Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition and ulceration of the gastrointestinal system (G.I.) and includes the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines and the anus.

Crohn's disease causes the lining of the intestines to become red, swollen or to bleed. This is termed inflammation.
This happens most often in the inner layer lining of the colon and ileum (the lower part of the small intestine).

It is not altogether known what exactly causes this condition (there is more than 1 reason).

Some causes of Crohn's are:

• Food intolerance
• Food allergy
• A problem in the immune system
• Bacterial and Virus / viral infections
• Having a family history of Crohn's and excessive stress combined with poor dietary habits may make it more likely for someone to have this condition

Crohn's starts off as ulceration's which deepen, become more fibrotic and lead to stricture.
The gut becomes less able to absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients - this in turn may cause a defective immune system, a low resistance to infections etc.

Some people with Crohn's have a history of anal fissures (linear ulcers on the margin of the anus) or fistulas (these are abnormal tube like passages from the rectum to the surface of the anus).

Some symptoms include:

• Chronic diarrhea with abdominal pain
• Alternating diarrhoea & constipation
• Pain in gut, especially after meals
• Blood in stool
• Bloating after eating
• Fever
• Low energy
• Flatulence
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight (sometimes)
• Nausea

A high sugar diet and animal fats aggravate the condition.

Conventional treatment is by anticholinergic drugs, psyllium preparations, antibiotics corticosteroids and certain immunosuppressive drugs in some cases.

Many sufferers have found relief when following natural, Drug Free methods.

A change in diet which eliminates dairy and wheat products is the first stage.
As most ready meals & fast foods contain added colours, additives, flavour enhancers, preservatives and many other chemicals, they too need to be eliminated as these chemicals can react with the gut lining to cause inflammation.

People with Crohn's disease may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes and this leads to a poor food sterilisation & digestion.
Supplementing with enzymes & probiotics helps to improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn's disease.

SUMMARY: Eliminate sugar & animal fats from the diet. Improve the digestive process. Maintain correct bowel flora (favourable bacteria in the colon) BENEFICIAL SUPPLEMENTS Digestive Enzymes EPA & DHA (Omega 3 fish oils) Probiotics e.g. Acidophilus & Bifo Antifungals Garlic Vitamin C Aloe Vera Magnesium Zinc

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