Healthy Living

Crohn’s disease (2 million cases diagnosed in North America and 95,000 in the United Kingdom) is an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract which leads to fistulas, ulcers and obstructions in the large or small intestines. The cause and cure for this condition have not yet been found, but it is thought that it may be an auto-immune condition or occur as a result of lower than normal gastric acid secretions. Complications are not restricted to the intestines and can result in arthritis and inflammation in the eyes.

At times patients can be in remission without any sign of the condition or they can experience relapses with a flare up of symptoms. You can avoid your flare up triggers but you must understand what they are as these triggers can vary between individuals. Many Crohn’s disease sufferers use natural remedies to circumvent taking medications or because medications are unaffordable. The natural healing processes of the body can be helped by natural remedies and may reduce chances of relapses.

The importance of taking a good diet in conjunction with natural remedies is required for success. Avoidance of products containing gluten and lactose will bring relief to many individuals with Crohn’s disease. The risk of developing Crohn’s disease is lessened and the chances of attaining remission are improved by having a proper intake of Omega-6 fatty acids (sesame seed, corn oil) and Omega-3 fatty acids (Flaxseed oil, fatty fish such as trout and salmon).

If taken daily (initially one teaspoon, steadily increasing it to one tablespoon), the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp oil, a well balanced oil which contains Omega-3, 6, and 9, are effective in reducing inflammatory processes. Candida is another Crohn’s disease related problem - a fungal overgrowth caused by destruction of the good bacteria in the digestive tract through use of steroids and antibiotics. Candida usually occurs as harmless yeast in the bowel, but compromised immune systems can result in overgrowth which may spread in the blood and causes low energy levels.

Two types of natural remedies, available from health food stores (for both Candida overgrowth and Crohn’s disease), are Wormwood and Zell Oxygen. Additional natural remedies include a diet of natural high fiber whole foods for remission cases and a low residue, low fat diet in relapsed cases showing symptoms. In helping the intestines recover from inflammatory responses proper nutrients are important as they promote self healing in the body. Intestines with less or no inflammatory responses are better able to absorb and process nutrients, the risk of obstructions, fistulas and ulcers is lowered and cramping, pain or diarrhea is controlled. It is necessary that you do not deviate from a nutritious and well-balanced diet. You should steer clear of processed and high fat foods, caffeine and milk if you are a sufferer of Crohn’s disease, as well as other inflammatory bowel diseases and want to stay healthy.