Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: What Is Crohns Disease

Question:
I have a client with Crohn's disease and I don't know much about it. He says his intestinal tract will sometimes just close up and he'll start to get bloated. Does anyone know the mechanics behind why this happens. Is it a spasm of the smooth muscle tissue?  He also says it gives people mild arthritis. Is this rheumatic in nature or osteo? What do you know? And what can I tell him to do? Has anyone tried anything that works?

Answer:
No, it is an autoimmune disorder.  The Pathophysiogy is a little complicated.  I suggest you buy Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine...it is a great resource... Autoimmune disorders can coincide for sure, but they are separate entities. I hate to say it, but I believe prednisone is the only effective way to control serious episodes...Stopping the immune system from attacking one's own tissues is an area that alternative health can do much about...I don’t like prednisone, but sometimes you have no choice...you can't let the immune system continue to attack the intestine unchecked...I can't think of any dietary modifications other than a the usual recommendation of low-fat, high-fiber, high quality of fat, etc... Make that:  CAN'T Stopping the immune system from attacking one's own tissues is  an area that alternative health can do much about.. Crohn's Disease: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are both inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract.  Ulcerative colitis occurs in the colon, and Crohn's disease affects the small intestine, esophagus, stomach, and/or mouth.  Although ulcerative colitis only seems to invade the first two layers of the digestive tract lining, Crohn's disease involves the lining, muscle layer, and connective tissue below that layer. Crohn's disease occurs when ulceration extends through the walls of the digestive system.  When the ulceration heals, scar tissue forms, narrowing the walls' passageways.  This constriction causes the pain often associated with Crohn's disease.  Other symptoms include chronic diarrhea, fever, malabsorption, and loss of energy and/or appetite. You might want to check out