Crohn's - Info.
Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the small and/or large intestine, with accompanying pain, cramping, tenderness, gas, fever, nausea, and diarrhea. Though usually mild, bleeding may occur and may sometimes be massive.
Although the inflammation and scarring can affect any region of the gastrointestinal tract, typically the ileum (part of the small intestine) and colon are affected. The inflammation caused by Crohn's disease damages the mucosa, where nutrient absorption occurs. As a result, the ability of the intestine to do its job is severely compromised and in many cases requires surgery.
Weight loss is common due to reduced intake because of abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhoea. In addition, the ability of the intestine to absorb the energy-yielding macronutrients, in particular, protein and fat, may be reduced.
Iron deficiency is common in individuals with Crohn's disease due to poor intake and blood losses via the gastrointestinal tract. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is also common, as it is absorbed in the ileum. Anaemia can result from deficiency of iron and/or vitamin B12. Both B12 and iron can be administered via injection if needed. Individuals with Crohn's are at risk for osteoporosis (loss of bone) because of both the disease and the corticost*roids that are used to treat the disease. Therefore, most individuals take supplemental calcium and vitamin D.
Conventional treatments have significant side effects (even when they work, and they don't always) more than half of people with Crohn's disease turn to natural therapies.
In September 2008, the FDA ordered stronger warnings for common Crohn's drugs -- inflix*mab (R*micade), ad*limumab (Hum*ra) and c*rtolizumab pegol (C*mzia) -- after an association with the risk of developing fungal and yeast infections such as Candidiasis was found.
Typical alternative treatments include:
Probiotics - Specifically: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus.
Fish Oil + Antioxidants
Vitamin B12 supplements (preferably sublingual, shots are painful)
Acupuncture - This has been gaining support from Crohn´s patients in recent years.
Diet Control - Just avoid processed foods, white breads and dairy.
Stress Control - Stress makes Crohn´s worse physically, we don´t fully understand why.
Marijuana is not a typical treatment for Crohn´s....however:
"The major active constitutent of the plant Cannabis sativa (marijuana), THC, and a variety of natural and synthetic cannabinoids have been shown to possess... anti-inflammatory activities...
Results indicate that the endogenous cannabinoid system represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of intestinal disease conditions characterized by excessive inflammatory responses."
Apr. 2004 - Journal of Clinical Investigation
and
"While marijuana might temporarily reduce pain and nausea, there is, as yet, no evidence that it can control chronic intestinal inflammation--the underlying cause of these symptoms in Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis...
CCFA's expert consensus remains: The harmful side effects of marijuana far outweigh its potential benefits."
Aug. 4, 2005 - Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
All of the above information has been taken from reputable sources.
However, please bear in mind that this disease can vary immensly from patient to patient, i.e. what works for one, won´t automatically help another.
Last edited by 420 Girl; 08-13-2009 at 03:29 AM.
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