Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's Disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to a variety of issues. The condition can arise in different areas of the digestive system for different people, although it is most commonly present in the small intestine. Often, the inflammation spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel. Crohn's Disease can become debilitating and may lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
What are the symptoms?
Generally, symptoms of Crohn’s Disease range from mild to severe. Usually, they develop over time, however, in some cases, they can come on suddenly, without warning. There may also be periods of remission, where no symptoms are present.
When the disease is active, symptoms include:
Diarrhoea
Fever
Fatigue
Abdominal pain
Cramping
Blood in your stool
Mouth sores
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin (fistula)
Inflammation of skin, eyes and joints
Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
Kidney stones
Anaemia (iron deficiency)
Causes
Unfortunately, there is no known cause of Crohn’s Disease. However, certain factors may increase your risk, such as:
Genes: IBD often runs in families
Smoking: this can double your risk of contracting the disease.
Diagnosis
However, Crohn’s Disease can affect different sections of the digestive tract, the variations of Crohn’s include:
Ileocolitis: The most common type
Ileitis
Gastroduodenal
Jejunoileitis
Ongoing diarrhoea, belly cramping or unexplained weight loss are likely to be the main concerns when first going for a Crohn’s diagnosis. However, once it is suspected that Crohn’s may be the issue, the following tests will be conducted to confirm the disease:
Blood tests
Stool tests
Colonoscopy
CT scan
GI endoscopy
GI exam
How it is treated conventionally?
At current, there is no known cure for Crohn’s Disease. However, certain therapies and treatments can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms, and in some cases, long-term remission can be achieved.
There's no known cure for Crohn's disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. With treatment, many people with Crohn's disease can function well.
How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition work with Crohn’s Disease?
Gastrointestinal autoimmunity is very specific in terms of a functional and nutritional approach. As with other forms of autoimmunity we need to identify the underlying causative factors and triggers, we need to know what is triggering the inflammation that is present in Crohn’s. We will look at diet and which foods may be resulting in inflammation of the gut, whilst also looking at the microbial ecology of the gut, by which I mean what is the balance of beneficial bacteria and non beneficial bacteria, and are there any pathogens such as yeasts, or parasites present which may be mediating inflammatory processes.
We will use functional lab tests to identify specific food reactivities, along with comprehensive stool testing in most clients. Following which specific dietary protocols are recommended, along with lifestyle protocols such as stress reduction, sleep optimisation and the role of exercise.
We need to be careful to also address nutritional insufficiencies and deficiencies that can arise due to the destruction and therefore poor nutrient absorption resulting from Crohn’s disease.
Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?
Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help
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