What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that affects the end of the small bowel. It is often compared to other irritable bowel disorders. The small intestine is approximately twenty feet long. Its irregular surface, full of projections called villi and microvilli give it a surface area approximately the size of four tennis courts. The cells of the small intestine secrete enzymes to break down food and they absorb nutrients. Problems with the small intestine can lead to poor nutrient absorption; you don’t get the nutrients even if you are eating properly. This can lead to fatigue, allergies, digestive problems and many other chronic health problems. Poor digestion can be the beginning of digestive problems, fatigue, nutrient deficiency, obesity, food cravings, a, and many other chronic health problems
Why do people get Crohn's disease?
Experts think that diet and stress may contribute to developing Crohn's disease, but no one really knows for sure. Genetics and heredity are thought to play a role as well.
What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, it most commonly affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the location of the inflammation. However, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea: This is the most common symptom of Crohn's disease. Diarrhea can be watery, bloody, or mucus-filled.
- Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is another common symptom of Crohn's disease. The pain can be mild or severe and can be constant or intermittent.
- Fever: Fever is a less common symptom of Crohn's disease, but it can occur during flare-ups.
- Weight loss: Weight loss is a common symptom of Crohn's disease, especially in people with severe disease.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom of Crohn's disease. It can be caused by the inflammation, the loss of nutrients, or the medications used to treat the disease.
Other symptoms of Crohn's disease can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Mouth sores
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain
- Eye inflammation
- Fistulas (abnormal passages that connect two organs or tissues)
- Anemia
- Malnutrition
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Crohn's disease, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, people with Crohn's disease may also experience complications, such as:
- Bowel obstruction: This occurs when the inflammation causes a blockage in the digestive tract.
- Fistulas: These are abnormal passages that connect two organs or tissues. Fistulas can develop between the intestine and other organs, such as the bladder or vagina.
- Abscesses: These are collections of pus that can form in the digestive tract.
- Perianal disease: This is inflammation of the tissues around the anus.
- Malnutrition: This can occur due to the loss of nutrients through diarrhea, vomiting, and malabsorption.
Crohn's disease is a serious condition, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. With proper treatment, most people with Crohn's disease can live a full and active life.
There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but there are a number of natural Chinese herbs that can be used to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Some of the most common Chinese herbs used to treat Crohn's disease include:
- Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis): Huang Lian is a bitter herb that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is often used to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and to kill harmful bacteria.
- Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza): Dan Shen is a herb that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to protect the lining of the digestive tract and to reduce inflammation.
- Wu Mei (Fructus mume): Wu Mei is a sour fruit that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is often used to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and to protect the lining of the intestines.
- Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis): Huang Qin is a bitter herb that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is often used to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and to kill harmful bacteria.
- Fu Ling (Poria cocos): Fu Ling is a fungus that has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. It is often used to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and to remove toxins from the body.
These herbs can be taken in capsule, powder, or tea form. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose as needed. It is also important to talk to a qualified herbalist or doctor before taking any Chinese herbs, especially if you are taking any other medications.
References
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 1997. Print.
Howson, Mark, and Manfred Porkert. Chinese Medicine. New York: Morrow, 1988. Print.
Ritchason, Jack. The Little Herb Encyclopedia. Pleasant Grove, UT: Woodland Health, 1995. Print.
Weed, Susun S. Down There: The Wise Woman Way. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Pub., 2011. Print.
Weil, Andrew. Natural Health, Natural Medicine: A Comprehensive Manual for Wellness and Self-care. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990.