Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disee is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It affects the gastrointestinal tract by causing inflammation and selling. The cause is unknown, but many doctors believe that the inflammation is due to a misdirected attach by the immune system.
Crohn’s disease can attack any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The name of the exact illness is derived from the location of the problem. Ileocolic Crohn’s disease, the most prevalent type, affects the large intestine and the part of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine. Crohn’s ileitis is less common, and affects the ileum – the part of the small intestine that connects to the colon. Only 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have Crohn’s colitis, which inflames the large intestine.
Crohn’s disease is made up of periods of outbreaks followed by periods of remission. Symptoms of outbreaks include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. The skin around the anus is often the site of itchiness, fissures, or abscesses. Long term, Crohn’s disease can damage other organs, such as the eyes and kidneys, and it also increases the risk of cancer of the inflamed areas.
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease. Treatment aims to decrease the inflammation and shorten outbreaks, as well as prolonging periods of remission. Doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatories or antibiotics. Some patients have the most success with immunosuppressive drugs – medication that suppresses the immune system. Although these drugs are often effective at restricting the immune system’s attack on the body, however, they also limit the immune system when fighting actual infection or other problems. Therefore, their use can result in a host of other health issues. Use of supplements to treat Crohn’s disease often allows less medication to be used. In some cases, the medication can even be discontinued. Before changing your dosage or stopping your medication, however, please see your healthcare provider.
Supplements to treat Crohns’ disease
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Eleuthero – Do not use if you have a history of heart disease.
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) – It is important to maintain the proper ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids.
• Glucosamine – Don’t take if you are allergic to shellfish. Consult use with your doctor if you have diabetes because glucosamine can alter blood sugar levels.
• Glutamine – If you have a sensitivity to monosodium glutamate (MSG), use glutamine with caution. If you are taking medications for seizures, only take glutamine under the direction of your doctor.
• Kaprex Al – Made by Metagenics. Do not use if taking an anticoagulant.
• Magnesium
• Olive leaf extract – Take with food
• Probiotics
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
USANA Vitamins fish oil supplements USANA BiOmega™ is produced from cold-water, deep-sea fish oil and contains a balanced, concentrated daily dose of two important omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in two convenient capsules per day. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support cardiovascular health. Studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of fish oil supplements, to be effective in supporting healthy joints, promoting optimal neural development and function, and maintaining good bone health.
