A Whole Body Approach to
Crohn’s and Colitis
If you are someone who experiences one of the two most
common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative
colitis, you will know that the pain and disruption caused by these disorders
can wreak havoc on your life, affecting relationships, employment and more.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for either condition,
although much exciting research is being done. The good news is that we have
made a lot of progress in recent years discovering natural ways to ease and
support IBD. Read on to discover some non-invasive treatment modalities that
can help you take your life back.
Crohn’s and Colitis- What You Need to Know
Crohn’s and Colitis develop when the lining of your
intestines become inflamed. But behind that short definition lie several
debilitating consequences, including difficulty with food digestion, nutrient
absorption, and waste elimination. These issues can result in problems with
bowel movements including urgency (feeling like you need to find a bathroom immediately) and bloody diarrhea.
The two disorders share many symptoms,
including:
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Diarrhea (sometimes alternating with constipation)
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Bloody stools
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Belly pain and discomfort
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Rectal bleeding
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Weight loss
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Reduced appetite
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Nausea
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Increased gas
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Fatigue
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Anemia
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Joint pain
The Differences Between Crohn’s And Colitis
Although they share many symptoms, it’s important to note
that they’re not exactly the same. The main differences between Crohn’s and
Colitis are:
●
With ulcerative colitis, only the large intestine is
affected. Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive system.
●
In Crohn’s disease, healthy tissue can be intermixed
with inflamed tissue. In contrast, ulcerative colitis affects an entire area.
●
The inflammation of colitis affects only the inner lining
of the intestines, whereas it can affect deeper layers with Crohn’s disease.
In real-life terms, bloody diarrhea and rectal bleeding are
more common with colitis. And the pain of Crohn’s is often a sharper, more
intense pain than the cramping that typically characterizes colitis.
Bear in mind that these are just generalized differences and
a medical practitioner is the best person to diagnose any form of inflammatory
bowel disease.
What
Causes Crohn’s and Colitis?
Why do some people
get Crohn’s and Colitis? Scientists don’t have precise reasons and most cases
are considered idiopathic (of no known origin). They are generally considered
to be autoimmune in nature, and a number of factors can come into play,
including genetics and environmental triggers.
The Effects Of Stress & Diet
Many people do notice that IBD tends to flare up during
times of stress (and, of course, this creates even more stress). Certain foods are often triggers as
well. Although stress and diet don’t cause
either condition, they can often exacerbate the symptoms. So managing
Crohn’s and Colitis often requires careful dietary monitoring and lifestyle
changes.
How Are Crohn’s and Colitis Treated?
Treatment often focuses on two main goals: reducing
inflammation and managing symptoms. A number of medications, including
steroids, can work to reduce inflammation, and, particularly with Crohn’s,
surgery is sometimes necessary to remove tissue that has been too deeply
damaged. Many people suffering from IBD
find that they can ease their symptoms enough to return to a more normal life
by making a few changes to their diet and lifestyle.
Natural Ways To Ease Crohn’s and Colitis
Symptoms
Improving your overall health is an important first step in
managing IBD symptoms. Your treatment plan should target your lifestyle holistically,
from all angles, with the joint goals of reducing inflammation and minimizing
the number of flare-ups you experience. Some proven strategies include:
1. Reduce Stress
Your nervous system is intricately
connected to with your digestive system. Stress, particularly the kind of
chronic stress that never seems to let up, can lead to an imbalance of bacteria
in your gut. (Also known as dysbiosis.)
In order to relieve the physical
effects of stress on your body, a variety of mindfulness activities such as
yoga, meditation or tai chi can be very helpful.
2. Exercise
Working out while you’re
experiencing symptoms of IBD can be difficult. However, research has shown that
exercising can help to reduce the severity of gastrointestinal disorders. With
IBD it’s especially important to listen to your body and focus on exercise such
as yoga which is lower in intensity, as working out too intensely can actually
create a stress response and exacerbate symptoms.
3. Work
On An Elimination Diet or Start with Food
Intolerance Testing
It can take a bit of trial and
error to figure out which foods are triggers. That’s why it’s a good idea to
create a carefully planned elimination diet in consultation with your Naturopathic Doctor (ND). If an elimination diet is not appropriate for
you, your ND may order food sensitivity testing.
What Foods Trigger
IBD?
Although everyone is different,
some common triggers include:
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Alcohol
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Caffeine
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Fried foods
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Fatty foods
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Many dairy products
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Chocolate
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Artificial sweeteners
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Large meals
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Carbonated drinks
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Foods with a lot of fructose, such as apples and many
dried fruits
4. Use probiotics
Restoring the bacterial balance in
your gut with probiotic supplements can ease symptoms. However, you’ll get the
best results if you work with a healthcare practitioner to ensure you’re taking
the best type of probiotic. Not all probiotics are the same, so you want to
make sure you select the best one for your condition.
5. Consider Herbal And
Nutritional Supplements
Talk to your healthcare provider
about supplementation, as a number of natural supplements have shown promising
results in treating Crohn’s and Colitis, including:
●
Boswellia (also known as frankincense)
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Glucosamine
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Turmeric (Curcumin)
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Berberine
6. Stay Abreast Of New
Treatment Options
Although much work still remains to
be done, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about recent
medical research. IBD is an area where promising discoveries and potential new
treatments are emerging often. For example, trials have been conducted on the
effectiveness of fecal transplants, in which healthy stool is “transplanted”
into an inflamed large intestine in hopes of restoring the balance of healthy
bacteria. I have seen a few patients find
relief with this treatment in my practice.
If you have been diagnosed with or are experiencing the
symptoms of Crohn’s or Colitis, you should know that there is reason for hope.
Many natural supportive treatments prove quite effective, and new developments
are on the horizon. Call Advanced Health& Wellness at 978-475-7676 and we can work together to improve your
digestive health!