Crohn’s Disease
It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans (approximately 0.5 percent of the US population) have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can manifest as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease is an IBD that causes inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal, or digestive) tract lining, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Worse, if left untreated, Crohn's disease can lead to serious complications due to nutrient malabsorption and prolonged autoimmune/inflammatory responses that degenerate healthy tissue throughout the body.
75 percent of Crohn's patients are thought to eventually need surgery, and up to 38 percent of those who do can have a return of symptoms in as little as a year after their procedure! There is currently "no known treatment" for IBD, according to the majority of doctors, and taking prescription drugs is probably necessary to regulate your symptoms. However, new research suggests that this may not always be the case.
The majority of IBD cases, according to experts, are caused by a confluence of hereditary factors, persistent stress, an inflammatory diet, exposure to specific infections or viruses, as well as several other risk factors. A ground-breaking study published in September 2016 contends that a particular fungus may be the cause of Crohn's disease.
IBD patients have hope today thanks to complementary medicines, lifestyle adjustments, nutritional therapies, and stress management strategies. By avoiding foods that cause a lot of gas and inflammation, learning how to control their stress response, paying attention to their own "biofeedback," and taking supplements of healthy probiotics, herbs, enzymes, and minerals, many people with Crohn's and colitis can manage and reverse their symptoms effectively.
Crohn's Disease Signs and Symptoms:
Every individual is distinct in how they are affected by Crohn's, and depending on the person, different areas of the digestive tract may be affected by the inflammation associated with the condition. Inflammation frequently penetrates deep into the tissue of the GI tract, altering bowel habits and impairing normal nutrient absorption.
The colon and the last sections of the small intestine are the most often afflicted organs by Crohn's disease. Only the ileum, the final section of the small intestine, may be damaged in some persons with Crohn's disease. Others only have a colon-specific illness (part of the large intestine).
The following signs and symptoms could occur when Crohn's disease is active, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America:
People with mild to moderate Crohn's disease may have 4-6 bowel movements each day, although those with severe Crohn's disease may have six or more. Diarrhea and loose stools are also common. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other problems are at risk due to fluid loss brought on by diarrhea. According to experts, persons with Crohn's frequently have diarrhea because their intestines produce too much salt and water in response to inflammation, which interferes with their ability to absorb enough fluid to give their stool volume.
The natural movement of contents through your digestive tract can be affected by inflammation and ulceration, which can cause pain and cramping in the muscles that make up your digestive system. When the muscles lining the intestines become inflamed, they are more likely to spasm, which results in contractions that add to the symptoms of Crohn's disease, which can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain.
Vomiting and nausea – In the intestinal tract, scar tissue can occasionally form, which can cause swelling and block some of the channels where food normally travels. This may be the cause of nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and loss of appetite.
Fatigue and fever – An infection or inflammation-related low-grade fever is a common symptom of Crohn's disease. Due to fluid loss, malnutrition, anemia, and other consequences of developing nutrient deficiencies, you may also experience fatigue or low energy.
Blood in your stool - Food can exacerbate tissue and result in bleeding as it passes through inflamed intestines. Blood in the toilet bowl or blood mixed with your stool could be bright red or darker. Additionally, bleeding within the GI system that isn't evident in the feces is possible (occult blood).
The stomach, esophagus, mouth, and anus can all experience open sores and burning sensations as a result of chronic inflammation. The colon, rectum, and lower small intestines are where ulcers develop most frequently. You can experience canker sore-like oral ulcers. These are frequently unintended consequences of a compromised immune system and tissue-wide inflammation.
Reduction in appetite and loss of weight Both your appetite and your capacity to digest and absorb food can be impacted by abdominal pain, cramps, and inflammatory response in the intestinal wall.
Perianal illness – An inflammation from a fistula, or tunnel into the skin, can cause pain or leakage at or around the anus. Food particles might occasionally travel to the colon earlier than they should because of fistulas, which result in improper connections between several organs.
More indications of inflammation Inflammation of the skin, eyes, joints, liver, or bile ducts is a possibility. Kidney stones, gallstones, hemorrhoids, anal skin tags, joint pain, skin rashes, and even a high chance of developing colon cancer are additional IBD symptoms that can occur.
Delays in development – Some young children who are diagnosed with Crohn's also experience delays in their growth or sexual maturation. This results from the impaired immunological activity and a deficiency in regular nutritional absorption. Other symptoms in children with Crohn's disease that might lead to complications include blood loss and fluid loss.
Solutions:
https://www.seedsofchangemk.com/store101/p/12-top-supplements-and-herbs-to-treat-leaky-gut
https://www.seedsofchangemk.com/store101/p/liver-and-gallbladder-rescue
RESOURCES:
https://www.nature.com/nrneurol/
2022. NP. Malika Katrouche. All Rights Reserved.
