DISORDERS

(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,

causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)

Disorder: CROHN’S DISEASE

Description: Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract. In many respects, Crohn’s disease is similar to ulcerative colitis. Both involve loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The primary difference between the two conditions is that colitis is confined to the colon, whereas Crohn’s disease, though usually affecting the small intestine, can also affect the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. This disorder is not contagious.

Symptoms: Symptoms include pain in the upper and lower abdomen, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, gas, abdominal tenderness, and loss of energy, appetite and weight. There may be bloody diarrhea if intestinal bleeding occurs. Chronic bleeding may cause iron-deficiency anemia. If the ulcerated intestinal wall leaks, peritonitis can result. Mouth and anal sores may be present when the disease is active. If the disease continues for many years, bowel function gradually deteriorates. Left untreated, it can become very serious, even life threatening.

Incidence: The onset of Crohn's’ disease often occurs between the ages of fourteen and thirty, although more and more cases are being reported in children. Attacks may occur every few months to every few years. In rare cases, it appears once or twice and does not return.

Causes: The cause of Crohn’s disease is uncertain, although it is known that a history of food allergies increases the risk of developing it.

Treatments: Eliminating allergenic foods often relieves the symptoms. Nutritional supplements are recommended, since decreased food intake is common in this disorder and often results in nutritional deficiencies

Nutrients:

Supplement Dosage Comments

Liver extract injections plus B complex injections, Vitamin B12 injections, Folic acid injections.	As prescribed by physician. As prescribed by physician. As prescribed by physician. As prescribed by physician.	Needed for proper digestion. Helps to prevent anemia. Important for proper digestion and to prevent anemia. Needed for constant supply of new cells.
Omega 3 essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil or primrose oil are good sources)	As directed on label, 3 times daily.	Needed for repair of the digestive tract; reduces inflammation, and is much needed in Crohn’s disease.
Pancreatin Plus Bromelain	As directed on label. Take with meals. As directed on label.	To break down protein and assist digestion.
Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids	1000 mg. 3 times daily.	Prevents inflammation and improves immunity.
Vitamin K	As directed on label.	Vital to colon health. Deficiency is common in people with this disorder due to malabsorption and diarrhea.
Free-form amino acid complex	¼ tsp. Twice daily	Protein is essential in healing of the intestine.
Garlic	2 capsules 3 times daily, with meals.	Combats free radicals in Crohn’s disease, and aids healing.
L-glutamine	500 mg. twice daily on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice, not milk.	A major metabolic fuel for the intestinal cells.
Multiple vitamin and mineral complex	As directed on label.	All nutrients are needed.

Herbs:

	Aloe vera is beneficial for Crohn’s disease because it softens stools and has a healing effect on the digestive tract. Drink l/2 cup of aloe vera juice three times daily.
	Other herbs that are good for Crohn’s disease include burdock root, echinacea, goldenseal, licorice, marshmallow root, pau d’arco, red clover, rose hips, silymarin (milk thistle extract) and slippery elm. For best results, use these herbs on an alternating basis.

Recommendations:

It is important that nutritional deficiencies be corrected for healing. If chronic diarrhea is present, electrolyte and trace mineral deficiencies should be considered. Chronic steatorrhea may result in deficiencies of calcium and magnesium.

Include the following in your diet:

	Nonacidic fresh or cooked vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, garlic, spinach, kale and turnips. Steam, broil, boil, or bake your food.
	Plenty of liquids, such as pure water, herbal teas, and fresh juices. Fresh cabbage juice is very beneficial.
	During an acute attack, eat organic baby foods, steamed vegetables, and brown rice, millet, and oatmeal.

Avoid the following:

	Refined carbohydrates. Do not consume such foods as boxed dry cereals or anything containing any form of sugar. Diets high in refined carbohydrates have been associated with Crohn’s disease and must be eliminated from the diet.
	All diary products, and yeast products. These foods are high in histamines. Many people with Crohn’s disease are histamine-intolerant.
	Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, chocolate, corn, eggs, fried and greasy foods, meat, sausage, pepper, spicy foods, white flour, and all animal products except white fish.
	Processed and refined foods.
	As much as possible, avoid stress. Our bodies are affected by our thoughts and moods.

Considerations:

	Antioxidants have been shown to decrease the risk of developing Crohn’s disease.
	Adhering to an allergen-free diet, replacing lost nutrients, and using selected herbs can speed healing and may prevent future disturbances. Studies have shown that when a person who has achieved remission goes back to his or her former diet, the disease returns. Other factors that have been implicated in Crohn's’ disease include prolonged stress and trauma.
	Many microorganisms have been considered as possible causes of Crohn’s disease, including bacteria, viruses, pseudomonas-like organisms, and fungi. However, the cause has not been established. It is likely that multiple factors are involved.
	A study done in Italy found that people with Crohn’s disease who took sustained-release fish oil supplements were less likely to suffer relapses than those who did not.
	Surgery to remove the diseased segment of bowel can relieve symptoms. Five years after undergoing surgery, fifty percent of patients are in good health, can work full time, and enjoy life without being restricted by diarrhea or pain.

Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:

Product No	Description	Comments	Cost
890-15	B complex 100 mg. tablets	1 tablet 3 times daily	$8.95/100
970-12	Vitamin C with rose hips tablets 1000 mg.	1 tablet 3 times daily	$5.75/60
111-15	Flaxseed oil 100 mg. softgels	As directed on label.	$7.95/100
614-12NP	Bromelain 500 mg.	As directed on label.	$6.80/60
NS60NS`	Amino acid-free form 600 mg. capsules	As directed on label.	$17.95/100
978-15	Garlic 400 mg. odor free tabs.	2 tablets 3 times daily, with meals	$5.50/100
02-282`	L-glutamine 1000 mg.	As directed on label.	$15.20/60
982-15	One a Day Maximum Tabs.	As directed on label.	$6.95/100

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2^nd Edition

By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide

Compiled by the Burton Goldberg Group

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