The Elemental Diet
Very often the elemental diet can be used as a non-toxic alternative to corticosteroids as the primary treatment of acute IBD. (1-4) The elemental diet is one that contains all essential nutrients.
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The Elemental Diet
Very often the elemental diet can be used as a non-toxic alternative to corticosteroids as the primary treatment of acute IBD. (1-4) The elemental diet is one that contains all essential nutrients.
IBD Effects on General Nutrition
Many nutritional complications occur during the course of IBD. Because nutritional complications have a great influence on IBD patients, and his/ her mortality, we must ensure OPTIMAL nutritional status. A decreased food intake is the primary cause of a patients nutritional deficit. It most certainly is the most common cause of patients needing hospitalization. Weight loss is prevalent
Prostaglandin Metabolism, Mucin Defects, Intestinal Flora
Prostaglandin
They are hormone like substances made from essential fatty acids which are responsible for many bodily functions, including inflammation. Levels of prostaglandin are substantially elevated in the colonic mucosa, serum, and stools of people suffering from IBD. These patients show an increase in
I see rejection in my skin, worry in my cancers, bitterness and hate in my aching joints. I failed to take care of my mind, and so my body now goes to hospital.
Astrid Alauda
In minds crammed with thoughts, organs clogged with toxins, and bodies stiffened with neglect, there is just no space for anything else.
Alison Rose Levy,
“An Ancient Cure for Modern Life,
” Yoga Journal, Jan/Feb 2002
Sickness is the vengeance of nature for the violation of her laws.
Charles Simmons
Therapeutic Considerations
There is very little known about the natural cause of Crohn’s disease because all patients either undergo standard medical care or seek alternative therapy. There is one exception however and that is patients in clinical trials assigned to placebo groups. (1-3) Be that as it may, even these patients do not represent the natural course of the disease since they are seen by doctors and other healthcare providers. In order to properly evaluate therapies for Crohn’s disease we must better understand its natural history.
A bodily disease, which we look upon as whole and entire within itself,
may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter
Additional causes of Crohn's disease might include:
Immune System Abnormality Immune system disturbances are thought to be the cause of IBD, but most evidence indicates that a compromised immune system is likely secondary to the disease process.
Who is susceptible to this disease?
Crohn’s disease occurs at the rate of two new cases per every 100,000, while the total number is estimated to be 20 to 40 per 100,000. In Western cultures the rate of Crohn’s disease is increasing, possible culprits: Antibiotic use and diet.
Females get it slightly more than males, Caucasians are developing this disease two to four times more often than people of African or Asian descent, while incidence amongst Jewish people is three to 6 times higher than non-jewish people.
Quick summary of factors:
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Infectious agent or agents
3. Antibiotic exposure
4. Dietary factors
Genetic Predisposition
While there has as of yet no genetic marker been found for IBD disease. IBD occurs two to four times more in Caucasians, is four times more common in the Jewish population and in 15% (fifteen percent) to 40% (forty percent) of all cases multiple members of a family are affected by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Infectious Agents:
There are many microorganisms which qualify for as potential culprits for IBD, but this possibility is still being debated. To mention some viruses suspected of causing this disease: rotavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and mycobacterium. Possible other organisms are thought to be; pseudomonas-like organisms such as chlamydia and Yersinia enterocolitica.
Antibiotic Exposure (1)
Prior to the 1950s, Crohn’s disease was only found in isolated groups. Evidence for a strong genetic compound. Penicillin and tetracycline have been available in oral form since 1953. The annual increase of Crohn’s disease directly correlates to the annual increase of antibiotic prescription. Statistics have shown whenever antibiotics are used very early and in great quantities, the occurrence of Crohn’s disease becomes very high. Coupled with the fact that since the 50s Crohn’s disease has spread like an epidemic, especially in countries like the United States and in countries previously having virtually no cases of Crohn’s, could one blame antibiotics?
Tomorrow I’ll continue with additional causes thought to lead to IBD. Immune System Abnormality, Dietary Factors and other Miscellaneous Factors.
In the meantime.
Beste Gesundheit
Werner
(1) Demling L., Is Crohn’s Disease Caused by Antibiotics? Hepato-Gastroenterol 41 (1994). Pg: 549-51
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