce the inflammation of the GI wall.
• Gluten tends to make the problem worse. So avoid gluten-containing grains (which are wheat, oats, rye, barley, and buckwheat). Remarkable results can be obtained, but the gluten-free diet must be strictly adhered to; not even tiny amounts in the diet may be permitted.
• Lactose intolerance is frequent. Avoid all milk products.
• Eliminate all possible food allergies and other allergies. Crohn’s patients tend to have allergic conditions, such as hay fever and eczema.
• Regularly obtain sunshine and fresh air.
• Avoid stress, anxiety and worry. Keep calm and relaxed. Avoid even exciting, competitive games.
• Charcoal will help control the diarrhea. Take 4-6 tablets, 2-3 times a day between meals. If the charcoal irritates the colon, stir the charcoal into water; let the charcoal settle to the bottom, and only drink the apparently clear top part.
• Make sure the bowels move daily.
• Surgery, antidiarrheal drugs, and corticosteroids should be avoided. They worsen the condition rather than improving it. A full 50% of those who undergo surgery report a rapid increase in symptoms afterwards.
• Helpful herbs are black walnut, burdock, goldenseal, pau d’arco, psyllium, saffron, aloe vera, fenugreek, slippery elm, and white oak bark.
See also “ulcerative colitis.”

ENCOURAGEMENT:

There is a mighty power in prayer. Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep us away from God. But the humblest soul can, through earnest prayer, penetrate the clouds and lay hold on the arm of God in heaven. John 14:23.

Submitted by Kathleen Ross, Canada