Crohn's Disease
Synopsis of Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that causes inflammation anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly affecting the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the colon. It is part of the broader category of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and is characterized by flare-ups of abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and nutrient malabsorption.
Unlike ulcerative colitis, which affects only the colon and rectum, Crohn's disease can impact any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus, often in patchy segments and involving all layers of the intestinal wall. The cause is unknown but involves an overactive immune response, likely triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals.
Types of Crohn’s Disease (by location):
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Ileocolitis: Affects the ileum and colon (most common).
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Ileitis: Affects only the ileum.
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Gastroduodenal Crohn’s: Affects the stomach and duodenum.
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Jejunoileitis: Affects the jejunum (upper small intestine).
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Crohn’s Colitis: Affects only the colon.
Common Causes and Risk Factors:
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Autoimmune dysfunction (immune system attacking the gut lining)
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Genetic predisposition (family history)
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Smoking (increases risk and worsens severity)
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Environmental factors (Western diet, pollutants)
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Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut microbiome)
Severity Factors:
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Frequent flare-ups cause cumulative intestinal damage.
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Risk of complications such as strictures, fistulas, and abscesses.
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Severe nutrient malabsorption can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and growth issues in children.
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Increases risk of colorectal cancer over time.
When to See a Doctor:
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Persistent diarrhea, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss
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Severe abdominal pain and cramping
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Fatigue not resolved with rest
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Symptoms interfering with nutrition or daily function
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Family history of Crohn’s or other autoimmune disorders
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Suspected complications like bowel obstruction or fistulas
Natural remedies for Crohn's Disease
Anti-inflammatory diet: Low-residue, low-fiber during flare-ups; anti-inflammatory foods during remission.
Probiotic-rich foods: Only during remission phases to support microbiome balance.
Avoid common triggers: Dairy, gluten, spicy foods, caffeine, and high-fat meals.
Hydration: Prevents dehydration during diarrhea episodes.
Stress management: Meditation, yoga, or therapy to reduce immune triggers.
Frequent, small meals: Easier to digest and absorb nutrients.
Nutritional supplementation: B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D under medical supervision.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Crohn's Disease
aloe vera
amylase
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
bacillus coagulans
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
butyrate triglyceride
chlorella
turmeric
curcumin
elderberry
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
immunoglobin G
inulin
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus gasseri
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
licorice root
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
pancreatin
phytocannabinoids
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin D
xylanase
zinc
hyacinth bean
trace minerals
enzymes blend (proprietary)
11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
Amylase
Artemisia
Acacia fiber
Ancylostoma brasiliense
Alpha-keto-boswellic acid
Aromatic acid (unspecified)
Acemannan
Alpha Glucans
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifidobacterium
Butyric acid
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium (various species)
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifobacterium (mixed)
Beta-Glucans
Boswellia serrata
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
Bifidobacterium (mixed)
Bael
beta-lactoglobulin
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Boswellia
Bacillus (mixed)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Boswellia
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bacteria (unspecified)
Bifidobacteria (unspecified)
Brassica (unspecified)
Butyric acid
Bacteria
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Bacillus Coagulans
Bacteria Blend
Bifidobacteria
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Boswellic acids
Biogenic amine
Casein Glycomacropeptide
Cannabis
Carotenoid
Curcuminoid
Cannabinoids
Calcium Magnesium Butyrate
Carrot fiber
Complex
Curcuma
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
Cytokines
Capsaisin
Color
Curcumin
Cannabigerol
Digestion resistant Maltodextrin
Fiber Blend
Fiber
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Fruit (unspecified)
Fiber (unspecified)
Fish Oil
Fructo-Oligosaccharides
Glycomacropeptides
Glutamine alpha-ketogutarate
Glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate
glycyrrhizic acid
Glutamine (various)
Galactooligosaccharides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Guar Gum
Human growth hormone
Hyperimmune milk peptides
High amylose polysaccharide
Inulin growth factor
Immunoglobulin G
Interferon gamma
Isothiocyanate
Kefir
Kefir
L-Acetyl n-Cysteine
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus delbrueckii lactis
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus sakei
Lactobacillus kefiri
Lactobacillus (unspecified)
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus (various species)
Lipids (unspecified)
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus mixed)
L. lactis (unspecified)
Lactoferrin
Lipids
Marijuana
Medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
N-acetylcysteine
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Nutmeg
Oligosaccharide (unspecified)
Oligosaccharide (unspecified)
Oligosaccharide
Oligosaccharides
Olive Oil
Omega-3
Psyllium fiber
peptides (unspecified)
Polysaccharide
Polysaccharide
Prebiotic (unspecified)
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol )
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. Shermanii
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
Pancreatin
Probiotics
Psyllium (unspecified)
Polyphenols (unspecified)
Protein (unspecified)
polyphenols (various)
Probiotic (unspecified)
Rhapontic rubarb
Resistant Starch
Sodium Butyrate
Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boullardii
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Stem Cells
Transfer Factor
Transforming growth factor beta
Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Total Fat
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
Vitamin B6 (not specified)
Vegetable Fiber (unspecified)
Xylooligosaccharides
xanthan gum
Yogurt
Yogurt