Thursday, April 3, 2008

http://dineshmals.healthebiz.hop.clickbank.net


CROHN’S DISEASE
AVOID
Alcohol in any form
Any food that worsens symptoms
Also known as ileitis, Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the intestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, it most commonly attacks the colon and the lower part of the small intestine, or the ileum.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that may recur after lengthy periods of remission. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Typically diseased portions of the intestine are interspersed with normal segments; fistulas are common. The diseased portions may become obstructed, an emergency situation. There may also be weight loss, fever, and intestinal bleeding persistent enough to cause anemia. Children with Crohn’s disease may suffer stunted growth and delayed sexual development.

MEDICAL TREATMENT
Crohn’s disease has no cure, but a combination of drugs usually alleviates symptoms. As in the case of colitis, 5-ASA agents are frontline therapy, with sulfasalazine being the most popular choice.
Surgery is often needed to correct complications, such as an intestinal blockage, perforation, and abscesses. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the diseased section of bowel; unfortunately, this does not prevent recurrences in other portions of the intestinal tract.
NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES
Nutritional deficiencies are common in people with crohn’s disease for several reasons. During a flare-up, symptoms squelch appetite, and a person is unlikely to consume enough food to maintain weight and good nutrition. Nutrition can be a problem even during periods of remission; if the small intestine is damaged by inflammation, vitamins and nutrients are not absorbed properly. Surgical removal of portions of the intestine further impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Eliminate any foods that provoke symptoms
Although some doctors advise patients to avoid all fried foods, dairy products, spices, and high-fiber foods, there is not specific diet for crohn’s disease. The overall objective is to consume adequate calories, vitamins, and minerals without exacerbating symptoms. Try eliminating any food that seems to create problems of several weeks, and keep a diary of symptoms to determine whether giving it up is helpful. Eliminate only one type of food at a time, such as milk and other dairy products.
Avoid foods high in fiber
High-fiber foods are generally discouraged because they may be irritating to the intestines, and they can also exacerbate diarrhea, high-fiber foods often are improperly digested and pass through to the colon where they can be digested by bacteria. This may cause bacterial overgrowth, which in turn can exacerbate crohn’s. alcohol should be avoided as it can worsen intestinal bleeding; it lowers the body’s immunity; and it has been known to contribute to malnutrition.

No comments: