Crohn’s Disease

–No more a Menace!!

Crohn’s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn’s disease was recognized in the early 1930s and it predominantly affects individuals in industrialized countries affecting the psycho social wellbeing of the affected persons. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract- usually small intestine- and will be mostly inflammatory in origin which can be better diagnosed through colonoscopy, CT, Endoscopy and different inflammatory marker blood tests.

The disease is idiopathic and granulomatous in nature affecting females and males equally. It  has an early onset around 15 years of age and worsened symptoms during the early seventies. Crohn’s can affect the entire wall of the gastrointestinal system. The Gastrointestinal tract breaks down the food and helps in the absorption of nutrients and removal of waste materials. During the inflammation the immune system of the body damages the inner mucosa of the gastrointestinal system and causes incomplete digestion of the food resulting in diarrhea and abdominal pain. The chronic inflammation results in the scars leading to narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract. These changes altogether results in a cascade of symptoms like Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Fever, Tiredness, Anemia, Mouth soar, reduced appetite and Weight loss.

Genetic predisposition is a major factor in this disease which increases its complexity when influenced by environment and immune system. One in every 250 Australians is affected by the diseases as per the research studies. Due to the onset in the early adult age work life balance is severely affected resulting in low productivity. Steroid medication, smoking and high carbohydrate diet can worsen the condition.

Assess your bowels from the experts of Ayur Healthcare!!!

Ayurvedic holistic approach is based on the assessment of Vata (air factors), Pitta (fire factors) and Kapha (water factors).This concept in Ayurveda emphasises the need for a healthy digestive fire to maintain proper functioning of organs and organ systems.Ayurveda advises herbs  that can improve digestion (Agni Deepana), process toxins (Ama pachana) and healing (Ropana).

The susceptibility to the disease can be assessed by the body constitution type!

The involvement of Genetic factors in the Disease throw light to the fact that apart from the pharmacologic interventions a deeper level of understanding is needed to rebuild future generations. Research data shows sensitivity to Crohn’s disease for Vata-Pitta body type. Knowing your Prakruti helps in better assessment and treatment.

• The therapeutic benefits of herbs are accelerated in Ayurveda by combing different herbs and processing them in different media. These traditional herbal preparationshelp in boosting immunity, improving digestion and refusing oxidants. Significant improvement in the bowel frequency can be attained by this treatment. Research studies shows successful remission of the disease with the safe use of turmeric herbal preparations.
• Ayurvedic detox therapies called Panchakarma aim at rebuilding body at the cellular level. Other massage therapies like Abhyanga (Hot oil Massage), Shirodhara (Streaming of warm oil at third eye), Avagaha (Abdominal bath in warm herbal tea) helps in healing the ulcers and regularizing Agni (the digestive power).

Rebuilding life through Ayur Health Care

A produce as such will not lead to a disease condition. It depends upon the tolerability and sensitiveness of each and every person’s body to that particular food. That is the reason we should focus more on a Preventive therapy which can deal with the Relapsing nature of the disease. In case of chronic inflammation low fibre and liquid rich diet will be helpful. Eat smaller meals with mindfulness. Never be in a hurry to finish food. Reduce nuts and raw green leafy vegetables as the insoluble fibre content present in these may hinder with digestion

1. Pomegranate, buttermilk, banana, oranges, blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, kiwifruit and honeydew melon are recommended. Vegetables like asparagus and potatoes can be eaten well cooked. Eat steamed vegetables and soup added to rice.
2. Refines grains like wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley etc. can be used which are fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure proper nutrition.  Protein rich foods like peanut, almond, cashew can be included in the diet in minimal quantity. Probiotics helps in digestion and building up a healthy immune system.
3. Bowel movements should be monitored with the intake of diet. Chocolates, butter ,cream etc. can increase the bowel movements if not properly monitored.
4. Take care during the intake of sweeteners and processed foods.5. Instead of drinking coffee and tea drink plenty of water and vegetable and fruit juices mixed with water to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition. High fat diet, bulky grains, hot spices, alcohol should be avoided.
5. Lactose intolerant people should be very careful while using milk and milk products. Similar symptoms can also occur with Fructose and galactose in tolerance.