Characterized by a chronic and long lasting ulceration of the section or sections of the digestive tract. The inflamed parts heal leaving scar tissue that narrows the passageway. This disorder is not contagious. Onset of Crohn’s Disease typically occurs between the ages of 14–30. Left untreated, it can become life threatening and it may increase the risk of cancer by as much as twenty times. Crohn’s disease is common in affluent societies due to the fiber deficient aspect of our diet. (Br Med J 1 (1973):274)
Symptoms:
Chronic diarrhea, pain in the upper and lower abdomen, fever, headaches, mal-absorption of nutrients, loss of energy, appetite, and weight. Mouth and anal sores may be present when the disease is active. Due to severe headaches, nausea, and even vomiting, a person with Crohn’s Disease may dread eating.
- Crohn’s can cause malnutrition and so it is absolutely vital to make sure you are getting a lot of nutrition from your diet and supplementation. For example, Vitamin C is a common deficiency in people suffering from Crohn’s disease, including low leukocyte or serum levels of ascorbate. Improving the intake of Vitamin C can significantly improve ascorbate status. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 8(4), August 1986, p. 443-446 We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE™ that is complete and made from whole foods.
- Herbal colon formulas may be helpful in cleansing the intestinal tract, reducing inflammation and keeping the colon healthy. If interested, take a look at Quick Colon Formula # 1 and Quick Colon Formula #2.
- Organic Aloe Vera Juice is beneficial because it softens stools and has a healing effect on the digestive tract; drink a half a cup three times daily.
- Flax Seed Oil contains omega 3 essential fatty acids which are necessary for the repair of the digestive tract.
- Drink plenty of distilled water and fresh juices.
- Fresh cabbage juice is very beneficial.
- Eat a diet consisting mainly of cooked vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, garlic, kale, spinach and turnips. (Please read foods that heal) High fiber diets have been reported to be of definite benefit for those with Crohn’s disease.
Things to Avoid:
- Eliminate all dairy foods, fish, meat, chicken, turkey, yeast products, alcohol, caffeine, soda, eggs, fried and greasy foods, margarine, tobacco, white flour, and all other processed foods and animal derived products from your diet.
- As much as possible, avoid stress.
References:
- James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)
- S. Imes et al., “Vitamin C Status in 137 Outpatients with Crohn’s Disease: Effect of Diet Counseling,” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 8(4), August 1986, p. 443-446
- D. Burkitt, “Some Diseases Characteristic of Modern Western Civilization,” Br Med J 1 (1973):274
- K. Heaton, “Treatment of Crohn’s Disease with an Unrefined-Carbohydrate, Fiber-Rich Diet,” Br Med J 2 (1979):764
- J. McDougall, M.D, “The McDougall Plan,” (1983): pp49-50
