Designed Healthy Living
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not designed to replace medical advice.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
CROHN'S DISEASE, ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Definition: Diseases that attack the walls of the bowel causing inflammation.Depending on the location, the disease can be given a number of different names such as: colitis, uncreative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc. Some specialists call it "arthritis of the intestines".
Symptoms:
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Inflammation open sores
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Bloody, watery stools diarrhea
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Abdominal pain anemia
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Ulcers- followed by a scarred area called stricture (scar tissue)
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Bowel movements come less then 60 minutes after a meal and sometimes
during. (The meal activates the entire intestine)
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Typically IBD is divided into 2 main categories:
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Crohn's disease- involves the layers of tissues in the bowel and affects the entire
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GI tract
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Ulcerative Colitis - affects the colon or rectum only
Possible Causes:
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Serious bout with flu or some other virus illness
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Emotional involvement and stress. Both cause hormonal changes. A
hormonal imbalance then causes changes in immune system. There is a
strong correlation between stress and flare-ups.
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Deficiency of EPA (Omega 3). Under these conditions the immune system
makes a mistake and starts to attack the body's own tissues. This can
result in arthritis, psoriasis, or IBD. People whose diets are rich in EPA
don't get IBD. EPA comes mainly from cold-water fish such as mackerel,
haddock, sardines, salmon, and tuna. Flax seed ground daily also gives
a great amount of Omega 3.
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Toxic Chemicals
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Malfunctioning immune system
Special Concerns:
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Malabsorption of nutrients - especially B-complex, iron, zinc and calcium
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Fear of flare ups - one chooses to eat poorly.
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Fiber Matrix - There is a tough resistant part of certain foods that is so
tough it passes through one's intestine without being broken down
(digested). This fiber matrix can irritate an inflamed and sensitive intestine
tremendously. Examples of this are corn, berries with seeds, unpeeled
apples or pears, nuts, crisp veggies, grapes, potato skins, etc.
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Strictures and blockages - places of inflammation can heal, however scar
tissue develops on the intestine. This scar tissue can cause the fiber matrix to stop or pull at this place. This hurts! One can have diarrhea or constipation.
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Medication - side effects and causes nutrient deficiencies
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People with IBD are usually lactose intolerant (inability to digest milk and
sugar) so they avoid milk and dairy products. Yogurt is usually all right for
them.
Chemicals that Trigger IBD
Additives in carbonated beverages (the preservative benzoic acid)
Medicines - antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, BCP, gold,
Nutritional Guidelines for Healing
It is best to read about each source of nutrition in the Treasures of Health Nutrition Manual.
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EPA - anti-inflammatory, reduces inflammation
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Calcium - helps stop diarrhea
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Protein - eggs, chicken, fish, yogurt, soy protein drink
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Zinc - Vital nutrient for building one's immune system, production of one's
digestive enzymes, hormones
Good multivitamin - with at least 12 vitamins and 7 minerals
Folic Acid - Take in a B-Complex or whole food source. Drugs used to control intestinal flare-ups interfere with folic acid absorption. This increases risk of cancer by 50%
Fiber - essential in supplemental form unless grinding and making your own bread
Vitamin E - always deficient in IBD. Will help dissolve scar tissue
Vitamin C - Most with IBD are avoiding fruits because of fiber problems.
Take a sustained vitamin C.
Sources:
Eating Right for a Bad Gut, Dr. Bruce Miller
Toxic Overload, Dr. Paula Baille-Hamilton
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