If you've been experiencing digestive issues for an extended period and have had to undergo tests before receiving a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, it's crucial to understand that despite the challenges, it's possible to manage the symptoms and lead a fulfilling life with the condition. This article aims to provide you with comprehensive information for those with Crohn's disease, focusing on its symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options and recommended dietary practices.
Unpleasant to meet: Crohn's disease
What is Crohn's?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can impact all layers of the intestine and manifest in various regions of the digestive system, ranging from the mouth and esophagus to the anus. In approximately 75% of cases, the inflammation occurs in the Terminal Ileum, which is the area that marks the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. This disease is classified under the group of inflammatory bowel diseases and is commonly found among adults.
What are the causes of Crohn's disease?
The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is known to be caused by a combination of several genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors:
The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors.
Genetic factors play a role, as the disease can sometimes be inherited, and the risk of developing Crohn's is 12-14 times higher for first-degree relatives of affected individuals.
Autoimmune factors also contribute, as the immune system overreacts to foreign substances in the body, leading to the production of inflammatory proteins that damage intestinal tissues and cause recurrent inflammation.
Environmental factors are also thought to play a role, as the incidence of Crohn's disease has increased in recent years, particularly due to reduced exposure to microorganisms like bacteria and worms during early childhood, which may weaken the immune system's ability to control inflammation and increase the risk of developing the disease.
Risk groups for Crohn's disease
Research has revealed that there is a correlation between Crohn's disease and past and present smoking, as well as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and birth control pills, all of which increase the risk of the disease. Additionally, while intestinal infections that occurred prior to the onset of Crohn's disease are indirectly linked to its development, Helicobacter pylori sufferers are also at a higher risk due to the bacteria's contribution to the onset of Crohn's and colitis.
Crohn's diagnosis
To diagnose Crohn's disease, medical professionals typically rely on a combination of endoscopic tests such as colonoscopy, blood and stool analysis, and imaging tests like ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans. Patients usually report symptoms such as abdominal swelling, severe pain, and vomiting, which often leads to a diagnosis. However, in some cases, the disease can be suspected even when patients present with issues concerning the urinary bladder and vagina, fissures, ulcers, urinary or gall bladder stones, anemia, osteoporosis, unexplained weight loss, or recurrent infections and inflammations.
The symptoms of Crohn's disease
The symptoms of Crohn's disease vary from person to person and appear in different degrees of severity, usually in a gradual manner:
· Abdominal pain (including spasms and cramps)
· Blood in the stool
· Diarrhea
· Heat
· Recurring ulcers and sores in the mouth
· Nausea and vomiting
· Increased fatigue
· Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
· Ulcers, pain, and bleeding in the anus
How can Crohn's disease affect the long term?
If left untreated, Crohn's disease can lead to a range of serious complications over time, as with any other chronic condition. Some of the most common complications of Crohn's disease include intestinal obstruction, infections in the rectal area resulting from fissures, fistulas caused by ulcers that burst through the intestinal wall and attach to the skin, bladder, or other parts of the intestine, the development of ulcers throughout the digestive system, an increased risk of malnutrition and being underweight, as well as an elevated risk of developing colon cancer.
Crohn's treatment
The primary approach to treating Crohn's disease involves medication, but proper nutrition is also crucial for treatment success. The combination of medication and nutrition depends on the specific approach of the therapist, and natural remedies like black salt supplements can be used in conjunction with traditional treatments. One such supplement is Double-Black-Pro, which contains a unique herbal formula that suppresses the disease, soothes Crohn's symptoms significantly and can be used for colitis and other related conditions. Using nutritional supplements and following a personalized and adapted diet can be a natural complement to traditional medical treatments. Treatment goals for Crohn's disease include achieving remission and calming active attacks and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory 5-ASA medications are typically used for mild cases and pre-outbreak situations, while steroid-based medications are used to suppress the immune system during active attacks for a limited period of time. Biological drugs, which selectively suppress the immune system, and antibiotics may also be used. Surgery may be necessary for patients who do not respond to other treatments and have complications such as intestinal stricture, abscess, fistula, or growth retardation. A healthy lifestyle is also important for preventing Crohn's disease, including a diet free of fiber and dairy products in case of pain and diarrhea. The nutritional treatment plan will be tailored to each patient's individual needs and the severity of their condition.
Adherence to the diet: what should not be eaten when suffering from Crohn's disease?
Foods that may cause intestinal blockages, such as legumes, rice, corn, and popcorn, should be avoided. Red meat should be significantly reduced, with fresh meat being preferred over raw meat and consumed only once or twice a week at most. Dairy products should also be avoided depending on personal tolerance. Certain vegetables like seaweed, fennel, mushrooms, cabbage, and celery should not be eaten, and fruits like persimmons, sapodillas, guava, passion fruit, pomegranate, and citrus pulp (the white crust surrounding the orange or tangerine, for example) should be avoided. Additionally, whole crackers, nuts, and processed foods that contain food colorings, preservatives, and emulsifiers should be avoided. Allowed foods, depending on the manifestation of the disease and other medical and personal aspects of each patient, include boiled chicken, baked or boiled fish fillet, eggs, nut spreads, soy products, soft and cooked vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, grated carrots, apples, pears, and bananas. When the disease is in remission, additional foods can be gradually added subject to the medical recommendation and strict nutritional support. The primary emphasis in Crohn's disease nutrition is on prioritizing small, smooth, and soft-textured meals throughout the day (avoiding large and heavy meals) that are chewed well and slowly in order to properly grind the food. It is recommended to space out eating fruits and vegetables for about 2-3 hours or to consume them in small portions throughout the day, except in the consumption of dietary fiber. Nutritional supplements may also be necessary depending on any deficiencies found in blood tests.
Living with Crohn's: complex but possible
Despite the difficulties arising from Crohn's disease, it is possible to live with Crohn's and avoid severe symptoms that cause great suffering:
Dietary habits
It is recommended to adhere to a healthy and high-quality diet that minimizes white sugar, fried foods, fats, and products with artificial ingredients for food preservation and to persist in medical and nutritional supervision to avoid deficiencies and a decrease in the desired amount of calories.
Taking supplements and exercise
Among children and the elderly, it is recommended to also monitor bone mass and take care of sufficient calcium intake and monitor vitamin D and minerals. It is recommended to start a physical activity that will take care of bone building and muscle mass.
Taking supplements and exercise
Among children and the elderly, it is recommended to also monitor bone mass and take care of sufficient calcium intake and monitor vitamin D and minerals. It is recommended to start a physical activity that will take care of bone building and muscle mass.
Recommended nutritional supplements include the unique formula of Double Black Pro, which is suitable for both children and adults and has the power to significantly alleviate the disease and even suppress it for many years.
Avoiding sun damage and smoking
It is known that there are certain drugs that treat inflammatory bowel diseases and that increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended for Crohn's patients avoid harmful exposure to the sun and apply sunscreen regularly. Also, smoking is considered one of the most harmful actions for the disease, as it leads to very severe flare-ups and significant complications.
Be alert to your body and mind
The physical condition of all of us is closely related to our thoughts and feelings and vice versa. Take care of yourself in any case of stress, sadness, nervousness, and anxiety, also with the help of suitable professionals, or anti-stress natural supplements. Stay sensitive to your body and check what makes it good and what doesn't, which foods are more suitable for you, and what relaxes you, stimulates you, and fills you with a good and pleasant feeling.
Crohn's disease - Bottom line:
Crohn's is one of the most common intestinal diseases, especially in Israeli society. Despite its famous attacks and the complications that many fear, the disease can be controlled and treated to the point of completely avoiding various symptoms. In order to successfully overcome it, it is important to conduct yourself responsibly with regard to medical supervision and follow-ups, to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, an appropriate diet based on the exact state of the disease, and take appropriate nutritional supplements, such as the composition containing black salt.
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